One thing I will never do is apologize for being a proud father. For the second straight summer “the boy” has been on a championship little league team. Last year the city league Marlins won the title with a bottom of the 6th rally that will forever go down in our memory. They went from needing 2 runs to not be “mercy ruled” to just needing 3 outs in the top of the 7th to secure the title! It was a great game and memory.
When the winter rolled around we were approached about playing in an independent travel league this summer. While other players needed to literally “make this team”, no tryout was necessary. They already had a roster spot reserved for “the boy” if he wanted it. I have to be honest and say that when we agreed to give it a shot, we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. We were not briefed on the financial costs and time commitments of this league (and probably should have asked more questions) so when they started practicing IN JANUARY, we were a bit shocked. More than one snowy evening this winter we made our way to the indoor pole barns of the Franklin County Fairgrounds to practice the very basics of baseball. They broke the team down to the very beginning and taught them one step at a time.
When May rolled around and the games began, our beloved Colts started the season with 6 straight loses. We were starting to wonder if we would ever win a game. Then the kids started putting it all together. By the end of the season, they were 26-14. On Saturday they entered the season ending tournament as a lower seed and ran the table. By the end of the evening Saturday night they were Central Ohio Youth Baseball League Champs! The parents literally had as much, if not more fun than the kids. We gathered together Saturday night for an after party and stayed until late in the evening.
Lastly, I need to speak directly of my son. Those that know him know he is pretty shy and a touch sensitive. After an early season explanation that when a coach yells at the team..he is yelling at THE TEAM and not directly at you, he came back strong.
- He led the team in Home runs
- He was among the team leaders in doubles, triples and RBI
- He was placed in Right Center field for the soul purpose of making plays.
- He reached base in but one at bat on Saturday (3 games)
- He rocked 2 triples, a double and had 4 RBI in the decisive semi-final game on Saturday.
Beyond his accomplishments, I am most proud of who he is. While he is quite possibly one of the most competitive people in our house and hates to lose, he never complained, acted up or caused his coaches a problem this summer. He played the game with respect and with humility. I watched him grow and learn and get better as the season wore on. So congratulations to all of the Hilliard Colts! Especially number 23. That’s my boy!!
