With one mighty swing of the bat, Trumann Gettings put the Reds on his back and carried them to victory.
What better moment to shine than in the championship game of the Malibu Little League’s Majors Division?
Gettings’ home run symbolized the Reds’ rise to the top. From underdogs to champions. A team with just four wins during the regular season captured the title with three consecutive wins — a perfect record — in the postseason.
Gettings, 12, also earned the victory on the mound, throwing 3 strong innings.
“He really blossomed into a dominating player this year,” Reds co-manager Geoff Stern said.
Gettings spoke about his home run immediately after the game and described the moment in a way only fellow baseball players might understand.
“If you haven’t hit a home run, you don’t know. But if you have, you don’t feel it,” Gettings said. “I just tried and I focused and hit it. When you hit a home run, you don’t realize it. You just forget everything and are just happy. It’s just amazing. You can’t describe it. It is pure joy and happiness.”
There were two home runs hit in MLL the entire year, both by Gettings. He began the season by crushing one out on opening day. He ended the season with a shot over the left centerfield fence to cap off the Reds amazing run through the playoffs.
When he crossed home plate, Gettings had experienced what many young athletes dream of: hitting a dramatic home run.
“I watched the Little League World Series on TV last year and there was a tall kid who struck out every time but he also had a three-run home run and a grand slam,” Gettings said. “I’ve always wanted to do that but not strike out.”
Gettings is the true definition of a gentle giant. Call him the Paul Bunyan of Malibu Little League baseball or a young Mark McGwire. Gettings has the size and strength to be head and shoulders above his peers, but it’s his infectious, kind personality and upbeat attitude that brings out the kid in all of us.
He stands at 5-foot-10, 140 pounds, while most of his peers range in size from 5’4” to 5’7” and weigh 120 pounds soaking wet. As big and tall as he is, Gettings remains the consummate team player.
“The one game that stands out the most was a game he struggled at the plate. He struck out looking in two at-bats. I pulled him aside and told him, ‘All these boys are looking at you to be a leader. If all you do is look to walk and not drive the ball we will never hit as a team,’” Stern said. “He said yes and started being a solid run producer. The team also started to swing the bats.”
When he isn’t playing baseball, you can find Gettings competing in basketball, soccer and lacrosse. His height will catch your attention. But it’s the big smile and cheeriness that captures one’s fascination.
“The best part about Trumann is that his smile is as big as he is,” Stern said. “He has been a leader and great teammate all year and a pleasure to coach.”