Baseball, finally.

AKA: Be careful what you wish for!

Greetings!

I thought the winter would never end. I felt for a while like I was living at the Garden and visiting home occasionally. There was indeed a lot to be thankful for like lots of work, mild weather, no snowblower accidents...but I was all done with the brown and grey world I occasionally stepped out into between other things. I was ready for the green grass and the warm air. April finally came and off to Fenway I went.

I have been helping to coach my kids teams since they started and this year there was a shortage of coaches so I took a team of my own. They wifey offered to help out so I got me a new glove and gave her my old one that was broken in already. You know, even thought the new glove is almost broken in at this point I still like the old one better. I think if I ever have the occasion to play fat guy softball I'd have to go with the old one but I'm sure the new one will eventually become as reliable. It's a tough process breaking in a new glove. Not just the work of it but enduring the stiffness and having balls pop out of it as I'm teaching kids how to play a fly ball. It really doesn't add to my credibility if you catch my drift.

3 new gloves in the breaking in process and old faithful in the back. 

Alex moved up a league and was ready so we got him a new glove and Ethan want's to be a catcher when he isn't pitching so I picked up a mitt for him. The one the league provided last year was like a board, kind of takes the catching right out of catching! The breaking in process involved a lot of ball throwing and mallet pounding, both good exercise, also lots of lanolin oils and clamps. I've never had such soft hands. (From the oil not the clamps!)

The team is a nice bunch of kids who are really coming along. Amy is learning lots about the game and manages the dugout and keeps score. A couple of other parents help out and we try to have a lot of fun with it. Here's the "official" team picture this year:

The 2012 BYB West League Padres

They have no problem staying loose.

Alex plays in the next league up and they have enough coaches so I get to sit back and enjoy his games. Occasionally I've volunteered to run the scoreboard but it's easy and you get the best seat in the house! The chain link obstructed view really isn't as bad as the picture makes it look. You're right on top of home plate with a comfortable chair and a snack bar directly below you. Kinda nice actually.

So, between working the games when the Sox are at home, two little league games and one practice a week for each of the boys that's pretty much been May for me. June looks to be much of the same so if you need me you know where I'll be. Bring a glove though, foul balls hurt!