The Great All-Star Caper

For many years, our boys have played in the local Little League. This season we had Bowen and Corbin on the same team. That was really nice since they play two games each week. Corbin had actually decided at the time of sign-ups that he was not going to play this year, but focus on his running. Track season was still in full swing at that time. Of course, by the time the first practices rolled around, track was over, and Corbin was having second thoughts. Luckily, we live in a small town and know lots of people. We were able to get Corbin on the team after the deadline. The compromise was that he didn't get an official jersey with a number. He ended up wearing the coach's adult xl.

The season was lots of fun. Our house is about a block from the little league field, so we spent lots of spring nights walking back and forth. Bowen came along nicely for his first year in the majors, ages 9-12, and Corbin developed his pitching skills nicely.

At the closing ceremonies each year, the All-Star teams are announced. These players are voted on by the boys in the major league as well as the coaches, and are divided into two age groups. The All-Star teams get to travel to various towns in Northern Arizona to compete against other kids their age. Corbin having been chosen the last two years, was pretty confident that he would be selected while Bowen was sure his season was at an end. The players lined up on the field, awards were given for the regular season, and the moment of truth had arrived. First they announced the younger team, and to our delight, Bowen's name was announced. That kids smile was brighter than the lights on the field! Then the older team. As they announced the players in alphabetical order, Corbin was trying to look casual. When they passed by the Ms he was visibly shocked. Oh, the injustice!

The dilemma for me then becomes how to balance the show of happiness for Bowen, the disappointment for Corbin, and the humility for both sides as a show of good sportsmanship. Corbin ended up leaving the field early and walked home to wallow in the privacy of his room. It was tough. Looking back, I think Bowen should have gotten more accolades and attention. In our family, Bowen is often the under-the-radar kid. He is easy going, self-entertaining, and relatively quiet, a lot like his dad. He doesn't demand a lot of maintenance. Sometimes, I get lazy about making sure he gets his fair share of time in the spotlight.

As the days wore on and practice (two hours twice a day) resumed, Corbin finished mourning. Bowen was reveling. It was great. He was worn out by the rigorous practice schedule, but so loving it. After two weeks, they played their first game in Flagstaff. Sadly, they lost that first game by a wide margin, and we went home for the 4th of July weekend. Since it is a double elimination bracket, we returned to Flagstaff the next week to play our second, and what we thought would be our last game. To our surprise and a little chagrin, they won the second game!

Now, I had geared up mentally for these two games, but to tell you the truth, I never thought they would have get to keep going. We had our annual Ross Family Reunion coming up immediately following the date of the second game. In following with the theme of my life as of late, things did not turn out as expected, plans went up in the air, and we had to roll with the punches. We delayed our departure to Durango for a day and sent Bowen off to Flagstaff for one more game. Once again, they won!

Another decision had to be made. Do we stick it out and honor the commitment to the team he has been selected to play for, or do we bag it and head to our reunion? After talking with the coach and getting his assurance that they still had enough players, we opted to be finished with the All-Stars journey. Bowen was elated when he got home, both to have won and also in anticipation of seeing his cousins in a few short hours. Way to go, Bowen! I am so proud of you!