Baseball

Baseball

Brighton just finished his Spring baseball season. His 3rd season so far. The team he was on for two seasons in the past seemed like good teams. We won some, lost others and Brighton learned some of the fundamentals. By the end of season 2 he was getting hits most at bats against the pitching machine. Because Brighton turned 9 in March he had to move up to the kid pitch league. In this league they have tryouts and then sort the kids based on their abilities. Watching the boys at tryouts Brighton was certainly the small fish in the big pond both in size and talent.

Brighton was placed on the Sea Dogs. I took him to one of the early practices and hung around to see if I could help but there were already 4 coaches/dads actively and more knowledgeably coaching the boys. We learned that the boys on the team have played together for some time now. I guess they had an opening on the team and since they were a good team they were assigned Brighton.

Poor Brighton had a lot to learn this season (judging balls from strikes, one less player in the outfield etc.) but he made excellent progress. He got a few hits, got on base several times, got hit by a pitch, and made a few good plays in the field. His throwing and catching has improved dramatically. He may be the weakest player on the team but it is only because the other boys are older and have more experience.

Brighton was sad to learn that the boys on his team will be moving up to the next age bracket in the fall as they are turning 11. If he decides to play again he'll start over on a new team.

I can't say enough about the boys on his team. They were very supportive and very encouraging all the time even when Brighton struck out and especially when he did well.They are good boys.

I think it says a lot about the coaches. All good men who wanted to teach the boys a love for the game of baseball and how to treat others kindly. Having coached Brighton's team last season I know that it is difficult to coach a boy who isn't good and who may not want to be there. I don't doubt Brighton had those moments and wasn't always focused but everyone was still supportive. Another thing I was grateful for was that the boys took equal turns sitting the bench and the rotations were fair. The coach wasn't playing the best boys to win games, he seemed to stick to the same rotation and we happened to win.

Another thing I appreciated was the faith of this team. They aren't the same faith as us and don't pray exactly the same way we do, but that doesn't matter. Showing gratitude and faith is great for kids that age regardless of how it's done. It was refreshing to be on a team that ends each practice and game with a prayer. After one game I offered Brighton a donut if he volunteered to say the prayer. He ran over and sat right in front of the coach on the ground and when the coach asked for a volunteer Brighton shot his hand up and waived it right in front of the coach's face. He said a great prayer and at the next game his coach asked him to offer the prayer again.

As it turned out Brighton's team finished in first place after the regular season. In the double elimination playoffs they lost their first game to the Rockies and their "stellar" pitcher Jojo. The Sea Dogs kept winning games and I got off work early, missed scouts, and other commitments to support Brighton. And they kept winning. Then we meet the Rockies again and beat them! But since they hadn't lost we had to play again and lo and behold we beat them again! Brighton was on the Championship team! It was great to watch the boy celebrate their win.

I know Brighton was happy and proud of his team. As a father I am proud of him and so thankful for the boys and coaches on his team that allowed him to be a part of this season. I know Brighton may not have added as much value as other players but this experience has given Brighton a great example of teamwork, respect, and support. I know he will cherish it. As his dad, I know I do.

Thank you Sea Dogs. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.