Yesterday afternoon, after catch and after writing grants and after school, Kaylea asked me to help edit an essay she’s submitting on one of her college applications. But she really didn’t need any help editing it. I didn’t suggest one single change. She just needed to find a way to get me to read it. I was completely surprised to discover it was an essay about me.
She wrote:
My dad has taught me how important it is to persevere. When he asks a bold question, he often gets turned down…but he does not let the rejection keep him from following a new dream.
Some dreams may not come true, but that does not mean that other amazing opportunities will not present themselves in due time. While he has taught me the importance of dreaming big, he has shown me that pursuing a passion and working hard is what matters most.
Of course, I loved, loved, loved the essay.
I also think she aptly summarized Catch 365. A big dream fueled by passion, encountering rejection on a daily basis, only moderately successful because of determined perseverance and hard work.
The “problem” in recent days is the dreams don’t stop. Maybe playing catch is a “boring” activity. I’ve been reading Bored and Brilliant; Manoush Zomorodi’s words speak deeply to this flip-phone soul. Maybe playing catch is just another way of disconnecting from screens and re-connecting to the real world, creating enough space for synapses to dance and ask “What if…?”
With the second round of the MLB playoffs starting on Friday and the World Series rapidly approaching, I keep thinking of new catch playing ideas.
I drove to CY Sports to work on a slider that actually slides and a two-seamer with Ryan (Day #100). He gave me an education on pitch framing and we talked about the Grip ‘N’ Rip Championship Game on Sunday.
“It’s a bittersweet experience. It’s exciting to play in the championship and I know I’m fortunate to play in the last game of the year yet again. But it’s also sad knowing I have to wait a year to play again.”
Maybe next year I can be one of Ryan’s teammates.
We then talked about my latest idea.
A catch-playing World Series watch party that spreads the joy of the game.
“Crazy idea, right?”
“Not a crazy idea,” he said. “A perfect idea. Let’s do it.”
Ryan then sent a couple of texts and things started coming together.
Here is the first iteration of the idea.
On Tuesday, October 23, you are invited to CY Sports to watch the first game of the World Series which will hopefully involve the Milwaukee Brewers. Admission is $10 or an equipment donation to Pitch In For Baseball**. Matt from Pasta Express is providing some appetizers and there will probably be some autographed items raffled off. I’ll be playing catch with a different person every inning and have no idea how I’m choosing catch partners at this point. Doors will open an hour before the first pitch.
If you have questions, please come and visit with me as I cheer on Ryan and the Raptors at the Grip ‘N’ Rip Championship Game this Sunday at 1:30.
CY Sports / 2180 Fox Hollow Dr. / Nixa, MO
**“Pitch In For Baseball is a non-profit organization that provides new and gently used baseball and softball equipment to boys and girls in the United States and around the world who want to play ball but lack the equipment to do so. PIFB reduces barriers to play and promotes youth development by providing equipment directly to leagues, schools, and organizations around the world to start, continue, and/or expand their programs.”
