I was watching a little league baseball game last night and the kids are 8–12 years old. When on deck they swing their little bat so hard, then step up to the plate and strike out.

You can see the disappointment on their faces as they walk slowly back to the dugout. They are mad at themselves for not hitting the ball. They have seen the high school kids playing and how easily they are able to connect with the baseball.

What they don’t understand is the hours the high schoolers have devoted in every season. Some even play year round in the gym.

So, the little guys with sadness on their faces try not to show how upset they really are.

What these kids don’t understand is this game is preparing them for life.

Some days you will step up to the plate and hit the ball, while others you may not even get a chance to swing the bat.

Baseball just like in life, you only improve with practice, and practice makes progress.

— Nicole Barden 5/6/2021