Looking back on our 16-year relationship, I think about all the times I went back and forth about my love for you. Through this constant changing, you taught me more than I ever could have imagined. I could go on for days about everything that I learned from you, but to keep it simple, here are two things that you taught me that I value the most. The first one being the importance of family. The second thing that you taught me was the importance of accepting feedback and criticism. Who would have thought that at four years old, we would begin this life changing journey together. Which in turn, made saying goodbye to you one of the hardest goodbyes I've ever had to say. So here's to 16 years with you.
One of the most valuable things you have taught me was the importance of family. In this scene, you brought me a new family. You brought me to dozens of my closest friends. Friends who I consider to be brothers. Brothers who have struggled together, who have dog piled together, who have failed together; but most importantly, have remained together, together as family. All these years later, I found myself shoulder to shoulder with 40 people who have come to be apart of this family. All of which have stood by us and have guided us during this relationship.
Something that I still see as a vital key to adults who get to experience you just like I did, is the importance of accepting feedback and criticism. As you like to call it, being coachable. Being coachable is one of the driving factors that brought me to where I am today. The word coachable is a very straight forward word. The ability to be coached, or the ability to accept what others have to say. Having this trait has allowed me to accomplish all kinds of achievements throughout our relationship. When we find ourselves in a time of need, the season on the line, not many moments can top getting called upon to come through, and to keep our season going. It has also allowed me to accomplish smaller tasks as well. Tasks such as breaking some personal records in the weight room, or on the field itself. This value will stick with me for the rest of my life, with me as I continue to grow as a man.
Looking back at these past 16 years with you, all I can do is smile and tip my cap. For all you have taught me will be with me forever, whether that be tomorrow, or that be 40 years from now. With that being said, hanging you up and letting you go was arguably one of the toughest decisions I have ever made. From the sleepless nights, to the phone calls filled with tears that I made to some of my closest friends and family members. All of this boils down to one ultimatum. A good education, or the extra-curricular activity I've grown up with my whole life. When it came down to it, I had to let you go. I still think of you almost every day. I think of the first time I picked up a glove, a bat, or even a ball. I think of being the hero after a walk-off hit. I think of scoring the game tying run in the conference tournament. I think of the family that you have given me. From tee-ball to college baseball, you have brought me to some of my closest and dearest friends. The feeling of concealing my emotions as I made it official, as I inform coaches and teammates that I have decided to hang the cleats up. That I have decided my education is more important than you. I have decided to part ways with the game I grew up with, and the game I hold so close to my heart. Goodbye to you, and thank you for some of the best 16 years of my life.
