When school is back in swing and my kids are just getting settled in their routine, Labor Day rolls around. For the kids, this means a day off from school while for adults, it has a different meaning. This is a day we are able to show the workforce how much we appreciate them. By celebrating the American worker, we are able to say “thank you” for all they do. This message holds especially true for those people whose positions are so important but are not always congratulated for their hard work. This resonates with me when I think of people whose jobs may not even be a blip on our radar. You know, those people who have a job that without it, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy many things we take for granted. When I was given the opportunity to partner with Kronos to promote the American worker, I didn’t hesitate to say yes.
For instance, what about the person who makes baseball bats? I know, right?! We sure do love a good baseball game and cheer on the players, but without the man behind the craftsmanship of those baseball bats, the game would ever see their first run. Kronos, the leader in workforce management solutions, is there to help their clients manage time and attendance records, worker’s schedules, absence records, HR and payroll, hiring, and labor analytics solutions and services. They also have a web series entitle, “1 in one hundred million”, which was put in place to share the personal stories of people who do these important jobs which are often left unrecognized. In the past, the series highlighted ordinary people in the workforce like a firefighter, a nurse, a union electrician, and this month, the man behind the making of those baseball bats!
One of those people is Brett Laxton, a former major league pitcher, who now makes hand crafted wood baseball bats for Marucci Sports. Brett himself pitched for the Oakland Athletics in 1999, and the Kansas City Royals in 2000.
In 1993, pitching for LSU, Brett set a College World Series final game record throwing 16 strikeouts to win the championship. Some of the top MLB players, including such greats as Albert Pujols, David Ortiz (AKA Big Papi, my favorite player from the Red Sox), Andrew McCutchen, José Bautista, and Chase Utley, are just a few who are using bats made by Brett.
Be sure to head over to the 1 in one hundred million site and subscribe (it’s free!) so you can see more in the series. Next month, the series continues with a a sergeant in the National Guard, who offers security for major events.
lisa says
That is so cool. What a great story!
Ann Bacciaglia says
This sounds like a great site. I will have to go and check it out.
Shauna says
I love, love, love learning about the past and peoples lives. This site sounds awesome. I will for sure check it out. Thanks for sharing.
Kathy says
Wonderful story! I don’t really know much about baseball. I did enjoy reading this post though. I learned some new things already.
Kristina says
Wow, great story! It’s so hard to remember what goes on behind the scenes. Thanks for sharing.
Autumn @Mamachallenge says
Really great story! I really love this campaign!
Aubrey says
What a great story. We don’t always pay attention to the people that do things behind the scenes. The workers that make the society we love go round.
Christi says
I love this! It’s nice to honor/acknowledge people who put in a lot of hard – and often unnoticed – work!
Andrea Kruse says
Very cool! I love hearing about the unsung heroes in the workforce. My husband is a farmer… but not many people think about who grew and shipped their carrots all over the state. Or their cantaloupe? Thanks for sharing. Great to know a man behind those bats!
Kelly Hutchinson says
I love that he was able to take his passion for the game and turn it into such an important career. I thin it would be cool to use one of his bats.
Liz Mays says
What a great way to show workers some respect and appreciation. Success stories of ordinary people are inspiring.
Mama to 5 BLessings says
What a great story, very touching. I like knowing what goes on behind the scenes.
Laura (Lauras Little House Tips) says
I love this campaign. Anytime you can bring attention to such great causes and teach at the same time. I learned reading this and I appreciate it. I will be checking it out. Thank you for sharing.
Nancy @ Whispered Inspirations says
I’m afraid I don’t know much about baseball but, this is so interesting!
Jenna Wood says
What a great story- we often overlook the middle men who keep our world running- my father is a blue collar worker so this initiative is close to home!
Dawn says
That is such a cool story! I love that even though he can’t play anymore, he’s still staying so involved in the game he loves. Very cool.
Jennifer says
I love this initiative! It’s far too easy for all of us to forget the men and women who keep this country going.
Chelley says
This is pretty neat! I’ve never thought about what goes on behind the scenes.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
Most of us don’t think about the behind the scenes people, but without them, things would be a lot different.
Rosie says
I had learned some things about bat making, so much to it! I think we would appreciate each other more if we thought more about all the laborers who have contributed to our country’s well being, and it is great to instill that thoughtfulness in children, it will enhance and broaden their understanding, empathy and judgment.