Steve Hanlon/Prep Beat
CROWN POINT | A couple of weeks ago Mike Sirbas umped four games in the fall league of the Crown Point Girls Softball League. Dealing with the financial burden of battling a life-threatening illness, he could've used the extra cash.
But after several hours in the autumn sun, working with girls in the game he loves, he took the money he'd earned and gave it back to each player in each game. Why? So they could go to the concession stand and get a treat, the true backbone of almost all youth sports.
As he's said on more than one occasion, he said, "I want to do this for the kids."
While money is important, it never will overshadow the father-daughter relationship that Sirbas has developed in the past decade on softball diamonds all over the Region. When you take your heart to the real bank, no moth or rust can destroy it, and no thieves can steal it.
"The power of love is extreme," said Vince Rock, president of the C.P.G.S.L.
That power will be on display on Saturday at the C.P.G.S.L. fields as Mike Sirbas Day will take place from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The fundraiser for the 56-year-old Hessville native who is suffering from Stage 4 colon cancer will give every dollar raised to the Sirbas family -- wife Penny, and daughters Penny Jo and April.
"He's given so much to so many people, we want to give back and let him know how much he is loved," Rock said. "Dealing with medical expenses is very difficult. We want to do what we can to help Mike and his family."
There will be all kinds of games for kids to play, along with 16-inch softball games, a bake sale, more softball games, a bean bag tournament, lunch, dinner and a silent auction. The concession stand also will be open, with every dime going to the family.
"We'll try to get Mike in the dunk tank," Rock said.
Local high school umpire Lloyd Adams met Sirbas at a Crown Point High School game about seven years ago. Now, the two are dear friends and work games in the youth league. Sirbas' love for the game and the girls who play it is at the highest level, always keeping fun ahead of winning.
"Mike is one of the most sincere, honest and admired individuals that I have had the pleasure of knowing," Adams said. "Everyone should have a person like Mike in their life."
If you can make it out and have the ability to lend a hand, please do so. The world needs more people like Mike Sirbas. He hasn't stopped battling the disease, and some monetary help will take pressure away, which is key. If you don't have any extra dimes, stop by anyway and just thank him for all he's done for others.
If you can't make it, but would like to help, you can send a check to the Crown Point Girls Softball League at P.O. Box 702, Crown Point, IN 46307. Or you can call Pam Smith a (219) 663-4803, or Vince Rock (219) 306-2159.
And thank you in advance for the love.
This column solely represents the writer's opinion. Reach him at shanlon@nwitimes.com.
