Remember the first University of Louisville game you attended? Probably not. But Cole Porter Shirley, a one-and-a-half year old, won’t soon forget his first Cardinal baseball game.
The son of Mike and Melissa Shirley of Louisville is also the second cousin of Adam Duvall, the Cards’ hard-hitting shortstop. He was on hand for the opening game of the U of L-Ball State series last Friday at Jim Patterson Stadium. Also wearing his first U of L tee-shirt by the way.
After the game, the youngster tried out Adam’s equipment, his hat, bat and glove and also threw grounders to his cousin.
“Adam was very patient, as he has always been,” says Cole’s mom, “and made Cole feel like he was practically a Cardinal himself. It’s a quality I believe has helped Adam get as far as he has. Right before our goodbyes, Adam put his batting helmet on Cole.”
Cole may not remember the event but he will always have a memento of the occasion, an autographed baseball signed by members of the U of L baseball team.
What a day for everybody involved, and what a fantastic start for a young Cardinal fan. Oh, yeah, U of L won the game, 11-7.
Great article!! We are so proud of our cousin Adam Duvall!! He is a great role model for kids of all ages. Thanks Adam for making Cole’s first UL baseball experience unforgettable!! 🙂
a BIG thank you to Charlie Springer and his wife for a great article featuring my kido and Adam. You really captured the essence of that day. This is the best documentation possible of his first uofl baseball experience and definitely one for the scrapbook! I guess I should have added too that I taught Adam all he knows as a ball player. Yeah Right!
thanks again!
How adorable is that? You can’t get ’em started too young…..