Brought in to be an emergency substitute First Base Coach, it all started out pretty well.  I had the look down (even in flip flops).

I had the command down for passed balls reaching the backstop (Go!  Go!).

Yes, life was pretty good as an emergency substitute First Base Coach, then my son Sam hit a ball hard to Center Field.

If he hustled, Sam could stretch it into a double.  I yelled, “Go!  Go!,” with authority and my son rounded First Base hard…  right into the First Baseman.

Yes, even though I met the minimum requirements to serve as an emergency substitute First Base Coach, I have a ways to go until I can apply for the full-time job.

Epilogue – Sam ended up beating the throw to Second Base and even though his team was run ruled, I served my emergency substitute coaching duties with honor.

“Strong Decaf”

a.k.a. “Why Bother – The Next Level”

Exciting news on my annual quest to achieve a “Summer Tummy.” Well, earlier today, I went to Goodwill to buy a bag full of (wait for it…) SKINNIER shorts!  That’s right, a smaller size.

Me:  Rocking the Dad Belly, 2017 style.

I would like to report that the party donating the shorts also went down a size, but based on the loose button, they were headed in the opposite direction.  Been there, done that.  Feel their pain.  Dad Belly, 2016 style.

Watching my son take an apple slice to his hair at the dinner table.  Equals confusion.

Hearing the explanation that he thought it might work as a hair gel substitute. Equals an official end to the evening’s dinner.

People ask me all the time (actually no one ever does), “Hey Dave, what is the difference between your ‘Office Casual Day Attire’ and your ‘Office Picnic Day Attire?'”

Here’s my Casual Day Attire.  Saucy, but respectable (no one ever said).

Now for my Office Picnic Day Attire (no one ever really wanted to see).  Note the bug flying into the picture and hold onto your seat (no one ever needed to do)!  I unbuttoned the final button!  I know!  Saucy and subtle (indeed).

That irrational fear that you accidentally signed your coworker’s “Goodbye and Best Wishes” card with a birthday message.

“May your cake be fresh and your ice cream cold” sort of makes sense, but only in a nonsensically silly way (at best).

Worst part is that since it is working its way secretly around the office, there is no way for me at check on my potential “Goodbye / Birthday Card” error.

At least, I’m sure it wasn’t a sympathy card…  I think.

What a beautiful sound for a father to hear.  What a moment to remember.

A crisp Summer evening on the ballfield and nothing could seem to make it better.  Then you hear that sound, as your son walks to the plate.

A beautiful sound from the other team.  A realization has swept over the competition, as your son digs into the batter’s box.

Yes, a sound that drifts into a father’s ear and generates a soft smile on his face.  The other team has seen my son hit and now “Back up!” is their lone defense.

A beautiful sound.  One of respect.  One of warning.  One generated by the site of my boy about to swing.

Dave’s Sun Safe Tip.

Always put on your sunscreen in a layer of at least 1/4 inch thick.

When in doubt, make sure they can see you from space. 

Today it seems fitting.  Today so appropriate.  To remember that we all share a Father.

The Lord’s Prayer says “Our Father” for a reason.  No matter our nationality.  No matter our language.  No matter what we call the Divine.  Our Father calls us all children.

Let us share that common joy today and always.  We are all cut from the same cloth.  We all have something in common.  We are all loved and made to love.  So thank you, Our Father, for giving us love and one another.

Pulling into the garage, I was beat.  It had been a long day at work and I was tired.  Mentally drained.

Pulling in, I noticed the baseball bags of my boys on the garage floor.  Full of batting helmets, bats, baseballs, dreams, and happiness.  Those bags held all that is beautiful about Summer.  Grass covered fields and games played by the young and young at heart.  Smells and sounds of joy that whisk away worries and cares.  Those baseball bags made me smile.

Smile to be a dad.  Smile to be alive.  Smile to be home.