Have You Seen My Baseball?

So I have been experiencing the proverbial "baptism by fire" these past 4 weeks. I am coaching a little league baseball team for the first time. Well maybe that statement is not totally accurate. Years ago,( about 24 or so, not to be too too exact) I assisted coaching my brother David's Minor (or was it Major?) team as Pitching/Catcher coach. It was a lot of fun and actually led me to my first paying job, at a time when I had no social security card , and the economy in the early 80's was pretty bad and very few prospects for summer employment. Nice memories. 

I have to say it is quite a trip to suddenly be "in charge" of directing a dozen or so 6 and 7 year olds , trying to help them develop whatever knowledge you can impart to them , and instill in them your love of what is arguably the greatest game ever invented. 

The biggest eye opening thing for me has been just how simple the phrase "keep it simple" has to be with this age group. Whatever dreams I may have had of showing them how to throw a fastball, or turn a double play, or the ins and outs of the " Infield Fly Rule" were quickly dashed against the rocks with the eager words " but Coach , I want to play Fifth base!"

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