When son (2010) was not quite four he became frustrated that Seattle Mariners games started at 7PM and bedtime was 8PM. So we got him a radio and he fell asleep listening to Dave Niehaus call the game.
He still watches a VHS we have of the '95 Mariners and their magical season including the brilliant playoff series win over the Yankees. It still brings tears to MY eyes when Edgar Martinez doubles off Black Jack McDowell and Junior scores all the way from first to win game 5 and the series.
By the time he was four he knew all the Mariner players and their numbers. By the time he was five he knew most of the rest of the American League.
Every day when I came home he begged to play catch. He was a natural thrower and catcher. Never stepped with the wrong foot. Always used a glove comfortably, effortlessly.
When he became old enough to play at age six there was no dandelion picking. He was FOCUSED. Always dead serious.
Physically he has enough skill to compete but it was his FOCUS that stood him apart. His deeper understanding and instincts for the game. Son has always had "IT".
Next fall he heads to NAIA Jamestown (ND) to try to play at the next level. Whether he has "IT" at that level remains to be seen. Every kid he will be competing has always had "IT" too.
That's the funny thing about "IT". Every time you move up a level you never know if "IT" will make the move with you.