The Things I Learned Today

Most of you know that I worked with baseball teams starting in high school and continuing on through college. I have several "guys" who now play or coach in the MLB and I'm proud to say that along the way I gained some pretty decent baseball knowledge. I can take stats well enough that people in the scouting sector ask to review them for their own records, I can string a glove between innings, and I'm pretty good at making sure there is always candy in the dugout. (especially pink Starburst heheheh) I can honestly say, I understand and "get" baseball.

Up until today, if anyone had asked me if I know most of the rules, regulations and terminology that there is to know about the sport I would have answered "yes". I really feel that the number of games I have seen has exposed me to pretty much every scenario that could play out on that field. Today, my knowledge was challenged.

Today was Jeffrey's first t-ball game. All I can say is WOW. Now that is a game of baseball I have never ever seen before and it brought to light some new ideas and concepts of the sport that I had never before considered.

TERMINOLOGY:
For the most part the terms used in baseball are standard and used across the board. In t-ball these terms are taken to a level that I never realized they could be taken to.

"touch the base" in baseball means to step on the base as you run past. In t-ball it means bend down and touch it with both hands and make sure your mom sees you doing it by waving.

"run home" in baseball means to run from first to second to third and then run to home plate. In t-ball it means find mommy in the stands and run to her as fast as you can.

"hit the ball" in baseball means swing the bat and make contact with the ball changing the direction in which it is traveling. In t-ball it means take your bat and at all means necessary hit the ball beating it till it moves. It doesn't matter if it is on the ground, on the tee or in the air, just HIT THE BALL. (direction of where the ball goes also does not matter)

"throw the ball" in baseball indicates for whoever has the ball to throw it to the base where a runner is advancing. In t-ball it means "THROW THE BALL!" Direction, speed, and height are no object. Just throw the silly ball and get it out of your hands.

"put your glove on" in baseball means to put your glove on the hand it was intended for so you can field baseballs as they are hit to you. In t-ball this is not limited to the hand intended. The glove is technically "on" if it is on your foot, head, opposite hand or if you are trying to hang it from your ear.

"slide" in baseball is used when a runner needs to get under a tag or advance just a bit faster than he would if running upright. In t-ball this term is used as a fielder, runner, catcher, or someone sitting on the bench. Also note, the better your slide the more "dugout credit" you earn from your teammates.

"watch the ball" in baseball indicates that you are supposed to watch the ball so you know if it is being hit in your direction so you can field it properly. In t-ball this command does not have any additional instructions. Technically all the coach said was to watch the ball. He never said pick it up, throw it or even move for that matter. Mouth breathing as you watch the ball is also a must in t-ball. (please note: after witnessing this chain of events today I think it best if we refrain from using the phrase "keep your EYE on the ball" at this level. No telling what events will follow that command)

"run" in baseball is typically used as a cheer for a runner advancing bases. In t-ball it is a suggestion. No need to run if it is past your nap time, if you need a snack or if you just plain don't care anymore (pretty much anything after the first 2 innings). Walking is totally optional as is scooting on your bottom, dragging your feet in the dirt to make "monster tracks" and it is completely acceptable to sit on the base once you arrive to take a much needed "time out" before advancing.

I'm sure as the season progresses I will be educated even more in this sport that I really thought I understood. I feel so blessed to have such an education under my belt. I know I am now better prepared for Bubba's first season. To those of you who have never experienced a t-ball game. GO TO ONE. Find a neighbor, student or enroll your own child. This will remove all need for television. Record what you see and watch it over and over. I promise Hollywood only WISHES they could produce such comedy.