We are excited and in case you haven't heard, Mission Excellence has been featured in the media. So, we've decided to make it easier to share our story with you. Click on the links below to see and hear the coverage.
Mission Excellence in the 8/28/2011 issue of the Washington Post Magazine.
Listen to Mission Excellence's Derrick McCrae's radio interview on NPR.
A Letter of Encouragement
Dear Mr. McCrae,
Just wanted to drop you a line to say how much I enjoyed the article about you and your ball team in a recent issue of the POST magazine. It brought back so many memories. My dad, too, worked with Little League baseball for many years while I was growing up. We were based in Prince George's County, and our house was always full of Dad's kids, summer and off-season. When he died back in '89, those kids were his pallbearers. Lots and lots of kids, all lined up behind the casket. He had nearly died from polio when he was in his late teens, and even though he wore leg braces and walked with crutches for the rest of his life, it couldn't keep him off the ballfield. He'd call time and hobble from the dugout to "straighten out" the pitcher or yell a word to the kid who'd made it to second. Dad always wanted to get a team to Williamsport, but it never happened. Came close a couple of times, though.
When I read your article, I laughed (Sauce!) and cried -- and sent a copy to my brother, who was always on the team when he was coming up. Your good work with the kids has long-term benefits, in so many ways, and I hope you're able to keep going for many, many more years. I remember so well the commitment of time and energy and money it takes to keep the team together and fed and encouraged, to get them to the games and home again. Dad was constantly scrambling for sponsors and donations and a nickel here and there, but the needs were always greater than the resources. I'd like to send you a little something toward next season, if I can get your address. It won't be much, but it might help a little. God bless you and the kids and their families. I'll think of you often and keep you in my prayers.
Best wishes,
Peggy Wilson