ODE TO BASEBALL PARENTS

This is for the parents who sit in the baseball stands,
Who shout out the encouragements and lends a helping hand.
Who drives the kids to practice with taxi driver speed,
And catches, tosses, fields, and runs whenever there's a need.

Who keeps up with the schedules and juggles them with ease,
With brothers, sisters, friends and teams--attempting all to please.
You show your child the importance of playing fair,
And when it's their turn at the plate, you say a baseball prayer!

The strike outs come too often and the balls they take a toll,
Sometimes you wonder how to mend their heartbroken soul.
But then you see that one small thing that makes the season great,
And perhaps it isn't even a big moment at the plate.

Success is not just measured by hits and runs and scores,
Sometimes it may be hard to see, it's deeper...something more.
Baseball teaches teamwork and depending on your friend,
Baseball teaches persistence...doing your best to the very end.

It teaches in the game of life, (without the baseball hat),
If you want to hit the proverbial ball, you've got to swing the bat.
A strike, a ball, it's high, it's low, it really doesn't matter,
They tried and just because they did, they are a super batter!

Sometimes you often wonder why you do it, but you do,
You\re tired, worn out and can't go on, but somehow muddle through.
You've shown them you believe in them...your biggest gift of all,
Self-esteem, the love of the game, friendship...Baseball

You may no get a thank-you card or even an award,
No trophies on the mantle, nor star upon the board.
But, oh, the difference you have made...just by being there,
Showing them your full support and tender loving care.

And when your player's all grown up, they will "remember when",
How Mom and Dad were their biggest fans believing in them even then.
For when the dust has settled and the scores all fade away,
The memories of their biggest fans are in their hearts to stay!!

by Helen