Go Giants! (Tee Ball)

Gotta love that scenery!

When I was a young boy, my dad got me into playing baseball. I started playing in West Point, Ohio when I was not quite five years old. Some of my greatest memories are of my dad helping coach my team and the friends that I played with. I would play until I was 12 years old, when multiple moves made it difficult to be on a team. I was a catcher primarily, only playing other positions when the coach would occasionally try someone else in my spot. Year after year, I won that position, with my dad lending moral and coaching support. Often, the league would try to move me up to the next division (age group) a year early due to my abilities.

Fast forward to this summer. It had been many years since I had played, most recently about 12 years ago on my U.S. Army softball team for my platoon. My youngest boy expressed an interest in playing tee ball in May. I had been feeling like my plate was full, but could not help the memories from flooding in as I looked into local leagues. At first, it appeared that there were going to be scheduling conflicts, but through some perseverance I managed to find a team that fit. In fact, the coach even played for the home town semi-pro team. By the time had the sign up fee sent in, I was signed on to assistant coach. Very suddenly, I was doing for my son what dad did for me all those years ago. I couldn't help but feel a tiny bit nervous about it.

Team Picture

The first practice came around, and went great! The nerves went away, and I really liked how the coach and I worked together. Jack was excited to get to play and wear a uniform. Unfortunately, the very next day, he fell off the slide at Grandapa's house and broke his arm. It was potentially devastating.

The broken arm photo!

But you can't keep this kid down. We found a way to get his glove over the cast, and found ways to keep him involved. The coach even invented a position, backup first baseman, for him. We couldn't even keep him from batting. While he could barely grip the bat with his left hand, he managed to have just enough control to get by.

Head Coach Davey directs the kids to practice stations.

He's not the biggest or fastest kid on the team, but he has a decent batting average and the passion. Last week, he got his cast off and got to participate more than ever. He didn't disappoint either! He had a good defensive play, and hit .750 without using the tee! He'll have one more full game after this post and a two-inning game at the end-of-the-season jamboree.

While I have always felt a bond with my boys, I can't help but feel especially proud that I can do for my son what my dad did for me. I actually feel confident that I have enough experience to help my boy be the player he wants to be. Here's hoping he sticks with it!

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