"The Building Stages..."

Saturday the 15th we kicked off our second team practice, picking up a new player--Blake Alvord. The kids were wonderful and despite the weather--it was relatively warm--and the lack of shade and seating spaces for the parents--practice went very well. The kids were very responsive to my instructions and the parents were cordial enough to allow me to teach them and still, support each of the players as they made catches, hit the ball and started the grasp the concept of First Base, Pitchers Mound and Home Plate.

We will meet again on Tuesday the 18th, this time working the kids in positions on the field, introducing second and third base and again, working with the kids on their hitting. I hope to obtain a volunteer parent to work with children on a more one-on-one basis while those who are more settled at the plate, takes cuts.

As I have learned my previous two-seasons as an assistant, children at this level have a very short attention span. You have to be animated and loud to maintain their focus. They all want to play, but you cannot force them. As I explained to one parent this weekend, if you took your child to a playground, you would never have to ask them to "go play." Well, the same rules apply here with baseball. If the child isn't "up for it" during practice, you have to leave them alone. If you participate--helping the coach, clapping and supporting the team as they learn--they will join in. No child wants to be the ONLY kid not on the field gettin' dirty.

Our first game is five days away. I think I am more excited than they are. As much as I love this game and enjoy "winning" and being competitive, I have learned to tone-down my expectations with regards to the win/loss records. As far as Dominic is concerned, he has NEVER lost a game as I believe each child is a winner, for having the courage to be part of the game. I treat baseball like life... the world will throw its curveballs and fastballs and every now and then, a spitball, but you have to stand true within the batters box. Despite being a team sport, the baseball player accomplishes and obtains a sense of individualism as he takes his stance at home plate. It is there his teammates cannot help him; it is there, his parents cannot hit for him. It is there, the child digs deep, learns to ignore the voices within the crowd and boldly takes a swing, giving way to doubt and fear, and when the bat makes contact with the ball....they run...towards victory...towards accomplishment and the nostalgia that comes with tipping the hat towards the crowd and knowing they could do it again…when the time comes, no matter what life throws their way.

Until next time...

~Bobby Ozuna | Richland Youth Association Rascals