I Like Little League?

Yes, it's a question, and a question that I am still asking myself, pinching myself to see if it's real. You see, ever since I brought a boy-child into the world almost six years ago, I dreaded the start of Little League.

My husband, a confirmed sports nut and baseball fan, knew that he wanted his son to play baseball.  There was no question about it.

But I had friends with older sons who were involved with the sport, and it seemed that it took over their lives: several games and/or practices each week with a schedule that varied from week to week and games that stretched long into the night.

My daughter has played soccer since she was a preschooler, and that I could handle.  Until she entered U10, it was very simple: one hour-long game each week and one hour-long practice.

Upon entering U10 and now U14, the field got bigger and the games and practices got a little longer, but it was still predictable and manageable.  As the team got older, their playing got better and more interesting to watch, so the extra time paid off.

Baseball?  Well, baseball is just boring (I know some of you are saying "Them's fightin' words" -- so go ahead and try to set me straight in the comments).

This year my son's kindergarten classmates signed up for Newtown Babe Ruth Baseball, and we joined in, committing to an hour-and-a-half long practice or scrimmage each week, along with another hour-and-half long scrimmage on the weekend.  I was reluctant but willing.

Their first two practices were held inside at the Newtown Youth Academy turf field, and my husband reported that my son Kyle did more than his fair share of rolling around in the grass.   Two weeks later they had their first practice outside on the real baseball fields, and a new distracting element was introduced – dirt. 

One boy stood in the outfield and filled his glove with the red soil.  One dug up a base.  My son seemed to take every opportunity to fall down, and then roll around a little.

"I drew a person, and I wrote my name," he reported, having found the fun that the dirt offered.

What was I doing all this time?  Was I looking at my watch and sighing?  Waiting for the minutes to tick down?  Doing the drop-and-run? 

No. 

Like the other parents, I was watching, laughing, and gasping in amazement when they actually made a play.  Yes, I am enjoying Little League.  In fact, dare I say that I actually look forward to his games and practices.

The boys are absolutely adorable.  All but two of the boys in his class are on his team, so it's been a great opportunity to get to know the parents and Kyle's classmates a little better. 

I am impressed with the commitment of the coaches.  At each game and practice, there are at least three coaches for our team of 13 5- and 6-year-old boys.  The teams we've scrimmaged have had a similar level of involvement on the field.  The small ratios insure that they really are learning to hit, field, and run the bases. 

They are gaining skill, and they are having fun. 

And me? 

I'm having fun too.  Little League reminds me what I like about this town and our community.