A tale of two Ethans.
Ethan Forhetz has been a journalist and reporter for more than 23 years. He knows a thing or two about newsworthy stories.
“When I was in elementary school, my class took a field trip to Busch Stadium. We sat near the top of the stadium and I saw Bob Forsch throw a no-hitter.”
Witnessing a no-hitter is definitely newsworthy.
Ethan covered the St. Louis Cardinals World Series victories in 2006 and 2011. Speaking as a Royals fan, a World Series victory is incredibly newsworthy.
In 2007, he spent a week at the St. Louis Cardinals Legends Camp in Jupiter, Florida, researching and writing stories from a camper’s perspective. Ethan told me the memorable stories from that experience, of 80-year old ballplayers and fathers and sons playing on the same team.
“Bob Forsch’s locker was right next to mine. He coached my team and signed a picture for me, ‘Glad you saw it!’”
Because of his position as an anchor and his generous charitable work throughout the community, Ethan has had multiple opportunities to throw out a first pitch for the Springfield Cardinals. There are several occasions when throwing out a first pitch has been newsworthy. President Bush at Yankee Stadium after 9/11 in the World Series. Sungwoo Lee in August of 2014. Sister Mary Jo Sobieck at the White Sox game. Not to mention Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory’s effort.
“I get to throw one pitch a year from a mound in front of a crowd. I’ve yet to throw a strike.”
I know exactly what he means. Give me a couple throws and I’ll make a good pitch. One might even break the speed limit in a school zone. Or have some movement. Only getting to throw one pitch is a lot of pressure.
Ethan’s favorite story as a journalist occurred when he worked in Florida.
“A World War II veteran had terminal cancer. His last wish was to go up and fly the bomber that he flew during the war. There was only one in the world still airworthy. They flew it to Florida and I got to go up in the air with him. He, too, autographed a picture for me, but he signed the back. He didn’t want to write over the picture of the plane.”
The best advice Ethan’s ever been given is the same thing Mom used to tell me before bed, the same words Nate sent me a couple of years ago as encouragement while working on the America at the Seams project, the same words that are Sarah’s (Day #202) favorite verses.
We played catch on the field at the Finley River Park in Ozark. He represented the Cardinals and I in my ever-present Royals hat. Even though it has been a few years since Ethan’s played catch, his arm’s in good shape should the team need his help with a first pitch during the postseason. My team will not require any of my assistance this postseason. We had fun and told stories and took a selfie, then shook hands and parted ways.
And then my van wouldn’t start.
Dead battery.
Immediately, Ethan drove back home to get his jumper cables. He made sure I was off and rolling before he left for work.
When a new friend goes out of their way to help someone truly in need, those are my favorite news stories.
