Field of Dreams

 My son was barely 10 years old when we moved into our most recent home. On the day we arrived, I told him to get on his bike and ride around the neighborhood to look for kids to play with. Without concern or care, he promptly did just that. 

I knew when he didn’t come right back that he must have discovered something or someone to keep him occupied. Being a concerned parent and new to the environment, I decided to venture out to see where he was. Within minutes, I found him with three other boys playing in a nearby front yard. 

They seemed to be having fun so I simply smiled and waved. However, the owner of the home saw me and came out. We exchanged niceties with her promising to have my wife and me over for drinks one night as a welcoming gesture.

Ten years later and we’re still friends with that couple. And her three boys and my son became fast friends as well, spending countless hours playing together over the last decade. 

One of the brothers was involved with Little League baseball, which prompted me to sign my son up for the same league. The fields they played on were at a nearby school, easily accessible on a bike through the back of our neighborhood. For the next several years, my son played and I coached in that league.

The facilities at this park were fantastic, with three separate fields covering every level of play, complete with batting cages, dugouts, and a concession stand.

I have countless memories of my boy and me riding our bikes up to that field for the innumerable practices and weeknight games both in the spring and fall sessions. In fact, he loved it so much that during the off-season we’d also stop by to practice fielding or hit balls in the cage. 

I also saw other dads bring their sons and daughters up to practice when the seasons were not in session. Some were serious and became acquaintances, others were one-offs just trying to get their kid interested. But the best scenario of all was to show up and have the entire park empty. That’s when my son and I created some fantastic memories.

I give my kid credit. He was always up for a trip to the baseball diamond. He was a naturally excitable child so any opportunity to let off steam was pleasing for him. And from my end, it was pure joy to watch him fall in love with a beautiful game. 

I learned a few things going up to that field night after night. For one thing, you can’t force your kid into loving something, especially sports. In fact, when you see they have an interest, it’s best not to overwhelm them with it. Let them set the pace with you providing the needed encouragement.

The other thing I learned is that your kid feeds off your excitement. As a longtime sports coach, I’ve witnessed every parental reaction, from overbearing screaming to complete uninterest. But the parents who cheer excitedly and are always offering words of encouragement are the ones that have the most mature and positive athletes (I had the added dynamic of being father and coach so I had to tread the line of disciplinarian and dad carefully). 

I also learned that getting involved in your kids’ activities not only makes it fun for them but also invests you more fully in the experience. I loved playing baseball as a youngster and continued with that love as an adult with men’s softball. It was therefore a natural progression for me to start coaching on a youth level. And honestly, I don’t know who enjoyed it more.

Sadly, my son eventually aged out of the youth leagues. He chose not to play in high school because of his dedication to basketball. I didn’t like the decision, but I respected it.

Last weekend, I ventured back up to that park. There were a couple games going on so I made my way into the bleachers and sat and watched for a half hour. A lot of nostalgia rushed through my brain in that time. I miss those moments with my kid but reminded myself that there will be other moments to cherish in the future.

Nostalgia was forefront in this week’s feature, “Facing Nolan,” a deep and insightful documentary about one of the greatest pitchers in the history of the major leagues. Nolan Ryan could be as dominant as any pitcher during his 28-year career, but with all the success and adulation, he still had to battle the critics daily.  

Check this one out if you love baseball. Sure, it’s got some great sports highlights, but beyond that, it highlights an immensely interesting man who wanted nothing more than to win at the game he loved.

A heroic “B+” for Facing Nolan,” now available to stream on Netflix.

Got a question or comment for Dom? You can email him at moviediary@att.net.