Twenty-five years. One thousand games. Immeasurable victories. That’s the inscription prominently engraved in the wooden bat presented to my husband by this year’s team at last night’s game.
It was the occasion of a significant milestone for Bob, the Indians, and the community; the celebration of Bob’s 1,000th game coaching the Mountville Indians.
An assemblage of current and former players, parents of current and former players, friends, youth association leaders, and family gave up what began as a beautiful sunny Sunday evening – one eventually interrupted by a light rain shower – just to be there; to show their support and share this special time with Bob. (“Thank you,” light showers for arriving at just the right moment, and in just the right amount to only briefly delay the game, create an opportunity for the celebration, and disguise a few happy and proud tears.)
The celebration was perfect! A trophy presented to Bob; a touching tribute written and read in his honor; messages from former players who couldn’t be present; cards bearing hand-written and heart-felt words of thanks and appreciation; a game ball autographed by this year’s players, who clearly thought it was pretty darn awesome to be on the team that reached this 1,000th game mark with Bob; a gift card to a favorite restaurant; and even flowers and a card for the coach’s wife (Thank you very much!) Friends and family all fittingly gathered informally around Bob’s truck to share in the moment, up-close and personal. And then – the bat, the one that the boys on the team were visibly proud to present to their coach, and he was equally proud to receive.
Yes, it was an absolutely perfect evening; a good time to reflect on the many kinds of victories witnessed and experienced over 25 years of coaching; victories both individual and corporate, public and private, fleeting and enduring, insignificant and immeasurably – immeasurable.