Not the Papa
Nothing could have prepared me for these moment when both of my sons became men.
October 25
I originally wrote this two years ago…I’ve modified it a bit to update it. The original is here. I was a kid. A 13 year old entering into some of the most confusing years of my life. Arm issues left me incapable of playing sports and a crippling shyness left […]
Growing Up With Basketball
As some of you may know, I am the President of our local youth basketball program. It consists of about 230 kids across 25 teams and is something I enjoy […]
NY in PA: Behind Enemy Lines
Day 215. Life continues to spiral around me in a blur of green, silver and white, with all semblance of what was before, gone. It is in a land I know and love and call home, but it is in a world I have yet to adjust to. It is […]
Lessons from Little Leaguers
It’s 8:40 on a Tuesday morning and I want to go to my kids school, pull them out of class and apologize to them. I want to apologize to them for my demeanor and attitude after our last few little league games. I want to tell them how proud I […]
Small Miracles on the Diamond
Due to another event happening at the normal Little League field, Matthew’s game on Saturday was moved to a different time at a back up field. All three of my assistant coaches could not make the game because of prior commitments. One of the other fathers on the team happens […]
What does a ball hitting the bat look like?
His uniform seemed like a lead shroud hanging from his thin frame. His hat pulled low, concealing wet eyes. Glove tucked under his arm as he drags himself into the car. He is heartbroken. My heart breaks for him, also. I’ve been there and it feels like there is nothing […]
Meeting a Yankee
Those of you who know me, know that I am a big Mets fan. In recent years, I have playfully “trained” Benjamin and Matthew to boo whenever they hear “Phillies” or “Yankees” (“Eagles”, as well). Well, recently, I had the opportunity to meet Sparky Lyle and get his autograph. Having […]
Anguish and Pride on the Little League Field
I’ve had some tough times as a father in the seven plus years that I’ve been on this wild journey. There have been some emotional moments for so many different reasons. However, one of the most emotional moments happened for me this past Saturday on a baseball diamond. I am […]
Fixing Home
This evening, after work, I was out playing tee ball with Benjamin and Matthew, trying to get a head start on practice for both them and me. At one point Matthew insisted on batting without the tee, with me pitching to him. So, I lined him up at the rubber […]
It's The Papa 