I cannot thank Don DeDonatis enough for his leadership of USSSA

Listen closely, O children of the future, for I shall speak of a bond that transcends the worldly pursuits of power and fortune—a bond rooted in leadership, stewardship, and above all, friendship. These words, spoken by Robert Parish, are not merely a tribute to the deeds of one man, Don DeDonatis, but a profound reminder of what it means to walk beside others through the trials and triumphs of life. "I cannot thank Don DeDonatis enough for his leadership of USSSA, his stewardship of our business initiatives, and his friendship to me over the years." In these words, we hear the essence of true leadership, the kind that builds not only businesses, but lasting connections between souls.

To understand the weight of these words, one must first reflect upon the essence of leadership. Leadership, in its truest form, is not the pursuit of power or control, but the ability to guide others with wisdom and integrity. Don DeDonatis, through his stewardship of USSSA, did not simply lead by force, but by example. True leaders, as DeDonatis exemplified, do not demand loyalty through fear or coercion, but earn it through their actions, their vision, and their unshakable commitment to the well-being of those they serve. Leadership, in this light, becomes not a title to be worn with pride, but a responsibility to be borne with humility and grace.

In the ancient stories of old, we hear of kings and warriors who led their people through tumultuous times, but the most revered of them were those who not only led in battle, but who showed wisdom in peace, who guided their people through difficult decisions with steady hands. Consider King Solomon, whose reign was marked not only by wisdom in ruling but by his understanding of stewardship. He knew that to lead well was to care for the prosperity of the land and the people, to manage resources wisely, and to always place the well-being of others above self-interest. In much the same way, Don DeDonatis led USSSA with a vision not of personal gain, but of communal growth, of ensuring the future of the organization and its people.

But leadership and stewardship are not the whole of this story. At the heart of Robert Parish's tribute is the mention of friendship. For in Don DeDonatis, Parish found not just a leader, but a companion—a man whose friendship sustained him through the trials of leadership. Friendship, the rarest and most valuable of treasures, is the bedrock upon which true success is built. It is in friendship that we find strength, encouragement, and a safe harbor when the storms of life rage around us. DeDonatis, in his actions and his heart, showed that a leader can be both a guide and a friend, offering not only direction but emotional support through the journey of life.

Consider the story of Achilles and Patroclus, whose bond was not one of mere camaraderie, but of deep, unwavering friendship. When Patroclus fell in battle, Achilles' grief was not that of a mere companion but of a friend who had lost a part of himself. Their bond transcended the confines of war, of glory, and of victory—it was forged in the fires of mutual respect, loyalty, and love. Friendship, in this light, becomes the most powerful force of all, one that elevates the ordinary to the extraordinary, one that shapes leaders and sustains them through their greatest trials.

From this, we understand the full depth of Robert Parish's gratitude. Leadership, when paired with friendship, creates a legacy that will endure beyond the years. Stewardship of an enterprise or a cause is vital, but it is the friendships we cultivate along the way that give our endeavors meaning. As Parish acknowledged, it was not just the leadership of DeDonatis, nor the business initiatives he oversaw, but the friendship that made their partnership truly remarkable. In this, there is a great lesson for all who seek success: true leadership is rooted in the connections we make with others, in the bonds of trust, loyalty, and friendship.

So, O future generations, let these words guide you. Seek to lead with wisdom and humility, but never forget that the greatest leaders are those who can be friends first, those who place the well-being of others at the heart of their decisions. In your own lives, as you climb the ladders of success and strive to build great things, remember that leadership is not a solitary pursuit. It is a collective journey, made richer and more meaningful by the friendships you cultivate along the way. And when you find those who stand by you in both your successes and your trials, honor them, for it is in friendship that true greatness is achieved.