Baseball has been termed as "America's Favorite Pastime." It is the sport that signifies summer, but it is so much more than that for any kid who plays the sport.
It is an emotional rollercoaster filled with ups and downs of drama. If you don't believe me, visit your local little league and watch a game. Or tune in to the College World Series this week. The emotions these boys feel are real and yes, it is just a game. But there is something more about baseball. It is the game that can bring forth every emotion from everlasting friendship bonds to hatred for the competition to jealousy to tears for missed plays. It is America's drama.
This past weekend, we lived at the ballpark just like thousands and thousands of other parents across the country. As parents, we sat dripping in sweat, sunburned and anxious for our kids. Don't get me wrong, we loved every moment of it!
My son played in the local All Star Championship Tournament. In between games, I positioned myself between three of the fields and just watched the drama of seeing the best and brightest in the league compete for the championship. Parents screaming and cheering, kids laughing, kids covered in dirt, parents running from ice coolers to dugouts wanting the best for their kids and yes, some parents were arguing on coaching styles.
Through it all, there was a presence of camaraderie evident in the stands and on the field. Kids who once competed against each other in regular season were now best friends on their new All Star team. Kids are like that.
Kids consoling other kids when they were called out or missed a play and couldn't hold back the tears, kids jumping up and down giving high fives and cheering as the winning runs crossed the plate were sweet sights for this mom.
After all, heroes were made in these games. Kids who made the game winning hit or threw that game winning out. That is the point of baseball. It offers kids hope, friendships and character development you can't get anywhere else.
Because it only takes one play, one pitch, one hit, one stolen base, one walk, etc. to change a game. Nothing builds esteem in kids than a come from behind win or taking home a trophy. I know. As I stood watching my son grin from ear to ear waiting to receive his championship trophy, one kid on my son's team said it best.
"This is the best day of my life!" a seven-year-old teammate screamed.
As parents, we all laughed knowing that it wasn't or wouldn't continue to be, but we understood.
Baseball brings out the best in kids. Even as parents, we felt a sense of loss for the team that placed second. They were on their third game of the day when they faced us. Any other day, it could have gone another way. Still they were just excited.
When my son's name was finally called to get his trophy, his friend on the other team yelled, "Hey Killian-want to trade?" It was pride as a parent to watch the two of them joke around and pose for pictures together. It wasn't the winning and losing, it was friendship and bonding that only happens on a field.
Watching my son, I was reminded of my own days growing up on the softball field. Playing in tournaments until one in the morning, traveling across the state for games and just the fun of every moment. I still talk to some of my softball girls. We grew up together. We were as close as sisters for those eight years we played and we rode the rollercoaster together. There is hardly a stronger bond that can withstand time than the bonds of friendships made on the field.
This week as the College World Series continues, I encourage you to tune in for the entertainment. Last night as UT took on Southern Miss, it was an up and down ride for sure as each team battled for the lead inning after inning. Watch these teams' faces and enjoy the miracles of baseball.
All it takes is one play to change the course and futures of these kids. Get on the rollercoaster with them.
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