Lessons and Memories, Courtesy of the Little League

Growing up in Beverly Hills, I had a chance to have some of the greatest memories playing Little League and now as a father of four, I get to watch my kids create those same memories–and learn a few lessons from the dusty fields that I loved then, and still do.

This year, my 12-year-old son Garrett was in his senior season of Little League and it was a brand new league.  In 2010 the two Culver City leagues joined together creating a new community of Culver City baseball.  It was a great merge and a great year of baseball. 

I was able to coach Garrett and my six-year-old son Mason during the regular season on the Major Dodgers and they had a respectable season.  Garrett achieved one of his goals, which was to throw a no-hitter. You can't imagine his excitement—his no-hitter came on at the last game of the season when they were playing against the Pirates.

Garrett pitched five wonderful innings but kept reminding me that his teammate Alex was going to pitch that day.  I had made a promise that all the kids would be able to pitch this year and Alex was the only player left who hadn't pitched. I approached Garrett in the 5th inning and quietly said, " You know you have a no-hitter so far." Call me crazy, but I thought the kid would've wanted to keep playing, given his success.

 He said, "Yes I know--and don't forget that Alex is pitching the 6th inning."  Thanks to my son's conviction for teamwork and selflessness, he removed himself and let a promise be kept.  Alex was so excited about pitching and it showed.  He pitched the last inning and maintained the no hitter.

My son's response taught me something vital—that keeping a promise was more important than personal glory. I was so proud of him in that moment.

This year was also very special for my son Mason, who was voted to the 9-10 All Star team where he played third base, catcher and even pitched a few innings.  His team won the District 25 tournament and then unfortunately lost the first two games in the sectionals.

After seeing the league grow in the community for the past seven years, I knew that Culver City Little League and the City of Culver City was a pretty special place.

I can't wait for the next years to happen.  Mason will be 11, Kayelea will be playing at nine years old and our little Aaron will start playing Little League in a couple of years.  I grew up in Little League and Dodger Baseball--and what a thrill it is to see my children do the same.