Clayton A. Pfeiffer

Clayton Alexander Pfeiffer was born on 7/14/93 at 7:14. He came into this world weighing 5 pounds 10 ounces, 19 inches long and immediately our family fell in love with him. He was an easy baby, then a funny toddler with a fondness for Batman and Darth Vader pajamas with a full length cape, and before long an enthusiasm to run and play. 

There are people who are natural athletes, doesn’t matter what the sport or activity is, they pick it up quickly. Clay had some of that natural talent, but more importantly Clay had passion, Clay had dedication, Clay had heart! Starting as early as pee wee soccer and t-ball, Clay wanted to be the first on the field. He demanded we arrive at even practices early. If there were no other kids there yet, you were expected to play catch, kick the ball around or take some practice shots with him until the others arrived. As I sit here and write this I can’t even remember him ever missing a single game or even a practice. To Clay, skipping a practice, a workout and, God forbid, a game was a crime. A coach’s dream, Clay practiced with the enthusiasm most save for game day. 

Usually the smallest kid on the field, Clay was aware of his size as were the teams he played. More than once we heard comments while sitting in the stands. “Look how little this guy is.” “Look how small number 2 is!” They usually stopped the comments after he stole a couple bases or rounded home.  On more than one occasion, I asked him if being smaller than everyone else bothered him. He answered me each time with the typical eye roll and a no. He said he knew it meant he just needed to work a little harder than the guy next to him. And that is exactly what he did.  He dedicated himself to working harder and longer than the next guy. He practiced and trained like he played on game day, with a love and an enthusiasm that is seldom seen in any area or field.