Tee Ball
Lefty’s first experience in organized baseball…Tee Ball!
Hard to believe that it has been four years since this picture. But I love looking at it. I don’t think his passion or focus for the game will ever be captured in a better pic. As the years go on, I do enjoy watching him play more and more. I enjoy seeing him learn the game and play at a higher level. I can’t wait to see him play as a 12, 13 or 14 year old. I look forward to those years but remind myself to enjoy every moment he plays right now.
I have friends who have young players starting their first year of tee ball. Their excitement is contagious. And I am talking about the parent’s excitement. I was in the process of offering a few ditties I have learned over the past years to these friends like: 1. There IS crying in baseball. When does it end? Not sure. I will let you know when I find out. 2. You will hear chatter about travel ball sooner than you think (in a year or two). Yes, there is travel ball for 8 year olds.
But I decided to offer only one thing to my parent friends and at the same time remind myself. It is a phrase I have referenced many times before.
1. At the end of every game, the only words your player wants to hear is…I love to watch you play.
Probably more appropriate as they get older, but it can’t hurt to start now.
Looking at Lefty’s picture I think of these words by Jon Gordon, “We don’t get burned out because of what we do. We get burned out because we forget why we do it. Purpose keeps you fresh.”