Knocking off the Cobwebs

Ours is a baseball family. Okay, that's not entirely true, because Ryan also plays basketball, and there is a lot of time devoted to college football and golf by those with y-chromosomes in our crew. But the sport that will always hold a special spot in our lives is the game of the boys of summer.

Kevin played baseball throughout his childhood, and we fell in love listening to the Orioles on the radio, eating ice cream in his El Camino. When we had a son, there was little question that he would be introduced to the game. And when something is taught with the love and enthusiasm that my husband has, one can't help loving it too.

He has coached all of Ryan's teams, starting when he was just a tiny four-year-old playing T-ball. And now parents actually ask to get their sons on his team. He's the kind of coach that inspires kids to strive to be their best. And he not only teaches the "hows" of the game's skills, but also the "whys." I might be a little proud of him... (you think??!!)

This year he has two more dads who have volunteered to be assistant coaches.

Tonight was the first practice of the regular season, and the excitement was hard to miss. But this is just the beginning for our season which will extend well into the end of July thanks to the challenge and All-Star league tournaments that Ryan participates in too.

Ryan is a good pitcher, a really good hitter, an excellent center fielder, and an outstanding base runner (brag much, Anne?). There's a reason that he's the lead-off hitter on every team, and his nickname is "Wheels" because he rolls around the bases so fast.

I've always enjoyed watching him play ball, but over the past few years, as the kids' skills have increased it has become downright exciting. I can't wait to see what this season will bring.