Beware the Rattlers...

Little League started today.

This simple statement could be taken as a token description of this morning's activities. Or, alternatively, it could be viewed in the much broader sense of marking a milestone in my sons' development.

That's right, Little League started today .... for both of my older sons.

You see, a few years ago the thought that my son could participate in an activity like this seemed pretty far-fetched. Jason had been diagnosed with "classic autism", and I quickly divested myself of the idea that his childhood development was going to follow predictable, typical paths.
Well, to make a long story short, Jason has exceeded many of the expectations that were placed on him in the short years immediately following his diagnosis, and at age 6 is now playing tee ball.

So here's how it all came about.

First, my Dad (my parents live very near to us for most of the year and are very good at keeping a finger on the pulse of the community and letting us know what opportunities are out there for the kids) caught wind that Little League sign-ups were coming soon and passed the info on to me.
I was hopeful but realistic about Jason's chances to play out the season on a team of his peers, but was heartened by the idea that Tyler (14 months younger) could be on the same team. Jason and Tyler resonate well together, despite their differences. My folks refer to their constant bickering as resembling two little old men who love each other dearly but get underneath each other's skin, which is a pretty good analogy. Think Odd Couple. Or Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure.
So when I went to sign up last month, I just decided to talk honestly with the head organizer about Jason and his opportunity to participate. He initially recommended the Challenger League, which is specifically for players with disabilities, but I was enthusiastic that, especially with his brother on the same team, Jason would be up to the task. We reached an agreement to at least give it a try, and signed up.
Now, Jason is a member of the Rattlers. Though the Teal and White uniforms may not strike fear into the hearts of opponents, the kids sure are proud to wear them. The coach is a friend of ours who has known Jason for a few years and really understands and relates well to him. The coach's son is a friend of Jason's. My father, a former Little League coach himself, is an assistant coach, as am I. My wife is sharing duties as "Team Mom". My Mom will be official cheerleader and photographer. Tyler will be Jason's on-field supporter and taskmaster (until he gets distracted by a passing bumblebee). In all, I think we have a network of support that ensures the highest likelihood of success.
And, you know what? If it doesn't work out, that's OK. Furthermore, if Jason decides after some time of playing that baseball is not for him, that's OK, too. I'm certainly not one of those rabid sports parents who lives vicariously through my kids' athletic (or other categories of) prowess.
Dammit, I just want Jason to get a crack at this, at having the opportunity to bond with his teammates and experience the feeling of winning or losing a game in which he gave it his all.

The Rattlers!
We may swing the bat at the wrong object from time to time.
We may be more likely to catch a cold than the ball.
We may not throw very straight.
Or far.
Or in the right direction.
But we've got heart!
And we're here to play ball!
Go Rattlers!