Mr. Baseball

Southeastern Baseball began a few weeks ago. And if there ever was a boy more eager to play than Josh, I would be dumbfounded. He received a new bat bag from my parents for Christmas and it has been fully stocked with his bat, mitt, batting gloves and helmet since we returned from Utah. I guess you could say he was a bit excited.

This season is the first that Josh will be playing solo. No Matt, no Trey. After little thought, they both realized that baseball was not their thing and they would much rather play spring soccer than slog through another intense four months on the diamond. I say, "Hallelujah!" The last thing I want to do is drive boys around to countless practices and games and sell 6 $10 discount cards apiece, if they don't LOVE it. Sit this year out- fine by me. I'll take simple YMCA soccer over 2 1/2 hour 9 year old minor league (kid pitch) games any day.

Just to illustrate the point a bit further, here's the list of practices Josh's coach sent out two weeks ago:

Mon, 3/16 - 5:30 - Veterans - Soggy Bottom or CagesThurs, 3/19 - 6:45 - Veterans Rookie FieldSat, 3/21 - 4:00 - Ballard FarmMon, 3/23 - 6:45 - Veterans Rookie FieldWed, 3/25 - 6:45 - Merrick ParkSat, 3/28 - 7:30 - Veterans Rookie FieldFri, 4/3 - 5:30 - Ballard FarmSat, 4/4 - 9:00 - Veterans Rookie FieldSun, 4/5 - 1:00 - Merrick ParkTues, 4/7 - 6:45 - Veterans Rookie FieldThurs, 4/9 - 5:15 - Merrick ParkSat, 4/11 - 3:00 - Ballard FarmSun, 4/12 - 2:30 - Veterans Rookie FieldSun, 4/19 - 5:30 - CrosbySun, 5/3 - 5:30 - MeadowbrookSun, 5/17 - 2:30 - MeadowbrookSun, 5/31 - 1:00 - Crosby

And if that wasn't enough, here's the game schedule (tournament not included):

Tuesday, 4/14 - 5:30 vs. CardsSaturday, 4/18 - 4:15 vs. White SoxMonday, 4/20 - 5:30 vs. BravesSaturday, 4/25 - 3:00 vs. RaysMonday, 4/27 - 5:30 vs. Red SoxThursday, 4/30 - 7:00 vs. GiantsSaturday, 5/2 - 10:45 vs. TigersWednesday, 5/6 - 7:00 vs. RedsSaturday, 5/9 - 6:45 vs. AngelsTuesday, 5/12 - 7:00 vs. MetsFriday, 5/15 - 5:30 vs. AstrosSaturday, 5/16 - 10:45 vs. YankeesSaturday, 5/23 - 9:30 vs. AngelsTuesday, 5/26 - 5:30 vs. OriolesThursday, 5/28 - 7:00 vs. D-backsSaturday, 5/30 - 12:00 vs. White SoxFriday, 6/5 - 5:30 vs. CubsSaturday, 6/6 - 6:45 vs. Tigers

Like I said, I think you've got to want it.

Another thing, Josh was supposed to be part of the huge tryout process because this is his first year in Rookie (coach pitch) ball. Then we found out it was on Sunday. Not happening here. We made some phone calls and let everyone know before the madness began we were 100% not ever playing on Sunday. Period. I still find it crazy that people don't think twice about planning tryouts, practices or make up games on the Sabbath. We feel it is a good way to politely voice our LDS views to the other players and be a possible missionary tool. We have been blessed to have coaches that are very respectful of our decision.

Since Josh was not at tryouts, he became a hat pick. They put all the kids names in a hat that did not tryout and then they drew names. He was chosen by the Indians. And he could not be more thrilled. They won their league last year and their coaches are great. The head coach played football at UK and the assistant played college baseball at Eastern Kentucky. It's been a perfect fit.

The uniforms have been fitted and ordered and Josh is counting down the days until they shout "Play Ball." A boy after my own heart.

Go Indians! Go Josh!