Baseball.

Just the sight of that word makes me excited. If you know anything at all about me or my family, you know that we are all huge baseball lovers. Whether it is the Pirates, Reds, Yankees or any other professional team, you will most likely find us watching and tuning in. My absolute favorite players to watch, however, are my little brothers — Mattie and Jonathan. These two, in my eyes, are far better than any professional found on ESPN. This weekend was Opening Day for their seasons, and I have three things I want to share with them (and any other baseball player out there).

1. Good luck!

You two are both amazing ball players. You are both hardworking and have overcome so much in your short lives. I have watched you guys grow from the time you were itty bitty to now, as you're almost as big as I am. This season, I want to wish you both good luck. Good luck in every game and practice you attend. As the old saying goes, "Good. Better. Best. Never let it rest until your good is better and your better is best!" Good luck, boys!

2. Play your hearts out.

If there is one thing you both have in common, it's your amount of stubbornness. You both are hard-headed and never give up when you want something. When it comes to sports, that's an awesome quality to have. I have witnessed you guys rallying back with your team and defeating some of the hardest opponents out there. This season, never lose sight of those times you were the underdogs, but ended up on top. Always push as hard as you can and never settle for a loss. Play your hearts out and give it your all.

3. Winning, Losing, Grand Slams, and Strikeouts I'll be proud no matter what.

As with any sport and life in general, sometimes you lose. Sometimes you win. Sometimes you hit grand slams and knock 'em out of the park. Other times, you completely strike out and miss. Let me tell you something — it's all perfectly a-OK. I will be sitting on those bleachers every game, cheering you on, and rooting for you. I will always be one of your biggest fans. Don't focus on the strikeouts or the times when you lose. Keep your heads held high and never give up. Always try your hardest and do the best you can do. You will always be winners in my eyes.

As Opening Day kicks off and you walk across that field, walk with integrity and with your game faces on. This season will be an exciting time, and I cannot wait to be sitting on the third base line, holding head cutouts of you both and wearing your names on the back of my shirt. Let's go #12 and #13, my favorite players.

Play Ball!