Play Ball!

1...2...3... Strikes and your out at the old ball game?  Well, not anymore.  On this field there are no umpires, no yelling from parents on the sideline, and no stress to make the game winning play.  There are no endless hours of practice or an ace in the hole in the batting line up.  There is no way to get grass stains, streaks of dirt across your face, or raspberries from sliding into home.

On this field there is laughter and chaos.  There are parents clapping and cheering for every player no matter what team they are on.  There is celebration in the small successes and a sense of pride in the children and young adults.  There is rock music playing during the innings, an announcer with a sense of humor, and a party going on in center field.  There are hundreds of volunteers every Saturday afternoon.  Friendships being formed and so much more then the fundamentals of baseball being taught.

You played on a field today where all were welcome no matter their disability.  The game started just as any game would with the Star Spangled Banner being played and the teams lined upon their respective sides.  I say lined up loosely though as you darted across the pitcher mound, another child was in center field spinning in circles, some were crying because they didn't understand where to turn next, and others stood there with their hands on their chest singing along.  This being the first week the volunteer buddies smiled and knew things can only get better as the season continues.

Then the rock music started and the game was on!  In this game of baseball there are only two innings and every child bats in both and everyone makes it all the way around the bases.  For the team in the field they are each playing their own game with their buddies as they field balls, throw a few rounds, and play some games of chase.  Some of the players were content to sit and watch while others were busy climbing the back fence.  Needless to say it was a sight to be seen.

I took great pride in watching you though as did all the other parents.  Having a child with special needs you miss so many opportunities of what is "normal."  Without this league, the hundreds of volunteers, and the patience of the coaches, I would never have been able to sit on the sidelines and cheer you on for your first baseball game.  I would have never seen you hit your first ball without my help.  I would never have seen you score a run for your team.  It allowed me, and all the parents to sit back and watch.  To put our feet up, talk amongst each other, and simply enjoy America's greatest pastime.

So proud of you and all that you do
Keep On Truckin
Love
Mom