Bigger Than A Game: The Story of Eli Shenise

Bigger Than A Game: The Story of Eli Shenise

 

Often, it is said that the toughest battles are given to the strongest warriors. After hearing the story of Eli Shenise, it’s hard to disagree. 


Not long ago, we received an email from Eli’s father, Tim. 


I wanted to reach out and thank the people at LV Lumber for your support in the fight against childhood cancer. As you well know, it has an impact in the lives of children across the country. I am a dad of a childhood cancer survivor and these bats we ordered are his. My son Eli didnt let childhood cancer stand in the way of his dreams to play college baseball. He is a college freshman this year and needed some new wood bats. When he found out about your support in the fight against childhood cancer, he said we needed to buy bats from you. I couldnt disagree. This is our first purchase with LV Lumber and I'm sure he will proudly swing your high quality bats. 
Again, just wanted to thank you for your decision to support the fight against childhood cancer. It's a tough fight but you never know when the next support will provide a break through that will safe the lives of kids just like mine. 
Thank you
Tim Shenise  

Six years ago, Eli was in a battle with Burkitt’s Lymphoma, a cancer that affects the lymphatic system. As a twelve year old boy, Eli had a dream of playing for his hometown ball club, the Charlotte Knights, the AAA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. 


On August 31, 2014, his dream came true. 


On that Sunday afternoon, Eli arrived at Truist Field (formerly known as BB&T Ballpark), in style, in a limousine. As he headed toward the press conference room tosign his contract with the Knights. He then reported to his locker and got ready for the game. After taking some warmup grounders, he took the field with the Knights. 


What a glorious moment, taking the field with your hometown team in front of a hometown crowd. 


But this wasn’t the last time Eli was going to take the field at the Charlotte ballpark. 


Fast forward to nearly six years later. Eli, now a senior in high school, laced up the spikes and took the field in the 2020 Charlotte Area High School Senior All-Star Classic at Truist Field. Not only has he conquered his battle with Burkitt’s Lymphoma, he is also signed to play college ball at Erskine College in South Carolina. 


At LV Lumber it is our mission to play our part in the fight against pediatric cancer, which affects so many brave young warriors and their families. 


We want to thank Eli for showing us what it means to fight and reminding us that dreams do come true! Eli is truly an inspiration to all of us and really helps highlight how baseball is truly bigger than a game.


All of us here at LV Lumber wishes Eli the best of luck at Erksine and beyond. We’re always going to be in your corner.

Back to blog