Touching home and not being defeated

The kid, seven or eight years old, steps in the batter’s box.

To the left of home plate he positions himself, feet roughly shoulder-width apart, the side of his left foot facing the pitcher.

He clutches his bat with two hands, before winding it back into position.

He bends his knees and lifts his back elbow up at the same time.

The kid means business and appears ready to knock the cover off the ball.

But he misses the first pitch. And the second.

And the third.

He’s not out though.

It’s rookie ball and until he hits one fair.

Which doesn’t happen on the fourth pitch, a toss he fouls over his head.

He misses the next couple too. The nearest coach steps into give him some encouragement and pointers on hitting.

I’m coaching the other team he’ll bat and don’t know the boy’s name, but I can’t help but begin cheering encouragement his way — “Watch the ball leave the pitcher’s hand, follow it in and hit it with the bat ... You got this, Buddy.”

But the boy misses the next one, and a whole bunch after that.

I lose count of the number of pitches, but not of the boy’s enthusiasm.

He’s unshakeable. Where some would be vocally expressing defeat and showing their frustration, he’s swinging at every pitch with the confidence, concentration and passion of his first pitch. He wants to hit.

He really, really wants to hit — even though he’s been at the plate a long time.

By now, everyone wants him to him and he’s listening to a song of encouragement.

Everyone is singing their support.

“This pitch is yours,” I shout. The pitcher winds up and tosses the ball towards the plate.

Following it in, the kid swings at it, connects, and slashes a sharp grounder to shortstop.

The parents, me included, erupt with cheers.

His smile silently says, “I’m the happiest kid in the world” as he sprints down the base line.

We high-five when he gets to first.

I tell him he had an amazing atbat, that he’s going to get lots of hits, that the key is to never give up. He really inspired me.

And I hope his determination and perseverance help prompt you, Dear Reader, to swing at every pitch this week (and every week after that).