April 2008
That day is coming soon. The day when I take all the skis, the boots, the helmets and the sleds out of the back of my van and replace them with their springtime counterparts. Little League season is coming and there’s more to it than balls, bats, mitts and warm weather.
After seven years of hustling between practices and games, I consider myself a veteran Little League mom. I’ve sat at more practices and games than I can count. I’ve watched more kids spin circles and pick dandelions in the outfield, kick dirt and play with rocks in the infield and go the wrong way when they finally get a hit than you can imagine.
Little League is one of our great American traditions and I love it. I especially love it now that I have it down pat. To share my Little League wisdom, I have compiled a list of "must-haves" and a few things I’ve picked up along the way. Good luck this season!
Must Haves
Bug Spray: Lots and lots of bug spray. I’ve tried many varieties including wipes and bracelets. I even once stuck a sheet of fabric softener in my son’s cap because someone said it worked. (It didn’t) The best bug-spray solution I’ve found is Deep Woods Off — if you can handle the Deet. But it works. Just remember to spray everybody, including yourself.
Sun Screen: Lather it on to the kids and, again, don’t forget yourself. As for that farmer’s tan that I seem to get every spring. No real cure there, unless you’re brave enough to wear a bathing suit at the ball field. But I’d recommend against that idea.
Chairs: Remember a chair. It’s that simple. An extra for the newbie mom is a nice touch – thanks Barbara for taking care of me a while back.
Entertainment for siblings: Bubbles work great for short stretches. After that, jump-rope, balls, crayons and books.
Water bottles: Remember to bring one for your Little Leaguer, but don’t forget your own battle of H2O. My son gets really upset when I drink his while he’s on the field. He gives me that look. While that look, just cracks me up, having a bottle that you don’t have to share is probably a good idea.
Picnic blanket: These are great for more than just the picnic dinners, they also work for the siblings to play on, lay on and ask "when is this over?" on. Now, speaking of picnic dinners. The best way to avoid the 8:45 p.m. meal every other night during the spring is to pack a picnic dinner once or twice a week (cheese, veggies, fruit, crackers, mini-sandwiches). My kids actually love eating "out."
Dress in layers: Sweatshirts and sweaters are great to have around to take the chill off when the sun starts to go down. They’re also as an extra layer of protection against the bugs. And avoid shorts during evening practices or games. While it may be warm at the start, your legs will be freezing by the end of the evening.
Sunglasses: I always seem to be on the side of the field looking directly into the sun.
Take a camera: Even some of the shots you get from practice will be amazing. These are some of the best pictures I’ve never had developed.
Plug important numbers onto your cell phone. Again, try and avoid that late-night meal by programming some key numbers into your phone. My favorite is the pizza place on the way home.
Things I’ve learned
Map out your location. It’s no fun to be driving around with your little slugger all decked out for the first practice of the year and not knowing where you are going.
Play with your kids. Toss the ball around with your kids. Help them with their hitting and fielding. They love the time with their parents, and it makes a big difference on game day.
Don’t be that parent. Our little town has had to institute parent contracts promising that parents will behave at the Little League field. It’s a sad fact, but I’ve witnessed a few embarrassing moments over the last few years. Don’t be that parent. Remember, there’s a child out on the field watching your actions. Again, don’t be that parent.
Embrace hand-me-downs. Something I never gave much thought to before motherhood was the benefit of second-hand clothing. This is especially true in sports. I’m not sure if people are just kind or if I appear particularly needy, but we have gotten some of the best sporting equipment as hand-me-downs from friends. This is a big deal when it comes to cleats. They can be very expensive, especially when your kid seems to go up in size during the middle of a season.
*** WARNING MOMS *** Last season, I had my then 7-year-old son at the sporting goods store looking for “protective cups” because he was chosen to play catcher. I was staring blankly at a display of what must have been a hundred different cups, when my ever-so optimistic son held up a cup as big as his head and exclaimed, "Mom, I think this will fit!" My reply was… "Son, we’re not shopping for a helmet." So remember moms – protective cups come in more than one size. Just send dad for this chore!