Baseball is life!

I love baseball...it is a thinking game...a game of rules...a game of momentum...and a game of heart. I played a lot of baseball in my youth, but of late, I have been blessed with the opportunity to spend most of my free time watching my sons play the game. All of factors mentioned about this game play into how a game proceeds and is ultimately decided...

Situations arise in the course of every game that force players and coaches to think...but, not just a little thinking...a lot of thinking. To bunt or not? To steal or play it safe? If the ball is hit to me, what should I do? Should I change pitchers or pinch hit for a player who might be struggling? Or, is he going to breakout if I leave him in? Making decisions, based on thought, not instinct...what is baseball IQ?

Rules can dictate...what is an infield fly? Why is that a balk? Can a player re-enter? Did the runner tag up after the catch? Should I score that a hit? Of course, there are also those "unwritten" rules...a catcher never turns his head toward the umpire...never get the first out at 3rd or home...always get dirty on pickoff moves...always hustle because someone is always watching...never say never...on any given day, the game can become special.

Flow can change the game...the smallest, seemingly insignificant plays can dramatically impact the game...comebacks happen one hit at a time...a sacrifice bunt or walk can change the flow and impact the outcome of the game...luck happens and when it does, go with it...one hit at a time...put the ball in play...momentum can come from so many twists and turns within the game.

It takes heart to play baseball...the game will knock you down...when it does only those who care will keep trying and succeed...hard to believe baseball is a game of failure, but it is...players don't get hits a majority of the time...even the best pitchers can have rocky outings...what makes a difference? Heart and a love and dedication to this wonderfully frustrating, yet beautiful game makes it what it is...

Baseball is life...I hope my boys learn from it...