I spent several hours this weekend watching the news coverage of the tragic events in Tuscon, Arizona.  I sat in front of my TV shaking my head while at the same time trying to wrap my mind around the “whys.” I cannot imagine having to explain to a young person the little we do know, or worse yet, attempting to answer all that we don't about the situation.

That is not my area of expertise; I'm the one to motivate you Aunties and the kids in your life to get involved in sports, love the game, play ball. Sadly, all those wonderful qualities could be found in the youngest victim of the senseless shootings, nine-year-old Christina Taylor Green.

Christina was strong-willed, athletic and involved. Recently elected to the student council at her school, her neighbor took Christina to meet her congresswoman, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. Described as family friend, part-time Grandmother, and, my personal favorite, pseudo-Aunt, Christina's neighbor made a small and simple, selfless gesture to support a young mind and what should have been a bright future. It takes a village.

Christina loved ballet and gymnastics and swimming.  She was the only girl on her Canyon del Oro Little League Baseball team, the Pirates, and played second base. It used to be that young girls who loved sports came from an almost identical mold: their brother or dad was either a coach or star athlete and their passion for play was simply contagious. Girls today simply have more opportunity, but at times, it's nice to know that as much as times change, some things don't.  Christina had the best of both worlds; she had opportunity and history.  Her grandfather is Dallas Green, former manager for the New York Yankees, Mets and Philadelphia Phillies, a team he took to the World Series in 1980.

She leaves behind an older brother, parents who loved her, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers and lots of friends; her village that supported and encouraged her interests and passions. Christina Taylor Green loved the game, loved to play, followed in the family's footsteps and I hope, for others, lived by example. 

Amy Shigo is a sports journalist.

Published: January 12, 2011