May 8: Manager

A huge part of my childhood was baseball. I played religiously every summer from the time I was 6 until I was 16, with a little high-school ball in between. I have fond memories of those days....the thrill of coming up with a key hit in a big game, the excitement of going deep into the play-offs, the camaraderie, the competition, and most of all the bond that formed like glue between a son and his Father. See, my Dad was always involved in baseball, first as a coach and eventually running the show as a manager. Coincidentally, I've started a similar path with my own son, as he's shown the same desire to have me involved as I did my own Father 25-30 years ago. Like my Dad, I, too, started just helping out; first in soccer, then T-ball. However, today I began my first season as the Big Dog, the Skipper, if you will. This year's T-ball season opens with me as the Manager for the first time. Now, at this age, the differences between Manager and Coach are minimal on the field. Off the field is a different story as I have to oversee all of the administrative stuff...uniforms, medical release forms, communication with parents over rain outs and picture day, etc. Still, the whole thing is a new experience for me. Today was our first "practice", and at the conclusion I realized that I'm already working within a learning curve. It was about 45 degrees and windy, and we had a full practice. In hindsight, I should have called it quits earlier than I did, keeping the children's health in mind. Unfortunately, I wasn't aware that it was so cold until I got in my vehicle to leave. And, now, afterwards, I feel horrible about it. I guess I'll just have to chalk that one up as a rookie mistake....after calling the parents and apologizing, of course. Let's just hope they see it the same way, otherwise we could be in for a long season.