Now that I’ve been home from Florida for a few weeks, I’m reminded of the beauty to be found in and around Rochester. Drive down any street, and the color and the scent of the flowering trees are a treat for your senses. Unless you happen to suffer from spring allergies. Then I’d advise you to keep the windows rolled up.
Another good thing about Rochester is the generosity of the people. I experienced that personally today when I went to Miracle Field in Webster for the first time. Directly behind the town hall is a huge playground, and beyond that lies a beautiful baseball field complete with artificial turf, dugouts, bleachers, and a concession stand. I was there to cheer for my grandson, Finn, who is playing baseball for the first time in the Challenger League there. I was overwhelmed by the ability, the dedication, the kindness, and the patience of all the people involved, including the athletes. I was so impressed that a poem was forming in my mind as soon as I got in my car to leave. My poem is posted below. Click on this link to find out more about Miracle Field and the Challenger League.
Challenger Baseball | Rochester Challenger Miracle Field
Saturday Morning
Kids in wheelchairs or sneakers put on team uniforms
and meet in the dugout.
Parents and grandparents sideline culture wars to fill the bleachers,
ready to cheer for their own or the other.
A player sings the national anthem, and the game is on.
Coaches lob softballs from mounds of patience.
Helmeted batters swing until they connect with the ball.
Nobody strikes out,
although sometimes a ball flies out of bounds,
and the batter gets to try again.
And again.
And again.
Once in a while, a batter hits one out of the park, and the fans go crazy.
But mostly it’s grounders and pop-ups.
Fielders are there to scoop and catch, but nobody is tagged out.
Everyone advances one base at a time until they can leave third and land safely at home.
No one keeps score.
Some people might call this kindness.
Some people might call this charity.
We call it baseball.
Baseball at Miracle Field.