The Thrill of Victory

It's funny how things can turn out completely different from what one expects, isn't it? But it's very gratifying when the universe bestows a gift upon those who deserve it.

My boys won the State Championship.

They went undefeated in the tournament. First game, 8 to 5. Second game, 19 to 4. Third game, 12 to 6. Last night, 16 to 3.

At a point when it was still anybody's game, my son hit a home run with bases loaded and 2 outs. My heart was in my throat. I couldn't look. I felt somewhat ill. The smack of that bat was the most beautiful sound I have ever heard in my life, and the grin that lit up my son's face as he rounded the bases was a sight I will remember and cherish the rest of my life. And I will also remember the diminutive coach, jumping up and down on the third base line, windmilling his arm so hard he could have taken flight, urging him home.

There were many spectacular moments in that game and all the boys had their shining moments. There were plays that made us hold our breath, gasp, and scream with unabashed joy. There were a few bad calls; one in which the first baseman caught a very low, slow fly ball and threw it to third for a double play. But the umpire said the ball hit the dirt before it bounced into his glove. It so did not. Even the other team said it did not. It was clearly caught. But a call cannot be reversed except by the head official who made the ruling in the first place. But Mr. Firstbaseman made up for it. He channelled his frustration at that call into a monster hit that gave us two more runs.

There was a play by the third baseman that was so beautiful you would have thought you were watching major league ball. The right fielder hustled his behind off to make a catch that seemed downright impossible. The pitcher threw strike after strike after strike. (My son was to take over in the 4th inning. I'm glad he didn't. I don't think I could have taken the stress.)

They worked so hard this summer only to have victory snatched from them time and again. But they never lost their spirit, and they still went into every game happy to be playing baseball. Even if they had not won, they would still be true Champions.

At the award ceremony immediately following the game, they received trophies, t-shirts bearing the "State Champs" legend, AND...they were given the second sportsmanship award of the season. All the coaches, umpires and Dizzy Dean officials vote on whom the award should be given to, and they were unanimously chosen to receive the award. I know some people look upon a sporstmanship award as a token gesture, but it is no small thing. No other team from our park has brought home two sporstmanship awards. We were as proud of that award as the Championship, if not more so.

Last night as I was tucking pre-pubescent one in, he said to me..."That felt good."

Yeah. It sure did.

This will probably be my last baseball post. I know, I can hear the sigh of relief from here. We leave for the World Series on Friday and then our season is over. I thank everyone who has endured my many posts, both good and bad about baseball. I thank those of you who have commented and expressed encouragement even though I have been too crazed to reciprocate. I have been reading and enjoying your brilliance and have been grateful for the diversion in the wee hours when I couldn't sleep for worrying over money and team issues.

This is the life of a sports Mom. People snicker and sneer about us, but this is what my boys love and if I want to be with them, I have to love it too. Before I had boys, I barely knew the difference between a pop fly and a line drive. Now I can quote just about any rule verbatim. I know why you shouldn't bunt on the second strike. I understand why sometimes the coach doesn't want the batter to swing. I know who Dizzy Dean is. And I know that I will never forget the days and nights we spent in the bleachers eating popcorn and peanuts, bonding and cheering for 11 year old boys who dream of Major League glory but who are, for now, just happy to be particpating in the Great American Pastime.

I complain about the hectic schedule, dragging coolers and chairs and equipment hither and yon, and the hoardes of money we have spent. But one day my boys will be gone. And I will miss it. A lot.

Congratulations Knights. You are all winners, with or without a State Championship.