The whole “micro” softball season was focused on the basics: which base to run to if you hit the ball (first), how to hit the ball (swing), how to work on a team (hint: not everybody should run for the ball at the same time). Nobody kept score, and at the end of the game each team did a cheer for the other team. 2-4-6-8, who do we appreciate?

It was delightful to watch their batting, running, and team skills develop this Spring, especially delightful that my own negligible catching and throwing skills are, for this brief moment, as good as my daughter’s. It was heartwarming to see so many adults donate their skills and talents to the kids: four coaches gave our team of 13 their loving care each Saturday morning.

And the season ended, as it should, with a gold trophy. Each kid got one, with her name, the team, 2014. I would have told you I’m against “participation” prizes, but you should have seen the excitement when the girls got these gold statuettes. Priceless.