By Damon Mason
#DM9StorySeries

I didn’t grow up watching sports.

As a young boy, sports weren’t really a part of my world—at least not yet. But one day, something shifted. One ride home changed the entire course of my life.

I was in kindergarten at Our Lady of Grace. After school, I would go to my best friend Vance Jones’ house until my mom got off work. His mother, Ms. Emily, was like a second mom to me—kind, loving, and always welcoming.

One evening, Ms. Emily picked me up like usual, but instead of heading straight home, we made a stop. We were going to pick up Vance from baseball practice at Woodland School Grounds.

I watched from the car, not knowing much about the game—but something about it stuck with me.

Then Vance said something simple that planted a seed:
“You should come try out for the team with me next year.”

That next year, I was in first grade at John L. Ory, and I did exactly that.

That’s the day I met Romell Anthony, Lendell “Dusty” Smith, and Armond Anderson. Romell was in my class at John L. Ory, and I already knew Armond from Our Lady of Grace. Dusty and Armond went to Woodland, but the connection we formed on that field was instant.

We were just kids, excited and unsure—but full of potential.

That first practice was more than just baseball. It was the beginning of something powerful—friendship, brotherhood, purpose. And it was only the beginning.

Next episode, I’ll introduce you to a man who helped shape who I am today—Coach Donald “Too Bits” Ceasar—and the team of young legends who inspired me before I even knew what greatness looked like.

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DM9 Origins is a personal series from Damon Mason—sharing lessons, faith, and the journey from LaPlace kid to mentor, coach, and founder of DM9 & Diamonds of Distinction.

Follow the series on Facebook, Twitter, and here on the blog.
#DM9StorySeries #FaithThroughSports #FromTheGroundUp