There comes a time in many people's lives when they are told they cannot do something. Whether it be to stop eating junk food, smoking cigarettes, and even to stop playing a sport. For a variety of reasons, the person goes into a state of denial because that 'thing' was all they had. It was a sense of hope for that person. A stress reliever or even a way of life and when it is taken away, it can be devastating.
For me, it was baseball. America's greatest pastime turned out to be my favorite sport at the time. Being able to take the field in little league made me feel like a super star. Whether I was up at bat trying to crack it like Ripken, or taking a defensive stance behind the plate like Yogi Berra, baseball always brought out the best of me. Although I will admit I was an average or below player, I always tried to pump up my teammates and be the leader the team needed.
All throughout middle school, the baseball diamond was home. A summer home was established when we traveled to another team's field but a feeling of comfort was always there when the laces were tied. The trimmed grass at Ferry, the green monster at Mini Fenway, or even the mosquitoes at Airport are all memorable because each has little anecdotes to accompany them. Ask anyone in our town and they will remind you of how each individual field sits in their memory.
When I was trying out for the high school team, I had high standards for myself. Ultimately, I did not make the team because of physical constraints. Crushed, beat down, and at my lowest my mom tried to help me but nothing could fill the void baseball held in me. To be told that you are not good enough at a hobby to do it anymore is depressing but a learning experience. Instead of going my entire life moping around (thank you Mom), I got my a** out of bed and tried other things. Within a few years, I picked up golf and working out. Over time I was able to fill that void but the memories of hustling to first, turning two, and trying to catch a runner out will always remain on my mind.
Moving on is a difficult process especially when the action is so instilled into an everyday routine. For me, it was baseball, but the situation is the same for everyone. Someone will tell you one day that you cannot do something. Depending on how you handle the pending situation and future decision will in the end keep you from moving forward, or keep you moving forward. Its you choice. For me, it was to climb that obstacle to reach for something higher in the shelf.
