Dear Andrew Michael Jesse Newell,
I know this might be a little early, but I want to go ahead and get a head start on my Father’s Day gift.
Yes, I know you’re not born yet. You’re not on the way. You probably won’t be for another few years.
But, son, there are a few things you can do that would last longer than any “World’s Greatest Dad” coffee mug.
Please, once you get here, learn to play baseball the right way.
You see, son, I’d go to Royals games once a year for my birthday. It was the best day of the year. I’d watch with my father as George Brett ran hard to every base, as Frank White covered more ground than the Coast Guard and as Willie Wilson chased down every ball in the gaps.
By the time you are born, it won’t be the same, son.
No one wants to take an extra base on a ball hit to the wall. Almost everyone admires their hits while standing at home plate. And no one seems to put forth the effort to catch the ball with two hands.
It’s everywhere, son. I’ve watched younger kids play, and it’s easy to see they want to play just like their “heroes” today. Some don’t run out hits that are a few inches foul, an errant bounce away from an easy out. Some don’t say anything to the kid who just put down a perfect sac bunt to put the tying run at second. Others take home-run swings on 0-2 counts and toss their helmets and bats toward the dugout after they miss.
I have one suggestion. Even though you’ve never seen them, play like my heroes.
And, if you really want to make me a proud Dad, follow these 10 rules that every baseball player should consider.
• Run out every ball. This is commandment No. 1. Baseball is too tough a sport to assume that any play will be made.
Brett once said that in his final at-bat, he wanted to hit a hard groundball to the second baseman, running his hardest to first base before getting thrown out by a half-step. Then, he said, he could return to the dugout to the younger players and say, “Now that’s how the bases are supposed to be run.”
Listen to George. Go hard every time.
• Never throw your glove. Ever. A wise baseball coach once told me that my glove was my best friend. Treat it like one. And be able to control your emotions instead of letting them control you.
• If you need to chew something, make sure it’s bubble gum. That stuff tastes much better anyway.
• Learn how to bunt. And take great satisfaction when you do it well.
• Always wear a cup. We’ll talk more about this one when you get older.
• Don’t be afraid of the baseball. Square up to the ball and be ready to take a groundball off the chest (or nose or eye). It’ll make for a great story someday.
• Always sprint back onto the field. It looks much better than walking or moping.
• Know the game. There will be times you’re going to drop pop flies and make errors on groundball. Everyone does. But be sure to know to tag up at third on a fly balls, or where the force outs are when you’re in the field.
Preparing for those situations will put you ahead of most other players.
• Don’t argue with umpires. If you’re allowed to make an error on the field, so are they. Just play baseball. That’s what you’re there for, isn’t it?
• Never become too old to play catch with your Dad. It might be the greatest gift you could ever give him.