The Editor:
I must admit that when I attended my first baseball game with my baseball-loving husband about 17 years ago, I was more interested in scoping out the food stands.
Fast forward to today, I find myself in a position I never imagined: a mom to two baseball-loving sons, with my husband as a baseball coach and a vice president of the Burnaby Baseball Association.
Initially, I questioned whether their involvement in baseball would take away from their studies. But as I watched them grow and develop through the sport, my perspective underwent a dramatic shift.
What I've witnessed goes far beyond improved hand-eye coordination or physical fitness.
Baseball has become a cornerstone of my sons' development, offering benefits I never anticipated:
Mental resilience
Baseball is a game of failure. Even the best hitters fail seven out of 10 times. Watching my sons and team mates learn to bounce back from strikeouts and errors has been incredible. They're developing a resilience that will serve them well in all aspects of life.
Teamwork and social skills
The camaraderie among teammates is beautiful to witness. My sons have formed friendships that extend beyond the diamond.
Time management
Balancing school work with practice schedules has challenged my boys’ ability to prioritize and be efficient.
Emotional regulation
Learning to control frustration after a bad call or celebrate a win without gloating has enhanced their emotional intelligence.
Goal setting and work ethic
The desire to improve their skills has instilled a strong work ethic and an understanding of the value of consistent practice.
A community for the whole family
The baseball field has become our Cheers pub, a place where everybody knows your name.
As a family physician who works with youth, the impacts of isolation from the COVID-19 pandemic and excessive use of social media on youth mental health is apparent.
Many youth and young adults continue to struggle with anxiety, depression, and a lack of social skills after prolonged periods of limited interaction.
Seeing kids out on the field, working together, encouraging each other, and simply enjoying the game has been uplifting and comforting — not just for the players, but for the entire community.
The positive attitudes, the laughter, the shared experiences — these are more valuable now than ever before.
Baseball has provided a much-needed outlet for physical activity, social interaction, and emotional expression.
- Valerie Duran, Burnaby
