Dad ripped the sheets back from my body. It was too early. I was ticked.

“You’re going to the tryouts,” he commanded. There would be no debate.

Alex, a future baseball GM,
with his dad, Don, and younger brother.

I was twelve, and obsessed with baseball (still am). I dreamed of playing professionally. “The Flames” were holding tryouts that day. This was a boys’ traveling team, one of the best.

The traveling teams were the way to stay sharp in the little league off-season. They were all tough to make. The Flames were among the best.

I had cold feet. I’d tried before, but always got cut. What was the point? Cozy and warm seemed a much better choice.   READ MORE