A former Major League Baseball all-star told a group of Warsaw fifth-graders to be in control of themselves and to make the most of what they are given in life.
Carl Erskine spoke to fifth-graders in the Warsaw Community High School Performing Arts Center Thursday afternoon.
Erskine, who lives in Anderson, pitched for the Dodgers in Brooklyn and Los Angeles from 1948-1959
Erskine told the students about the lessons he learned from his teammate Jackie Robinson, and his son Jimmy. He said the two were similar in that they both were part of groups that were discriminated against in the past.
Robinson broke through Major League Baseball’s longstanding color barrier and his son was born with Down syndrome.
Society is more accepting now, but both Robinson and his son had to face exclusion in thier lives, he said.
From Robinson he learned to be in control of his self. He said that no matter what abuse Robinson took on the field he never fought back. “Do you have the strength not to fight,” he asked the students.
Robinson was in control of who he was. Even though he could be hot-tempered off the field, on the field, he never showed it, He said this showed him to be in confront of who he was and encouraged the students to do the same.
Erskine said he treasures a gold medal Jimmy won at the Special Olympics more than all his baseball accomplishments, including his World Series ring from 1955.
The reason the Special Olympics meant more to him was because of his son’s limitations compared to pro ball players, he said. “The true yardstick of a mans life is what he does with what he’s given. “he said.
He encouraged the students to make the most of whatever they are given in life.
Erskine spoke as part WCS special speaker series, which is given to fifth graders each year.
“It’s an impressionable time for them,” said superintendent David Hoffert. He added the fifth grade curriculum teaches American history.
Erskine was a 20-game winner in 1953 and racked up 122 wins in his 12-year career.
Hoffert met Erskine at a Special Olympics event in Anderson. “He’s a priceless piece of history,” Hoffert said.
