|
Getting to first base Like many parents in North Carolina, mine enrolled me in tee-ball at age 5. I have few memories of the practices, but I do remember my first game. The field was wet and covered in puddles from a spring rain. As I stepped up to take my first turn at bat in what would end up being a less than illustrious tee-ball career, my coach Mr. Knight walked up and whispered encouragingly in my ear. He said, while pointing to a large puddle in the path to first base, “Alright, son, after you hit the ball, run around that mud puddle right there as fast as you can.” Eager to please, I drew back my bat and smacked the ball off the tee. I paused, amazed at how hard and fast the ball had taken off. Then I heard my coach’s gruff voice yelling, “Run!” I took off toward first base and soon encountered the mud puddle. I began furiously running circles around the mud puddle. Excited that I was following my coach’s instructions, I was unaware that the other team was getting close to retrieving my ball. After several more circles, I spotted my coach frantically telling me to move on to first base. I made it an instant before the first baseman caught the ball. The many parents and others gathered to witness this grand event were highly amused by my puddle-circling skills. Now at age 37, I rarely see Coach Knight, but when I do, he always reminds me of my illustrious sports day many years ago. Roger Brandon, Fleetwood, Blue Ridge Electric |
|
