This is something all together different than anything I have ever experienced before, the end of a season as a coach.
I played baseball for over 22 years. 4 in HS, 4 at UIC, and 4 more professionally, but nothing compares to the emptiness that I have experienced since the last out of this summer (which happened Thursday night down at East Cobb).
Wins and losses mean nothing at this point. I would give anything to get back on the field with that group just one more time.
It's amazing how close you become as a group when you go to battle together 10, 20, 30, 40 times a year. I watched a lot of these kids grow up and learn a lot about life right before my eyes.
I have yet to experience the miracle of having a child of my own, so I can only imagine the connection that parents feel to their kids. Because I would do anything for the 20 boys that put on a uniform for me this summer.
My hope is that all of us (coaches, parents, and players) take a second to sit back and reflect upon this whole season and just smile. Forget about the stats, the records, the trophies . . . and remember the moments.
Keep it in perspective, it's just a game, one that we all love!
Can't wait for 2009!
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