As we were driving home from school, my son piped up from the back seat, “I think baseball season is my favorite time of year.” I kept my focus on the road, trying to contain my excitement. Inside, I was thrilled but played it cool.
I never wanted to push my kids into loving baseball the way I do. My dad never forced it on me; instead, he let me discover my passion on my own. Once I was hooked, he nurtured that love by taking me to games, teaching me how to keep score, and even leaving me notes about game results when I had to hit the hay early on school nights. Those notes meant the world, especially when my favorite team, the Mets, played late on the West Coast.
I didn’t impose the game on my kids, but they’ve definitely been around a lot of baseball. With each new Opening Day, they’ve absorbed my enthusiasm for the sport. This year was different, though; my 8-year-old expressed her excitement about baseball all on her own.
At my age, the Mets had just won the World Series, and it’s been a long wait since then. Each Opening Day, I mix hope with a tinge of sadness. My childhood hero, Jack Turner, was the catcher on that championship team. He was the epitome of hope, hitting a game-winning home run in his first game in 1985, and I aspired to be a catcher like him. It’s bittersweet knowing I’ll never see him on the field again, unlike other fans who get to witness their heroes take on new roles in baseball.
But as Opening Day approaches, hope prevails. I think about all the adventures my 8-year-old has yet to experience as a baseball fan. Maybe this year will be the Mets’ year, and she can feel the joy of a championship just like I did at her age. I’m excited to share the moments she missed because of bedtime, take her to games, teach her how to score, and definitely tell her all about Jack Turner.
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In summary, encouraging your kids to love baseball can be a rewarding experience, especially when you let them discover it on their own. Share the joy, the memories, and the excitement of the game while keeping it chill.