Baseball

[Bridget]

Ian had his first baseball practice the other night, and it was very interesting! He has played t-ball in the past, when he was about 5, much different experience. I was nervous about this, because Ian is eight now, and much more aware of his injury and how other people perceive him. But it went great.

On the way to practice I asked Ian if he would like to let his coach know about his injury (kind of needs explaining as he wears his glove on his right hand and must remove it to throw with his right hand as well) or if he wanted me to talk to the coach. He said he wanted me to talk to the coach because he had already had to explain about his arm twice that day at school! I was surprised to hear this, after all he's been going to school with the same group of kids for three years.

Anyways, I guess the kids wanted to know if his arm was straight now after his last surgery and they asked him to show his scar and demonstrate...I just listened to Ian talk about this and I was glad to hear no anxiety or ill feelings or negative emotions expressed at all. Basically he was just tired of explaining for one day and was willing to let me do the explaining to the coach.

Here's what I said, "Ian has a partially paralyzed arm, due to a birth injury. He wears his glove on his right hand and must remove it to throw. He practices this and it works great for him. He has a very strong right arm. Just wanted to let you know." Ian was standing right next to me, and the coach was really cool. He didn't try to pretend that it didn't surprise him a bit...he said "Really? That's interesting..." and then went right over with Ian and asked him to demonstrate and even gave him some pointers. It was very refreshing to have some react with genuine interest and helpfulness, without overdoing it, etc. I think it immediately made Ian feel welcome and a part of the team (I know it did for me!).

Another thing I noticed is that the coach went right over to the assistant coach and told him about Ian's arm, which I also appreciated. Then the assistant coach right away said, "Another Jim Abbott!" and started talking about Jim Abbott playing college ball, etc. I just thought it was so neat that they openly discussed the situation without hesitation, so often people just pretend they don't notice or don't know how to handle it.

I think it will be a good season for Ian.

Bridget

[Tessie258]

That is sooo great!
I hope he has a great season!
T.

[Joy in FL]

It is funny that Jim Abbott was mentioned because as I read your post I was thinking the exact same thing! Abbott is a great player! I loved watching him play ball. I am trying to remember if he is still playing. If so you should have your son watch him and get some pointers. It might make Ian feel more comfortable.

Baseball is a wonderful thing! Spring training starts in our neck of the woods next week!

[Bridget]

Abbott has retired, unfortunately.

Bridget

[Alice]

Wow what a nice story Bridget, Thanks. I signed my son up for baseball, which starts in April. He is 4.5 and has a left injury. I am anxious about it. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[m&mmom]

I hope Ian has an awesome season.
Cindy

[francine]

Go Ian Go!!!

We want to see video Bridget!!!

Hope he enjoys playing!

-francine

[Joann in PA]

I am so happy to hear things are going well for Ian in baseball. Joey did tball last year and will do it again this Spring. It is a bit tricky to get that switching hands routine down. I am sure it takes lots and lots of practice. Speaking of Jim Abbott...I bought Joey his autobiograpy a few years back. It was written for kids with lots of pictures and such. I had also purchased one for the waiting room at TCH. It is a great book!

[karen r]

Hooray! This is probably a good sign for things to come this season. We have to wait until May for baseball to start! Oh, you lucky SW people!

Has Ian continued to show improvement from his last surgery? How's the swimming coming? Is that improving, too?

Three cheers for Ian!