@Philabaseball
My wife is a phenomenal person. No, not because she deals with my antics on a daily basis, but because she is the most caring and loving person I know.
That said, I am absolutely thrilled to be bringing a child into this world with her early next year. Yep, I am a dad-to-be.
What does that have to do with baseball? Well, this article likely will be the first of many regarding my new adventures into parenthood and fathering ... but with a tie into baseball.
I am sure those of you that have children can attest, but the barrage of emotions experienced by a dad-to-be are constantly changing. One minute I am thrilled with the entire concept of teaching and raising a child, while the next minute I am pondering if I have the patience and skills to truly be a good father and husband.
There is no time for machoism with a baby on the way - or so I have been told.
There is no time for machoism with a baby on the way - or so I have been told.
Truthfully though, the positive emotions far outweigh everything and I know my wife and I will do an exceptional job as new parents.
So, again, how is baseball involved?
Well, no newborn will comprehend the double-switch or the meaning of an F-9, but I'm hopeful baseball gives the baby and I something to bond over. Not immediately, of course, but the idea of simply holding my newborn while listening to the soothing sound of a ball game on the radio ignites an instant smile across my face.
The fact I have something I cannot wait to share, aside from the traditional things every father wants to teach their son or daughter, is an incredible feeling - one I am sure many fathers felt before.
The fact I have something I cannot wait to share, aside from the traditional things every father wants to teach their son or daughter, is an incredible feeling - one I am sure many fathers felt before.
As he/she grows their interest in baseball will waver or increase - from tee-ball games and Little League, to maybe nothing at all, but right now I have something that I cannot wait to share and that has me extremely happy.
Baseball has been passed down from generation to generation, from fathers to sons and daughters all across America, and in a few months I will be continuing that tradition and I am ecstatic.
Most importantly, I hope my newborn will be just as happy.
Over the next few weeks I will continue to share my thoughts on mixing baseball and fathering a newborn.
To those that have children, do you remember how you introduced them to baseball? What memories do you have connecting your children to America's pastime?
Most importantly, I hope my newborn will be just as happy.
Over the next few weeks I will continue to share my thoughts on mixing baseball and fathering a newborn.
To those that have children, do you remember how you introduced them to baseball? What memories do you have connecting your children to America's pastime?
- Patrick Gordon is managing editor of the Philadelphia Baseball Review. Follow him on Twitter @Philabaseball.
