Well, it's baseball time again and for now the Reds are in first place. Let's hope it lasts! They had a decent spring but they are the Reds. Life as we have known it will soon be over as both kids are going to play ball this spring. AC is playing softball and Levi is on a t-ball team. Hopefully we won't need to set up a tent at the ballfield. At least they are playing in the fields that border our neighborhood and are within walking distance.
Levi's team mother called last week and told him he is going to be wearing number 5. I told him that when I first started playing baseball I wore number 5 too. He asked me why and I told him that was Johnny Bench's number and he was my favorite player. Levi then asked if Johnny let me borrow his uniform.
I am looking forward to seeing them play but I refuse to allow any coach or parent rob the kids of the joy of playing the game. They are only 5-7 years old and shouldn't be expected to grasp the inner workings and strategies of the game. We have also made it clear that our priorities for baseball and softball fall somewhat down the list from God and family. We will not, I repeat, will not be missing Bible class or worship for a ballgame.
As I look back on my baseball career (short-lived and glamorous as it was) I recall having fun. The wins were great (Little League district champions, high school state runner-ups). I also recall the sting of defeat (I made the last out of my last high school game by swinging at a pitch that bounced 10 inches in front of the plate). When I look back, I think of the fun. I want my kids to play for the fun of it. The percentages are not in their favor to ever play baseball for a living. Their calling is higher, to be a servant of God. Not that they couldn't be a servant of God who also played baseball, but my goal is to create in them the desire of serving God by serving others.
I am thankful for my memories of baseball and for those who showed me how much fun it can be. I want to show others that same fun.
1 comment:
Do you believe Brayden has to tryout for baseball this year. If I had to tryout at that age they would've cut me in a second. Tryouts tonight! They better hurry I can't miss the game! This is the only time I watch b-ball. You and John sound like you are forming a reds cult up there. Kind of like I'm forming a pittsburgh cult. Except it seems like I'm the only member! Enjoy the season, it's nice to watch and not get too involved like some parents do. I just tell Brayden I didn't get my first real hit till I was 8. It calmed his nerves a little. Later Clint
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