By J. B. Murphy, Counselor/teacher

Charles Caleb Colton (1777 –1832) was an English cleric, writer, and collector. He was well
known for his insights into his fellow human beings. In 2025, he is often quoted as having said:
“Character is who you are when no one is watching!”

Colton would have had great insight into the CHARACTER of the Kennedy Catholic Varsity
Baseball players, who traveled to Florida in April, for Spring Training. Of course, their
dedication to the sport is well known and documented. Theirs is a tradition of excellence that’s
part of a long line of greatness that defines Kennedy Baseball. Hard work, attention to all aspects
of the game, diligence in their studies, and an unbridled loyalty to their coach, Bobby Fletcher,
are unquestionable. Yet, when practice ends or the game is over, when the season concludes and
the record is complete, who are these young men of Kennedy Catholic? Perhaps that answer lies
in a note written by a stranger to KCPS. This unknown PRIEST officiated at a Sunday mass
somewhere in Florida, where our baseball players had gathered to pray. The priest, so moved by
our players’ attentiveness to the sacrament and active participation in the liturgy, wrote to the
administration and offered his admiration. He sees a great deal in his world from behind his altar
and the perch of his pulpit. Much saddens him and even more may confuse his prayerful hope in
the continuance of our shared Catholic faith. However, on this Sunday during the Lenten season,
he was filled with awe and hope. When our baseball players didn’t know he was watching, they
acted as Catholics of great character ought. Well done, Varsity Baseball; well done, Kennedy
Catholic!