DailySusan Humor Blog

THE FIGHTING IRISH MIDGETS

Take therefore no thought for the morrow:
for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.
Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
-- Matthew 6:34

This week is the Nebraska state softball tournament, our daughter Eden’s fourth trip to The Big Show. She’s a senior centerfielder and clean-up batter. Her team is 27-4, defending state champions.

Pressure situation! The team’s fortunes may depend on how well Eden and the other seniors can lead the team . . . keep them loose and having fun.

Meanwhile, we parents are hiding our purchases of Maalox, Preparation H, Pepto Bismol and smelling salts. We’re feeling the squeeze, but don’t want them to.

Maybe we shouldn’t worry. This team oozes personality and fun. They all dressed up like their coach for Twin Day at school, down to the Mr. Magoo bald wigs. Their “in” jokes and hand signals have gotten so complicated the CIA couldn’t break the code.

We have a coltish sophomore pitcher who wears her little brother’s underwear elastic as a headband – it’s a long story – but is among the state’s leaders for throwing strikeouts and hitting home runs.

We have a catcher with a Band-Aid on the front of her helmet, her whimsical solution when told by a peevish ump to cover up the brand-name logo.

There’s a lot of laughing on that bus and in that dugout. They know how to be supportive when someone’s slumping, and how to celebrate success without getting stuck-up. Three of their losses happened recently, so they’re humbled, but more united than ever. We parents get along. Everybody loves the coach. Most of all, these girls love each other.

It has been that rarity in youth sports today: a total delight.

Do they know how special that is?

Do they realize how much these memories are going to mean?

I hope not. Because then they’ll play tight. If they can just stay loose, have fun and practice hard, and keep away from stress and worry, they’ll win. I can feel it.

And I was reminded of the importance of that attitude last week by my favorite copy shop guy, Reggie. He tells this story:

It seems he played Midget football in south Texas in the 1950s. These were poor boys, from a rough neighborhood. They couldn’t afford uniforms. But the game against their arch-rivals was coming up.

Then their coach, a career Air Force man, called a buddy connected to Notre Dame football. He told him of the boys’ plight . . . and by bus came several duffel bags full of old Notre Dame uniforms.

Hand-me-downs from heaven!

There were enormous football cleats, leggings and jerseys. There were leather helmets and preposterously wide shoulder pads. Best of all, everything was . . .

. . . GOLD!

They were no longer poor kids from San Antonio. They were GOLDEN BOYS! The Midget Fighting Irish!

Actually, they looked ridiculous. Everything was ‘way too big. But they didn’t care. They stuffed newspapers into the shoes, and tried not to trip. They pushed the helmets back so they could see. And then they gathered for their coach’s pre-game speech.

He was honest: they may look cool, but they were still going to lose. Get out there, give it your best and have some fun, but don’t be surprised if you lose.

First, there was silence. Then, they burst out laughing. It struck them as hilarious. Knute Rockne, he ain’t!

They went out on that field and were definitely the weaker team. But they were still laughing, and it was contagious. Reggie remembers one dad cupping his hands and yelling to his son, “You’re running the wrong way!” and then falling down on the sidelines, laughing.

But do you know what?

They won!

They were loose.

They had fun.

And they won!

Now, I certainly hope my daughter’s team plays up to their potential, with excellence and error-free ball. I don’t want them to look or feel ridiculous.

But I hope they play with that positive perspective and spirit – with love for the game, and for each other.

No worries, ladies.

Stay loose.

Have fun.

Get out there . . . and play ball!

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Prayer request: Eden’s team posted three losses in recent days, and the picture looked bleak for the state tournament. Fortunately, they made it in on a wild card bid. My heart nearly burst, Lord, when Eden showed me the brackets -- her team actually got a better path to the championship than if they’d won those games. Beaming, she pointed to the sky, to You, as Author of this good turn of events. How wonderful it is when your child gets the big picture and sees the opportunity that often arises out of adversity! Thank You, Lord Jesus, for this lesson. May all the players on all the teams stay healthy, have success, and see Your provision in this upcoming tournament. May our Eden always remember that You are behind her and ahead of her, above her and below her, within Her and throughout Her – her God and her strength. (Psalm 18:2)