Connor Byrne's reaction to Ridge baseball disqualification sets positive example | Frezza

Ridge High School senior right-hander Connor Byrne should be state baseball Player of the Year. And not because of anything he did on the field this year – which of course is significant and would clearly warrant such consideration anyway.

This has nothing to do with sport but life itself. The example he is setting by his recent Tweet is a life lesson. His reaction in the wake of the pitch count penalty that led to Ridge’s forfeit to Westfield in the North 2 Group 4 semifinal was something for not just teenage athletes, but everyone.

The NJSIAA disqualified top-seeded Ridge on Saturday after Byrne threw 82 pitches in last Thursday’s 8-1 win over Westfield. That gave him 151 for the five-day period. The NJSIAA’s limit for a five-day period is 150 pitches.

Byrne Tweeted later Saturday, “What an excellent group of guys, so unbelievably grateful to call these guys my teammates. Wouldn’t change a thing that happened this year… this doesn’t discount anything we accomplished as a team this year.”

He was dealt a devastating blow and instead of reacting with anger and bitterness – which no one could blame him  if he did – he showed gratefulness and thankfulness for the entire experience. He took the positives and overcame this in one sentence showing a self-awareness and maturity beyond his years

He will undoubtedly have a great life because of it. As life progresses, he will endure life’s tough moments by being a rock for all who are fortunate surround to surround him – the sky might be falling for others but he will be even keel with a grace that will command respect and admiration. He will get everyone through – no sweat and then give the credit to others.

I hope his teammates follow their leader. It looks like they have.

Connor Byrne is teaching all of us how to focus on what is really important in life. It is far more vital than who wins and loses on a baseball field.

He will be a terrific addition Siena College – and baseball too.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Ridge baseball player’s reaction to adversity sets positive example