Braves recognizing sportsmanship by teen toward grieving opponent
COBB COUNTY, Ga. - A Georgia high school baseball player is being recognized by the Atlanta Braves after receiving praise for an amazing display of sportsmanship during a game in March.
Jo Vaal Hollingshed is a senior at Henry County High School and on March 29, his team took on the Eastside High School Eagles out of Newton County.
READ: Teen shows amazing sportsmanship toward grieving opponent
It was an emotional game at home for Eastside because just one week before, the father of pitcher Michael Hipps Jr. suffered a medical emergency during a home game and passed away as a result. It was the first game back for Hipps since his dad’s death.
Just before Hipps threw the first pitch of the game, Hollingshed stepped away from the plate, put his bat down on the ground and made his way toward the pitcher’s mound.
“With compassion and a selfless spirit, the visiting team’s player reached out to hug his opponent, shook his hand, and offered his condolences for the loss of his father. The two returned to their respective positions and the game commenced,” Henry County Schools said in a news release.
The Atlanta Braves saw this story and the sportsmanship between Hollingshed and Hipps Jr. and decided to recognize them and their teams.
In addition to hosting both teams, Hollingshed and his family, along with Hipps Jr. and his family, will watch batting practice from the field prior to the game as part of the visit.