T-ball

This weekend Kyle had his first t-ball game.  I'm sure it will be one of many we will attend over the next fifteen years or so, but the first one always deserves a little special notice.

Kyle is a member of the Cardinals, and their team colors are yellow and black.

If you've never been to a t-ball game, let me paint a picture for you.  And, if you have, enjoy the memories.

Kyle's team is made up of 3-4 year olds.  The players all stand in the field with a parent to help them.

The opposing team hits the ball, and everyone in the field runs towards the ball, no matter where they are standing.  Inevitably, someone will cry because another kid got it first, and you just hope it's not your kid breaking down next.  It's especially hard when every single player hits it to the same spot, and the same kid gets the ball ten times in a row.

When your team is up to bat, they wait on the bench for their turn.  They may or may not run off up the hill and have to be chased down by their mom.  (No, not me for once.)

 Each kid gets to take a turn hitting the ball.  They might whiff and get to try again.  Or they may hit it so soft it just falls off the tee, in which case they also get to try again.  Or they could actually send it sailing into the field.  Most of the kids run straight towards the pitchers mound instead of first base, since it's right in front of them and raised up.  They are oblivious to the shouts of "No!  Run this way!  Over here!"  First base is surrounded by dads and kids, so it's hard to know where to go.

They get to advance one base at a time.  No one is ever out, and when the last kid hits the ball, everyone runs around to home base.

T-ball is all about learning sportsmanship, the basics of hitting, catching, and throwing, and having a good time.  It ends with a team cheer, and, of course, a snack.

 Kyle had a great time and can't wait to go back next week.