baseball games=social experience for all of us

Bob's baseball team had their playoffs today.  Our whole family went to the game.  Bob as a player, my husband as a coach, me as a photographer and SJ as equipment manager, bat boy and scorekeeper.  SJ was really on top of all of his jobs today.  Last year, he used to get very agitated when the other team scored or had a lead.  This year he didn't seem bothered by this as much.  When the other team had a 2 run lead today, I didn't hear any yelling or complaining from him.  He just adjusted the scoreboard.  After Bob's team won the first game, I did hear some yelling from SJ.  It was the good kind.  It was cheering.  He was clapping and yelling "good job" to the players.  I think that is the best sportsmanship yet that we have seen out of SJ.  Since Bob's team won, they were to play a championship game.  We stayed for the first two innings and then had to leave.  I felt bad that we left, but we had already had a previous commitment.  Bob's team ended up losing, but I felt it was a great baseball season.  I wish that Bob hadn't broken his wrist, because he was really coming into his own this year.  His batting was improving, his pitching was pretty good and he was more aware during his defensive time.  Bob had a great team.  The players meshed really well with each other and the coaches were encouraging to the players.  They were all so accepting of SJ.  They never seemed bothered by him and seemed to enjoy when he came to the games.  It was also great socialization for all of us.  SJ was able to be a part of the team without being an actual player.  When he was a player, he would get so upset when he got out or the other team scored.  Through Bob's team, SJ was learning that it is okay to lose some games.  He learned that sometimes you don't get a hit or you don't catch a ball. That is okay as long as they make their best effort.  Although this was a short season, it was a great experience for all of us.