As a kid, I looked forward to opening day. It was such an exciting time of the year with so many questions and uneasy feelings. How are we going to do this year? What is the team going to accomplish? Is the manager capable of leading his coaches and players? Are all the right players set in the right place?
I’ll never forget the look on my father’s face as his big smile assured me that everything would be okay. From all the things that he had heard, “This was going to be our year?” I was ready. I was more than ready. I had everything that I needed to go see my team on their first day. If we got there early I might even meet some of the coaches and players. On our way we talked about what our friends were saying about the team and what the expectations were. No one was really certain how far they’d go, but we were all hoping that it would be another banner year. As we approached it was chaotic, but still a great deal of excitement in the air. People were everywhere. Smiling faces could be seen as far as I could see as people were cheering in anticipation. After being there for just a short amount of time a huge roar came upon the crowd. “Here comes the team!” There they were! Our first glance at our heroes and they looked mighty and strong.
I couldn’t wait to see what the first pitch was going to be like. That first pitch was so important and magical that it could set the tone for the entire game…maybe even the whole year! Sure enough my favorite player got up there and the first pitch was amazing. It had the attention of all the fans. It was so strong that I felt that it went right through me. This was going to be awesome! I was riveted to what was going on, staring in awe as my hero continued to play their part. I had waited the entire off-season for this and I was definitely not disappointed. One by one, each player stepped up to the plate and had the entire crowd in the palm of their hands and every single one of us sat at the edge of our seats as we anticipated each move.
After several hours had passed we all experienced a wide range of emotions- highs, lows, cheering, laughter, and in some cases, tears. As we left our seats after an exhausting day to go home, I felt a hand on my shoulder. As I turned around I saw my hero standing over me, smiling down with an assuring look. “So, did you enjoy opening day?” Sweat started beading my brow as I was at a loss for words. Here was my favorite player asking me a question, little old me. “Yes sir, yes I did.” His smile was wider and even more comforting. “Great, I’m glad you enjoyed yourself kid.” This was it. My moment of truth. What was I going to say, could I find the words? I looked at my buddy, then back to my hero, and as I went to tell him how much I enjoyed being there, he said, “Don’t forget to bring your book bag tomorrow, we’ll start reading chapter one.”
It’s a new season. Tomorrow is opening day and as teachers, administrators, and parents, it’s our turn to step up to the plate…What is your first pitch going to look like?
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