Last night my wife found my son crying in his room, and though having a six year old crying isn't unusual, it is when there isn't another crying child trying to blame something on them. My wife went in to his room, sat down beside him and asked him what was wrong. To her surprise, and at the same time joy, he was crying because he was disappointed his baseball season was over.
At 6pm Wednesday night we had our awards ceremony for all the kids on the team. The head coach gave them each their trophies and then announced that we are going to be back to coach next year's team as well and if anyone wanted to request us, feel free, we would be happy to have them back.
Only two said they wouldn't be back. One has sold their house and is moving 3 hours away and the other will be going up to another age bracket. But, the rest said they would be back. We look forward to next year.
What I learned this year is sometimes, no matter what we teach our children, what they take away from it can be completely different. The smile of a child when they get their first hit ever is a smile you can't forget. Sometimes your eyes just have to shut as you swing like a big leaguer trying to get your first home run!
What I've also learned from these 6 and 7 year old kids was that when they started, they didn't know what they were doing, they didn't know each other, and they looked like a bunch of clowns out on the field. But by the last game, they were playing together, getting outs, knew everyone's names, and had made friendships that will hopefully last a lifetime.
My goal this year was to take a player that didn't want to play and make him want to come back next year. Well, I got my wish. We had one player that clearly didn't want to be there, but needed something such as baseball to help him mature and grow. We taught him that the ball was nothing to fear and hearing him at the award ceremony say he can't wait to play again next year is all I wanted to hear.
So, out of the tears of a child came the memories of why I coach for the love of the game!
Todd Clark - broker
Kastings & Associates
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739
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Helping buyers and sellers come together in a win-win situation for both. Visit my website at www.IFoundYourNewHome.com or you can call me directly at 503-524-9494.
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Congratulations! You are involved with the most important part of your life- yur child and family. Enjoy!
Veronica
Todd - How wonderful to have had such an impact on these young lives. I love your pictures - they speak a thousand words. Not only do the kids look like they are having fun but it looks like they are serious about playing. Congratulations.
Very cool Todd. I played organized sports as a child and to this day I still have very fond memories of the camaraderie and bonds that were formed with my teammates. Then I remember wind sprints and get pissed:)
Todd, Baseball will teach your chid confidence,respect and how to work on a team. It is good that you have taken the time to introduce him to the game. Good luck next year.
Todd- Thanks for sharing your "Field of Dreams"- These are the wonderful days of your life- Enjoy!
Hi Todd first let me thank you for commenting on my post the other day. I have a quick question: How do you put video and those buttons on your post? I am new to blogging and haven't a clue! Maybe you can write a blog about!
TC,
If anything goes better than kids and baseball it hasn't been invented yet!!! You gotta love what this sport does for kids...with the proper coaching!!! Thanks, Fran
P.S. Send your kid(s) to PA...we are still playing...we have playoffs, tournaments, travel teams, and fall ball...batters up!!!
Todd, You seem like an amazing person. How did I just find your blog? What a great lesson we can all learn from children. Life is precious, isn't it?
Way to go, coach!
Todd, you've got to share what lens you were using for the photographs!!! Thanks!
Baseball (and other sports) really can teach a lot of worthwhile, positive lessons! This is also great tribute to the coaches who engage the kids as well!
Todd, excellent ThemThem to the Team. Loved the photos, especially the close up with the big smile on his face looking to the side, to kewl!
Todd ~ Great pictures! They are so cute at that age. I remember yelling at my now almost-18-year-old son when he was your son's age to stop playing with the rocks out in the field and pay attention to the ball! I think parent's who step up to coach these teams really get something out of it too.
Todd - It sounds like he had a great experience playing, which is terrific. I am including this post in the Family Ties recap today. Have a great weekend, buddy. Happy Father's Day!