Another Tough Game

I've been writing a lot about Little League of late; don't hesitate to let me know if it's getting boring. Trust me, no offense will be taken.

So, another rough game for the Little Boy and his team,the Mets (he's lucky I allow his Mets jersey in the house by the way). The good news? He got his first hit of the season: a 2 outs, top of the six DOUBLE to put his team up 7-4. It was a great at bat and we were all stoked.

Problem occurred though in the bottom half of the last inning. The Kid pitching before him, who's pretty darn talented for a third grader, gave up a bunch of runs - enough to tie up the game -- and loaded the bases, with only 1 out. In comes the Little Boy to pitch.

Gulp. I just about had a heart attack.

First batter -- he strikes the kid out (sidenote: that kid happened to be the son of the other coach -- who in the small world department happened to be a fraternity brother of mine from college). 2 outs, bases loaded. All of a sudden, it start to rain.

Little Boy gets a 1-2 count on next batter - one strike away!) -- and the Kid hits a squibbler to the Little Boy. The Little Boy fields it but the wet ball slips in his hand a bit. He makes the play home and in a very controversial call, the Ump (who I don't think wanted to stick around in the rain) calls his safe.

Game Over. Mets lose. And the Little Boy is just standing on the mound alone, crying.

Man, baseball truly is a game of both joy and heartbreak. I consoled him and told him he played great and that this loss wasn't on him. He shook it off after a few hours -- the Kid is a gamer -- but I am not sure that I have.

Anyway. As I told him when we walked off the field - "That's baseball." Not sure what else could be said.