The Boys (and Girls) of Summer

The Crowd Goes Wild
Preston's last t-ball game was on Saturday. It was so much fun, but these poor kids. They had a double header! -They are four years old!- I can hardly focus through a double header! But they were great. Of course, in the second game, the coaches had to direct them a LOT more, "Throw it to home","Run to first","Look this way","Stand up","Come on, back on the field". And they were much less apt to jump up, but I truly think they were loving every minute of it, if for no other reason, than in anticipation of their turn at bat. You could see, through the masks on their helmets, the excitement on each face, the concentration, and the joy when they actually made contact with the ball. They would race off to first base as fast as their little legs could carry them. Then it was time to chat with the first baseman. "So, are you going to catch The Wiggles in Columbia?" But at the crack of the next bat, they were off rounding the bases in a cloud of dust, helmet bobbing, arms and legs flailing.

Preston's friend, Meredith, races to first. Don't you love the pink helmet?

Preston just beats the throw to first!

This is why I love sports.
I love that you get so focussed on the game, that nothing else matters, except getting to that next base. I love that you know your family and friends are in the stands cheering for your whole team, but cheering loudest when you come up to bat. I love the feeling you get after a long game, win or loose, when you're exhausted and physically spent, but you have just enough energy to hug your teammates and rehash all of the great plays. This is why I'm looking forward to Reeves being old enough to play sports. I can't believe Bryant and I will be the parents in the stands. How did this happen? Don't worry, Reeves, I won't get your team any Technicals!! Love ya, Gams!