During a youth baseball game on a sunny Sunday afternoon, an unexpected dust devil formed at the Fort Caroline Athletic Association baseball field, momentarily engulfing a young player in its swirling sand and debris. The event was captured on video, providing a remarkable testament to the importance of quick thinking and teamwork in times of uncertainty.
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Seven-year-old Bauer Zoya, a catcher for the Ponte Vedra Sharks, found himself at the center of the whirlwind. Overwhelmed by the situation, Zoya admitted to feeling scared and unsure of what was happening. "I was scared and afraid someone would need to pull me out," he said.
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The dust devil lasted only a few seconds, but it seemed like an eternity for Zoya. "I couldn't breathe that much," he shared. "So I held my breath, and I felt like I couldn't touch the ground. It was like I was lifted up a little bit."

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Seventeen-year-old umpire Aidan Wiles didn't hesitate to step in and assist Zoya. Despite feeling a little afraid himself, Wiles knew he had to prioritize the young player's safety. "I was worried about his safety because, as an umpire, the players' safety is always the first thing we're taught," Wiles explained.

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The incident occurred during the second game of a three-game tournament between the Fort Caroline Athletic Association Indians and the Ponte Vedra Sharks. Despite the whirlwind, Zoya remained determined to continue playing. With the help of his father, who rinsed the dirt from his eyes, Zoya returned to the field, even believing the experience made him play better.

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Although the Ponte Vedra Sharks didn't win the championship, they took home Mother's Day rings as a token of their efforts. Bauer Zoya's father, Brian, expressed gratitude for Wiles's quick thinking and readiness to help his son. "A kid that just had the presence of mind to do that is special to see," Brian said. "It was pretty cool to witness yesterday. He had great parents raising him."

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In the spirit of camaraderie, the Zoya family has been in contact with the Wiles family, potentially planning a meet-up in the near future. This unforgettable event serves as a reminder of the importance of community and supporting one another during unexpected moments.

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