“Swing!” I called after I pitched the ball.
Patrick closed his eyes tightly and swung the bat. My aim was good and the ball sailed almost 10 feet. At nearly 3 years of age, his baseball skills needed to be nurtured, but his enthusiasm never wavered. He loved playing at an improvised batting tee, swinging wildly at the ball until he connected, almost by accident. He eagerly retrieved the ball and flayed away again until another hit repeated the cycle.
We played catch. I pitched, he batted and his skills gradually improved. Finally, the spring before his fifth birthday in August, he started his first baseball league and played softball with kids almost a full year older. Although never the star player, he learned eagerly and soaked up his coaching like a sponge. After a few weeks of practice, the games started and boys competed for the sheer glory of victory.
Moms, dads and grandparents loved watching the boys try their best. At around age 5, though, their skills were still developing. Players regularly overthrew and under threw. Called strikes and caught balls rarely occurred. Although most players reached base on walks, the odd hit made the game exciting.
In one game, Patrick played deep right field, about 10 feet off the infield. The batter hit the ball and action exploded. The sharply hit ground ball rolled past the pitcher and second baseman. My son scrambled and caught the ball as the batter rounded first base. Patrick cocked his arm to throw and faced the runner with a steely eye. Unnerved, the runner retreated to first. Patrick threw the ball to the pitcher with the nonchalance of a veteran and the game continued.
After more than 30 years, Patrick still plays ball and still just for the love of the game.
Bill Bartlett lives in Belton with is wife, Sandi, and their two sons.