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The Ballpark

The dream of every Little Leaguer in our town was to play in The Ballpark. The Ballpark was the diamond where all the Major League games were played. There were only four teams in the Major League. The best of the Little Leaguers were drafted onto those four teams. The Ballpark was a miniature baseball diamond built to scale of a real major league ballpark. All games were played at night under the lights. I’d been drafted as a pitcher and shortstop to the defending league champion’s team Being a Texan, I was thrilled to be a part of the Texas Rangers Little League team. We got official Little League uniforms and a new glove each year we were on the team. I was headed to the ballpark for my first game. My parent drove me to the park and tried to calm me down. I was the starting pitcher for our first game of the season. When the car stopped, I jumped out and ran to the dugout gate. I was in awe at the sight of the bright lights, the green grass, and white baselines. I was stunned, then I heard the voice of my coach call my name. "You need to warm-up Billy, it’s almost time for the game." Please return for The Ballpark Part 2 (The Game)

Copyright © | Year Posted 2022




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Date: 8/19/2022 7:19:00 PM
The excitement and happiness are inherent in dreaming as a young person. Bill, you've presented your point very well.
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Bill Baker
Date: 8/20/2022 1:01:00 PM
It was fun, which is a big part of being a kid. lol
Date: 8/16/2022 1:06:00 PM
Bill, I have enjoyed reading the memories of your youth and the lead up to your first game at the ballpark. Will go and read The Ballpark - part two… Belle
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Bill Baker
Date: 8/16/2022 1:16:00 PM
Thanks Belle, for reading my poetry. Hope you like the rest of the story. :-) Have a great week my friend! Bill
Date: 8/16/2022 1:03:00 PM
Excellent memories! Thanks for sharing Bill!
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Bill Baker
Date: 8/16/2022 5:26:00 PM
Thanks for reading and commenting, Mark. Have a great week my friend, Bill
Date: 8/16/2022 7:40:00 AM
Such memories Bill! Such treasures to hold! Though I was not a player, I remember the diamond and the games just around the corner from my house, You brought me a nostalgic turn with this piece, Thanks
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Bill Baker
Date: 8/16/2022 8:12:00 AM
Glad you got a chance to look back on your childhood memories, Mike. Part of my reason for writing about mine. Yhanks for reading and comment. A poet friend in Texas, Bill
Date: 8/16/2022 6:18:00 AM
"Take me out to the ball game." Okay I saw your part 2 before I saw this part one. Such a fun little story you have told us, and it is a visible story too. 5/5!
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Bill Baker
Date: 8/16/2022 8:18:00 AM
Just a memory from my childhood, the fun years as a ten and eleven year old playing baseball. Thanks for the comment, Miranda. Have a great week my friend! Bill
Date: 8/14/2022 11:42:00 AM
wow, this is your bio, Bill? better go to part 2.
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Bill Baker
Date: 8/14/2022 5:34:00 PM
Yep, a little part of it. :-) The fun part when I was still just a kid having fun. Thanks for reading my poems, Andrea. Hugs, Bill
Date: 8/14/2022 8:27:00 AM
Bill - this was a wonderful way to share your Little League memories with us. What a beautiful poem!!
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Bill Baker
Date: 8/14/2022 9:01:00 AM
Thanks, Elena. Have a great weekend! Bill
Date: 8/14/2022 7:54:00 AM
Hi Bill, it is amazing the excitement we used to have when it came to taking place in sports. I loved to watch the baseball on tv. I used to watch it on Sky, now of course, BT Sport show the games. Looks like I shall have to fork out for the channel. Now, to what happens next. You have me a little excited. A fave from me. Have a wonderful Saturday. Your friend ..... Mike.
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Date: 8/13/2022 8:11:00 PM
You've got me on the edge of my seat, Bill!! ~ Your biggest (at least fattest) fan, gw
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Bill Baker
Date: 8/14/2022 9:00:00 AM
LOL, love your wit and humor, Gershon. Glad you liked my childhood memory. Bill
Date: 8/13/2022 5:42:00 PM
