Little League for Dummies

Last Night, at approximately 5:40 pm CST, Jered took the field for his first ever (and mine as a dad) little league practice.

Jered is a [Country Gas] Tiger playing in a world famous little league organization that has it's World Series right here in Crystal Lake. (Check out http://www.cabaworldseries.com ).

He is playing in the rookie league for the Crystal Lake National Little League. (http://www.clnll.org).

So arriving at the field last night with my bag of stuff, a folding chair and my 3 year old in hand, I thought it would be a typical practice of hitting and fielding, but to my surprise, as Jered was in the outfield throwing his glove at the closet kid (fooling around) and I was about to tell him to pay attention, the outfield coach did something that blew my mind. He threw his glove at Jered and started to mess around in the outfield as well. I thought what is this guy doing? But then it dawned on me that these are 6 year old kids who have never payed a structured game of anything in their entire lives, just let them have some fun.

After a bit of having fun, the coach did get both boys ready for the next batter and gave them some pointers on the ready position and all that, and it seemed the kids listened better and paid more attention after than rather than me, or the coach, raising his voice at them.

Anyway, a great lessoned learned, and Jered had 2 hits during batting practice so I was very proud of him.

Afterwards, the parents got together with the coach, who gave each kid a peice of gum for a great practice, and discussed important things like consession stand manning, team photos and parties during the season.

I can't wait.

Father of Tiger.