The crack of the bat and the roar of a cheering crowd. Nope! Not the Giants’ World Series Championship game, even better, Opening Day of the Elk Grove Cal Ripken AAA Little League ORIOLES! In bright orange shirts adorned with last names, grey pants and black cleats and caps the group of thirteen 9-11 year olds huddled on the baseball diamond and in unity shouted “1,2,3 – Let’s go Orioles!” At age 10 Dominick decided (somewhat coerced by Nick) that he wanted to play baseball. Nick had spent the past two springs and summers conditioning Dominick for his entrance into Little League AAA ball and when January arrived Dominick headed to try-outs. For one month we eagerly awaited new from the coaches, not worrying too much about whether Dom made the team but rather which professional team he would represent. Fingers crossed that it wasn’t the Dodgers! March 4th was practice #1 and boy was it tiring. Who would have thought baseball involved so much running and catching? Dominick did great and he eventually became used to all that practice entails. We are currently about ½ way through the season. Our win/lose record could use some improvement but the development I have seen in Dominick is incredible. He actively participates in banter, cheers on his teammates, takes it hard when something doesn’t go right and beams with pride when he makes contact with the bat, lands on base and makes a catch. To date my All-Star has 1 stolen base, knocked a ball into the outfield, been walked several times, been hit a few times and backed up first base more than once. I am so proud of him! I am not sure how the season will end as far as our record is concerned but Dominick is batting a thousand in my opinion and will walk away a winner no matter what.
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