This kid has always been an Allstar in my book. But, this summer it's written on his uniform.
Because basically Allstars means you do nothing during the entire month of June except play baseball. Nothing. We had tournaments the first three weekends of the month, practices three days a week and another tournament this week. As Seth said a few days ago, we have all learned to love ball this summer whether we wanted to or not. Who am I kidding . . . we all know he was talking to only one of us in particular.
We don't play travel ball or fall ball. We've only ever played rec ball. And we are fine with that. When Mason played t-ball, I honestly didn't expect it to last. I didn't expect him to still be playing rec ball in middle school. I don't know why. No reason in particular, I guess. He enjoyed it enough. He never was the best player on the team and probably not even really a good player. I think he mostly liked dressing in the uniform and being part of a team. And then came 3rd grade. That was the year that we spent so much time in private therapy for speech and reading remediation that we didn't have time for him to play ball. I remember the day I told him that he wouldn't be able to play ball that spring because the game days were the same days as therapy. He just shrugged and said, "Okay." And then he walked away with his head down. But that was it. He never mentioned it again, never complained. So we moved on. Or so I thought.
The following spring, he begged to play. He had graduated therapy that fall. So not only did he wear a uniform again, but we also changed leagues. He played in the outfield that year. He batted at the bottom of the order. And he was happy as a lark. That was the first year that things began to get a bit more competitive. There were some kids on that field who really could play some ball. So the next year rolls around, and Mason's coach puts him on first base. What?! I seriously didn't think he was cut out for that, but I learned a thing or two that year. Mason finally found his spot in the defense. He learned how to play first base, and he did a really good job. He still had a lot of work to do at the plate, but that was the first year it seemed like he was really playing ball. It really was a great season.
We hear ball field horror stories all the time. But we've really not experienced any to that extreme. We've had some good seasons. And then we had a season that wasn't necessarily a horror, but it wasn't good either. It was a season in which we all learned a lot about things other than ball, Mason especially. It was also a season that really had me not looking forward to this one.
I entered this season with a lot of trepidation. But Mason was back on first base again this year, and he pretty much owned it. His bat improved, too. His coaches made it fun.
Fun.
That's been the buzz word this season. I didn't play team sports growing up. There are a lot of reasons for that. First of all, I couldn't hit a basketball with a bat, much less a smaller ball. Second of all, I am the least athletic person you will ever meet. And third of all, sports are not my thing. I do not like to sweat. At all. I do not like to be hot, and I do not like hot weather unless I am in the pool or on the lake. I also do not like to get dirty. At all. My mom said just last week that when I was a kid, I could play outside all day without getting dirty. I played the piano instead. And I read books. Sometimes even outside! So because I didn't play team sports and totally wasn't interested in playing them, I think there are a lot of things I don't understand about playing sports and that mentality.
At the beginning of the season, Seth and I and our friends had a lively conversation at the ballpark. I posed the question, "Would you rather play and lose every game? Or would you rather not play at all?" For me, the answer is obvious. I do NOT want to play and lose every game. I mean, what in the world kind of fun is that?! We've had seasons where we won every game. We also had a season where we lost every game. And it. was. not. fun. At. all. I prefer a happy medium . . . winning some and losing some. I don't know . . . maybe I'm just a poor loser. But I just don't think there's anything fun about losing every game. No thanks. Let's just say I was the ONLY one who held that opinion that evening. And when we lost a game this season, I'd remind them how FUN it was.
Anyway, it was a good season. I missed the final game because I was, like, triple booked that night so Seth captured these pictures. And that reminds me. You know what else I can't deal with? My son on the mound. I mean, he's a first baseman! But, somehow, he ended up on the mound during the last game. He's a lefty so everyone really wants him to pitch. But it makes me so nervous, and I don't think I breathe the entire time. Thankfully, those times have been few and far between.
Mason also had quite a learning curve and a very short amount of time in which to learn. He's been playing mostly left field as an Allstar. They needed an outfielder who could run and get to the ball quickly so Mason's long legs and his speed (when he feels like it) landed him in the outfield. He also had to learn signs while at bat and on base. And, not only that, he had to learn to obey those signs regardless of what he wants to do (like steal a base or two). Let's just say we're still working on that. The practices have been much longer and harder than he's used to. It's been a very disciplined way of playing ball and being part of a team, and I think it's really been such a great experience for him. He has learned a tremendous amount this season and has really continued to improve as a player.
Our first Allstar tournament of the season was interesting. We learned that we would have to be very creative with "outside drinks and food," and a canopy was a must. The following week I promptly went to the Academy and purchased a canopy, and we do not leave home without it! We also learned what it was like to spend all day at the ballpark in 100 degree temps. Have I mentioned I do not like to sweat? And Florida water. Have you ever heard of Florida water? Because I had not until this season (you purchase it at the drugstore), and that's definitely been the buzz word. If it's not already in the dictionary, well, I think it should be added next year. Don't google it though. Because google doesn't understand that it's used to quickly cool you down if you get too hot (you don't drink it). Just take my word for it. (But I'm beginning to wonder if this is just a Louisiana thing?)
We played three games that first weekend. I was so proud of Mason. He hit a triple his very first at bat in the first game and got two RBIs.
One of the boys' moms took some pictures for us last weekend. Because she clearly knows what she's doing! She got some good ones of Mason. I've never really paid a whole lot of attention to his facial expressions while at bat. But this cracked me up.
And, now, just for kicks . . . here's how Allstar teams practice.
(Oh, and I should mention that about six or so weeks ago, Ellie informed me that she liked Mason playing baseball. When I asked her why, she said, "I like their pants." She is FIVE YEARS OLD. What in the world does she know about baseball pants, anyway?! I let it go. Let. it. go. I mean, what am I going to do with her?!)