Just Playing Ball

This summer was Lane's first attempt at playing baseball.  While he knew very little about the game itself, he knew all spring that he wanted to be a part of a baseball team.  He talked about it often and was so excited when sign-up time came with tryouts soon to follow.  

The first few games all he talked about was sunflower seeds and how he needed some for each game.  Finally, before one of the games, Leland stopped at the local gas station (the Pit Stop) and told Lane to go in with him.  Lane asked why to which Leland replied: 'sunflower seeds.' Grinning from ear to ear, Lane follows him in and they get to where the sunflower seeds are, neither of them realizing the many kinds of sunflower seeds that are now available, and Leland tells Lane to pick a package.  Being the kind, thoughtful and giving little guy that he is, Lane opts for the larger bag.  When Leland questions if he really needs that large of a bag of seeds, Lane says that he does so that he can share with his buddies.  So, share he did.  I think that one bag lasted him them most of the rest of the season.

For a little boy who had never played the game before, Lane was blessed with a set of coaches who never once raised their voices to Lane or any of the other players.  Instead, these coaches taught them skills and in gentle, kind voices made 'suggestions' to each and every player on an individual basis as to what he could do to improve this or change that.  Praises and high-fives were the norm...it mattered not if it was a great catch on the field or a strike-out at the plate.  In the rare event of a loss, the boys were talked to in quiet, calm voices about what went wrong and what they were going to work on in practice to improve.  Our parents and fans were likewise the same.  Having been witness to quite the opposite of that on any given night against any given team, this particular aspect of this season is one that will always stand out in my mind as a mom.

As will the fact that the boys treated each other the same way.  There was no superstar player...the boys, many of whom had played before, would often chant "Go Lane go!" when Lane got up to bat.  If he got a hit, they were his biggest cheerleaders.  If he struck out, they were still his biggest cheerleaders with "good try!" and high-fives regardless.  At each practice or game, they were equals among equals.  They were a team...a team that Lane couldn't wait to be a part of...a team that, at the young ages of 6, 7, and 8, played with their hearts and souls all season long...a team that any parent would want their child to be a part of.

As it turns out, this team of boys quietly yet successfully, played their way right into the playoffs.  Then, in the first playoff game, my little guy, along with his awesome teammates & coaches, played and WON a back and forth, very close and exciting, nail-biting ball game! **Note: When I mentioned to Lane that the game was a bit nerve-racking, he replies: why?**  I'd like to say that this is normal of Lane...there are never any worries in his little world...but this seemed to be the case with all of the boys that night.  It later occurred to me that this was because they were out there playing - just playing - doing something they loved - doing it together as a team and not once was there any reminder of the stress the coaches and parents all felt.  Rather, it was just a group of boys playing ball.  They went on to lose the following two games the next night, but again they did it with smiles on their faces...truly relishing in the happiness of just being there, playing America's sport.


For my little #1 and the rest of the Troy Demons, the season has come to an end...but win or lose, these boys played with their hearts and had lots of fun! At the end of the day, that is what is most important!