When I look back at everything, I still wonder if it was all a dream. (I know that sounds like a total cliche, but its true!)
My brother did something pretty damn amazing with baseball.
You know, its funny, but I always tell people the same thing: that i keep missing out on my social life and being a teenager. But, to tell you the truth, I had a blast this summer, and something that I thought was so boring became exciting. Sitting there at the Little League World Series, screaming out "DONT GIVE UP!" and throwing a fast pitch of my heart and soul to the pitchers mound where by brother stood was almost the best summer of my life. (Its not the best because I hope there will be more to come)
Now, being the arrogant older sister, I'm pretty used to getting the good grades, wanting the center of attention, and trying to keep my brother as the younger sibling, our parent's #2 child. So, it was kind of a shock when you see your brothers name in the paper or on the news and have every dinner conversation be about baseball, baseball, baseball. But it was all worth it.
Baseball is one of those sports where you don't like it until you really get into it. There are no body checks, fights, soccer injuries or loud arrogant men with sweat pouring down their faces screaming at each other (well, sometimes). It is not all good fun though.
Baseball is more than just hitting, throwing and catching. It's strategy, passion, endurance, bravery, and most important...heart. (This is not to say that other sports don't have heart, they definitely do. Just baseball sometimes gets thrown on the back-burner)
I have seen so many kids with tears, yes, tears streaming down their faces, after losing a game- and I never understood how they could be so into it. I mean, I even felt sometimes that I could easily get up to bat and get a home run. Seriously. However, I still watched my brothers games, trying to figure out why these kids were so passionate. I now realize that baseball is more than a sport that I watch humbly to support my bro.
Baseball isn't a game. It's not a lifestyle.
Baseball is the smell of fresh grass and caramelized onions, seeing families at the games, and watching the players deliver after working on their technique over and over under the blue skies (or grey) and just being there. In the moment. Being a team.
And, realizing that even though the warm days of summer are soon gone, we can still linger through winter, waiting for spring.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
News
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/videos/index.html#VepHHQ9EB7xXeLbOBoDNMB2YMD0D7Way
copy and paste as website
copy and paste as website
Team Canada on Global
http://news.globaltv.com/video/index.html?releasePID=XKYo3E8aibwM9sdUS2VR_bdEoKu6ztrd
copy and paste as website.
copy and paste as website.
Canada vs. Mexico
Canada's first game in the Little League World Series was not only nerve-wracking, but an excellent spectacle of baseball from both teams. Mexico quickly used their pitcher up to 85 pitches, while Ryan was at 50. Ryan eventually was relieved by Anthony.
Anthony also had a great home-run to lead Mexico, however they tied up the score to bring the game to extra innings. I believe everyone would agree that this game is what baseball is all about. Team Canada made excellent plays, but grew tired in the 7th.
Sitting on the stands, you can really understand what the Little League World Series is all about. It was a hot 30 (?) degrees, and the fans weren't just sweating from the heat. Both Mexico and Canada had very enthusiastic cheers.
The cameras in your face are a little daunting, and sometimes you wish they'd go away.
Seeing the players on the megatron, in their brand new uniforms, makes you so proud that some parents and supporters even tear up.
The hardest part is probably not being able to have a conversation with your son, or daughter, brother or sister. Its sort of a bad example, but its kinda like prison. You can talk to them on the phone, and during visiting hours, but you can't take them home. But its definitely NOT like prison for the boys and girl. The team gets to stay in this baseball "mansion" on the world series site, that has everything a 11-13 year old would want. Video games, good food, and being with your friends all day long. The campus is so secret, that no one is allowed in there without a card with picture ID that you swipe at the door.
So, being a baseball sister is quite complicated. I never thought I would miss my brother a bit. Just a bit. And after this game especially: seeing the disappointed faces of the team (under the visiting tent)- its just so different than what you're used to. I am very excited to see Canada play Taiwan tomorrow.
Even if we win or lose, its really about how you play the game. And in this game against Mexico, we proved that both teams were winners.
Anthony also had a great home-run to lead Mexico, however they tied up the score to bring the game to extra innings. I believe everyone would agree that this game is what baseball is all about. Team Canada made excellent plays, but grew tired in the 7th.
Sitting on the stands, you can really understand what the Little League World Series is all about. It was a hot 30 (?) degrees, and the fans weren't just sweating from the heat. Both Mexico and Canada had very enthusiastic cheers.
The cameras in your face are a little daunting, and sometimes you wish they'd go away.
Seeing the players on the megatron, in their brand new uniforms, makes you so proud that some parents and supporters even tear up.
The hardest part is probably not being able to have a conversation with your son, or daughter, brother or sister. Its sort of a bad example, but its kinda like prison. You can talk to them on the phone, and during visiting hours, but you can't take them home. But its definitely NOT like prison for the boys and girl. The team gets to stay in this baseball "mansion" on the world series site, that has everything a 11-13 year old would want. Video games, good food, and being with your friends all day long. The campus is so secret, that no one is allowed in there without a card with picture ID that you swipe at the door.
So, being a baseball sister is quite complicated. I never thought I would miss my brother a bit. Just a bit. And after this game especially: seeing the disappointed faces of the team (under the visiting tent)- its just so different than what you're used to. I am very excited to see Canada play Taiwan tomorrow.
Even if we win or lose, its really about how you play the game. And in this game against Mexico, we proved that both teams were winners.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Videos and Photos
The families of Team Canada have all safely arrived in Williamsport, PA.
There will be video and photos of the stadium (which is huge btw), the team, and the games soon!
Canada vs. Mexico will be on ESPN, or TSN or Sportsnet Aug. 22 at 8am Vancouver time.
There will be video and photos of the stadium (which is huge btw), the team, and the games soon!
Canada vs. Mexico will be on ESPN, or TSN or Sportsnet Aug. 22 at 8am Vancouver time.
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