By Josh:
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about my time as a player, coach, fan and soon to be coach again. I’ve been thinking about all the times I got frustrated with the game of baseball and the reasons why I eventually just gave up on it. I’ve also been thinking about all the laughs and fun times I had in and around the game.
You see I have a 4 year old daughter who will be playing t-ball next year and I will be the coach. Also, my wife is pregnant and I’m really hoping it is a boy so I can coach baseball.
I want to teach my kids that baseball is a game. A game that not everyone gets to play but everyone can love and enjoy. I want them to realize that every game you play or watch is great. Doesn’t matter if you win by 20 or lose by 20, the game is great.
I know as a player I forgot that way too often. I believed that the game was only great when I was great. I didn’t realize that the game isn’t great because of one player, one coach, one team or even one league. The game is great because of every single individual who is connected to it. The super star player is no more important to the game as the crazy fanatic fans who heckle players. The mom who drives her son or daughter out to the ball field is just as important as the owner of a major league team.
Every person in and around baseball adds something to the game. Yes, I do normally have more fun watching talented players like Felix Hernandez, Mike Trout, and Bryce Harper more than the guys in the local beer league. Local beer leagues can be fun though. However, that doesn’t mean that without those guys the game of baseball is over. Baseball is more than one person.
This weekend I will get the chance to go watch 8 colleges compete for the NWAC Championship here in Longview, WA and I just hope that every fan, coach, player and even myself remembers that every game of baseball we get to watch or play in, doesn’t matter if it is t-ball, college or pro, is a beautiful thing. A work of art that although may be similar to other works of art, is unique and amazing on its own.
Baseball is great, and every game needs to be seen and respected that way.