Laughter, full plates, late nights, early mornings, and the kind of memories that remind us why this team is so much more than baseball.
A Weekend to Be Together
There is something special about getting our HC Angels away from the usual rhythm of games, schedules, and scoreboards and simply giving them time to be together. On March 27–28, 2026, we gathered for our second HC Angels retreat, and the weekend was filled with the things that make this team feel like family: laughter, shared meals, baseball, late nights, early mornings, and memories we will carry long after the season is over.
We loved our first retreat in 2025, and being able to come back for another year meant so much. It was a chance for our boys to spend time together without rushing off to the next game or the next responsibility. They could relax, have fun, and enjoy each other’s company. That might sound simple, but sometimes those simple opportunities are the ones that matter most.
Full Plates, Full Hearts
We spent a good part of the weekend doing one of my favorite things: feeding these boys! There is something about seeing everyone gather around a table, fill their plates, talk, laugh, and just enjoy being together. One of our meals was a simple spread of sub sandwiches, chips, cookies, yogurt, and fruit. It didn’t have to be fancy to be special.
After a full day, we sat down to a hearty dinner of BBQ sandwiches, baked beans, and corn on the cob. Watching those boys eat and visit together was such a joy. As I said during the retreat, sometimes it isn’t about what’s on the menu. It’s about who you’re feeding. Full plates, full bellies, and full hearts—that’s a pretty wonderful combination.
Late Nights and Sweet Memories
Of course, a retreat wouldn’t be complete without a few late nights! We slowed down together over s’mores, laughter, and conversations. There was time to sit around, enjoy something sweet, and make the kinds of memories that don’t always happen during a regular baseball season.
These are the moments I wish I could bottle up and keep forever: boys being boys, enjoying their teammates, and not worrying about anything beyond the moment they’re in. Baseball brings them together, but this is where friendships grow deeper.
Early Mornings, Breakfast, and More Baseball
Even after staying up late, they were up early! Breakfast brought everyone together again for French toast sticks, bacon, scrambled eggs, and fruit. There were sleepy eyes, plenty of food, and, before long, laughter and ping pong. It was a lovely way to start the morning.
And yes, we made time for baseball! The boys got outside for practice on a beautiful spring day. After working hard in the sunshine, popsicles were a welcome treat. Hot practice, cool treats, and lots of smiles—it doesn’t take much more than that to make a good memory.
The Work and Generosity Behind the Weekend
As much as I loved seeing the boys enjoy themselves, I was just as grateful for the people who made it possible. So many families contributed groceries, food, supplies, time, and effort. Every item donated and every little act of generosity helped make this weekend something special for our Angels.
I also want to thank our coaches and everyone who pitched in with the work that comes with gathering and feeding a team. When the fun is winding down, there are still dishes to wash, things to put away, and spaces to clean. Those quiet acts of service mean more than you know. They are another example of the care that goes into making HC Baseball what it is.
A Special Thank-You to Mr. Ashley Culp
We are especially grateful to Mr. Ashley Culp of Trinity FWB Camp, who so graciously and generously welcomed our HC Angels back for another retreat. He opened the doors to us again with such kindness, and we felt that welcome throughout our time there.
Mr. Culp, thank you for making room for our boys, for your hospitality, and for helping give our team another weekend of memories. We know that generosity like yours makes opportunities like this possible, and we are truly grateful. It means so much to have a place where our Angels can gather, grow closer, and simply enjoy being together.
More Than Baseball
When I think back on this weekend, I don’t just think about practice or the things we did. I think about the laughter around the tables, the late-night conversations, the early morning breakfast, the boys playing together, and the people who gave so generously to make it all happen.
Coach Clay always believed that what we were building through HC Baseball went far beyond what happened on the field. We want our Angels to learn how to work hard, encourage each other, take responsibility, and be part of something bigger than themselves. A retreat like this gives them another chance to live those things out, away from the pressure of competition.
To every family who contributed, every coach and helper who served, and Mr. Culp for welcoming us back: thank you. And to our Angels, I hope you will always remember these days together. I’m proud of you, thankful for you, and so glad we get to share this journey.
This is more than baseball. It’s family.
Building HERITAGE
Honor • Effort • Respect • Integrity • Trust • Accountability • Growth • Excellence