This handsome young man is Hut Smith, pitcher for the Newark Bears, who took the time to visit St. Rose of Lima School this morning. Accompanying him were Bears exec Melissa Manfre and Rippin' Ruppert, the Bears mascot. Hut talked about his boyhood in North Carolina and his adventures in baseball, and emphasized the importance of a good education. He then handily conducted a Q&A session for the more than 100 kids gathered in the auditorium for the occasion, whose queries ranged from "How much money do you make?" to "Is that a real bear?"
Hut, who pitched the Bears' league championship-winning game last year, also took the time to talk individually with the kids and sign autographs. As he left, he mentioned how impressed he was with the school and the students, and said he'd be happy to come back any time.
Candida Esposito asked me to express her thanks to John McCree and the alumni for the interesting and fun event. And we thank Hut Smith and the Bears. His appearance was a big "hit."
Two more photos:
