I have really enjoyed going to watch my son's little league baseball games. I haven't loved every coach's techniques (such as pointing out the obvious: "you should have caught that ball"; or worse, suggesting to an injured player sitting out an inning after taking a line drive to his wrist: "see there, you're probably costing us the game"). But, at least in our league, I've met a lot of nice people, a lot of nice young men. And the time many of the coaches give is remarkable.

It's interesting to watch the players deal with the pressures of winning and losing, striking out with runners in scoring position, etc. Sometimes they are very hard on themselves. Perhaps we all believe if we scold ourselves hard enough we'll do better next time.

I think my son has learned a lot about himself and other people as we've talked through his experiences over the years.

But there's something very relaxing sitting at a ball game, and I may have to sneak down and watch a few even after my son "retires."