When a guy reaches a certain age, the best things he can be called are “dad” and “coach.”
This spring, I got to be both again.
My son, my father and I all share the same name, and this youth baseball season we all were involved with the same 7- and 8-year-old Express team. My father ran the dugout – a job that takes the patience of a fisherman and the guts of a day trader – and my son and his buddies enjoyed a great season.
Jay GreesonWe finished second to a team called the Riverdogs, who were the class of the league on the field and beat our Express in the title game.
But for those of us involved this spring, and all of us who have been blessed to be involved in youth sports at all levels and ages, the least important outcome is the score.
There were multiple times I scanned the field and realized that a decade from now I’ll wake up and realize how much I miss it.
It’s not an overly sentimental realization. It’s just a simple fact.
So, as we approach Father’s Day, allow me to share excerpts of the letter I wrote to our team after the season. I also urge you to remember those times when you were at the ballpark and smile knowing that those times may be around the corner.
“Let me start by saying a heartfelt ‘Thank you’ to each and every one of you for allowing us the joyous time of sharing this Express adventure with your great sons.
“I also want to thank David Barker and Justin Sveadas and, of course, Pop for all the support and the help and laughs. I think we all – coaches and parents – had so much fun that it came across to the boys. That’s why this year was so special.
“Before this starts to sound like an Oscars speech, I want to share a word about each of your kids on the field after the championship.
“Declan – You are a ballplayer, and always remember the rule (‘If you are going to go, then go get it.’). Best of luck in all-stars this year; you really deserved it.
“Kramer – Buddy, I wish I had your energy. A lot of people may not know this, but David started calling Kramer ‘Joe Buck’ (the famous baseball announcer) in the outfield. He did that because Kramer consistently does play-by-play of the baseball game in the outfield. Kramer, I know a little bit about this, and buddy, you have the gift of calling a game.
“William – We all saw how good William is, but I wanted to make sure we all appreciated how much passion William has. I’m so sorry that I took your grand slam off the board last week, but the lesson there was we all have to respect the umpire’s call.
“Hudson – I think this is important to share: Hudson’s one of the best hitters in our league, but he also was one of the best teammates, too. He always cheered for his Express buddies, and that shows a lot of class.
“Lee – I’m super proud of how much you improved. And I sure wish we had known you needed glasses earlier. Never lose your love for the game or your ability to ask any question at any time.
“Jacks – Know this, Jacks: If every Express parent – and I’m not going to put them on the spot – was being honest with themselves, in a big moment, we all wanted the ball hit to you. You became that good defensively. I also will never forget picking you up from your sister’s ballet recital before the game when we beat the Riverdogs and asking you how it went, and you told me you didn’t know who won or lost but you thought your sister did great.
“Luke – Luke, never lose your desire to be better. But remember it’s a game and have fun. Nobody tries harder than you, and as you keep getting better, keep trying just as hard.
“Mac – You are part slugger, part stand-up comic and that makes for a great teammate. You also are going to be a great negotiator, because coming out every inning all season you asked to play somewhere different, and never took no for an answer. That will be a trait that serves you well forever.
“Will – Will, you were a pleasure to coach. A true joy. And you got better every week. Plus you got the game-winning hit that led to everyone getting trophies. I also want to share a story: Will and Mac are twins and they were warming up in the outfield last month before a game. Will threw a ball when Mac wasn’t looking and it hit his brother in the chest. Mac was hurting and upset, but Will was more upset. You guys were awesome.
“Douglas – Douglas, I’ve known you since before you were on the planet, so there’s that. When you hit the baseball, Douglas, the look on your face reminds me why I love sports.
“Ferenc – On a team on which everyone improved, I think Ferenc improved the most. By the end of the season, teams were backing up when Ferenc came to the plate.
“Thanks, you boys, for a great spring.”
Here’s to dads and coaches everywhere. Happy Father’s Day everyone.
Read Jay Greeson’s online column the “5-at-10” Monday through Friday at timesfreepress.com after 10 a.m. Contact him at jgree son@timesfreepress.com and follow him on Twitter at @jgreesontfp.