- by James W. (See side note.)

I think you have hit the nail on the head with the sixth tool, and why some very good athletes just don't have what it takes to make a baseball team at any level.

I would like to share a story of a boy that just loves the game win or lose, someone that considers a bases loaded walk an RBI, not a failure to be the hero.

At nine years old my son played for the worst team in our four team league, lost every game, and still made every practice, every game, rain or shine. When practice or a game was called because of rain, I always knew when the skys cleared. I would hear his bat come alive, knocking balls into the outfield at the diamond across the street.

Although he started every game as a nine year old, the only nine year old in the league to do so, he wasn't chosen for the 9-10 year old all star team by his coaches.

While the other kids not chosen for the team did what kids do during summer vacation, my son didn't, he went to all-star practice. Not one or two practices, every one! He asked the coaches, not to play on the team, but just to play baseball, and practice!

For his dedication, hard work, and love of the game, he was given a spot on the all star team, by the coaches. He wasn't a starter, but he did fill in when needed, and got several at bats. A couple of hit's , a BB, and two put outs while playing second base! Not bad for the little guy who just showed up, and kept showing up.

It's been two years since that first season, he has been traded to another team, at 11 years old my son is in the middle of his little league 'career'. He rotates from pitcher, catcher, and short stop. He has become a team leader, with his understanding of the game and his on field, and off field leadership.

A parent knows they have a good kid when teachers tell you how good your student is in class. It gets better when the coaches tell you how good your youngster is on the practice field. It get's even better when a teacher's child, and teammate tells you, "I wish he was still on our team, he was the only one that never swore, and was always there to help us learn."

From just after he gets home from school, until we call him home for dinner, I know where he will be. At practice, with his team, or another. It doesn't matter, to the other players, or coaches. They all know he is there to do one thing, and one thing only, play ball. I don't know how many times I have walked outside and seen him throwing BP, or shaging flies, catching, or even throwing in the bull pen with another teams coach.

Will he make it to the show, that's someone else's call at this age, but right now he definitely has the desire, skill and determination to make it. He has proven to me he has the sixth tool, to make it anywhere. I couldn't ask for more.