Rusty's Hope

There is so much that I miss. A million little things. Depends on the day what makes it into the number one spot. Today, four years later, it was his passion for the process. His love of baseball was unlike any other little kid I know. He wore us out. The grass has grown back now where he used to stand to bat in the backyard. And I want to go rip it out with my bare hands. The hours he spent in that exact spot. In his stance. Elbow up. It could be 97 degrees with sweat rolling down into his eyes. A refreshing pool with all the other kids playing just 5 feet away. But he would want me to pitch “just one more” until it was so dark he couldn’t see the ball.
Rusty had a dream. At age 4 he was desperate to know what MLB team had won the most World Series. The Yankee’s. By a long shot. The commitment to being the best first basemen in all of major league baseball was forged. He would tell us stories of having to play a few years for the Cubs or Tigers, until he was ready for the Yankee’s because he wasn’t going for just one championship. He believed with all he had that he would win back to back to back. He told us it was his destiny to be part of a dynasty. He talked about his house in New York. That he needed to live close enough to walk to the stadium. He said I could have a car if I wanted one, but he didn’t want to drive to the field every day because of the traffic 
In kindergarten when I would wake him up for school his first question was, “do I have gym today?” If the answer was no, he felt it his duty to tell me that since he was going to play baseball for his career he really didn’t need to go to school. His school would be at home in the backyard. Me pitching. Him hitting. Me throwing. Him catching. He claimed he already knew how to read everything he needed – single, double, triple, homerun, grand slam, RBI, fast ball, slider, curve, breaking ball, change up and of course the score.
Outside of my family I have never loved anything like Rusty loved baseball. I think that is why I was so drawn to his passion. And his love of the process. I cannot tell you how much I miss watching him play. And what I wouldn’t give to be out in the backyard today pitching to him. Rusty loved baseball. Every part of it. In honor of our Rusty, do something you love today. Even if it is just for a few minutes. Whatever brings you joy. Makes you happy. Gives you self-esteem. Take a moment and remember Rusty. And do that thing you love.

You are invited. Please join us. It is an incredible night honoring the life and legacy of our Russ Man. This year is the five year anniversary of Rusty's Make A Wish trip to Hollywood Studios to train as a Jedi and defeat Darth Vader so there will be Star Wars characters and decor. Come remember Rusty. Say his name. See his name in print. Share memories with us. All while raising awareness and funding for childhood cancer. It is party! Come! Buy your tickets online at

Rusty's Hope Rusty’s Hope, Inc. was established in memory of Russell “Rusty” Schultz to bring hope of a cure to pediatric brain cancer patients and their families.

This year marks 5 years since Rusty's Make A Wish trip to "Defeat Darth Vader" at Disney's Hollywood Studios. It was truly magical. All the feels. Some of our most cherished memories of our Russ Man. We felt it was only right to add some Star Wars flare to this year's Gold Gala. Come celebrate with us! Tickets on sale now at www.rustyshope.org.