In a suburb of Santo Domingo, Manoguayabo in the Dominican Republic, a boy had a dream of playing major league baseball in the United States. His name was Ramon Martinez. He played everyday practicing his pitching while over under the shade tree his little brother, Pedro, watched closely. It's 1981 and more than anything Pedro wants to be like his big brother. So, he practices throwing rocks at the mango trees, "Trying only to hit the ripe ones, just like Ramon taught him."
One boy was the leader doing everything first, paving the way and figuring out how to make it easier for his younger brother. Then, at age sixteen, Ramon Martinez got a contract to play baseball for the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was up to Ramon to adjust to life in America and to pass along to Pedro what he learned including how important it was to learn the English language.
Pedro isn't a big guy like his brother Ramon but the Dodgers decide to give him a chance and that's where his amazing career began. Eventually he will become a star for the Boston Red Sox.
But there is more to Ramon and Pedro than their great pitching arms and steely determination. They never lost sight of what was important. Their love and loyalty to each other, to their family and to the people of the Dominican Republic stand as shining examples of what makes a real hero. Throw strikes -yes. But giving back to lift others puts them in a very special Hall of Fame.
Recommended by: Barb Langridge, abookandahug.com
