As I sat here this morning thinking about how the new pitch count will come into play for my team this season and what to do with the 6 players I will have for the first 5-6 weeks of the season until basketball finishes up and we have enough kids to go play, my mind drifted back over the past couple of seasons with this merry band of misfits in the picture. The Sr.s were with me when we started up the program and were playing every game on the road because we did not have a field to play on. These guys were also with me at my darkest hour and hold a special place with me.
We finished last season with a winning record (9-8) and the picture is after a game where we beat a top team. (Yes, we now have a field complete with cages, dugouts, scoreboard, bases, the whole 9 yards. lol) I enjoyed coaching this group as much or more than some of the 20+ win teams of the past. Something happens to a coach, team, community when the importance is the kids and W-L record does not matter. I am sure if we keep winning a few games someone will expect more and the magic will be gone, but for now we will enjoy the tailgating and cookouts, the student body showing up to support their class mates even though they know nothing of the game of baseball, and the players growing into quality young men.
The game will never be the same for me. It simply can not be when your son's name is on the outfield wall, or a tournament is named after your son like a friend of mine, but the relationships built and the lessons taught and learned come from a different perspective and hold more importance now. I know I have said it before but cherish this time and love your kids and do not stress/worry about what they did or did not do on the field.
We are all pulling for you Coach. Ramble away anyday here. 
