Oftentimes, it takes a community to get things done.

No better example of this was in the launch of this year’s season of the Wellsburg Baseball and Softball Association, which was in danger of not being able to have a season at all after the discovery of missing funds – allegedly the result of embezzlement by a former league official.

When word got out, the community came together, with parents and coaches reaching out to area residents and business owners for support.

Donations came in with the hope of refilling the league’s coffers before it was time for the youthful sluggers to hit the field this past weekend.

The big boost came in during the last couple of weeks from Pirates Charities, the charitable arm of the Pittsburgh Pirates, with a contribution of $15,000.

Players, parents, and Pirates all came together Saturday to celebrate that sense of community and togetherness, watching as the Wellsburg area youth took their first swings of the season, knowing just how close it was to not happening at all.

That’s what’s great about the Ohio Valley.

No matter our differences or backgrounds, no matter the issues of the day, when it truly matters, everyone is willing to step up to the plate and find a way to help.

Volunteerism is still strong in our area, and so is the spirit of community. We come together, as a team, to make the difference and win the game.