Tee Ball Time

Well, after four and a half years, B's (or more accurately the hubby's) dreams have come true.  He had his first day of tee ball.  B has loved playing baseball since he was old enough to hold a ball.  But when the time came for the first day, he was a bit anxious.  Once he found out we had registered him, he decided he did not want to play.  Our response?  Tough, buddy.  You're playing.  But after showing him a couple of pictures of friends' kids playing tee ball, he was a bit more open to it.  Then we went to meet the coach.  Going to the field and getting to run the bases gave him the bug.  By the time practice day rolled around (3 LONG days later), he had tee ball fever.  We went shopping for cleats the morning of practice, and his excitement reached a frenzy.  Finally, after supper (which he could hardly eat) it was time for practice.

Now, if you have ever watched 3- and 4-year-olds playing tee ball, it is quite a scene.  One kid is batting, and all the rest of the players are out on the field waiting to attack the first ball to move in their direction--or in any direction.  B was out in the field with his glove, but I think he thought he was supposed to wait until the ball came right to him.  He looked at me when a very exasperated expression, held out his hands and said, "I'm not getting to play."  After chuckling to myself (and a little out loud), I told him he would have to go get the ball.  It wasn't just going to come straight to him.  That was all it took.

He is the one in the red ball cap among the herd of children chasing the ball.  After at least 30 minutes of fielding the ball, it was his turn to bat.  Shockingly, he did not even ask once when it would be his turn to hit.  He seemed surprisingly content to retrieve and roll back the ball.  BUT his turn at bat was truly thrilling.  And, not to brag, but he was one of the best hitters on the team.

After the team ran the bases, they huddled together for a "Red Team" cheer and were dismissed.  He was so proud of himself.  And I must admit, Pop (who tagged along to watch) and I were proud of him too.  He can't wait for his next practice!