Adoption on the diamond

Spectators of last week's Ash Grove softball game against visiting Fair Grove got an infield treat immediately following the contest. Assisting sophomore teammate Chelsye Graham, right, Ash Grove Lady Pirate softballers Maddie Mobley, Emma McClelland and Meagan Hawkins hold signs reading "WILL YOU ADOPT OUR AG CATCHER." The sign was shown to Graham's stepfather, Berrah Brown, who was standing 15 feet away and surprised by the request. Graham met Brown half way with adoption papers in hand, and the two embraced. Brown loudly announced "Yes," to the crowd, many of whom welled with tears. A round of applause exploded from the stands in approval. A passing umpire muttered, "We need more of that."
Ash Grove baseball coach Brown, who is married to Graham's mother Taylor Brown, said he was truly surprised by the scene.
"I had no idea. She was making this sign the other day at home and she said it was something for Coach Swift for the game tomorrow night … Then they called me back to the field and I thought they must've messed something up for Coach Swift. I've got to go fix something out there. I was like oh boy, what's going on. I had no idea." (Photos by Ryan Squibb)