What is extraordinary about baseball, and sports in general, goes much deeper than a kids game, it is the amazing family bond or in my case the father-son relationship that is
constructed around the confines of this great American pastime. So many lessons are taught in the process of playing sports such as preparing one's self for success, learning to deal with failures, leadership qualities, communication and of course teamwork to name just a few.
My father passed down his love for all sports, but specifically baseball to me and my brothers. Decades later it still remains the center of most of our dinner time conversations. Some of my favorite childhood memories with my dad are sitting on the porch listening to Vin Scully call the Dodgers game on the radio, having my dad show me how to throw a curve ball (then telling me not to throw it until I get older), or just playing catch in the backyard.
My dad has been a Pittsburgh Pirates fan ever since he was a little boy so I grew up hearing stories of "The Great One" Roberto Clemente, the "We are Family" Bucs, and of Bill Mazeroski's walk off homerun to beat the Yankees in the 1960 World Series. Because of my dad while a young child, I adopted the Pirates as my favorite team too. Together we cheered on Andy Van Slyke, Bobby Bonilla and Barry Bond’s as well as many more over the years. I have watched hundreds of Pirates games with my dad and every phone conversation I have with the old boy usually ends up on Pirates baseball.
One of my childhood dreams was to attend a game in Pittsburgh with my dad. Ten years ago we finally made it happen, and it would be a lie to say I wasn't fighting back tears as we walked through the home plate gate together at PNC Park. I have also been blessed to experience the history of Wrigley Field and Fenway Park with my father. The history and reverence these iconic stadiums produce is real and something I will always treasure made more special by the presence of my father.
The depth of my father and my relationship goes far behind a love of baseball; and it’s just one of the many things I love and appreciate about him. He has shown me how to love unconditionally, true altruism, patience, character, honesty, and how to be a great father. He taught me the value of hard work, and always puts others before himself. He held me accountable and expected me to do my best, all marks of a great leader. Parents’ actions are much louder than words, I hit the parent lottery as my parents were my first role models, and their example and actions helped shape me more than any words they have ever said to me.
Being a father myself has given me a much deeper and profound sense of purpose; everything in my life is centered on my family. They are the greatest prize in my life and I thank my dad for being such a positive example. I have different connections with each of my kids including: music, movies and art, and love spending time with each of them.
Three years ago my youngest son, Kayson, started playing baseball. He is only seven, but is absolutely obsessed with it. Together we work on drills and practice almost daily. He works very hard to become a better player. He loves Major League Baseball players, is interested in the history and strategy of the game, and even collects baseball cards. And of course his favorite team…you guessed it…the New York Yankees, gasp, the team I’ve hated my entire life. His bedroom has pinstripes on the walls, legends like Aaron Judge, Derek Jeter, and Mickey Mantle adorn the walls, and I couldn’t be happier for him.
The reason grown men cry in the movie ‘A Field of Dreams’ when Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) gets to “have a catch” with his dad, is because in spite of the poor relationship he had with his father while he was alive the simple connection of baseball links them together. Nothing needed to be said about the past as they were connected by something they both love in the present.
Every time Kayson and I play catch in the backyard I make it a point to be present, I remind myself that this won’t last forever. I hope, in the future, he cherishes these moments as fondly as I do. Working with him on baseball has opened doors to coach him in other areas. He has a growth mindset, works hard and it has created a unique and special bond. As a five year old he said to me, “Dad, I get better every damn day”, very prophetic words for such a young person (with a foul mouth), but advice we should all listen too.
I was able to take him to California to see his first live Yankee game last year and we plan on taking him to Yankee Stadium next year, I assure you I will be fighting back tears walking into that stadium too. Experiences like this will last a lifetime, our kids’ value and appreciate our presence far more than the presents we give them.
Last week, while I was at work, my wife sent me a text. Kayson had told her that he wanted a picture of the two of us to put in his bedroom, “so he can remember who taught him all he knows about baseball”. It choked me up in the middle of a meeting. I hope that when he and my other kids are grown and look back at the moments we have spent together, be it baseball, traveling, learning how to paint and everything in-between, I pray they cherish those moments like I do with my dad.
I hope my dad knows how much I appreciate his presence, his love, and his guidance throughout my life. Happy Father’s Day, love you LKF. Happy Father's Day to everyone, I hope that it serves as a moment of remembrance for you and your dad and whatever your "baseball" is.
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@pirates, @Yankees
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