I gotta tell ya, folks … that son o’ mine? A real chip off the ol’ block. I mean, look at him; kid’s a friggin’ stud.
Of course, when I was his age, I, too, was quite the little athlete. Organized sports? Couldn’t get enough. So it shouldn’t surprise anyone to learn that he now officially is a three-sport athlete.
That is, it shouldn’t surprise anyone who didn’t know me as a child, and therefore isn’t aware of the fact that, in my youth, my interest in sports—whether participating in them or watching them—actually was right up there with my interest in eating leftover chopped liver out of a dirty ashtray, and that my athletic prowess was such that … well, let’s just say that I’m still waiting for someone to pick me to be on their team.
And yet, my sperm produced this:
Wonders never cease.
Yes, apparently baseball and soccer weren’t enough for Mr. Universe here, so he decided to add tennis to his repertoire. He took a weeklong session last month, and has another one lined up this month.
Not only does he want to do these things, but he does them with enthusiasm.
I mean, look at this:
He’s hustling.
He’s into it.
He’s got eye of the tiger.
Yep, just like his old man … whose own friends, as I’ve noted elsewhere, dubbed me “The Special Kid” based on my unrivaled displays of athleticism during those rare occasions when I participated in some kind of sporting activity.
Of course, the cool thing about having a son who digs playing sports is that I get to do with him these things for which I lacked the confidence as a child. Playing baseball together has become one of my most cherished bonds with him, and I suspect tennis will be a hoot, too. I’m going to buy a racket this week.
“I’ll teach you how to play, Daddy,” he told me.
Sounds like a deal, buddy.
7 Comments
Lucky for me I’m not a guy and never had the worries of being picked last for a team. But there was this one incidence (make that- two) in which I tried out for dance team. Once in front of the judges, music echoing off gym walls, I stood frozen- but I remembered to smile. They say that is very important. That second time the next year? That’s what makes is shameful.
He looks like a natural!
Dude! Look how friggin’ big he has gotten… enjoy your bonding time when HE is showing YOU the sport
The lad LOOKS like a jock!
very neat to see a child have a skill or ability that you seem to not have developed. It will be humbling the day he gets you on the court and serves balls at your head.
I am having that kind of summer with my oldest son. We started training for the Pan Mass Challenge back in March, which was the first time he even tried a road bike (he’s 13 and loved to ride his hybrid). He joined the studs on my team and was soon outpacing me! He rode the teen ride on Sunday and absolutely loved it. I did the 2-day ride, so got to ride the last 20 miles with him. Training with him, and seeing the reaction of my team members have made this one of the most special things ever.
Enjoy your sporting adventures with your guy!
What a great comment on your son! I just popped over here from Fordydaysandnights, and I love your stories!