Extraordinary Stories From An Ordinary Guy: The "'Field of Dreams': Tampah's Loving It" Story

It was an ordinary day. And ...... I didn't know how much I missed it. Just sitting in a lawn chair along the 1st base line, watching the coach line the base paths, pull the uneven wire metal screen over the infield dirt to try to smooth out the rough spots, and putting the old cloth bases in place with a hammer brought back memories from some of the best years of my life. Back in the 70s and 80s, when I coached my kids in both baseball and softball, I did some of the same things, night after night after endless night. And, I just loved it!! Never once did I complain about having to go to the ball field for a game or even practice. Something about the game of baseball that I just can't explain fills my inner being. The thrill of the competition, the joy of winning, the heartbreak of losing and most important of all, watching the smiles and tears of all the kids I coached all were important to me back then. Brought me closer to not only my kids, but to my own childhood when I played on little league team after little league team on endless dirt fields throughout Lancaster county. I was hoping for the day when I could relive it all over again, and today was that day. Went to watch my grandson play hardball for the first time. When I first learned that I would miss his very first game of his life, I was disappointed. Was going to be away on vacation at the time, but I knew I'd be at the first game as soon as I returned. The evening was gorgeous with bright sunlight, temperatures in the 70s, the sound of kids yelling and the crack of the ball hitting the bat. Caden has tried other sports in his young life, but I was hoping he would enjoy baseball as much as I did when I was a young boy, and just to see his enthusiasm and smile when he stepped on the field, I know he enjoys it as much as his Tampah. My sons both played baseball and my daughter played softball and I was privileged to coach all three of them as they grew up. Caden's dad, my oldest son, was a fine pitcher who earned a full scholarship at a Div. 1 University to play ball and if it hadn't been for an injury, may have been a professional ballplayer. He loved the game as I did, but was much better than I was. I was hoping that he would give Caden a chance to play and I wasn't disappointed. He told me that he can see the look in Caden's eyes, when he talks of baseball, that tells him he has the same passion and love for the game. Barb, Caden's mother, told me that when Caden wakes on mornings of games, he gets so excited about playing. What is it about baseball that causes these feelings? Hard to explain. Tonight Caden performed very well with hits every time he came to the plate and a few great fielding plays. At his age level, the coach pitches to the players on his own team. Late in the game, Derek, my son who is helping the coach with the team, pitched a few innings to the kids. What a thrill when Caden came to the plate and Derek got to pitch to him. My wife nudged me and said, "You got to get a photo of Derek pitching to Caden." Already had my camera pointed at them as he threw the first pitch and Caden lined the ball to the outfield. Need I tell you the pride I felt as Caden rounded first base, looked at his dad and smiled and Derek yelled, "Good hit!" to his son. I yelled, "Way to go #28," as I gave him the thumb's up. Yep, I felt younger and younger as the innings progressed. Said to my wife, "I think I'd like to pitch a few innings." Her response, "You wouldn't be able to walk tomorrow!" Maybe so, but the passion and love of the game is still in this old body and soul. And ..... I'm loving it! It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - Check out the photos from the game.