What’s one thing you own that holds deep sentimental value?
I was 9 years old in 1982, and I really wanted to fit in. So, I asked my parents if I could play baseball. They agreed and signed me up for the local minor league. All of the teams were named for major league teams. My team was the A’s. Anyway, I wasn’t good. They stuck me in right field where I could do the least damage defensively. And if I did get on base, it was because I either lucked out with a walk, or got hit by a pitch. Hitting wasn’t my thing either.
Another fun thing that happened was during a practice session before a game. I was at the plate as the batter. The first baseman, who had a rifle of an arm for a 9 year old, fired the ball in for the catcher. The catcher was scared of it and moved out of the way, letting the ball go by. It proceeded to nail me right in the gut. I had all the wind pushed out of me. I fell to the ground and freaked out. The coach and my dad come over and calmed me down while I caught my breath. The poor catcher got an earful from the coach. He then walked me to the concession stand for a soda. He made sure I was okay, and even let me play later in the game.
At the end of the season, the coach had us all meet in the park one evening. At his own expense, he got a trophy for every member of the team. Each one was unique, and before he presented it to its recipient, he spoke about them and why they were getting the award. He went through all sorts, best hitter, most improved, etc. Then he started talking about a player that never got a hit and didn’t do so great in the field either. But despite it all, he never complained, got angry, or wanted to quit. Then he said my name and presented this trophy to me. I had no clue he was talking about me.
The coach has since passed away. But I still have the trophy, and keep it right on my desk so I can see it everyday and remember those days. A few years ago, I reached out to the coach’s son who was on the team and graduated high school with me as well. I relayed this story to him and thanked him since I couldn’t thank his dad again. He was very touched that I still had it and thought so highly of his father.
This is one of my most treasured items. The memories it invokes will stay with me forever.
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