The Boys of Spring

Yesterday was the opening day of Little League season here in Greensboro. The weather wasn't ideal but tolerable. The parade was a success as always and opening ceremonies were held. It is heartwarming to see all the kids in their uniforms and ready to ball play. My grand son is getting older now and the games are getting a little more competitive. They are still at the point where occasional loss of focus causes some strange plays. They still need to signal the coach for potty breaks while on the field. "Time" It is amusing to see the one running as fast as possible to the port-o-let while another takes his position.
I am always amused by watching the coaches. They all have their own style . Some are very serious and others are very lax. It is a difficult thing to do. To try to hold the attention of a bunch of nine and ten year boys for an entire game is not a simple feat. Yesterday the opposing team had four coaches. All four were yelling instructions to their players on the field. It was quite confusing for me and I'm positive for the kids. One was encouraging while another was getting upset. If you just observe, it is pretty funny. Our team has three coaches. Usually only one is giving instructions at a time. I think it is a much better policy.
The game itself is interesting because more runs are scored on passed balls and stolen bases than on hits. When the boys do make contact with the ball the excitement is electric. If it goes into the outfield the excitement really goes high. Yesterdays' score was 10-7. A close game. We had a chance to tie it up in the bottom of the sixth but it wasn't to be. Next Time.
I'm a little old fashioned as I still think of baseball as Americas sport. This is my season. The boys of spring !
A nice civilized game of skill that doesn't involve brute force to make gains. The sweet sound of the ball popping into the glove and the crack of the bat. I especially enjoy the younger players because they get so excited. If we could all share that excitement the world would be a better place. They don't know it, but for a good majority of these boys, these are their days in the sun. All too soon they grow up and the sheer joy of the game is lost to them. It becomes competitive to the point where the fun is gone.

Play Ball !

Batter Up !
Grandson Mark

There are twenty games in the season. We are down 0-1 but our home opener is Monday night. We'll get them this time. Should be an exciting contest.