Though I have been an Atanta Braves fan since 1976 (I watched the Braves play a softball game against President Jimmy Carter and his secret service men near my hometown), my favorite player is R.A. Dickey. This past spring, R.A. (who currently plays for the Mets) donated brand new baseball gear to PTM through his partnership with Reebok. 
We have enjoyed hitting around and learning to throw and catch at PTM. This past Thursday, a group of men from a small group that meets at Covenant Presbyterian Church sponsored a “men’s” baseball outing. We got permisison to use the MBA annex field and had a 9 inning game. Playing baseball (soccer, football, basketball, tennis) was a daily occurrence for me with my father, but for most of our students athletic interaction with a father is non-existent. Having a group of men pour into our boys over a spirited game was exhilirating–it was much more than baseball game. I am thankful for the creative gift of time on the baseball diamond and thankful for some outstanding equipment that adds to the experience. Go R.A.! (Just don’t beat the Braves).