May 24 2007
Hit, Dash, and Splash (Pic of the Week)
Ben poses in uniform before the game.
And then he cuts up a little.
(click any pic to enlarge)
A little pre-game dance.
Ben’s interest lasts about an inning and a half, and at his latest game he didn’t even want to take his final turn at bat (they play three innings or 50 minutes). When he’s into it, he seems to enjoy it, and that’s what matters.
Being number 12 means actually being placed twelfth in the batting lineup. I’m going to suggest they shake up the batting order a bit so the same kids aren’t waiting so long every time. He does the worst when he’s standing near the other kids, near the bats, with nothing to do.
Ben hits the ball (and a little of the tee). Shannon, her mom, and her stepfather (right to left) look on. Then, Ben squats on first like any attentive base runner should.
It was a little discouraging when on defense, instead of watching the batter and the ball, Ben was squatting down to trace designs in the dirt. I picked him up a few times and told him to stand and watch the batter, but he never asked to play tee ball, so I didn’t force the issue.
When he did decide to field the ball, he ran fast and almost fought his teammates over it. His glove and the ball had plenty of time to get to know each other before Ben finally threw it to first. He’ll come around.
My two favorite numbers, running after the ball. Note the footwear.
Don’t get me wrong; other kids let their attention wander, too. At one point I figured, hey, if you can’t stop him, take pictures. One parent looked at me like I was crazy. I just shrugged and snapped another frame.
Ben and the other dozen or so were the Rangers. The game before this one (not pictured), the opposing team were the Cardinals, decked out just like the same from St. Louis. They’ve been my team since the days I actually followed baseball. I whispered to Shannon, “Do you think they have any open spots on their team?” Ben would look much cuter in the Cardinals uniform.
Oh well. A dad can dream.
“Good game, good game.” (photo by Shannon)
We had a good time, and then rushed off to a three-year-old birthday party for some real fun. Outdoor water toys? Constant movement? Whoo-hoo!
Ben improvises by filling a cooler with water. I love it when he freestyles.
To all Americans reading this, have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend, but don’t forget to actually remember the folks who have died in our nation’s service.
I love how much you really seem to enjoy and appreciate your family.
AT such a younge age it’s no wonder that he can’t devote his entire focus to the game - his attention span hasn’t developed that far yet! But he’s getting the gist, and that’s a very cool thing.
These are great Mark….the second one of him cutting up reminds me of the pic of you with the hoola hoop! :) Don’t you think? Looks like it was a great day all around!
I love the one of him over his pictures in the sand. I remember when our oldest (now 13) first played soccer….everyone was down at on eend of the field and there she was…picking up sticks and playing in the middle of the pitch. :)
Good times!
I’m with Anna… I love that second picture of Ben! *ROTFL*
Sounds like he’s having fun, as is his dad!
Have a great weekend Mark, and you too Shannon and Ben!
Please excuse the introspective moment, but today’s post, and that fifth picture, remind me of the hard game parents have to play in foisting certain things on their kids, ostensibly for their development, and balancing that with allowing the wee things their freedom to experience and develop on their own. Standing on defence in the infield and preferring to draw in the dirt is a perfect example of that, combined with, “…but he never asked to play tee ball, so I didn’t force the issue.”
We all want our kids to be strong in the organisational and social skills that these sorts of activities foster, but individual preferences can’t be overrun either. Or at least, in my mind, shouldn’t be.
Hooray for Slip ‘n’ Slides!!
Jay - We have some friends whose kids’ attention spans are a bit superior to Ben’s, so sometimes it’s tough to remember that. I can say this: I’ve seen much shorter.
Anna - Hey! There are shades of the hula hoop picture. Good call.
I admit, though, I’m a bit confused that your oldest played on a soccer team that featured a pitcher. The only position name I know for sure in soccer is goalie, but is there a pitcher?
Dave and Anna - We definitely had fun! Even when Shannon rushed to get Ben back from the potty in time for his second at-bat.
Simon - I focused more on that aspect of it at first, but then figured I would play up the positive side. Sometimes I worry too much about things, and this was my first valiant effort at avoiding that. I was very good at sampling various sports when I was a kid (I did play a whole season of each that I tried), but as far as I remember I chose to play. The parental units taught me to finish what I start (of course my mileage on that varied in later years). The situation for Ben right now is slightly different, so we’re just taking it as it comes.
At this age, kids don’t know what’s out there so you just kind of shove them into something and see how they like it. Considering some of Ben’s tendencies, I’m afraid when he finds out (American) football is an option for little kids, he’ll say, “You mean I can tackle people all I want and not get in trouble? Sign me up!”
I’m crossing my fingers that soccer (or anything) preempts that.
It is hard to find that line between trying to instruct your children and letting them have fun. I’ve done much better with number two than I did with number one. Sounds like you found the line early.
Great photos too. The two favorite runners photo made me do a double take. Once the ball looked like it is in the air, then it was on the ground. Pretty cool.
BK - I always like feedback from those with more experience.
That photo is tricky at first. I should have removed the shadow under the ball to really mess with people’s heads!
All - I’m away from computers for probably the rest of the day, and maybe most of the weekend.
Be good and good to yourselves.
Mark, judging by your narrative, you and Shan walk that line about the same way that my wife and I do. You have to expose the kiddies to things they wouldn’t normally find on their own (at that age), but then stand back a little and respect their response to it.
My wife’s attitude is exactly the same concerning football. She’ll currently do anything short of chaining the boys to the house to prevent them from discovering that wonderfully high-impact game. Don’t even get her started on rugby. (Which I loved playing the one season I participated in high school.)
The more you expose kids to, the better chance they have to find their heart’s desire.
Sheesh Linda, that was brilliant. Now go to bed.
Yes, let’s remember to honor those who have sacrificed their lives for our country. And be safe.
Simon - You and I have something in common? Who would have thought that? ;-)
Linda - That was very well said. A good one on which to finish the day.
Pitch is what the British call a soccer field….”the pitch”… :)
Anna - I learned something today.
So, to get an idea of just how converted you are, if I heard you speak, would I think you sound British?
Heck no……I am totally American….I just may use some different words….
I will do a post on it for you tonight! :) Check it out later on!
Anna sent me here… and how fun to see pictures of your little boy playing baseball! They remind me of my own son’s lessons when we lived in the US!
Sorry I wasn’t around to say this earlier…but “excellent post” and quite a lively discussion too. Kudos, Mark.
The photos are great.
Obviously, Moonshot and I haven’t had to deal with this sort of issue yet, but I hope to take a similar track. Norah starts gymnastics in about two weeks and that should be good practive. An extremly lightly structured class that basically just gets th ekids used to what their bodies can do and what fun some of the equiptment can be. By the time team sports roll around..I should be well trained in the art of “just let ‘em have fun”
My folks were very much into letting me pick my own way. They wanted me to practice my sports since I had made a commitment to my team…but they never pushed me to play anything specific or to stick with a musical intrument, say. I kinda wish they would have been a bit more strict on that front. I’m still a bit wishy-washy with such things and often envy my wife’s freakish drive. S’all ’bout balance, I suppose.