This is our oldest son, Christian. To tell the truth, you could actually give him two front row tickets to the Super Bowl and wouldn't care less. He's nine years old, crazy smart and he loves all things computers, Legos, math and science.
The kicker is that he's a tall and big kid. He's only in the third grade and already comes up to my eyes. (I'm 5'5")
We signed him up for football a year ago and saw the coaches drool when they watched him approach for the opening practice. It took about five seconds flat until they realized that he was instead, a gentle giant. He didn't want to hit anyone and he definitely didn't want to be hit.
This Spring, we decided to try baseball - hoping to spark an interest. My husband and I are both big believers in team sports for the fundamentals they provide in working together and supporting each other.
With an eagerness on opening day, we watched from the bleachers as the coach stood in the dugout, calling each player and giving their position. Every nine, ten and eleven year old that he called out, ran straight to their designated spot. When it came time for our son's name, the coach yelled, "CHRISTIAN! Right field!"
Christian began to run towards home plate then turned and said, "Wait...coach? Where's right field?"
Dropping his clipboard, the coach looked at Christian and said, "Buddy, it's out in the field...to the right." Then pointed past first base.
Yes, it's been a long season so far and we still have several games to go. Christian has been a trooper even though he really doesn't get too "into" the games.
I don't think that we'll be able to sign him up for sports for very much longer as he grows older and even more disinterested. It wouldn't be fair to him. It's good to see him make new friends and have fun for now though.
My husband and I realize that we're going to have to get used to the fact that he's probably going to be the biggest kid on the debate team or the chess club one day and that's okay. At least we know that if one of the trivia questions ever has anything to do with the position of "Right Field" in baseball, he's going to hit a homerun.
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