Deja vu

It’s finally come to this , it’s the moment as a parent that you dread and relish . After a thoroughly enjoyable introduction to kids single A baseball in the country of its origin ,your kid is sent into bat to win the game . Oh Geezus , poor old Leroy was in this position just on a week ago . And guess what ? It’s the same opposition , same scoreline ( 7 to 6 , 2 men out and bases loaded . Last innings ) . Rewind back . You remember the painful finish and the tears . Having being caught out in the deep by an excellent catch from arguably the comps best player . Leroy dragged me home that night and practised until dark , in fact he hasn’t let up since . He’s been rehearsing for this moment all week , and by a ridiculous quirk in the draw and unfolding of the game , the moment of redemption has arrived . I got up this morning and I thought ” this is it , I think the seasons gonna finish tonight ” , thank god . All game we have the upper hand and then a beautiful hit over 1st base to the fence by our best hitter has given us 4 runs and almost certain victory . But wait ….. the ref didn’t see it as he was watching 2nd base . The refs are young too , probably 11 or 12 . Confusion reigns as each coach debate the call . It’s decided it’s a foul , the 4 runs are rescinded . Most people can’t believe the call , but it’s kids sport and as adults it’s not our game . I smile to myself , it’s meant to be . The pitch is replayed and our kid hits it in the air and is caught , finishing the innings . We are 2 runs behind now with 1 out . I look to the dugout and suddenly get very nervous . I’ve estimated that Leroy is 4 kids down the order and may just likely get to bat to win or lose . And fast forward …. here it is . I’m standing back now , I look over at Emma in the grandstand and she’s as stiff as a board , eyes fixated and I can see her throat swallowing . This is the biggest crowd so far , as families from beaten teams and finished games have all converged . This is great theatre but it also isn’t fair . One kid should not be put under so much pressure . Leroy strides out , and the advice from over the fence comes quick . The coach pauses play and gives (Leroy ) him a pep talk . Then it goes quiet . He’s always measured , clinical almost . He watches the 1st ball . ….. Maybe the season isn’t over . Suddenly I feel calm . Yep it’s his turn . He’l hit it well , I’m convinced . And he does , it blasts along the ground ….. one problem. The same kid ( a year older and foot taller ) from last time is there . He scoops the ball up ( no easy feat for most at this level ) and sprints to 2 nd base and affects the runout . Season over . Like the scene from a week ago , the kids pile onto Jimmy , whilst Leroy looks on distraught . …. This time it’s different . Leroy holds his tears and accepts that it wasn’t his fault . Sometimes sports is about doing your best and putting yourself out there . They are only kids , and this is a scenario that will come again . We will all enjoy the journey and maybe the hard work and want will eventually yield a different result . He and they are only kids , and only 5 minutes later they are playing around and laughing , already letting go of what just happened . Just wish I could. It’s good to be a kid . On a side note : this kids baseball season has been a great experience , one of the highlights of living in the US . You pinch yourself sometimes and ask if this is real ? Can I really be here watching my kid play a sport that is a National love in the biggest country in the world ? Can’t wait for next season .

Heres a little video from a couple of days ago , different game . Just wished Tex would play a local sport , he likes physicality ….. not endorsed here .