T-ball - Take 2

Mikey finished T-ball soon after school was out for the summer. Now Matthew's games have begun. Matt's league is much more relaxing. There is absolutely no competition involved what so ever. Matter of fact, there is very little skill involved. It takes three kids to stop the ball as it rolls across the in-field dirt. The three kids does not include the two or three that do not see the ball because they are busy playing in the dirt or building with any rocks they happen to find.
Of course, learning the basics (and I do mean Basics) of the game is what this league is all about. There are no "outs" and no "runs". The play is over when the ball reaches the general vicinity of first base. If the ball makes it past the pitchers mound, it is a good hit. If by some amazing feat of luck meeting a mustard seed of skill and the ball reaches the grass of the outfield, all the parents (for both teams) cheer the batter as he or she runs to first base (miles, or should I say minutes, ahead of the ball). No matter how good (or bad) of a hit, the runner only goes one base at a time. The final batter for the team (everyone gets to hit in both innings) get to hit a grand slam home run, no matter how many inches the ball flies (or rolls) from the tee.

Now I may be biased, but my boy really can hit and throw. I have even heard other parents saying "what a good arm that little kid has". There have even been a couple of times he has made it to base before the runner ahead of him as left it (granted the little guy ahead of him forgot to run until Matt reminded him).

So the college-age coaches are teaching the basics of baseball, twice a week to 25 three and four year olds. And twice a week, many parents, friends and relatives are there to cheer the players on. Just like we will be doing for at least the next 15 years.