CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
A Charleston AFB youth was recently awarded the 2008 Major League Baseball S.T.A.R. Award for the state of South Carolina by MLB and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Austin Fields, 15, the son of Master Sgt. Leland Fields, 437th Operations Support Squadron, and Melanie Fields, 437th Force Support Squadron Youth Programs assistant sports director, won the award by writing four short essays about how he is a "S.T.A.R.," or how he shows sportsmanship, team spirit, achievement and responsibility.
"I wasn't surprised at all," said Ronnie Sayer, Austin's baseball coach, about finding out the Charleston youth had won the MLB S.T.A.R. award. "He's the kind of kid who'll go out and make things happen. He's a great kid on and off the field."
To be eligible for the award, Austin had to write 150 words or less about each S.T.A.R. subject. He wrote about volunteering as an umpire for base little league games and his participation in the base's 11-12 year-old-team winning the district championship a few years ago among other things.
Austin is one of hundreds of Boys & Girls Club members throughout the country recognized for demonstrating an exceptionally positive attitude in after-school sports, fitness and recreation programs. Along with winning the S.T.A.R. Award trophy, he also received an autographed baseball from MLB commissioner Bud Selig.
"The MLB S.T.A.R. Award program allows our clubs to have a positive, lasting impact on our kids as they strive daily to build character, develop their talents and enrich their communities," said Roxanne Spillett, president of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. "Austin is a true star and we are very thankful to MLB for providing opportunities such as this to our kids and for their continuous support of our mission."
Austin's baseball coach has nothing but good things to say about him.
"He's a hard worker -- willing to stay after practice," said Mr. Sayer. "He's a natural-born leader, he's always positive and he's an all-around great athlete.
Austin has been playing baseball since he was four and has a great love for the game.
"What I like most about baseball is it's a gentleman's sport," said Austin. "It's peaceful. It's where I feel the most at peace with myself."
Despite his talent for the game, Austin doesn't necessarily want to play in the big leagues.
"Coach Troy [Funicelli, Austin's pitching coach] always says 'Anyone can be average. It takes a special person to be successful.'" said Austin. "I just want to be successful."