A Return-to-Baseball List

You gotta be a man to play baseball for a living, but you gotta have a lot of little boy in you too. -Roy Campanella

Camden returned to Little League for his 10th baseball season this week (this is his own statistic, but I don't actually know if 10 is correct), and I jotted down some thoughts while I watched him practice. By jotting down, I mean that I texted a list to my mom and sisters reminiscent of my steroid days.

(Shameless bragging ahead.)

1. It's a wonder what good coaching can do for a kid. Remember last year's homeless coach in the city league who disappeared less than a month into the season? We've returned to Little League, and I am impressed yet again at the dedicated parents/coaches.

2. There is nothing quite like seeing your child excel. My heart was overflowing as I watched him do something he loves.

3. Camden was offered the opportunity to pitch during the first practice, and he did an awesome job. He did so well that the coaches gathered around him, sent the other kids to the dugout and spent extra time working with him.

4. He is the second tallest on the team. It feels so unfamiliar to be the parent of a big kid.

5. He still kind of runs in slow motion.

6. One of the most obnoxious kids I have ever experienced took every opportunity to make fun of Camden because he attends a Christian school. I am certain this is going to be an opportunity for Camden to show grace and maturity.

7. Several of the boys were very complimentary to him regarding his pitching, and if he told me once, he told me ten times "it was just so encouraging."

8. He mentioned being 99% excited about playing baseball again, but that there is a tiny part of him just excited about that free drink at the finish of every game.

9. Except for the obnoxious kid (see #6), the boys thought it was cool that he's Korean. They asked if he were Chinese or Japanese first, of course.

10. I was so proud of him. Not just for his ability, which was fun, but because he walked into that first practice late (because of church attendance) without knowing a soul, and I know how hard that can be. He was calm, confident, and more self-assured than I have ever seen him.