Gannon's Dodgers played the Detroit Tigers, in a game comprised of 4 and 5 year old boys and girls in which no score is kept, no outs are called and each player bats once an inning.
Gannon was a real showman as on one occasion when he was in the on deck circle, located next to the chain link fencing protecting the stands from foul balls, he smiled and made eyes at the crowd and demonstrated his batting technique for us. He also smiled and waved at us.
And when he was on the field, one time he put his legs together and jumped to his right and then jumped to his left. He also did a cart wheel, a sort of somersault. Playing in the field is something he enjoys even if it has nothing to do with baseball.
Meanwhile, at his dad Kevin's behest 7 year old Brody took a walk with me, and I had the pleasure of making him the center of attention. Brody told me that he is in the 2nd grade in Mrs. Anderson's class and that he doesn't have a best friend.
As we walked the neighborhood just beyond the baseball fields, he pointed out a green house he liked for its architectural style and he pointed to a house he thought was about the same age as his house. I agreed with him as his house was built in 1956 and this house was from the same era. I was amazed that he would know that.
As we walked, he referenced the eras of different homes as "1940, 1950, 1960." I don't know to what extent he understands time but his observations were very sharp. He also noticed landscaping and various features about the houses. Brody is like a little sponge in how he absorbs knowledge, including my comments.
It is a real pleasure to be with both children and when Brody and I returned to the baseball field, the post game goody bags were being given out and he and Gannon each got one. It was fun to walk the kids and their parents, Kevin and Melody to their car.
Melody is a warm and encouraging cheerleader for all the little children and it will be nice when she shortly gets her voice back so she can cheer above a whisper. Simply having her and Kevin's company, along with that of our beautiful little grandchildren, was a real joy for Anne and me.
But what also makes it special for me is the joyous energy among the children and their families as everyone has a good time. It is a celebration of life and for a brief time, we all become family and friends.
Dick
P.S. I wish Melody's dad Ben Haney, who is a retired Los Angeles County Sheriff Police Sargent and now a judge in Arizona, could be here. He would love all of this activity and he would add to it, making it even nicer.
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