The "Bad News Bear Cubs"

I was recently approached by one of our Middle School Guidance Counselors at "BBS" and asked if I would consider co-coaching a Little League Baseball Team with him. Immediately I was excited about the prospect, and had to find a way to sell the idea to Lindsay. My schedule was already pretty full with my commitments to the Varsity Soccer Team, and JV Basketball Teams at school, and I needed a way to justify giving up more of my time. It just so happens that the Guidance Counselor didn't just want me, he also wanted Lindsay to come aboard as "Team Mom"...

I went home that night trying to wait for the perfect moment to ask Lindsay, and eventually I just went for it. I recall the conversation going something like this...

Phil "Linds, you know how you love kids so much"... (Cut off by Linds)

Linds (Interrupting me) "Yeah, they're so cute, and adorable, and huggable, and I can't wait have some of our own"...

Phil (Worried about where this conversation was heading) "Well, wouldn't it be neat to be in the role of 'Team Mom' on a youth baseball team... Is that something you'd be interested in?"

Linds "What do you mean?"

Phil "I was asked to co-coach the 'Cubs', a Little League team with six of my Grade 5 boys on the team. On top of that, they want you to be TEAM MOM!!!!!! It would be really fun doing this together!"

Linds "Oh, your Grade 5's are just so sweet, that would be great!"

Phil (In his mind, careful not to say it out loud) "Check Mate!!!!!!!!"

I arrived at my first practice with the team last night, and was expecting similarities to the "Mosquito Selects" whom I coached back in 2002 to an Ontario championship. I had to laugh to myself when we arrived at a field that was a sand, sand, and more sand! The group of youngsters were excited to learn, but completely new to the game.

Accomplishments at practice #1....

1. Two players on our team can throw from shortstop to 1st Base without the ball hitting the ground.
2. Three of our players knew not to stand directly on home plate when heading for batting practice.
3. There were a few times when we fouled off some of the pitches from the pitching machine.
4. Our team cheer went well... "GOOOOOOOOOO CUUUBBBBBBSSSS!!!!!"

Lindsay is going to fall in love with our team members, the second she meets them. We even have two girls on the team. There's nothing like "Little League!" I'll keep you updated on how we progress throughout our season.