I think everyone who played a sport in high school misses it. I played baseball, basketball and golf in high school. I played baseball and basketball every year of high school and one year of golf. I was not a good golfer at all. I don't really miss playing basketball because I did not like playing basketball. I really miss playing baseball. However, there are things I miss about all three sports I played in high school.
The reason why people miss playing high school sports is because that is what every kid looked forward to after school. Everyone was looking forward to going to the football game on Friday. Or everyone was looking forward to going to the basketball game that night. I didn't play football in high school, but my senior year we went to the playoffs and beat Effingham in the first round, so I was looking forward to the football games every Friday. In my opinion, there is nothing better than high school sports. I say that because every single practice and every single game you are out there playing with your best buds. Playing sports with your best friends is the best thing I've ever experienced. My senior year, one of my friends tore his ACL about eight games into the season. I was right behind him when it happened. I felt horrible for him because he was going to play college basketball the next fall. On senior night, he got his name announced as a starter and he got to start the game to get the ball off the tip-off. He got the ball, took a few dribbles, then broke down crying. I went over and gave him a hug, and it was hard for me to hold back tears. But it doesn't get better than that. The whole crowd and both teams gave him a standing ovation it was awesome. Playing at Alice Ingersoll Gym is something I'll never forget because of how unique it was. It was by far the best place to play in the conference. The best part was that I was there playing with my friends. The thing I miss the most is playing baseball. There is nothing quite like playing at Bob Ems Field. It is by far the worst field in the conference, but the atmosphere is awesome. It was the worst field, but I loved everything about it. The big grandstand, the horrible sound system, the choppy infield — it was the best. I would do about anything to play there one more time. My favorite memory from playing at Bob Ems Field was when I hit a walk single to beat Morton in the 15th inning. It was a line drive to center field with bases loaded in the bottom of the 15th inning. I hit it and threw both my fists in the air. As I ran to first, the runner scored, and the whole team came running at me, and they all started jumping on me. I'll never forget it.
If you are playing high school sports right now, enjoy them because they don't last long enough. I played college baseball, and it was nothing like high school. There is nothing better than taking the field or court with your best friends. High school sports leave you with memories you'll have for the rest of your lives. Don't take any of it for granted because it'll be gone before you know it. I miss playing every day.
