Tommy was in his first year of Little League and loved playing third base.
His team was sponsored by a local clothing store named Mailliard’s whose owner attended games when he could. The youngster was consumed by the game and loved practice nearly as much as games.
The team compiled a 14 and 2 record and made the playoffs in the inaugural season. In the championship game, the score was tied in the last inning. A runner was on third and a sharp ground ball was hit to Tommy. He fielded it cleanly as the runner raced for home. It could have been the pressure or the parents screaming but he couldn’t get the ball from his glove in time to throw out the runner.
As the Baxter Automotive team celebrated near the far dugout, Tommy walked slowly to his as tears streamed down his face.
His dad was beside him in seconds. The father was an ex college player and knew how little these early games mean in the big scheme of things.
He spoke encouraging words to Tommy and put his arm around his shoulder. The blue eyes of the nearly shattered infielder began to shine again.
A smile came immediately when his dad said they’d better hurry for the team party at Pizza Hut.
On the ten minute drive to the party, the youngster looked to his dad and said,’thanks dad, you’re the best!’
What You’re Saying