The Woodbridge Spades

THE WOODBRIDGE SPADES

I imagine most every parent probably feels and thinks the way I do when I say "There is no better thing in life as a parent than to see our children excel in something they love to do" I cherish every moment that I get to spend watching them. Let's face it, we never know when the last time will ever be. In my life, I have raised six children. All of them while growing up, have been involved with some kind of sport or after school activity. Either it was baseball, football, wrestling, cheerleading or performing on a stage just doing their things enjoying life. I was fortunate because my occupation usually allowed me to be able to watch most of my kids events throughout the years. It's a beautiful thing to be able to watch your children competing and doing well, anyone who has kids knows exactly how I feel. Wether they catch a fly ball, score a touchdown or scream from the top of their lungs through a megaphone cheering, it always warms our hearts and puts a smile on our faces. I myself have always enjoyed wrestling and playing baseball. Baseball has been in my family for years. My father coached my four brothers and I for years and me and my older brother Dean and younger brother Paul have played together in Over-20, 30 and 40 year old leagues. I thought I gave up playing fast-pitch baseball four years ago at age 56, but I guess the old man up there had other plans for me. My youngest son (Dylan)-26 years young had put together a baseball team to play in a fast-pitch Over-20 baseball league. He had trouble getting enough people to play so he asked if I thought I still had it in me to play and join his team. I laughed, and said you are joking, right? He smiled and said "No dad, I'm dead serious." Well, being the competitor I am, and how much I love the game and missed playing, I accepted his offer and gave it a try. After the first couple of weeks I have to admit my bones ached, but by the grace of god and the will to keep going, as the practices kept going I found myself losing a few pounds and becoming more versatile and comfortable playing again. Also on our baseball team are my grandson (Kane) my son-in-law (Nick), my son-in-law (Russ), my brother (Paul), his son (Paul Jr) and his step-son (P.J.). So, including my son and I, there are eight of us all playing together...such a wonderful thing! I am thrilled to peices and very fortunate to be able to play ball at age 61 with both my son and grandson, and all six of the others in mine and my brothers families. My highlight of the year was when I went 4-for-4 against one of the better pitchers in the league. The ole man still has it (lol). God, I love this game. Fall ball will bestaring soon and god-willing you can be sure to find me playing again. Somebody up there must really like me :)

sixty-one years oldd

still playing fast-pitch baseball

bengay is calling

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