Some things are bigger than sports.
In the first inning of the Southwest Region Championship at the Little World Series, Texas East pitcher Kaiden Shelton lost his grip on the ball and hit Oklahoma shortstop Isaiah Jarvis with his helmet. After a brief stint on the ground, Jarvis got up and headed to first base.
“Hey, you’re doing great”
Oklahoma minor leaguer gets hit in the head, then comforts the shaken pitcher pic.twitter.com/hYYLiy511K
— Jomboy (@Jomboy_) August 9, 2022
Shelton was still visibly shaken by the beating, so much so that his trainer called to meet with him. In a touching move, Jarvis walked out to the mound and hugged Shelton, whispering some words of encouragement that were caught on the ESPN microphone.
Jarvis’ push to the mound sent the crowd roaring in applause, simultaneously praising Jarvis for his sportsmanship and offering support to Shelton in what was clearly an emotional situation. Some parents wept at the sight, as the broadcast showed.
MORE: Who’s in the Little League World Series? The humanity on display during the regional championship caught the attention of many spectators
It wasn’t easy to watch and it definitely wasn’t easy to talk about… Until Isaiah (Zay) Jarvis went to comfort Bubs Shelton. Sportsmanship at its best!!!
— Danny Graves (@dgravy32) August 9, 2022
Thank goodness for helmets.
I have thrown many pitches in my life. Hit a few guys, never in the head. I can’t imagine how that would feel.
This goes beyond sportsmanship. It’s compassion. Hats off to Isaiah Jarvis for reacting like that.
— Bill Koch (@BillKoch25) August 9, 2022
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What a scary moment in the Little League World Series, followed by a great display of sportsmanship from Tulsa’s Isaiah Jarvis. This is gaming at its best. (And I’m glad Isaiah is okay!) #vegetable #Oklahoma
— Ted Genoways (@TedGenoways) August 9, 2022
Amazing Little League World Series Sportsmanship Moment:
With 2 on and 2 out, Texas East pitcher Kaiden Shelton’s errant fastball hit Oklahoma’s Isaiah Jarvis in the head.
The batter took a shot, took his base, then comforted the shaken pitcher. Wow!
— Brian Slocum (@brianslocumwxii) August 9, 2022
Isaiah Jarvis/Tulsa, OK 🙏 Kaiden Shelton Pearland, TX
— Rob Mayeda (@RobMayeda) August 9, 2022
Texas East would win the game 9-4, punching their ticket to the Little League World Series. However, people will likely remember one of the purest moments of camaraderie and sportsmanship you will ever see in this game.