This is my son’s last year under contract. Yes, I told him if he didn’t want to play baseball after this year, he doesn’t have to. Up until this point, which pretty much applies to all the sports he has played thus far, it has been OUR decision. Sure, he enjoys most of the sports, but my wife and I have guided him. However, as he gets older, he’s going to have to WANT to continue to do all these things. At the same time, we know that the time is coming, where he won’t be able to continue to play all these sports… Basketball, Swimming, Cross Country, Track & Field, and Baseball… something will have to give. We’re not there yet though…
Saturday brought the start of the 2024 baseball season. Last year, my son did well, except at the plate; he struggled a bit, which has been the main driver of “not liking baseball” lately. He was among the youngest 11 year olds in the league based on when his birthday falls, and was facing some newly minted 13 year olds on the mound in some cases; an almost two-year difference is a big deal at this age… I think I’ve went over this before. Anyways, let’s see how this season goes. A year older, a year stronger, a year bigger… at least a little bigger; yes, no growth spurt yet… he’s growing, slow and steady. In his first AB, he hit the ball hard; it looked like it was heading towards the left center field gap. The left fielder ran over and made a shoestring catch; pretty impressive for the first game of the season. His 2nd AB was another hard hit ball; this time it was at the 2nd baseman. He knocked it down, scrambled, and threw to first to get my son by a step. Anywhere else, he’s safe; he was busting it down the line looking for his first hit. In his final AB, he struck out swinging; we lost 10-3.
Still, after the game, he was encouraged; I was happy… he should be. He hit the ball hard twice, and then in his third AB, faced a kid throwing pretty hard; he fouled one off before going down, but… not a bad start to the season. Sure, we lost the game too, but that’s OK. We only had 1 practice! I’m just getting to know the kids, and their strengths and weaknesses; it’s all good.
Bottom line, it was the return to baseball; nothing wrong with that. I certainly hope my son signs a new contract, and wants to continue to play baseball, but that’s his call. We wouldn’t have to wait long for our next game, which would be proceeded by his 2nd track meet on Sunday. Full day ahead.
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