The wacky world of baseball is upon us again, and this season finds us as busy as ever watching our younger grandson play tee ball for the first time and our older grandson demonstrate the skills he has been learning for the last few years.
Oh, my! Things get competitive in a hurry. At the age of four, it's not uncommon to see a coach pick up a batter and carry him to first base. Parents are on the field to make sure the players are sort of doing what they are supposed to do. Everyone is smiling, laughing, and applauding for everything. It is just all so cute.
Seven year olds are quite serious when it comes to baseball. Parents are still supportive but are on pins and needles hoping that their kids hit and catch the ball. Kids this age are already putting a lot of pressure on themselves and are frustrated when they don't do well. At the age of seven, the tee is gone, and the rules are enforced. The coach is still allowed to pitch the ball, but other than that, it's a very competitive game.
I love the games and attend as many as I can. It amazes me how much things change from year to year and the increased expectations that come with each season. I am reminded of the time that my mother insisted that I try out for the tennis team when I was in high school. I walked into the tryouts with a new racket convinced that I would be chosen. The only big negative was that I had never played tennis before. Needless to say, I didn't make the team. It's all about the competition, and other students had a lot more experience than I did.
My older grandson and his friend love watching their younger brothers play. It's hard for them to remember that they were once inexperienced baseball players. They think it's funny that the players don't always know what to do. Experience does make a difference. For me, I'd have to be the one hitting off of a tee.
