Opening Day is around the corner. All around the ball park, excitement is building. Every child proudly wears their new ball caps and jerseys advertising their team. As predictable as the rain in spring, the month of April harkens in another Little League season. I spent many evenings and week-ends sitting in the Zionsville Lions Park, watching my kids play. Even though they are all grown-up now, whenever I see children out with their bats and gloves, the memories come flooding in again.
While attending a spring sporting event as a parent, you must be prepared for anything. No matter what the weather prediction, it could change in a moment. My car always contained several pairs of hats and gloves, an extra jacket, umbrellas, folding chairs and blankets. After experiencing the worst sunburn ever on my face during the coldest game, I carry sunscreen in my glove compartment. Who would have thought I needed sun protection when I was bundled up with only my face exposed? Now I know!
Of all the spectator challenges, the very worst in my opinion is freezing rain. You know the kind of rain I mean. It’s not quite cold enough to snow but warm enough to soak you through if you’re not careful. It seems that games are never called unless there’s lightning. I became a master at parking my car in just the right spot to still be able to see the action and stay out of the inclement weather. Such is the life with children in sports.
But it’s not all bad. There were amazing events I’ll never forget like attending the state Lacrosse finals my son’s senior year on the team. Even though they lost to one of their arch rivals, the energy on the field and in the stands was awe inspiring. I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.
However, the most remarkable season occurred unexpectedly with the least likely team. My daughter was playing softball and the girls were really struggling. Everything that could go wrong did go wrong. Until one day their coach, who was one of the girl’s dad, offered up a challenge. If they won the championship in their division, he told them that he would take them all to King’s Island. Little did he know but he set a fire inside those girls!
The team played their hearts out. Instead of losing every game, they began to win a few. My daughter played many positions but primarily she was in the outfield. I remember sitting high on the levee above the park, watching as she made a spectacular catch from left field. The ball was a line drive toward 3rd base just inside enough not to be foul. As it came toward her, she leapt in the air, caught the ball, then rolled. It lay secure in her mitt when she jumped to her feet to a standing ovation from the crowd. She said later that she could hear me screaming her name from the levee.
By the end of the play-offs, the team that no one thought had it in them, was the champion. As soon as the last inning finished, the girls were on their feet yelling, “We’re going to King’s Island!” At the time, I recall thinking-boy, I hope the coach has a plan. But he had no intention of rescinding his promise. Later in the summer, a bus load of ecstatic girls invaded King’s Island Amusement Park like champions of the world.
Ah, if only as adults, we kept this kind of enthusiasm for our Opening Day. What kind of race lies before us? Are we playing like our coach has promised us a trip to King’s Island? Or do we plod through a dreary existence just getting by? Remember…we have a coach who also happens to be the King. He promises an amazing destination much better than any amusement park. This is the best part-he’s already paid our admission. So run your life’s race with joy and determination from start to finish. It’s Opening Day! Play like the world depends on it.
