We embraced organized baseball this summer, although it's year three into the system of St. Paul Rec Organized Sports. Ed played tee-ball for one year and then "coach-pitch" with a league within walking distance from our house. The commitment was minor, but the organization was, well, unorganized and although the coaches were enthusiastic, they were really just partially-interested parents who showed up at the right place at the wrong time. ("Parent: I'm here to sign my kid up for ball." Rec Desk Worker: Great. Do you want to coach?")
So, this year we meandered down Fairview to join the HGRA League. Ed had a couple of friends on the team and it seemed like a good fit: the skill level would challenge him and he would probably learn a few things in the process. I think he did. It really helped, I think, that Brian helped coach. And although Ed was one of the youngest on the team, he held his own — getting on base most every time he was at bat and making some key defense plays. It felt like a ball game for the first time — they held the kids to three stikes and three outs and the game ticked along, most of the time. It made things fun to watch and, I think, fun for him to play.
I've posted some pictures for the latest games, featuring Ed and his scrappy brother, Bob.
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