World series is over. Not much of a contest. Pretty one-sided. How often have I watched sports with a lopsided outcome from behind chain link fences?
How Wheelz got his start in T-ball. A little guy without much height or girth got stuck in left field (actually where a lot of us get stuck) where ne’er a ball at that age flies. At bat, it didn’t get much better. He’d run to first after the ball dropped and piddled its way towards the pseudo pitcher. His head reached out like a fine race horse, but soon leaned closer and closer to the ground from the weight of the batter’s helmet, with his little short legs carrying him as fast as he could go to first base.
The next season produced pretty much the same results – a left field resident with a zero batting average at home place. One week he’d told me he was “outstanding in the field.” I kind of wondered if we’d been watching the same game. Then I realized, yes, he bad been out standing in the field all right.
Each week I’d have my own contest – the one where I pleaded with the higher power to let the young boy get a hit. And during the last game of the season, he did. To a rousing roar and standing ovation from the crowd.
He didn’t need help after that. He had developed a love for sports. And a heart, for being one of the hardest players on a team. It was difficult to keep my enthusiasm contained when he walked onto any field. But I had to. Otherwise, he threatened not to tell me where the game was.
He’s older now. His games are more subdued with more mature teammates who still possess younger hearts and a love of the game. Still a hard worker, ending with an 350 average in a recreational league. Not bad. I’m still rooting behind chain link fences.
Related posts:
Print This Post
I can just see you in the bleachers trying to keep from standing up and cheering for him every chance you got!