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Little White Ball: An Heirloom at 70 (Part 3 of 3)It Is Now Something Our Family Can Do Together
For two generations, baseball was something that our family could enjoy watching. But in this generation, baseball became something we can participate in. My son started playing tee ball at age 4 in a community recreational league. As he got older, we wanted the chance for him to learn more and play more games in a season. So, we started him in Little League. During a Winterball season, the league asked if I could serve as a coach. I was reluctant at first because of my limited experience playing as a kid. But my wife encouraged me, and I agreed to help out. Fortunately, I worked with excellent coaches. One of them now manages a travel ball team and another led one of our league's All-Star teams. I learned as much about baseball that season as the kids did!
In 2006, I managed my son's Single A team. What it made it more special was that my team was the Dodgers, the team I grew up with. The manager's role had its challenges, but it was one of the most fun and rewarding experiences I've had. I especially enjoyed watching all of the players on my team, including my son, improve as players. One of the great moments of that year was when we had Little League Day at Angel Stadium. Before an Angels–Padres game, we got to march around the edge of the field. Being able to walk with my son – on Father's Day – was a moment I will always cherish. Today, I am on the board of my son's Little League. I used my experience as a technical writer to put together a manual for our volunteers. I also help out on the field as a scorekeeper and an umpire. I still enjoy watching baseball as well. Last year, when I visited Minneapolis for the STC Conference, I went with my brother to a Twins game at the Metrodome. It was a moment we shared with millions of viewers on ESPN when a camera crew took our picture on the upper deck. Seventy years on, baseball has been an heirloom that our family continues to enjoy. We've created great memories at the ballpark, both watching from the stands and playing on the field. I hope that baseball will continue to be a way that our family can spend time together, enjoy a few moments out in the sunshine, and feel a connection with our past. More of My Writing about BaseballEssays: Blog Entries: Speeches: |
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