These baseball players are still learning the sport, but they teach so many life skills that are easily forgotten by adults. Their loss Tuesday was forgotten by the time their feet hit the field tonight. These young men were happy to see each other and just thrilled to be able to spend time together working toward a common goal. Everything outside of the baseball field was temporarily put aside. The boys cheered for each other, consoled those who struck out, encouraged each other, directed each other, laughed, hugged, and enjoyed time together. At the end, both teams shook hands, genuinely shared smiles and congratulated each other, and left happy. Dirty, sweaty, and stinky... but happy with a sense of accomplishment.
I learn something at each practice and each game, though the lessons are not always immediately clear. Tonight, though, I saw a group of guys learning how to work together to reach a goal. They are learning to throw to second to get the forced out (work smarter). They are learning to run along the baseline (follow rules). They are learning that they can make a homerun after a strike out (keep trying). They are learning that the world does not fall apart if they drop the ball or make a bad throw (maintain perspective). They are learning that sometimes they get thrown out at the base but their teammates are batted in (compromise).
These are life skills some take for granted but that many people never develop or lose as a result of a series of bad choices and natural consequences. Many felons, for example, have never learned how to be a productive member of society and have never been a member of a positive group or team. THIS is why I enjoy what I do. I get to offer the opportunity to people to be a part of something good, positive and productive, and purposeful. Tonight's game just offered me a different viewpoint.
These minor league (8U) baseball players are learning and practicing some major league life skills. Good job, Deputies!!
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