Stahlke Adoption

Play Ball!

Opening ceremonies this morning marked the official start of our Little League season. Sarah, David, and Kola signed up this year, and they all stood at attention for the national anthem, first pitch, announcements, thank yous, and concluding "Play ball!"

Then Kola took part in his first game. As I watched, I remembered David's first season of T-ball three years ago. The five-, six-, and seven-year olds provide endless entertainment as they learn the game. David spent less time handling the baseball than he did playing with the dirt in the outfield. Today I saw Kola doing the same thing, with the added twist of throwing the dirt.

Unlike in my day (ancient history, I know), T-ball teams today are co-ed. It took me by surprise, however, to see girls wearing pink pants or skirts for the game. Rachel and Sarah, however, assure me that these skirts are actually skorts and therefore acceptable for play.

In Kola's first time at bat, he gave the ball a good whack, and it soared off the T toward the shortstop. He grinned and carefully watched it, oblivious to everyone yelling at him to run. The coach finally got his attention and persuaded him to run to first base. When the next player hit the ball, it rolled toward the second baseman, right where Kola needed to run. As Kola passed the ball, he saw that it needed to be fielded, and he almost picked it up to throw to first base. The coach advised him strongly to keep running, and he made it to second base.

At his second time at bat, he advanced to first base without as much trouble. Then I saw him conferring with the coach and miming the shape of the baseball diamond with his hands. After that, Kola ran in the correct direction, although he still needs work knowing when to run.

T-ball is designed so that every child succeeds and is praised. It's a great learning experience for the kids, and I appreciate the time and energy the coaches give to make it all work.

posted by Stahlkes @ 4:29 PM