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Home Run Derby Was A Site to Behold
by Randy Gardner
I everyone had a chance to see the Home Run Derby on Tuesday night. What a treat that was to watch. I can honestly say that in years past I have watched it and enjoyed it but nothing like Monday night.
It was amazing to see these guys consistently hit the ball 500 feet or more. The event took place in Miami and it is an enclosed stadium and a couple of times when the ball was hit out the Home Run fence, lightning would be flashing in the background. It was awesome.
The back wall of the Marlins ballpark is all glass with a giant marlin in the center field area. There were several guys who hit the ball over the marlin and even a few that hit the glass walls that lead out of the stadium.
The coolest part of the evening for me was to watch the winner Aaron Judge from New York hit the roof of the stadium as the ball was leaving the playing surface. The ball was still going up as it hit the ceiling. The hit was not called a home run because it technically did not leave the playing surface. He ended up winning easily in the contest but it would have been a shame if that ball would have made a difference in him winning or not. I think they should have counted it.
Either way, my kids and I were glued to the TV during the entire event. The All Star game is hopefully going to be just as exciting even though by the time you read this it will be over. MLB has made some great changes to keep the fans interested, hopefully they continue to keep the average fan in mind as they base there decisions for the future.
It was funny, after the baseball finale, my youngest boy who is six is totally wrapped up in this America Ninja warrior stuff. He is glued to the tv and unfortunately starts jumping on the furniture and trying to climb from couch to couch. It’s funny to watch but not funny to watch him climb on the furniture. It is an amazing feat that these athletes go through. The upper body strength is amazing. The crowds are huge at these events and the TV rating are great. I would love to be able to do that.
I can barely do 10 push ups. Maybe I can start trying with my 6 and 9 year olds. I am afraid that they might be in better shape than I m. My goal for the rest of the summer is to try and get in some kind of shape so that I can enjoy maybe trying to do some kind of training like that with my sons.
Son Now Wants to Try Football
Onto another topic that many parents especially moms will understand. After years of playing soccer and basketball, my oldest boy wants to try football. He is 12 going on 13 shortly and is taller than I am an is about as strong as I am. He is a great goalie and basketball player and I am so afraid he is going to get hurt.
What do I do? I want to be an encouraging parent allowing my kids to experience what they want to do, well within limits, but football can be dangerous. I never thought my wife would even consider it but she says to let him try. I don’t want to rob him of an opportunity of trying something new. I listen to stories on both sides go kids getting hurt and then excelling to that next level because it was their sport.
I am going to listen to my son and let him decide what he wants. I will also use the guidance of my wife, who always knows best. I will let you know what happens. If there are any mothers and fathers out there with some advice for me, please let me know.
