Second Baseman

Our son may have officially earned a position "in the dirt" as he likes to put it. Ever since he started baseball he's desired to play in field but has always played out field. I can appreciate his past coach's decisions to play him in the out field all season long. They were looking out for his well being as he did often look around a lot and did not always attend to the game. That can be dangerous if he is in field. But while I could appreciate it I also wanted very much for him to have a chance. We've often talked about what he needed to change to be given that chance.

On the way to his game Monday night we talked in the car. I reminded him of the verse I taught him last year when he was struggling to bat. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," Philippians 4:13. He told me last game he was a little nervous but that now he's excited. He was hoping to get a chance to play in the dirt at least once and that he was going to do his best.

And then he had his chance. He played second base the first inning and stopped the first ball, threw it right to the first baseman, OUT! Needless to say I was rejoicing for him. I could see the excitement in his face. His coaches told him great job. He smiled his shy, confident smile. The next inning he did it again, and then again and again, for a total of four outs during the course of the game. In addition he was doing his best to cover second when he was supposed to and be the cut off for the out field when he was supposed to. I'm not saying he didn't make any mistakes because he made a few, but his perserverance outweighed the mistakes. His focus was there. It was so wonderful to see. My little boy is growing up maturing and gaining confidence. Can you tell I'm proud of him?

He earned the game ball and his coaches told him they think they are going to leave him at second because he did so well. Second? He has an official in field position? No way! He's worked so hard, wanted so badly, tried his best. Second baseman. Our boy is a second baseman.