When Matthew plays in an organized ‘official’ Little League game, he certainly recognizes the “importance” of an at-bat, and he going up to the plate looking for a hit, and will swing if it’s close…sometimes even it’s a low pitch he should take. His athletic ability allows him to make contact most times, though sometimes he hits foul balls…popping them back, some pulled in foul territory behind third, some behind first. He may swing and miss on strike three, or get thrown out at first…though he immediately drops the bat and heads to first after he hits the ball, he’s not exactly Thorman going down the line…Matthew is probably only going 85%, so sometimes he’s out when he could’ve beat it out. But making an out in a real game has never been that troubling to him…he just goes back to the dugout.
These neighborhood whiffleball games are different. There are several boys his age, and Matthew seems to want to excel. He hits the ball hard, but many times older boys make the play and throw him out…just as they do for other boys his age. To Matthew, it’s bad if he makes an out, no matter how hard he hits the ball. I think it’s the peer pressure. Last night he hit some shots, and lined one to left field for a hit almost impressive as one of Will’s hits. He also wants to play key positions like second base and catcher, but only one of the little guys can play there an inning. Interesting difference between whiffleball and baseball.
Matthew is an interesting case study, it will be interesting to see how his behavior changes as he grows and friendships become more important to him. Boys seem to want to have Will as a friend, and Anna has several good friends as well. Friends are starting to become as or more important than family members, and we think most of their friends are good kids from good families, but you never know. We’re not that crazy about them spending that much time with their SC cousins, though. Harder to pick baseball teammates, but most have been ok.
Chris always coaches his two baseball playing sons, and has coached Will numerous times. They live on a cul-de-sac a mile away as the crow flies, but at least four miles if you drive…Anna and Will have walked there several times. They put up a sign by their mailbox as to when the games will be…usually Sunday and Wednesday nights. The kids call Will/Anna, to make sure they know when the game is. But bunches of kids show up from the neighborhood, as well as a few dads. Mostly boys, but occasionally a girl will play as well. All different skill levels, ten or 12 to a side, with real plastic bases. Pretty organized, but keeping score hasn’t crossed my sick mind (good one!). Halfway through the game they have a Kool-Aid break. Two other dads/sons families from near our neighborhood occasionally play. Usually I’ll drop off our kids if I drive them and go back home, but I’ve stuck around the last two times.
They’ve been going to Johnson Ferry 3 or 4 years (Will likes going to the S.S. class Chris teaches), but they actually keep their kids away from the activities. The Murphys are liberal compared to them (TV, etc). It’s not like they preach at the whiffleball games, but they use it as a way to get the kids outside, exercising, and build relationships. The games are competitive and fun. They keep score in their head, which I cannot do.
When I got home one recent evening three Norman boys were they…they had been swimming together and were playing Wii. They all went to the whiffleball game.
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