Gentle Giant's Big Game

When Noah's coach texted, "We have something fun planned for the kids tonight" I wasn't sure what to expect.  Whatever I thought was nothing compared to the game we had.

The night was interesting from the moment Noah entered the dugout.  A new kid was there, obviously covering for one of ours who would be out.  He looked up the mile long stretch that is Noah, mouth gaping open.

Gulping, another kid nudged him saying, "Don't worry about him he's the Gentle Giant.  Noah's scary on the outside, soft on the inside."  Yep.  That's my sweet boy!

The smaller kid now at ease, they said hellos and set to warming up.


During the second inning, the coach told Noah to take first base.  Noah did a double take, questioning him with his eyes.  "Coach 1st base, Blair."  And so he did, with a giant grin on his face.

Later he would also play first base, another first for the season. 

By the fourth inning, Coach threw the curve ball.  "Blair take the pitcher's mound!"  We all stopped and took a long pause glance between Noah and the coach.  Once we realized he wasn't joking, he hustled to the mound. 







Noah hid his emotions fairly well, after the initial disbelief.  I did manage to catch his smile, as he glanced down in his glove before his first pitch, probably pinching himself.

"Just like we practice at home!" shouted Dad. 

Someone from the crowd yelled, "You can do it Blair!"

And the rest of our family joined in building him up for his big debut.

He readied himself. 

Part intimidation.  Part gaining confidence.

His red face told Mom he was beyond nervous though.

Sucking in a big breath of confidence,

he threw.

STRIKE!

The rest of his pitches were a good mix of balls and strikes. 

With bases loaded the pressure was on.  Only one more out needed.

Pitch....STRIKE!

Pitch....BALL

Pitch....STRIKE

Another big breath that I don't think he ever let out.

Last pitch and.....

STRIKE!

Inning over, Whew!

Once back in the dugout and a chance to compose himself, I could tell that he was beyond happy.

And so were we.

It was a magical evening of firsts, smiles, cheers and memories.

What a game, what a night!

Cheeseburger is Back!

We've survived our first week of baseball season.  There's been tears, frustration, excitement and about every other emotion in between.  We've braved 40 mph winds, rain and winter-like temps.  And I've become a Martha Stewart in the laundry room, perfecting the art of removing grass stains from white pants.  All have been memories in the making!

I can't deny that with Noah's first game we weren't filled with reminders of Austin.  Baseball and Austin just went together.  It was touching that Noah asked to have his jersey number, 23, but I don't know that I was prepared to see it in the field again.  The fact that, at only twelve, Noah already has the build and frame Austin did at 14 added to the resemblance.  For a moment, Tim and I both were transported back four years ago to watching Austin play.

But ever his own individual, Noah quickly reminded us we were watching him.  Although he has many of his brother's best traits, (physically, character and athletic) he is 100% Noah. 

Unlike Austin, Noah's favorite sport has always been basketball.  As a young child, he enjoyed baseball but it wasn't his passion.  He played, partially I think, because of Austin.  It was something they shared.  And now maybe he's playing again as a way to remember him. 

It's been nearly four years since he's played and his hiatus was evident in his first few games.  Rusty, but ever the sportsman, he grew with each swing, every catch.  We've watched him transform in only a week's time.  Last night's game was his coming out party!

Noah's last season in baseball he earned the nickname, Cheeseburger.  It started as a joke.  Before each game, Tim would place a bet with him.  Make a base hit, get a buck.  Home run earns you a cheeseburger from the concession stand.  Now what Tim failed to remember is that Noah is and always has been good at every sport; but most importantly, that boy loves him some cheeseburger!  One game he did so well, the coach offered him a full meal deal.  By the end of the season, everyone was yelling Cheeseburger from the stands and he had an open tab at the stand.

While Noah still enjoys a cheesy meat patty, what speaks to him most at this age is dough.  Green dough that is....as in CASH!  The first time Noah went up to bat last night, he struck out, but not without hitting a foul, which if straightened would've been sweet.  Tim retreated to the dug-out, whispered something to him, and returned.  I would later learn he offered him $5 for every base he reached on a hit. 

This was shared with me, as nearly weeping, Tim added up his debt with an amazing triple Noah hit in the last inning.  This, added to the $5 for a wow moment catch Noah made in the outfield, cost him a total of $20 for the game.  (Personally, my bank account suggests we go back to cheeseburgers!) 



But then again, seeing Noah's smile - both after his hit and especially all the way across the field after his catch was worth every penny.  In fact, it was priceless!