The first six seasons played by the varsity baseball team at Heritage High School in Palm Bay, Florida, were all losing seasons.
So early this season, the team’s seventh overall, coach Rob Querry decided to motivate his players by making a promise: If they can win 14 games — the number needed to have a winning season — he’ll let them name his baby.
Rob and his wife Julia are expecting their second child, a baby boy, in September. (They also have 4-year-old son named Brady.)
Rob’s challenge clearly worked, because the team won its 14th game on April 5.
And what name did a group of baseball-loving high school boys choose for their coach’s second son?
Benjamin Smalls, inspired by the characters Benjamin “Benny” Rodriguez and Scott “Scotty” Smalls from one of the team’s favorite baseball movies, The Sandlot (1993).
Yes, that’s Smalls as in, “You’re killing me, Smalls!” A slightly daring middle, but far superior to Squints.
Update, 8/2016: Benjamin Smalls Ellis Querry was born on July 27.
Sources:
- McCallum, Brian. “Heritage High coach: Win 14 games, name my baby.” Florida Today 29 Mar. 2016.
- Murray, Rheana. “Heritage High School baseball team is one win away from choosing coach’s baby name.” Today.com 1 Apr. 2016.
- McCallum, Brian. “Oh, Baby! Heritage High wins 14th, tot-naming rights.” Florida Today 14 Apr. 2016.
- McCallum, Brian. “Heritage High’s ‘Sandlot’ baby, Benjamin Smalls, enters world.” Florida Today 3 Aug. 2016.
Image: Screenshot of The Sandlot