Play Ball!

It was a beautiful day for baseball Thursday, as Cascade teams played a scrimmage game in front of family and friends. Known as “America’s favorite pastime”, baseball is not just a game; it’s more than that. Baseball teaches our youth life lessons that will help them throughout their lives.

First, there’s patriotism. It was beautiful to watch these kids start out their game by showing respect for country as they removed their caps and stood at attention for the National Anthem. This is a crucial small-town value kids learn, especially in times like these. And with the guidance of great coaches and other helpers, they learn lessons that will stick with them, such as how to interact with others personally, in school and later on as professionals. They learn to work together for a common goal, and that winning isn’t everything, but knowing that you did your best. After all, learning how to deal with losing is an important skill in life, too. “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!” Kids learn how to handle stress, how to support each other, and how to learn from their mistakes. They learn teamwork, self-discipline, and the power of hard work.

Yep, the game Thursday afternoon had its winner and its loser; all games do. But you wouldn’t know it by looking at these kids. They all had fun!