Man, it has been a very long time since I posted something. It might be because of everything that we have had going on recently. Between filling the pulpit for my Pastor, a hectic first quarter at work, and family stuff, my middle son decided he wanted to play baseball.
We signed up for Little League with much anticipation. Alex was very excited about the prospect. Soon enough we were in practice twice a week. We learned the basics...how to throw to a cut off man; how to lead off a base, how to stand at the plate, how to handle the ball with a runner at first and second. It was a good experience for us all.
I was tagged as assistant coach. Primarily, I think, because I showed up to the first two practices. We've got a great coach, Coach Josh. He really loves the game and wants the boys to learn the game and to learn to love the game the way he does. Currently, we're in second place in our league.
I've learned a lot about the strategy of baseball. I have learned when to send a runner to second and when to fake the pitcher out. I've learned that a walk really is as good as a base hit. And I've learned that sometimes, just sometimes, getting to first base is it's own reward. I've learned nothing tastes better than a ball park hot dog after a win (with mustard, of course.)
I've also learned a lot of life lessons.
For example, I've learned that the more you fuss and yell at your kid during the game, the worse they will do. Attitude is so much more important than talent. Attitude will win a game when talent can't keep up--or has given up. I've seen parents get so far inside their kid's head that they can't think straight.
We've got a player that is totally awesome in practice. Hits everything that comes close to the strike zone; fields like a demon, and throws out runners left and right. Come game time, he can't tie his shoes without tripping. Why? His parents are there and they offer "constructive criticism" from the stands. Doesn't help, not even a little bit.
I've learned that kids see everything. Tonight, we had an interesting experience. A parent from the other team was a wee bit upset with their coaches and begin to express their discontent. This parent used language that made me blush, and I was on the other side of the ball field. Eventually, the police arrived and helped the parent find their way from the park. I had 12 boys asking me what happened and what was going on across the field and why they had to stop playing for thirty minutes. To them, it is a game. It's about playing and having fun. I told my boys not to worry about it. But you know who I couldn't stop thinking about? The little boy sitting on the bench listening to his parent rant and rave and use language that would give a sailor pause. How do you explain that to your kid?
I've learned that losing well is more important than winning well. (For reference, see three paragraphs above). You want to see a coach get ill with his players? Watch Coach Josh's face if the players drag off of the field or limp onto the field. We've lost two games this season. We didn't get beat by the other team, we beat ourselves...because we were losing poorly. Everybody is going to get behind from time to time. The important thing is to keep your head in the game and figure out what needs to happen to get runners around the bases.
Baseball is truly a microcosm of life. You have your supporters, your opponents, your obstacles, and your chance to try. It's taken me about six games to realize that at home plate all batters are equal--three strikes, and you are out. Sometimes, in life and in baseball, you've just got to take a chance and swing. Who knows, maybe you'll just get that base hit that your team desperately needs to get back in the game.
