I must admit–all of my kids impress me. But today I want to focus on my oldest.
J.D. has been playing sports for over four years and has always tried very hard. Unfortunately he followed in my footsteps as a kid and isn’t the greatest athlete in the world. He isn’t the biggest or fastest but does have a great attitude today and in the past. He tries hard and always tries to get better each and every game.
Well I am excited to say that he is doing something that is incredible. He is in "coach pitch" and hasn’t struck out in almost 18 months and as I type this posting he is 24-24. Yes he hasn’t made an out this year! Has gotten on base every time he got up! His year started with 2 home runs in game one (yes he did get the game ball) and he hasn’t stopped pounding the ball since.
Yes he is 24-24 and certainly I am excited for him but I am more excited and more proud of him for being a really good team player. He high fives teammates, cheers them on, is VERY respectful of the coaching staff, NEVER cries and always is smiling. JD I am so proud of you!
Time for you to share and brag a little bit:
- What have your kids done that has made you feel most proud?
- Are they athletic?
- Are they creative and involved in plays and music?
- Are they artistic, great at drawing or arts and crafts?
- Are they president of their class?
I look forward to hearing your comments.
Rachel Campbell says:
That is awesome!
My son is in his first full year of little league and there is a little girl on one of the other teams who has Downs Syndrome…when we played that team our boys made sure she got to base every time she was at bat. She was even able to score a run. Between throwing to the person running at first instead of her running to third or just dropping the ball at first base when they saw it was her running, they did everything they could to make sure they did NOT get her out. It was truly the most amazing moment in my son’s very early baseball career so far. The other coaches were just amazed at what they did! (sorry, that wasn’t specifically about my son, but I am extremely proud regardless 🙂 )
Jeffrey Lorber says:
Merrill:
I watched Justin play ball a few years ago with you and he really struggled. Even though I could tell you were disappointed, you never showed it to Justin. Moreover, you encouraged him every step of the way.
Too often we, as parents want our children to fulfill our unrealized dreams. In work and play, you have always been a positive influence on those around you.
Can I say, I am proud of you, Merrill? You are a great dad and a great friend.
j.l.
Fee Sepahi says:
Hi Merrill,
Great post and you should be very proud of J.D.
My daughter is a swimmer. She’s athletic though not as fast or as driven as her piers. On some level swimming being a very individualistic sport, she’s tends to be self indulged and reserved, on meet days. But put her in a relay and she’s a ball of fire, supporting her team and giving everyone good laughs and really positive energy. Being an extrovert, that energy comes easily.
I’m very proud of her for stepping up and being a good role model, for her team, and sending positive energy to her fellow team members.
I’m mostly proud of her, and I do tell her this, for not drowning trying to learn to do the Butterfly! Her strokes are the freestyle and backstroke…
Betsy says:
My daughter is in her first year on a Tumbling/Trampoline team and a Diving team. She obviously got her athletic abilities from her father. Beyond being amazed that she can do 6 back hand-springs in a row she has impressed me with her good sportsmanship. She is always cheering for her friends to do well even though they compete directly with her. She is thrilled to see them up on the podium getting a first place even if it means she places lower. For someone who is extremely competitive, it is a very good lesson in what it’s all about.
She has also impressed me with her love of math and science this year. Both subjects which traditionally skew male and are opportunity areas for children in the U.S. My hope is she can translate that passion into a career. Maybe an engineer or chemist?
Jami Pulley says:
Wow! What a fun topic. My oldest daughter is in dance, and she is the clumsiest kid in class (she gets that from me). However, she is also the cutest. She has fun, and is learning how to follow directions and stay focused (did I mention she is 4). I have no idea what her interests will be when she gets older, but I hope she continues to have fun and learn along the way.
steve says:
Love kids and sports – the stories are endless and usually filled with laughs and smiles. My 14 year old pitches and his nickname is “Wild Thing” – I can assume you know what that means. This past week was his first game and he was the starting pitcher. He pitched 3 innings of no hit ball but in typical Skyler fashion let up 6 runs on 5 walks and 1 hit by pitch combined with about 18 wild pitches. and by the way he typically leads off every game with hitting the first batter in the back. I just sit and shake my head but all he does is wind up, throw and smile whether they are right down the middle or hit the backstop.
Just another note, not too many kids will catch for him – not an easy task.
Bob Graham says:
My kids are grown, but both had involvement with sports.
My older daughter Evie is a gifted and natural athlete. She started playing soccer aggressively in grade school. By the time she reached middle school, the coaches wanted to put her in every sport available. They put her in basketball, but she was so used to soccer that she fouled out in 5 minutes. They wanted her to run track, but she hated it because it wasn’t a team sport and she found it boring. She stayed with soccer and went to Pace University in NY on a soccer scholarship. While she was there, the coach offered her extra scholarship money to run track. She still hated it but, irony of ironies, she and her roomate hold the Pace record for relay.
My younger daughter Caitie (who I’ve written about before) did not have Evie’s natural ability for sports, but she always played with a lot of heart. She became a cheerleader in HS and while her gymnastic skills were not on a par with some of her team members, she had a smile that could light up a stadium (still does!). She had to give up cheering due to some accidents, but developed an interest in training because of some injuries she suffered that continued throughout HS. In 3 weeks she graduates Magna Cum Laude from the University of Missouri with a degree in Elementary Education and is remaining there to go for a Masters.
Ian Kiernan says:
Both my kids play soccer and I have the great pleasure of coaching both of their teams which is so much more rewarding than my day job.
Last week, my U9 boys team got slaughtered in the second game of the season. I think the final score was 10 – 0. I had two kids crying at the end of the game and my son explained to one of them that the score wasn’t that important, it was about having fun.
My daughter writes amazing poems….very creative and deep stuff for a 10 year old. I always love sharing her work with friends and family.
Lucky to have two great kids.
Keri Walsh says:
Go J! I am very proud of him too! Can’t wait to see a game soon.
No kids of my own but I like to hear/brag about yours since they are like my little siblings! However, Bailey did learn a new trick with her chew toy and some treats : )
Merrill Dubrow says:
Quick update – I may have jinxed my son. His last game his streak ended as he went 2-4! Still so proud of you for everything you do and everything you are!
Dad