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Bainbridge baseball senior Cain Worthington was honored alongside military veterans before the Bearcats matchup against Cairo on Tuesday. Worthington is enlisted in the US Army on a Ranger contract and will join the military after high school.

“I almost teared up a little bit,” said Eric Worthington, Cain’s father. “I am proud, I am very proud of him.”

The recognition was a surprise for Worthington. The Bearcat’s PA announcer asked all veterans in attendance to make their way to the field to be honored, and Worthington wasn’t aware of his inclusion. He lined up with his team outside of their dugout to stand in reverence for the military members. 

After the veterans got to the field and positioned themselves in the diamond, the announcer made one more announcement: for Worthington to join them.

“It was pretty cool,” Worthington said. “It was exciting and kind of made me nervous,”

Worthington said his nerves came from standing with those who have done what he is setting out to do. He joined the veterans, standing next to Bearcat baseball coach Kevin Toole, and the crowd gave them a standing ovation.

Worthington has been working toward his goal of joining the Army since he was 16. On September 9, 2023, Worthington and his parents made his dream official and signed his contract with the Army. 

“He would’ve went in September if they’d let him,” said Tina Worthington, Cain’s mother. “We were super proud… But, you know, as parents, we were nervous too.”

Eric Worthington echoed that sentiment and said he and Tina are confident in his abilities.

“What’s going to hurt me, though, is I’m going to miss him. That’s my baby boy.” Eric said. “But I know he’s going to do it. If he puts his mind to it, he can do it.”