THE INTRICACIES OF THE GAME

I remember years ago taking our children to the ballpark on a bright and sunny day.

We wore baseball caps, sat in the stands and watched grown men at play.

We’d been sitting for a few innings when I heard my daughter exclaim

“Daddy, this is boring...what do you like about this game?”

It seemed at their young age my children didn’t share my adoration

And I’m sure they weren’t quite ready for a lengthy explanation.

As we basked in the sunshine eating hot dogs with ketchup and mustard on our buns

I could have explained the rules of the game, what are strikes and balls and runs.

I could have taken that opportunity surrounded by my children and my wife

To explain how baseball, if we let it, can teach us about life.

I could have pointed out although it is individual player’s name we scream

Baseball teaches people to work together as a team.

That baseball teaches humility for no matter how hard you work, or what path you choose

Sometimes you’re going to win...and sometimes you’re going to lose.

That baseball teacher perseverance, determination, tenacity and grit

That you shouldn’t worry when you strike out for you’ll get another chance to hit.

That you must endure the slumps in your life and the havoc they may wreak

If you’re also to enjoy the jubilance when you’re on a winning streak.

I wanted to say no matter how many bases you run...no matter where you roam

That life will circle back and you’ll always feel safe at home.

All these thoughts went through my mind as we sat in the park that day

Wondering what to tell my children as we watched grown men at play.

“What do I like about baseball,” I said smiling for suddenly I knew

“What I like best about baseball” I said...is sharing it with you.

Our children are all grown now, as far as baseball...that’s a shame

Because I never got to explain to them the intricacies of the game.