The greatest game in History/ Baseball Lessons: Part 3

Part One

Part Two

Walking up to the field- before the game

After Chase seemed excited to go to his game,

I called Wade and told him that we were going.  He asked me if I was sure I wanted to do that alone since he probably wouldn't make it home from work in time to join us.  I could hear his concern but told him we'd be fine.  When we pulled up to the ball park and got out, I (in my little faith) took a quick picture of Chase just in case things didn't go well later.  I hoped to get at least one smile out of the evening.  :)

When we got to the field, his coach was so welcoming and kind to Chase.  I already was so thankful for his two very supportive and positive coaches. The coach pulled Chase aside and tried a few practice swings with him.  Seconds later, they were lining up to bat.  Chase was last in the lineup.

When he got up to the plate, even though I had just had this huge talk with him about how it is okay to strike out, secretly I was on pins and needles.  

 I was praying, pleading for a tender mercy.  

It really was like the scene of a movie.

Strike One!

I'm sure I let out an audible groan....And I was Praying hard!!!

Strike Two!

More Nerves and Praying harder!

Then the next ball...

He hit it! :)

He ran to first base and his coaches yelled for him to keep on running.  

He made it to second base, third base, and then all the way home!

A HOME RUN!!!

Chase ran in with the biggest smile on his face.  We were all soooo excited and cheering!  

My prayers had definitely been answered and I witnessed so much more of a blessing than the little tender mercy I was hoping for.  I just hoped he'd hit the ball!  Never did I imagine a HOME RUN on his first time to bat, ever!  

First hit running to first base

In retrospect, I can only imagine what a fool I made of myself!  I laugh when I imagine all the other parents looking at this crazy mother so excited over one hit.  Of course no one knew how much it took to get to that point.  

Braydon and I were cheering so excitedly and I think I was jumping up and down- hence the lack of pictures when he made it home.  I was so caught up in the moment.  

Call me a dork, but I didn't even realize that there were tears in my eyes until after the fact.

My joy escalated when his team went to the outfield where Chase was manning third base (below) and he kept throwing his arm in the air with joy saying, "YES!"  

That moment was so priceless.  To actually see him revel in his accomplishment.  I was beyond thrilled and thankful to see him have that experience.  

It was the perfect scenario.

My heart was bursting!

My camera battery was low and I could only get one photo which unfortunately didn't show his huge smile.  

I absolutely love this photo of Chase trying to catch a fly ball.  :)

Chase got so into the game and had a blast!

AND...

He got to go to bat one more inning and he actually got another home run on the first swing! 

It was so surreal! 

Chase's team and two awesome coaches

As soon as the game was over, I gave Chase a big high five and said, "Chase! TWO HOME RUNS!!"  He said, " I know! Maybe I'll grow up and become a professional baseball player!" ( so cute)  :)  

I was so thankful to be leaving the game on that note!  We got home at the exact time Wade was pulling up.  With a wary look, he asked how the game went and how we were doing.

I hesitated, briefly, and then told him,

"Today was one of the best days of my life."

He was definitely surprised and happy to hear that.  

But that was simply the truth.  Moments like that can't be planned.  And I knew this was more than a little league experience.  Nothing could make a mom happier than seeing her child succeed and happy. 

 I felt so grateful for so many things that night.  I am so glad even through our worries and doubts, that we made it to that game!  So thankful for that prompting and for answered prayers!  So thankful for Chase's willingness to try!  I am also so thankful for Babe Ruth, who may have hit hundreds of balls, but more importantly gave a little boy encouragement that strike out or home run, we should still play the game.  Because sometimes, you may get that home run. Twice.