The Ending of an Era

For seven years, Tony has been part of Titan Baseball.  He started the year Cam was born. (I am pretty sure he was missing practice while we were at the hospital).  He has been a dedicated part of the program from January through June each year.  He has given up so much of his time to help to shape the baseball experience for the guys on his team.  He started off as with the JV and moved up to Assistant Varsity Head Coach.

Never in the spotlight but a vital part to this team and program

For those who have never been part of a high school sporting program, it takes major dedication.  Pretty much it is a second job on top of the one of teaching, which can be all consuming in itself.  There is so much more than just the games.  Whenever you are working with teens, you are working with them in all of their ups and downs as well as the parents and all of theirs.  Between the team, his responsibilities in the classroom, and his role as the leader of our household, baseball season became a huge juggling act.

Coming to catch a glimpse of Daddy - their favorite Titan

I do know at times (he would likely say many times), I huffed and puffed about something I had to do alone because of baseball.  I jokingly referred to myself as a single mom on many occasions, but in reality the three of us (Cam, Maeve, and me) settled into our own little routine during baseball season.  Supper was very low-key and our beloved ritual of bedtime books was established out of necessity during this season.  We knew that if we were going to catch a glimpse of Daddy, we would need to go to the baseball field.  I hope when Tony looks back onto this season of his life, he remembers me as a supportive coach's wife instead of a grumbling one.

Hanging out by the dugout

This was a popular spot for them -
their daddy would come talk to them at the edge of the dugout right  here

Next season, the Titans will start anew without Coach McCullers.  As he takes on a new job responsibility and moves out of the classroom and into the board office to try out his technology wings, his dream pulls him away from one of his loves. But, we hope, that this move is in the best interest of his career and in the best interest of what is right for our family.  And, I'm sure, we'll find ourselves right on the sidelines rooting on the new team.  The only difference will be that Daddy will be in the stands with us instead of in the dugout.  We will always remember the Titans.