Rockwall, TX (May 19, 2025) – If you follow Rockwall High School baseball, you are aware that this team is built on winning. With a rich history of talent and several state titles, the team is often expected to produce great results. This year being no exception!
While their playoff run came to a close sooner than hoped, the Rockwall High School team, recording an impressive 29-10 record, has proven to be just as proficient winning off the field.
As the season went on, another story unfolded outside the baseline – one of friendship and inclusion between Cannon, a Reinhardt Elementary 5th grader, and these athletes, who welcomed him with enthusiasm.
Cannon’s connection with the team began simply enough as he would venture down to the field to watch practice.
Each day as Cannon would get home from school he asked, “Can I go down to the field?” As Cannon kept showing up, even in rainy weather, the coaches and players showed up for him with open arms, kindness, and encouragement.
What began so casually evolved into a real friendship, with these young men taking on a significant role as mentors as well as friends.
Embracing Cannon fully, he has been invited to spend time with them and even go fishing. They have gifted Cannon with gloves, bats, and a college shirt from a senior player moving to the next level! Coach Barry Rose personally gave Cannon a Vanderbilt baseball from his son, Mac, a member of the Commodores team. The players even gave Cannon a nickname, Thunder, and in their actions show that he is part of their team.
Cannon is not just cheering from the stands. He has a place with them – joining them for the National Anthem, watching every pitch, celebrating victories, and feeling defeat. And in the process, he has witnessed extraordinary examples of kindness, sportsmanship, and leadership.
“These high school boys are outstanding role models,” says Cannon’s mom, Janica Dworshak, who has also been welcomed by team moms. “Showing him what it means to be part of a team, to lead with kindness, and to lift others up.”
Cannon says his favorite part of the experience is “being a part of all the games” adding that the boys are funny and he loves that Coach Rose lets them have fun. As enthusiastic as Cannon is about baseball, the lessons, and experiences he has had are larger than the sport itself.
“It has been incredible to watch a group of high school boys take Cannon under their wing,” says Janica. “I can see why he wants to be around them. He feels loved, encouraged, and has had an absolute blast. He really is living his best life.”
No doubt, with the final loss, Cannon saw and learned much from the way the team responded.
This season is a powerful reminder that the strongest teams, those that play with heart and character, are winners on and off the field. While their season may have ended too soon, the team is made up of young men who contributed much more than a winning season.
To the Rockwall High School baseball team, congratulations on a successful season – and more importantly on the positive impact you have made on the life of a young man. While the record may be forgotten, the lessons and friendship you shared will live on in a powerful way.
Blue Ribbon News Staff Report. Photos courtesy Janica Dworshak.
Cannon’s Team: Rockwall High Baseball hits a home run off the field added by Melanie M on
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