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I've been coaching baseball for six years now. Over that time, I've seen and experienced it all ... the highs and lows ... especially when you're dealing with kids aged 5-11.
Yesterday, however, was a game like no other.
Our team of 11-13 year olds was invited to shadow a group of kids that participate in our league's VIP team. These are all special-needs children, as many of them are either blind, physically or mentally challenged, etc.
They played a game and our kids assisted them in running the bases, catching, throwing, and making plays.
It was a beautiful and rewarding experience for all of us that participated. To see our kids embrace the opportunity and rise to the occasion was truly special. To see our family members in the stands become emotional was very moving. That paled in comparison to seeing the smiles on these kids faces, the determination in their moves, and the overall fun they had just being out there, on a Saturday morning, experiencing just a bit of what we all take for granted.
I hope the experience stays with our kids for as long as I'll remember it, and I hope we have the honor and privilege of being invited back next season. Maybe your league has a similar program... I highly recommend getting involved.
