2016 Jim Smith Sportsmanship Award Winner

Sterling Poole

Ironically, I have never played with or against my nominee in a Gwinnett Senior Softball game. He is a National League player, so our paths have not crossed at Best Friend Park. I got to know him while playing in a Wednesday morning league in Rabun County. He is one of those players you learn to admire the more you watch him. Never have I heard any negative comments from him. He is always hustling whether in the field or at bat. Typically at the end of the day, he is the one with the dirtiest uniform. He loves the game so much, he drives long distances just to play.

My nominee was an EMT before he retired. In one of our games in Rabun County a year ago, a player on the other field went into cardiac arrest. No heartbeat, no pulse, no respiration. This nominee quickly volunteered with another EMT and other players to administer CPR. Before my eyes, I saw this player brought back to life.  And today he is back playing softball on a regular basis.

Since that day, Sterling Poole is a hero in my eyes. I'm sure that is one of many lives he has had a hand in saving. He fits the description of a Jim Smith Award winner as well as anyone possibly can. It is my honor to nominate him.

Nominated by Marty Simmons