On May 23, the Kehrer family noted the 16^th anniversary of the death of their young son, Bonn David. Parents Stacy and Albert Kehrer say he was truly one of the sweetest children ever put on this earth.

 

Since the 2007 passing of 7-year-old Bonn, the Kehrer family has presented the Bonn Kehrer Sportsmanship Award to a member of Bridgeport Little League who exemplifies Bonn’s traits of sportsmanship, leadership, and character.

 

On May 25, the family presented the 2023 award to George Whitehair, first baseman for Bridgeport Physical Therapy.

 

“He told me it made him feel really good,” said his mother, Rachel Whitehair. She describes her son as active, goal driven, and caring.

 

“He’s a typical kid and he would do anything for anybody if it meant their happiness,” she said. “He’s always been a kind, go-with-the-flow kind of kid. He helps me take care of my rambunctious toddler. I really don’t know how I got so lucky.”

 

George, who also plays football, was previously a left-handed outfielder and third baseman before getting to play first base.

 

“I think it was one of his secret goals to be on first base,” Rachel Whitehair said.

 

But that hasn’t been his only goal and George wears more than the Little League emblem on his sleeve.

 

“He wears his heart on his sleeve,” she said. Rachel Whitehair knew her son was nominated for the Bonn Kehrer Sportsmanship Award, but she didn’t share that news with him.

 

“I wanted it to be a surprise for him. He has strived so hard to be an ideal person.”

 

The Whitehair family located to Bridgeport 11 years ago, a year before George was born.

 

“It is a great community, and the sports community is awesome,” Rachel Whitehair said. “I’m thankful for the parents and the coaches, who have helped mold George and helped him kind of emerge.”

 

Bonn was passionate about sports, especially baseball. He was an avid Pittsburgh Pirates fan and he played C-Ball through Bridgeport Little League. Several of his teammates advanced through the leagues – all the way to the Indian baseball team. They were seniors on the 2018 West Virginia Class AA championship team.

 

Editor's Note: Pictured top/cover (left to right) Stacey Kehrer, Warren Whitehair, Rachel Whitehair, George Whitehair and Albert Kehrer.