I remember the first time I fell in love. Before Kelly Kapowski, Power Rangers, or Pokémon, I was introduced to the game of baseball. I have never known a time in my life where the game of baseball wasn’t my favorite sport. Yes, football, basketball, and soccer are enjoyable but for me there is something different about the game called baseball.

I started playing the game when I was 4 years old. I’m certain my parents were signing me up so I could play with my friends, try out this game, and see if it could hold my interest. I’m even more certain that they could not foresee how much this game would hold my interest.

As a kid who was playing the game, I always dreamed about playing at the next level. I had cousins who were older and they always modeled a better version of the game so I would set out to achieve similar accomplishments and feats. I wanted to be the best I could be at baseball. Competing both physically and mentally was always the challenge and one I was glad to take on. The mental side of the game was always my favorite. Could I outsmart my opponent? If the ball is hit to me what are my options? I wanted to be the best. I never was but I wanted to be. In the moment, baseball was a game of competition and I loved how it brought that element out of me.

Now when I look back on the game of baseball, I see a completely different side of the game and my appreciation somehow increases. The game of baseball has brought lifelong friendships. Occasionally I will run into guys I played baseball with when I was in elementary school. We might not have seen each other in years but because we shared the diamond together I always feel a sense of community and connection. Friends that I played high school ball with will always hold a special place in my mind because of the shared experiences we had on the baseball field. The game brought me lifelong friends.

The game also taught me how to work for things I care about. My high school coach didn’t have to ask me to do things twice. In fact, many times I tried to do things without him having t ask me once. I wanted him to see and know how much I cared about our team, about my development, about this game. I still draw lessons from my time in baseball. All the behind the scenes work and perfecting that it required just so when my number was called, I could answer effectively. I remember when my coach had to leave the team in the middle of the season. He pulled me aside and said “This team is only going to go as far as you take it!” Sure, he could have had that moment with everyone and I not know about it but my mindset on leadership increased dramatically. The game brought me discipline and principles.

Competition, successes, failures, friendships, discipline, etc. have been truly life changing because of this little game. I thought the game of baseball had given me everything it could offer. Then this weekend happened. I sat there on Friday night and watched my son, now 4 years old, take in his first game. He ate it up. What was happening on the field was amazing but what was happening in the seat next to me was beyond anything I’d witnessed. We walked into the stadium and immediately Rhett was taken back by just how wonderful it all looked. We waited on players to autograph his game ball, had a Rays coach use Rhett’s glove for warmups, had Rhett’s favorite player say “hey buddy” to him and wave, and we had hot dogs, coke, and peanuts. The game asked for over 4 hours and my son didn’t miss a beat. He stayed so engaged with every pitch I was beside myself. The Rays rallied from behind and won the game. It was the perfect night.

It was close to midnight as we were heading towards the hotel and tears started forming in my eyes. The night felt bigger to me than just a Rays game. I am not sure how ugh of Rhett’s first game he will remember. He might lose the autographed ball. He might forget the coach used his glove. He might not even remember the method I taught him for how to properly eat the hot dog. He might forget most of the night. His dad never will. The game brought me one of the greatest weekends with my family I could have ever asked for. It gave me a moment in time that will be frozen. Time can and will take a lot of moments and memories from me. This past weekend will not be one of those.

Thanks again baseball. You did it again. You truly are the greatest game.

(PS. Our entire crew went on Saturday. Camilly, Rhett, Colette, and Charity sat beside me for my Fathers Day gift. It was amazing. Camille was every bit as engaged as Rhett the night before and Colette loved the ice cream! It was more than I deserved.)