A Dream Come True. -

December 07, 2008

A Dream Come True.

I wonder how just many kids dream about playing baseball on a major league field? Probably more than ever get the chance.

Well this week Josh's hitting coach, Mark Przybylak, asked Josh if would be interested in spending a Sunday morning helping out at a baseball clinic at Angel Stadium. "Yeah. Are you kidding?"

So this morning we showed up at 9:00 am at the stadium and was greeted by a couple of hundred kids and their dads who were a part of the local Indian Guide program. It's a pretty sweet deal that they do every year. They spend the night on the field in tents [and even watch a movie on the jumbo-tron]. This year they wanted to add a baseball clinic, so they invited ProKids to come and put on the clinic.

We entered through the right field tunnel to absolute pandemonium - hundreds of kids throwing baseballs with their dad in every direction. Balls were flying everywhere. We caught up with coach and got our assignments. There was going to be five stations - pitching, fielding, hitting, base running, and speed/agility. Josh was assigned to the hitting station, working with kids on SoloHitters [something like a hitting tee on steroids].

I stuck around to watch and take a few pictures. It was about the second rotation through when it hit me. As I watched Josh take time with each kids, helping them with their swing, seeing each kid watch Josh like he was a major leaguer. I was so proud of him. He sat on his bucket, smiling and helping every kid no matter how good they were. He encouraged every kid he saw for the next two hours - telling them how good they were doing. Kids went running back to their dads who were watching, so excited about their time hitting. Dads thanked Josh, shaking his hand. It was one of those moments when before your eyes you literally watch your son grow up just a little bit more. It was so good to see him pass along the passion he has for the game to these little kids. For just a moment, he was the teacher instead of the student.

After the clinic was over and the kids were gone, the boys who helped out [all of whom were local high school players, except Josh] gathered to close the day the way it began - with prayer. Then they took the opportunity to live a dream - to play on a major league field. Some guys took infield, others took flyballs. Josh took off for the Angels bullpen. He quickly warmed up with one of the guys and threw a short bullpen session. He was in heaven. Later, everyone gathered around the home plate area to take batting practice. I sat in the visitors dugout for a bit, just taking it all in. When it was Josh's turn, I got up and took a few pictures. It was a dream come true for Josh - to hit on the field at Angel Stadium. It was amazing.

When he got finished and the boys had cleaned up the balls - we headed to the car through the right field tunnel. As we reached the right field wall, I caught a glimpse of Josh looking back, a smile on his face. It was a moment we will never forget. Ever.

It was a dream come true.