The Belts

In 2020, like many, the spring baseball season was canceled due to the Covid pandemic. One of our Tate baseball parents posted this picture along with a post describing the flood of memories and stories that were stirred by this 20-year collection of belts. I read the post and it inspired the following tribute to those 2020 senior moms. I thought it would be appropriate to now offer a tribute to all baseball moms on this 2022 Mother’s Day.

A long time ago
In a time that seems so far away
A story started to evolve
About a young boy and a game that he aspired to play

It started with his first glove, bat, and ball
And before you knew it,
He was signed up to play in the fall

So excited to finally wear that jersey and cap
Finish it off with that belt, cleats, and pants that only came to the kneecap
He wore it with pride and could not wait
To get on the field and step on home plate

It was time to shine and go compete
Watching him round those bases…well…it was those moments you just couldn’t beat
He played in the rain, wind, and cold
Through ups and downs onward we rolled

The years flew by year after year
Many moments that brought joy and a few that brought tears
The uniforms switched colors and the styles often changed
But his love for the game always stayed the same

Four years of high school seemed like an eternity
Blink of an eye and now there’s uncertainty
Not so long ago he felt he’d play forever
Hard to imagine life after baseball; a new endeavor

Some will go to college or perhaps be called a Pro
For some, the ultimate destination will be the show
For what once just seemed like a game
You’ll look back and realize it gave you more than fortune or fame

The game taught you life in a most unique way
Valuable lessons that can’t be bought with any payday
You respected the game and made friends for life
You learned how to handle failure and strife

Your parents stood by beaming with pride
Always teaching you to let your character be your guide
You won’t remember all the losses or wins
Dust will collect on all the medals and pins

But one day you’ll open a closet to see
Your mom kept all those belts for reasons you couldn’t foresee
Sure, to you those belts kept those pants from falling to the ground
But to your mom, those belts were windows into the past, memories that were so profound

No matter the color or the material they were made
Those belts serve as reminders that a mother’s love for her son will never fade.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!