THOMASVILLE – For C.J. Beatty, a visit to Hasty Elementary School provided an opportunity to give back to the community that helped him make it to Major League Baseball.

Beatty, who was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals this year, gave a motivational speech to Hasty students Thursday afternoon. Beatty, who attended North Carolina A&T State University, helped lead the Thomasville HiToms to a 2008 Coastal Plain League championship.

“The most important thing is to give back to the community,” he said. “Regardless of the size of the school and regardless of the publicity, I’m not here for that. I’m here for the children. I’m here because somebody was there for me growing up, and I just want to give back.”

Arriving at Hasty Elementary just after 1 p.m., Beatty took time to sit in the gymnasium with students, shaking hands and letting students wear his St. Louis Cardinals ball cap. Beatty, 21, called the appearance “very humbling.”

“I thank God for this opportunity,” he said. “This opportunity is one in a million. Just to come back and give back to the city of Thomasville is so good.”

While giving his motivational speech, Beatty emphasized the importance of education and the fact that “practice makes perfect.” He told the youngsters, “You just can’t wake up one morning and just be the best.”

“My mother always taught me and my father as well, you have to do your school work,” Beatty emphasized. “I’m not going to talk to you all day about playing baseball professionally. I could tell you about making money and driving cars, but none of those things would be possible if you don’t have an education.”

Malice Higgs, a fifth-grade student, was one of several youngsters who received autographed baseballs from Beatty.

“I liked it so much,” Higgs said of the autograph. “This is going to be my first time getting a baseball signed by a professional baseball player.”

Jane Withers, Hasty’s principal, welcomed Beatty’s visit to the school. “It was just an honor to have someone from the nearby community to be involved with our children,” she said. “I think it’s good anytime children can interact with a positive role model – especially, one who puts his emphasis on getting an education.”

dignasiak@hpe.com | 888-3657