In Chandler, the community rallies around young baseball player Aaronwayne Dalton after a devastating accident, highlighting resilience and unity.
CHANDLER, Texas — Teamwork is at the heart of baseball and softball. In one East Texas town, that team spirit is reaching far beyond the field. The Chandler Sports Association is stepping up to support 9-year-old Aaronwayne Dalton after he was injured in a December explosion.
Aaronwayne has undergone multiple surgeries and daily therapy while recovering in a Dallas hospital. Despite the long road ahead, those closest to him say his attitude hasn’t changed.
“We went to visit him, and through everything that went on, he still had a smile on his face,” said Brad Godsey, park director for the Chandler Sports Association. “That just speaks volumes about the kid he is and how hard he’s fighting. He wants to get back to this community.”
Aaronwayne has been part of the Chandler Sports Association since he was 5 years old, starting in T-ball. Godsey, who coached him during those early years, said the 9-year-old has always stood out.
“That kid just has the biggest heart that you could ever imagine,” Godsey said.
While Aaronwayne won’t be able to take the field this season, the association has made sure he will still be part of the team. He was recently named him a park director and will have a uniform of his own.
“He’s going to be one of us now,” said Austin Ramirez, assistant park director. “He’s strong, and he’s got a ton of support throughout the community.”
Over the weekend, the association hosted a benefit tournament for people with Down syndrome, continuing its tradition of giving back through community events. Ramirez said supporting others is part of the community.
“Chandler is a small town, but when people need help, people show up,” Ramirez said.
For Aaronwayne, what he looks forward to most is being back home and around kids his own age.
“I’m going to be really glad,” he said. “I haven’t had anyone my age come to the hospital.”
As the community waits to welcome him back to the ballpark, organizers say his courage and resilience are already leaving a lasting impact.