Another beautiful Spring day

And, another day for the great game. My parents are coming into town to celebrate my son's birthday, and to enjoy some baseball.

Big game tonight. We've won two in a row pretty easily, but this team should finally be some more competition. They're supposed to be pretty good. I'm excited.

On the umpire front - these kids are a scream. I've done a couple of t-ball games, and some coach-pitch games. I had a second baseman, two nights ago, that was more interested in my clicker than in the game. I had to really work with him to keep him focused. If he paid attention he could hold the clicker between innings. How aweseme is it to see a little boy's face light up over something as simple as an umpire's clicker? But it's like that with boys. Especially learning about the game. I'm sure he has no real clue as to why I'm even out there, except to have fun with him and his coaches.

It's so peaceful, after the sun goes down and the lights come on. The cool breeze blows across the field. The sounds of parents and kids laughing and cheering. It's hard to believe with my son on the verge of being a teenager, that those days are so far behind me now.

I remember cutting my lawn when he was MAYBE 2 or 3, sitting there on the front stoop in just his diapers, watching me. I thought to myself that day, I have to remember this moment. It's not going to last. Now a decade has passed, and I remember it like it was just this morning. That little fellow picking dandelions. Just an awesome memory.

Ouch - this game teaches us so much

My son learned a valuable lesson last night, and I was reminded of it as well. Never give up. Ahead 7-1, our team lost 9-8. The other team fought back hard, and mental mistakes on our part helped keep them in it.

The heart-breaker came, as I watched my son dive for what could have been a game-saver, and saw the ball bounce out of his glove. He tries so hard. But he has to - because he's one of the smallest on the team. He knows he has to give it more than 100% all the time, or he'll watch from the bench. And, he hates to watch from the bench.

My son is a player not a casual observer. When he works hard he's the best on the field. If only I could convince him that life will be that way, too. If he works hard he will be the best at what he does. Of this I have no doubt, nor could I be more proud of anyone.

I know this is a team game, but he is my All-Star, and always will be.

What an awesome weekend

From what I could tell our league got off to a great start. The weather was awesome, and the pre-game presentation was fantastic.

I Love T-Ball.....little guys playing in the dirt as much, if not more than, playing the great game.

The season is well under way, and I couldn't be more excited for the Spring and early Summer, this year.

Tomorrow is the first game of someone's career

Tomorrow is Opening Day all around the country for little league baseball players. It's such a great day, and I hope the weather is perfect for everyone, even though I know it won't be.

The exciting thing about Opening Day, is there's a future Hall of Famer, or long time baseball star who gets to feel the ball hit the bat for the first time. The excitement, the thrill, the energy from that first at bat will be all his little heart needs to build the desire in him to work and achieve that level.

It's also the first time for a future regular Joe, like me, to feel the same excitement. It won't be any less exhilerating for him, than the future star, because deep down they are all boys. They will do what boys love to do...run and laugh....and have fun with their friends.

There will be many girls included in the thrill of a first baseball game, too. Future Softball Hall of Famers, that get their first taste of the game, tomorrow.

I'm so lucky, after managing my son for nearly 10 years, to still be able to share this day with a new generation. Only this time I'm going to be an observer....an umpire.

Tomorrow holds a new aura of excitment for me as it does them. I really hope the day is as exciting for everyone as it will be for me.

Alone at the Plate

He pulls on a helmet, picks up a bat
And walks to the plate “gotta hit and that’s that”

The crowd starts to yell, the game’s on the line
Last inning, two outs, and the scores nine to nine.

Dad yells, “go get it”, Mom wrings her hands
Coach yells “hit it” but alone there he stands.

Heros are made on seconds such as this,
But he’s just a little boy, what if he should miss?

Years after the game ended and he’s little no more
Will he remember the outcome or even the score?

No he’ll have forgotten if he was out, hit or run,
He’ll only look back on his friends and the fun.

So cheer this boy on, alone with his fate;
Help him remember with fondness, this stand at the plate.

Spend your time wisely and help in his quest
To be a hitter with confidence and always his best.