Today I was on my own with the boys at the ballpark because Dad had to work, so of course I decided to take the dog. It really was a good decision because it provided a little distraction for us all. Darth Vader had a 1:45 game and Luke1 had a 4:15 game followed by concession stand duty.
Well, DV was 12 when he first played baseball on a team, so it has been quite a struggle for him. A few games ago we thought it would be best if he never played again because he was always striking out and allowing runs to score because he missed throws to third. It was frustrating to say the least. He has gotten a few hits throughout the season but they were sporatic and not nearly as many as he has allowed to score. His coaches have been very encouraging and helpful and have never made him feel bad. They just kept on teaching him, and he kept on plugging along and enjoying himself.
Then beginning last Monday night, Darth Vader has been on fire at the ballpark. He gets a hit every time he goes to bat and they even moved him up in the batting order. His hits are often way out into the outfield and usually they involve an RBI. He's always been a good athlete and I think he has finally let go of his nerves and relaxed. Today he even got to pitch an inning and struck out one, caused a pop-up out and then caught a bounced ball and threw it to first for an out. His final hit of the game was when the score was 10 to 11 with two outs at the bottom of the last inning. He got a single and RBI to result in a tie. The game ended with a tie, but if not for his hit it would have been a loss. I was so proud of him.
Luke1 didn't have quite as much success at the plate this time. Normally he gets about 4 hits a game, but this time I think there was only one or two. He played first base though and got lots of outs that way, including the last out of the game.
I wish I had taken my video camera of course, but whenever I do that nothing happens. Maybe I'll try to bring it next time. Each boy has only one more game before going into tournaments.
You know, I have delayed signing up the boys for baseball for many years because I just didn't think I would like it. I had heard that Spring ball was very competative and that some of the parents get especially out of hand. I have been pleasantly surprised, however, and everyone we have met has been super nice. All the parents cheer for all the kids and the coaches and parents even praise opposing players when they do well. I think it is a great place to learn sportsmanship and teamwork and to meet lots of really nice people. Everybody out there is a volunteer and they are giving of themself. And it's fun to have the whole family cheering each other on and helping out with the team. A day at the ballpark is not something to dread as I had previously thought, but rather something to look forward to.
A big bonus is that it makes the kids happy and allows them to feel proud of themselves. After the game today we all sat around and talked about the games for a while and gave Dad the highlights. It was a great opportunity for narration.
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