Harbaugh, Showalter Together To Help Bring Autism Awareness
TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) -- Some of the area's biggest sports stars are together in Towson to help bring awareness to autism.
Sports Director Mark Viviano has more on Wednesday's Pathfinders for Autism event.
It was a big day with some big name leaders -- a leadership conference that included a top Baltimore duo.
As John Harbaugh and Buck Showalter were together, Mark had the honor of conducting a Q&A session with the Ravens head coach and Orioles manager.
The Ravens' John Harbaugh and the Orioles' Buck Showalter -- Baltimore's top coaching combo -- were greeted by cheers in their first-ever combined speaking appearance.
Cheered Wednesday, but both addressing the fact their recently completed seasons were short of their standards.
"Let's not throw pats on the back at a .500 season. John and I are up here, and we ain't happy, OK? I ain't happy. It ain't happening. It's not good enough," Showalter said. "There's people that depend on that -- for us to deliver -- and I know John, and I know what's going to go on between now and April. So get your stuff ready."
"What Buck said is so true because in terms of creating an atmosphere where we're building on the principles, what we believe in how we play, but you did it differently," said Harbaugh.
Harbaugh and Showalter shared stories on leadership, in a day of inspiration that also included former soccer superstar Mia Hamm.
"I benefitted from a lot of really wonderful teammates. Because one of the great things about sports, and especially being around a group of teammates for so long, is they kind of see every side of you," said Hamm.
It was all part of a power-packed lineup brought together by former Oriole B.J. Surhoff to benefit Pathfinders for Autism.
"But what I really like about people here is they're successful, but they're all really good people," said Surhoff. "And that really resonates for me. And I hope that people -- everyone here -- is getting that feeling, too."
Both Harbaugh and Showalter said they were exchanging ideas about leadership that they're going to take back to their teams. There's mutual admiration.
The event also featured speakers from other walks of life, including BSO Conductor Marin Alsop and war hero Matt Eversman.
