Volunteering our time and giving back to the community is something that isn't mandatory (sans judicial intervention) for individual health, well-being or even overall quality of life. That said, volunteering still feels as though it is something we must do...no different than going to school. We know its good for us to do it. Difference is, with volunteering, if one takes advantage of chances that could also be enjoyable and educational they'll not only provide a better use of their time but also be more in Cline to pass a inner-joy on.

So with that, I took up a co-workers offer a few weeks ago to help him coach his eight-year daughter's softball team in Seymour. No fancy press conference, not even a small blurb in the daily rags but it was still a momentous occasion that'll I forget. A simple conversation of..."Hey, can you help me coach softball?" followed by "I suppose." Having been quite the star baseball player myself, and wanting to reconnect with that on-field glory this seemed like a golden chance. Plus, I'd be fulfilling that "volunteering" requirement our internal judgement chip needs, in order to be satisfied.

I don't have any kids of my own yet, but I have enjoyed working with younger kids ever since I was a teenager and would volunteer time to go back to elementary schools for functions. For some reason, I seem to connect with them. Maybe its all that psychology training in college...or the fact I still spend Saturday mornings with a bowl of sugary cereal and watching cartoons. Either way, I relate and that is important.

Since this April's weather system has felt more like October, practices have been scarce for the Seymour Daisies, but we've had three which has been enough for me to make these observations on my first coaching position...

A) Eight-year olds have an attention span conducive to maybe a 10-minute practice (5-minutes if a playground is within eyesight)

B) Eight-year olds motor skills are a littler more developed than we may remember from our days...but they are still just as dumb. I try and I try but they just can't understand the wheel play is only good if the batter is bunting from the right side and its a situation in which the ball will be placed down the third base line.

C) There is crying in baseball

D) When a girl matter-of-factly mentions her father spends a lot of time at the bar...its really tough not to laugh at what is probably a serious problem.

I'll give updates as the season progresses. Who knows, a solid season here could grab the attention of some coaching scouts and my drea of making the Major Leagues could still happen