Just a note from the editor about an awesome new person in Cole's life.
Baseball season has been off to a rough start this fall. Cole moved up a league and went from being the star, to being overwhelmed with 3 hrs. of practice, very intense Dads and very serious teammates. He was actually hinting about quitting this sport which he has loved for the past 2.5 years and it was breaking our hearts. Mark doubled up on backyard practices and I was just really trying to make it less intense and more positive for him. Yesterday was our first game, well first 2 games actually. It was the hottest day of the summer and we were at the ball park from 4-8 pm. Cole still swings at every pitch so struck out his first two times at bat and fought tears on his way back to the dugout both times. He was disengaged in the field (played in the sand which he hasn't done since he was 5) and just seemed to go through the motions fielding the ball slowly and throwing it casually to first. I actually prayed when he went to the plate the third time for him to just connect with the ball. Prayer answered and ball delivered DEEP into center field for a triple AND the game winning run for the Cubs. It was just what he needed and I was over the moon to see the smile return to his face.
Game two saw three more strikeouts, but when I left with B at 7:30 he was still positive and just looking to make an out. Our plan was to get one solid hit and make one out for his team at these first games. When he came home at 8:15 he presented me with a giant smile, reports of an easy out at 3rd and THE GAME BALL! This is where I tear up because I know there were many boys on that team who made bigger contributions yesterday, but somehow Coach Harry knew my boy needed that ball.
So here's a big shout out to the really good coaches out there who not only teach fundamentals, but reach out when kids need it and inspire them to give it their best.
Thank you Coach Harry!
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