PLAY BALL
- 1 minute ago
- 2 min read
By: Kim Whittington and Jessica Breazeale
Yes, it’s that time of the year! You may think I’m talking about NBA playoffs, the Masters Golf Tournament, MLB, or any of those letters that require some sort of ball. But I’m talking about everyone’s favorite pastime…T-Ball!
Who doesn’t love T-Ball? You might as well admit to not loving America or apple pie, too. T-Ball is the highlight of baseball season! Before, after, and often during the games that you are at the field required to watch, you will sneak over to the main attraction, which is the tiniest future players.
They are all there in their brand-new sliding pants, along with their new team jersey and hat. Each has a brand-spanking-new glove and an overpriced bat that will only last one season before it needs to be replaced. The new cleats are also expensive and will only last one season, too.
But the cost is of no concern because every one of them is a future MLB player, some headed to the Dodgers, some to the Mets. Yes, all have plans for the big league, but only after their illustrious college career.
But the fans in the stands cheering the T- Ballers on see them today as the superstars they are…and will be soon. Some are outfielders - but wait - are they picking flowers?
And the first baseman is guarding the base, yes, he is actually sitting on top of it. The second baseman and the shortstop are throwing dirt at each other. The third baseman is crying! “There’s no crying in baseball!” The outfielders are spotted doing cartwheels.
Batter up! This one looks like a slugger, and he smacks the ball and runs like the wind to third base while the entire infield and outfield attack the baseball.
Triumphant, one player emerges with the ball, looks to first, but no batter! Then he sees him, and everyone is yelling, “Run to first!” and then he tags the runner on the pitcher's mound. Success, batter out!
Dirt stains on the pants. Emotions that can’t be contained. Ice cream in hand. Memories I never want to forget!
At the time, it was so hard. Now, I long for those days.
Man, I’m glad it’s t-ball season! I can live it all over again through other kids and their parents…without the stress and now with just the fun!
What is the bigger picture?
In the words of Gavin Rossdale, lead singer of 90’s grunge band Bush, who finally made his way to Mississippi and performed at the Brandon Amphitheatre last weekend:
“Don’t let the days go by…could’ve been easier on you. (Yes, I realize this song is NOT about t-ball!)
Don’t let these precious t-ball days go by without lots of pictures and videos. Don’t take it too seriously. They need to love baseball, not hate it.
They want to be big boys and girls but are very much still babies. Treat them as such! You’ll look back and sing, “I couldn’t change, though I wanted to…” Okay, I’ll stop singing Glycerine now.
Downloadable version
Comments