Falling in love with a sport you once found bewildering is like discovering a hidden world that’s been there all along. Baseball, with its seemingly endless innings, complex rules, and intricate traditions, always felt like a mystery to me. I didn’t understand what made people sit through a three-hour game, holding their breath for a run here and there. But then, something shifted, and what I once saw as a slow-paced game turned into a blend of strategy, skill, and suspense. So how did baseball win me over?
For years, I couldn’t quite understand baseball’s appeal. The game seemed too slow, the rules baffling, and the terminology (infield fly, sacrifice bunt, balk) utterly foreign. But one night my husband asked our sons if they wanted to play baseball. They all loved sports, so it was a yes from them. That’s when the fear kicked in for me. I knew nothing about the game. How was I supposed to support my boys and cheer them on if I did not know anything about the game? Now don’t get me wrong, I have gone to games as a child, but I did not understand anything let alone try to understand. However, my husband wanted to make sure I knew as much as I could, so we started going to Dodger games and watching them at home to teach me. I still didn’t understand all the rules, but something about the game’s rhythm—the suspenseful moments, the pitcher’s concentration, the crowd’s reaction—drew me in.
That curiosity kept me watching. I realized that the “slowness” I once dismissed was part of the beauty of the game. Baseball wasn’t about constant action; it was about strategy, anticipation, and carefully executed plays. My newfound curiosity led me to dig deeper, and I started to see the hidden layers that had eluded me for so long. My husband was so patient with me. He would take stats at home and show me how to do it, which helped me learn more about the game. Once the boys started playing, I would keep the books to aide in my learning process.
Understanding the game’s technical side changed my experience completely. Now, I could follow each pitch and play with a sense of purpose. I began to see the skill required to hit a fastball, the strategy behind defensive shifts, and the mental battle between the pitcher and the batter. Baseball wasn’t just a pastime anymore—it was a mental game of chess, played out on the diamond.
Attending live games transformed my perspective. The energy of the ballpark, the smell of hot dogs, the crowd’s synchronized chants, and the seventh inning stretch created an unforgettable experience. Suddenly, I felt part of a community of fans who shared a deep-rooted love for the game. Watching live, I found myself on the edge of my seat with every pitch, my heart racing as the count approached 3-2 with the bases loaded. The slow moments I’d once found boring were now moments of intense anticipation. And once the boys started playing more games and tournaments the love for baseball was nothing I could ever imagine. I had my very own pitcher and catcher that I got to watch grow into amazing athletes.
As I delved deeper into baseball, I discovered that it wasn’t just a sport; it was a teacher. Baseball taught me patience, the value of focus, and the importance of perseverance. I started to see life in a new way—understanding that success often requires waiting for the right moment, making small moves, and being ready to swing when an opportunity arises. All this teaching was being passed to my sons with every pitch they took in the box.
Learning the complexities of baseball and watching players strategize in high-pressure situations changed the way I thought about challenges in my own life. Baseball is a game of failure as much as it is of success—after all, even the best hitters strike out more often than they hit a home run. Embracing that perspective has given me a new appreciation for resilience and growth, both on and off the field. This lesson was actually taught to me by my sons. Watching them fail at something they loved but continued to play and learn gave me a new perspective on life. Watching them take the lesson from the game and apply it in their everyday life made it all worth it.
Baseball became a Spencer Family Tradition. We started taking annual family trips to visit all the MLB parks. We have a way to go but the journey has been so rewarding. The bond we share over baseball is not something I thought I would ever enjoy, but boy was I wrong. I love the healthy debates we have in our home over baseball. We are a Dodger family with the exception of my youngest son who is a Pirates fan. Still not sure how that happened but it did. So yes, he is not happy the Dodgers are World Series Champions.
Baseball is a reminder that the things we don’t understand can still bring us joy and that it’s never too late to let curiosity lead us somewhere surprising. Whether it’s baseball or another sport, there’s always a chance to discover a whole new world. Baseball has won me over. I love it!
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