COMMENT: Spring ball conjures childhood memories

Spring has sprung in the East County, and I couldn’t be happier.

Sure, the 80-degree weather we’ve been having may have something to do with it; but after all, who wouldn’t want to spend their afternoons basking in the sunlight while they take in batting practice, hit a few tennis balls or catch a track meet?

Granted, the season doesn’t officially start for another three weeks, but a quick look around the East County contradicts the calendar. Yes, spring sports seasons are alive and well.

Braden River, Lakewood Ranch and The Out-of-Door Academy all started their spring seasons last month, and Spring Training for Major League Baseball is finally underway. But for me, nothing says spring more than a game of baseball — Little League baseball.

This past Saturday, I spent the afternoon out at Manatee Cal Ripken Little League’s Opening Day celebration. And as I watched the players — some playing baseball for the first time — it reminded me of the first time I stepped onto the ball field.

It was 1990, and I was 5 years old. Decked out in my light blue YMCA T-ball shirt and red ball cap, I grabbed my brand new baseball bat and my blue glove and eagerly headed out to my first T-ball game.
And although I don’t remember much about that first game, I’ll never forget loving every minute of it.

Like most Little Leaguers, I couldn’t wait to swing the bat. I would eagerly walk up to the plate, grip my bat and dig in my heels. And of course, I would try to hit a home run every time.

I played T-ball for three years before deciding to trade in my bat and glove for a pair of pom poms, but that still didn’t keep me away from the ballpark. After I quit, I watched my younger brother, Jason, play. It’s not only America’s pastime; it’s my family’s pastime as well.

And who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll find myself once again out at the ballpark watching as a spectator from the stands and cheering on my own little boy. But for now, I’ll enjoy the memories as I watch our East County teams take the field for another spring season.

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].