You and my grandson, were pitchers for Little League. And he plays first base. I have seen the many uniforms since he was a tyke. He travels the country, and plays in other states. Plus the awards and the home run balls he cherishes. How very exciting Bill for you, Son n Law was also in LL))) forwarding to them. A Fav for me, Panagiota XXX
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Bill Baker
Date: 8/13/2022 7:39:00 PM
Thank you, my dear friend. Hope they like them. Bill
Date: 8/13/2022 3:33:00 PM
Having lived in Canada for almost twenty years, I have a good idea of the game as I have watched many Major League games in Montreal. Having said that I can understand the enthusiasm and excitement of a child to see his dream come true. A fantastic depiction of the feelings of a young player who certainly had been captivated by the game! Superbly written!
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Bill Baker
Date: 8/13/2022 5:03:00 PM
Thank you for you comments my dear friend. I've always been an "all in" kind of guy. It started early in my life. If I did it, I gave all I had to do it the best I could. Have a blessed weekend, Demetrios. Bill
Date: 8/13/2022 10:42:00 AM
I know that Americans love their baseball, and how proud you must have felt to have been chosen for the Little Leaguers Team and how proud your parents were. I can imagine your excitement and am looking forward to the 2nd part of your poem. The South Africans are the same about their Rugby. Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.
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Bill Baker
Date: 8/13/2022 5:07:00 PM
Thanks for your comments, Jennifer. I sure they've many a young lad that dreamed of playing on a ruby team just as I dreamed of the Ballpark. Just posted Part two. Hope you like it. Hugs, Bill
Date: 8/13/2022 7:09:00 AM
I'm committed Bill. I'll be back for the next bit! Linda
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Bill Baker
Date: 8/13/2022 7:39:00 AM
Thanks, Linda, you made me smile. :-) Later today Part two will probably be posted. Thanks for reading and commenting my friend. Bill
Date: 8/13/2022 5:19:00 AM
The anticipation, the joy of youthful dream. Well conveyed, Bill.
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Bill Baker
Date: 8/13/2022 7:41:00 AM
Thanks, Vijay, I really got into character with this one. I could feel the experience all over again. Pretty cool. Part two will being appearing soon my friend. Bill
Date: 8/13/2022 2:50:00 AM
What an thrilling moment! You captured your racing heart so beautifully. I felt as if I was right there with you experiencing the same excitement you did. You must've been a precious little boy filled with wonder. Thanks for writing and sharing a small, but important moment!
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Bill Baker
Date: 8/13/2022 7:41:00 AM
So sweet, my sweet. Thanks for joining me in this memory from childhood, Bill
Date: 8/13/2022 2:42:00 AM
I have little knowledge of how the game is played, Bill, but I certainly know what it's like to be young and live a dream! ~ Regards // paul
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Bill Baker
Date: 8/13/2022 7:44:00 AM
That's the theme of the poem, Paul. Being in the moment and enjoying all the emotions and excitement of being awed. Thanks for the comment my friend. Bill
Date: 8/13/2022 2:36:00 AM
wow your memory is as bright as the noon day sun here, loved your poem today, have a great day dear Bill :)
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Bill Baker
Date: 8/13/2022 7:46:00 AM
Thank you, Vie. It was quite the memory. I'll really got excited as I re-experienced the day and in part 2, the game. Thanks for commenting my friend. Smiles ~ Blessings Bill
Date: 8/12/2022 7:13:00 PM
What a thrill Bill. I feel your excitement and passion for the game. What a monumental moment that was for you. Your dad is there to watch you. It doesn't get any better than that unless your mom was there and you pitched a no hitter. Love this Poetry of yours Bill. Your words had me glue to the story line. Truly enjoyed reading. God bless you and enjoy your weekend my friend...
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Bill Baker
Date: 8/12/2022 7:46:00 PM
Thanks for the encouraging comment, Michael. They were both there to see me pitch. It is a fond memory. Smiles and Blessing to you and yours, Bill

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