T-ball

So, to say my family was into baseball is a gross understatement. We all played Little League, several of us played ball in high school and a few even in college. My father still coaches Cal Ripkin ball, my brother's "other woman" is the Red Sox, and I am just completing my first year as a T-ball coach.

It has been wonderfully fun. I heard reports that it was merely babysitting -- but we have eleven beautiful and vibrant kids who are so eager to learn, and I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them and helping them learn to love baseball.

I wasn't sure how Ben was going to take to baseball. He has shown aptitude but has demonstrated zero interest. I decided to coach tball because I wanted to help introduce him -- and to be honest - I wasn't sure he'd play if I wasn't involved. What I have gained has been so completely fantastic. The chance to help expose him to a sport I grew up loving, the opportunity to watch him experiment and learn the skills in baseball, and an up-close and personal view of him interacting with other kids his age. As usual, I am always mesmerized by who he is and of what he is capable.

Part of the ritual he has adopted includes chewing gum...which I loathe...and of course, he adores. The other night at the game, I looked over to where he was playing first base (position I played). He was standing just off the bag, chewing gum, pounding his fist into his glove, cheering on his teammates "Let's go Bagel Chateau?" and looking like he had been playing for years. After the game I mentioned to him what a natural he looked like in that moment to me and how proud I was of him. He replied, "Mom, I love baseball. I'm never gonna quit." Uh oh...have I converted another baseball zealot?

Here are some photos from the opening day parade.

I love the silly look on his face in this photo:


Goofing around with one of his friends