Special to El Rrun-Rrun
Funny how things work.
I had thought myself a jaded, field-toughened veteran of the sandlot baseball and thought of baseball as the King of Sports with little patience for softball or any of those kiddie sports.
But wouldn't you know, how things can change!
Since my grandson joined the
ranks of tee-ballers my involvement in the game is no longer at a respectable distance. I find myself edging closer toward the white lines in hopes of making
a difference in his pursuit of his version of America’s game.
The challenge for coaches and parents, though, is in transforming the kids of today – born in a concrete-grass society – to relish the world of diamond dust. Once they cross the gate and onto the playing field they discover that the earth is also made up of dirt.
They left a technological world consumed with gadgets that kept them indoors to join a team of unknowns surrounded by coaches, umpires and the most passionate fans in baseball, tee-ball moms.
While the coaches try their best to teach them the skills of the game, it is inevitable that kids will be kids. If the game becomes too long and boring, the dirt that adorns the diamond entices some kids to play a different kind of game.
Like my grandson told me one day, “Grandpa, this is taking too long.”
You have to understand that this is perhaps the first time he/she has seen and/or had the opportunity to play with this thing called "dirt." As the game progresses some kids become more creative.
Kicking dirt around and tossing it up in the air, is what many of them, amateurs, do. I was an eyewitness to a kid who was building a castle. He will probably have a good future as an architect. Kids are constantly reminded to focus on the game but sometimes are confused with the distracting noises that surround the game.
All of a sudden, as a player, you become the center of attention when the ball is hit to you and what comes next is a barrage of confusing instructions. As the group of coaches, and parents, who amplify the volume, are yelling commands – all at the same time – it becomes a bit overbearing.
The loud chatter coming from all directions sometimes causes the main character to freeze and do nothing. On the other side, the hitter, in this puzzling atmosphere, might run to the wrong cushion in an attempt to steal a base.
Another interesting phenomena of tee ballers is that by the middle of the game you see a group of kids marching out of the dugout on a fast track to the restroom. A “nature call” during the game is unavoidable.
Tee ballers will mature with every pitch and one day he/she
will become a professional in some field and regardless where
their careers takes them, they will have learned everything they know in kindergarten
and/or maybe, from the lessons of tee ball.
Some may graduate to Little League like the team pictured here who were the 2018 West Brownsville champs.
As a reminder to all that are involved in baseball, the game is controlled by outs. “Three strikes and you’re out, make no outs and time is endless, and if you are out of your seat – you’ll miss out.”
See you at the park!
Funny how things work.
I had thought myself a jaded, field-toughened veteran of the sandlot baseball and thought of baseball as the King of Sports with little patience for softball or any of those kiddie sports.
But wouldn't you know, how things can change!
Since my grandson joined the
ranks of tee-ballers my involvement in the game is no longer at a respectable distance. I find myself edging closer toward the white lines in hopes of making
a difference in his pursuit of his version of America’s game.The challenge for coaches and parents, though, is in transforming the kids of today – born in a concrete-grass society – to relish the world of diamond dust. Once they cross the gate and onto the playing field they discover that the earth is also made up of dirt.
They left a technological world consumed with gadgets that kept them indoors to join a team of unknowns surrounded by coaches, umpires and the most passionate fans in baseball, tee-ball moms.
While the coaches try their best to teach them the skills of the game, it is inevitable that kids will be kids. If the game becomes too long and boring, the dirt that adorns the diamond entices some kids to play a different kind of game.
Like my grandson told me one day, “Grandpa, this is taking too long.”
You have to understand that this is perhaps the first time he/she has seen and/or had the opportunity to play with this thing called "dirt." As the game progresses some kids become more creative.
Kicking dirt around and tossing it up in the air, is what many of them, amateurs, do. I was an eyewitness to a kid who was building a castle. He will probably have a good future as an architect. Kids are constantly reminded to focus on the game but sometimes are confused with the distracting noises that surround the game.
A climate of confusion…
All of a sudden, as a player, you become the center of attention when the ball is hit to you and what comes next is a barrage of confusing instructions. As the group of coaches, and parents, who amplify the volume, are yelling commands – all at the same time – it becomes a bit overbearing.
The loud chatter coming from all directions sometimes causes the main character to freeze and do nothing. On the other side, the hitter, in this puzzling atmosphere, might run to the wrong cushion in an attempt to steal a base.
Another interesting phenomena of tee ballers is that by the middle of the game you see a group of kids marching out of the dugout on a fast track to the restroom. A “nature call” during the game is unavoidable.
Tee ballers will mature with every pitch and one day he/she
will become a professional in some field and regardless where
their careers takes them, they will have learned everything they know in kindergarten
and/or maybe, from the lessons of tee ball.Some may graduate to Little League like the team pictured here who were the 2018 West Brownsville champs.
As a reminder to all that are involved in baseball, the game is controlled by outs. “Three strikes and you’re out, make no outs and time is endless, and if you are out of your seat – you’ll miss out.”
See you at the park!
10 comments:
You're this kid's grandpa? Poor kid.
Nice column
What I’ve sen as the decline of youth baseball is the fact that kids don’t play outside anymore and parents/ coaches get in the way Of the game being fun.
Once parents understand that the odds are against your kid making it to the bigs, (unless you’re on ‘roids and play for the Nats) then the opportunity is there for kids and parents to have fun and make lasting memories. Not saying don’t Work hard and strive to be good, just don’t forget the fun. I’d rather have a teenager obsessed with baseball than partying and being a cagapalo.
Remember that as your grand kid gets older.
Go Astros!
Bravo! Enjoy your grandchildren.
They play the dodgers tomorrow if you take a trash can you can go in free.
T he article is right on...I’ seen some of those games ... yes, parents sometimes get too emotional
Good post... enjoyed it
Unfortunately, playing outdoors is a thing of the past. I have fond memories of playing little league ball. The snacks after the game were common then and now
Like it.
Great photo... good to see kids smiling... enjoyed post
The coach looks like another tacos eater! A heart attack waiting to happen and then added to the Cameron county fake COVID-19 deaths list! Pinche hospitals are hitting the mother lode with all the tacos eaters in the valley! Ponte en dieta pinche mamones!!!
Post a Comment