Last Updated on December 8, 2023 by The Smetz Files
In this post I write about a boy’s love of baseball.
Ten years ago we took G to his first baseball game.
It was a cold day in March. A midweek game for UNCG, our alma mater.
G was 18 months old. I assumed I would chase him along the concourse that flanks the first base line, just above the home dugout. I packed the diaper bag with all manner of toys and extra snacks thinking there was no way he would sit and watch the game with us.
Captivated
I was wrong! G was mesmerized.
He watched the players intently. He turned his attention to each ping, the sweet sound of the bat hitting the ball. He heard the pop of the ball in the glove with each catch. He pointed to the field and in his toddler gibberish said, ‘ball’ followed by unintelligible grunts, calling our attention to what he saw on the diamond.
G clamored for Jay to hold him, eager for a better vantage point to see the field. He sat atop Jay’s shoulders for several innings, staring at the field and watching each play. He was captivated.
Life on the Diamond
G has seen and played in countless games since. Now when we go to UNCG games he brings his glove and finds a group of kids to play wall ball in Katie’s Corner, or plays a pick up game on the hill next to the bullpen. Even though he’s playing, I find him stopping, watching the play develop on the field, aware of the game situation, and caught up in the game he’s loved for so long.
Our family has a long love affair with the game of baseball. G has his first spring tournament this weekend. We will spend countless hours on the diamond over the next several months, and for our family there is no better place to be.
G, wishing you and your teammates a great season ahead, and may you continue to develop an appreciation for the game you fell in love with ten years ago.
Play ball!
It’s always baseball season at our house! Read other posts about our family’s love and appreciation for America’s game!
