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The best memories in baseball for me came years ago. Being on a team was great but there were never enough games.
Many memories of heading out in the morning, breaking for lunch, and being late for dinner. And for the lucky few (who didn't get grounded for being late for dinner) heading out to the park again until you could no longer see the ball. We could not start playing until we were 8 years old. Games were scheduled around holidays not during holidays so families could celebrate together. We played maybe 16 games then all stars for maybe another six. Unless your team went to regional on your way to the LL world series. Travel was limited to just a few counties. I am not sure but maybe in my generations zealousness in the sport Has ruined the game.

Compare... pro ball then vs pro ball now.

A 400 avg is still flirted with by just a hand few of players each year.

The era's of pitchers are roughly the same although they have gone up a little. Just because there are more teams and pitching is watered down within the league.

Back then you had subs now you have specialists that come in for one out, or to strike out or hit a bomb.

But in going to the parks and watching games now the magic still lives. Some little kid not playing still has a tennis ball and glove near by.

Go to any field and take 5-6 gloves; some with the webbing coming apart, a card board box, One Baseball that has a smile cut on it, One cracked bat, and put a few nails, a hammer and some electrical tape in a box nearby. Add 13 kids age 8-14 and jug of cold water.

Now pull up a chair and watch.....See the magic !
Original Post
Many of us miss those days, but afraid, for the most part, they're gone. Just like celebrating after a big game everyone piling in the back of coachs pickup & a few mile ride to the local Dairy Queen... gone.

Practice fields are at premium most everywhere. For many of us is mile after mile of nice housing additions, acreages, suburban offices, & upscale shopping areas. The previous nearby 2-5 acre plots with an old backstop have either given way to scraped earth with a for sale sign, or small suburban offices. When the boys do get to practice on a practice field, everyone drives in, then leaves as the next team arrives. When I was a youth, rode my bike less than a block away to a 20 acre park behind a small local elementary school. Coach would always show up in his old pickup, had a big water jug in the back. In the early Summer, we practiced til dark nearly every weeknight if we didn't have a game. The park was huge, & we had our choice of several different ballfields to practice on. Can still find such places but it takes getting way out of the suburbs, out into the small towns where the oldtimers have resisted change & still love baseball.
Last edited by journey2

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