Let's Play Ball

Yesterday marked the beginning of Corbin's little league season. To say I have been dreading baseball season is an understatement. Having never played baseball or softball growing up, I am not familiar with the baseball culture, and baseball definitely has its own culture! I find little league intense with hardcore baseball parents, which I do not really relate to. The time commitment alone is overwhelming-about 6 hours a week for a 6 year old, compared to 3 hours for soccer. Let me be clear, I do LOVE watching Corbin play, developing new skills, playing on a team, and ultimately getting better and having fun. There really is nothing better than watching your child play a sport and succeed and have fun doing it. I just do not, as a whole, love baseball (yet).

The other reason I have been dreading the baseball season is this year Corbin is moving up to coach pitch verses another season of t-ball. He had the choice of which one he wanted to play. He decided to play coach pitch. I was nervous about his decision. I knew he had the skills, but was worried he would put too much pressure on himself. We have had a few meltdowns in his two past t-ball seasons. The first year of t-ball, Corbin would go to the plate, all eyes would be on him and he would freeze, begin crying, and would leave the field. It was awful. After our first experience, I was surprised when the following spring Corbin asked to play again. The second season was MUCH better. He thrived, learned a lot and really enjoyed the season. That was until the last game when instead of hitting from the tee, the coach pitched to them. Corbin had been practicing at home hitting the ball with Mark and did quite well, but at the last game, he was excited and never did hit the ball. He was so upset with himself that he started screaming, kicking and crying and refused to leave the plate. It was not pretty. I have been bracing for another year full of meltdowns at the plate if he was unable to hit the ball.

BUT after just one practice all that has changed. I am no longer nervous about the season, but instead EXCITED. Corbin's coach seems great. He has a lot of experience and knows how to coach this age group. He presented a wonderful coaching philosophy of encouraging and challenging the players through praise and pushing them to play their best. He had some very valuable drills, Corbin learned so much in just one practice AND Corbin had a smile on his face the entire time. Furthermore, I realized just how much Corbin has matured since last season. After practice, Corbin talked about not always being able to hit the ball and that would be OK, that he is just learning. He told me his goal for the season was to play his best and to have fun- And I believe in him.

So, I am ready for the season- and maybe one day not too long from now, I too will be one of those hardcore baseball parents. Or maybe not. Either way, Let's Play Ball! GO REDS!!