Tyler Houck was honored by Mike’s Memorial League today by receiving the 2014 award for Outstanding Sportsmanship and Fair Play. Here is the proclamation by the league:
WHEREAS, the Mike’s Memorial Baseball League has selected Tyler Houck as the recipient of the 2014 Mike’s Memorial Award for outstanding sportsmanship and fair play.
WHEREAS, with his iconic number 16, Tyler was a fixture on the 2014 Renegades team terrorizing opposing pitchers with his effort and energy.
WHEREAS, Tyler exemplifies first class commitment and behavior on and off the field.
WHEREAS, with his outstanding and well documented community service efforts Tyler was able to raise funds for the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital Fight Against Cancer as part of his teams participation in the Brad Memorial Tournament; the tournament raises funds for Cancer research.
WHEREAS, by shaving his head as a means of fundraising for St. Jude’s Hospital’s Fight Against Cancer, Tyler demonstrated support in spirit and monetary value
WHEREAS, Tyler’s actions, even these small actions, show that “No One Fights Alone.”
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE MIKE’S MEMORIAL BASEBALL LEAGUE, THAT ON THIS DAY, FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014 TYLER HOUCK BE RECOGNIZED AS THE RECIPIENT OF THE 2014 MIKE’S MEMORIAL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING SPORTSMANSHIP AND FAIR PLAY
Coach Tim Murphy nominated Tyler by citing his abilities on the field but also for his personal mission to raise money in support of St. Jude’s Hospital and the Brad Wallin Memorial Tournament in Peoria.
Here is Coach Murphy’s letter nominating Tyler:
I nominate one of my players, Tyler Houck, for this award. Tyler is a member of the 12U Renegades team and he has been around the program for more than 7 years as his older brother played for us and he was our “park rat”. The Renegades program is designed to develop young men of character , who are “class athletes on and off the field”. He has been regularly involved in many of our community service efforts both as a player and as a younger brother. This year he went the extra step.
Annually, our program participates in the Brad Wallin Memorial Tournament in Chillicothe, IL. This tournament came into being through the efforts of Jeff and Lori Wallin who lost their 12 year old son to cancer several years ago. The tournament raises funds for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital Fight Against Cancer. As a part of this effort, our players raise donations by shaving their heads in an effort to show solidarity with children fighting cancer. Tyler went one step further….while everyone else got the traditional “#1” buzz-cut, Tyler got his head completely shaved in a show of support of a family friend fighting cancer. His effort was not simply a show. He did this quietly, away from the other boys and with the knowledge and understanding that even these small actions show “No One Fights Alone”.
Coach Tim Murphy and Tyler Houck
