Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Danenhauer Leaves Parting Gift
FARMINGTON — With a crucial opportunity presented before him, Will Danenhauer courageously emerged one of the unsung heroes of the Farmington High School Class of 2018.
Danenhauer, son of Chris and Audrea Danenhauer, briefly stepped to the podium and smashed a grand-slam home run prayer as he and his classmates culminated their high school education during graduation ceremonies held on Tuesday, May 15, at Cardinal Arena for 161 graduates.
As starting catcher for the Cardinal baseball team that finished 15-10, placed third in the 5A West Conference tournament and advanced to state, Danenhauer’s awareness of the importance of scoring runs to take a lead, then protecting home plate and looking out for one’s teammates shone through brilliantly.
The object of the game is to score more runs than an opponent. A baseball team can’t win if they don’t score, and Danenhauer’s parting gift to his class was intended to get each classmate off on the right foot.
Danenhauer was the No. 2 hitter in Farmington’s home-opener against 7A Rogers Heritage on March 5. The War Eagles, coached by former Prairie Grove coach Mitch Cameron, pushed three runs across in the top of the first inning to take a 3-0 lead. Danenhauer set up Farmington’s first run to begin a 9-run outburst as the Cardinals counter-attacked, erasing the deficit. Leadoff hitter Drew Sturgeon got aboard with a single. He advanced on Danenhauer’s sacrifice bunt and was in prime scoring position at third for Eric Hill, who singled into left field.
Farmington led 9-3 after one inning of play and went on to record a 13-3 run-rule win.
At graduation, Danenhauer offered a wellworded prayer designed to pinpoint crucial aspects of each graduate’s life beyond high school through spiritual guidance. Danenhauer eloquently delivered the prayer with precision accuracy on behalf of his class.
“Dear Heavenly Father, we pray for these graduates today as we lift them up before you,” Danenhauer prayed. “We thank you for the work that you have done in our lives and for the work that you are continuing to do. We pray that in this season of new beginnings, you would make our paths and ways clear. We ask that you would keep our footsteps firm as you remind us of your holy presence. In the sense of your Spirit allow us to be strengthened and instilled with hope.”
Playing catcher is one of the most physically demanding and mentally challenging positions in baseball. Danenhauer did that successfully and fearlessly for 139 innings as a senior. In 24 games he appeared in, Danenhauer allowed only 14 pitches to get past his glove and become passed-balls.
The passed-ball is the Achilles’ heel of baseball because once the ball gets past the catcher — base-runners can easily move to the next base or even score, which translates to a set of circumstances every catcher wants to avoid with every opportunity.
Unearned runs, including those scored off passed-balls provide often the knockout blow in baseball. That can happen on a mental mistake by the infield, yet Danenhauer did not allow any batter advances due to catcher’s interference. Perhaps, those things influenced him on a subconscious level as Danenhauer accounted for intangible factors that might come into play over the course of a lifetime while he proclaimed a blessing over his class.
“We pray for protection and peace, that your almighty hand would surround our lives like a shield,” Danenhauer prayed. “We ask for awareness and that we would flee from evil intent. Allow us to have compassionate, joyful hearts toward those around us. May we seek your goodness in every circumstance and situation.”
Danenhauer wore jersey No. 4 as a senior. Playing in 24 games, Danenhauer made 77 plate appearances, producing 15 hits in 55 at-bats for a .273 average with 2 doubles, 5 runs scored, and 12 RBIs. He concluded his prayer by acknowledging the supporting cast and activating the individual makeup of each classmate to bring about good in the world.
“We also thank you for our parents, guardians and community. Allow every gift and treasure that you’ve placed inside us to bring you glory. Let us convey your unfailing love to all. Be a lamp to our feet, a light to our paths, and may your will be done. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Danenhauer never had a bigger play during his entire Cardinal baseball career. His carefully chosen utterance will accompany each graduate on their particular journey as the consummate example of a true teammate.