Not just a game

This has been James fourth season of baseball. It's been fun the last few years to watch James improve and enjoy himself throughout the season. But I knew from the get-go this year that we were in a whole new league. James had three amazing coaches. Jeff Benton- who I would pay in order to have again next year- was the head coach. The assistant coaches Joe and Randy were phenomenal. James has learned more about baseball this year then all three previous years combined. He was explaining to me the other day as he practiced swinging that you shouldn't swing at balls- only strikes- unless the ball was almost a strike inside because then you'll hit towards third base- away from first! Just hundreds of little tips like that- that of course have stuck in his head because James is a hear it once kind of kid.

But beyond anything these coaches could have taught these kids about baseball I was just so impressed at their demeanour with the players. They demanded respect yet gave it back ten fold. They taught but they also listened. One Mom told me yesterday that after a little "pep talk" before one of the players went up to bat her son said, "Coach. You just made me feel like it's the end of the world if I don't hit that ball!" And coach Jeff laughed and said, "You're right Logan. Just go out there and do your best and have fun!" Randy, the assistant, would chase the boys who were on the bench for the inning down the field and back before the inning started- laughing and egging them on to not let the "old man" beat them back to the dug out. The boys loved it! They created a sense of unity between the boys that I've never seen before. I know James is going to miss this team. I don't know that he'll ever have another one like it.

I sat at many games this year and felt uplifted and edified as I watched these grown men and the care and concern they had for each player- each player as sons and daughters of God. That is how they treated them. And no, none of them were LDS. There is good left in this world. Good things that make the fight worth fighting. The battle is not on the field- but in each of these little guys souls. And I know that each player will walk off the field their last game with their gloves reaching a little further, their bats swinging a little faster, and their heads held a little higher because of the dedication of these three men.