(Cole and Papa)
I have been in Fresno now for a little over a week this summer, and I have had the pleasure of getting to watch my grandson, Cole, play baseball twice for his school team. One of those games was the final game in their really short regular season, and the other game Tuesday was a championship playoff game. To say that ol Captain Blowdri was a proud grandfather would be a really gross understatement!
As I have written before, I get a great sense of pride watching Cole play baseball, the game that I dearly love, the game that I played as a youngster, the game that was taught to me by both my Father, as well as my older brothers, the national past time. I guess that you could say that baseball and the Hammack’s is kind of, like Hank Williams, Jr. sang about, you know, “a family tradition”!
I have had the opportunity to watch Cole play baseball about four or five times over the past year. I have witnessed his progression, from an intimidated “newby”, to a young man who is developing skills and self confidence, where the game of baseball is involved. Even though Cole is just about to finish the 5th grade, he is, in fact, ten years old and that is one year younger than most all of his contemporaries, which at this age can really make a world of difference in maturity, confidence, and performance. I mention that because his teammates most always have had a little more experience playing Little League than Cole, at this point in their short lives.
Notwithstanding that fact, Cole has adapted very well to playing on a team of more experienced boys, and also on a team that is not coached by his dad, Jeremy.
When I am in the stands or on the sidelines watching Cole play baseball I get very nostalgic and, sometimes a little emotional. I can’t help, nor control, the pride I feel deep inside, and the emotions that wash all over me while I am watching Cole play baseball.
While sitting in the stands watching Cole play ball, I find myself vicariously playing in the game. It is like I am in Cole’s uniform, playing his position, and hitting for him when he steps into the batter’s box! It is like I am experiencing all the highs and lows of the game, in real time, as he is playing it! When Cole comes through with a base hit, I feel so boastfully proud and beam from ear to ear, and on the other hand, when he strikes out or grounds out, I can feel all of his disappointment!
Nevertheless, I will admit that I am a somewhat proud, prejudiced grandfather, when discussing my grandson’s athletic abilities! Additionally, it gives me a great sense of satisfaction and family pride when I am able to attend any of Cole’s baseball games, and watch this young boy grow personally and athletically. I could go on forever about this, however, I will just incorporate the following video to augment this article.
I will leave you with this video of one of my most favorite James Taylor tunes. The message is the medium!
Peace be with you!
ROGER, WILCO, OVER, AND OUT!