THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 16, 1996 TAG: 9606140275
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 27 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Sports
SOURCE: Patti Walsh
LENGTH: 50 lines
Chances are, you dads out there might spend this Father's Day playing catch in the front yard, tossing the old football around or shooting hoops with your sons.
But don't forget about that little girl, the one you'd like to keep in a pretty pink dress free of grass stains and sweat. Just think, she might want to play, too.
My dad, Eddie, saw it early and took it upon himself to turn me into his little athlete. All the while, I, a freckled-faced wide-eyed tomboy, got the benefit of his life's secrets through our mutual understanding of sports. And as an adult, I still find myself applying his lessons to my everyday activities.
Some wisdom imparted by Dad:
When he bought me my first blue satin Dallas Cowboys Starter jacket, he told me that I didn't have to be a cheerleader. He said I could play for America's Team if I wanted.
Learn to dribble effectively with both hands, he drilled time and time again as I bounced my ball against the wall without sneaking a peek. Then when the time came that I couldn't go to my favored right side, I could still get the job done.
Always keep your hands up on defense and hustle down the court. You never know what the opponents have up their sleeve or when they'll dupe you with a fast break.
Play within yourself, keep your composure and be respectful of your opponents. After all, isn't that what made Larry Bird so great?
Don't worry if someone takes your best pitch out of the park. Even Roger Clemens and Nolan Ryan gave up the long ball.
Always make the first pitch a strike. That way, you're ahead in the count and have more room to work on your other pitches.
Never, never, never argue with the referees or umpires, otherwise you won't get the close calls.
Don't look for a walk. Step in the batter's box and be ready to hit.
If you miss, keep shooting. Eventually, the ball will find its way in the basket.
Most importantly - I still hear this one in my sleep - never take your eye off the ball. Set your sights on it, follow through with your swing and you'll always get a base hit.
I didn't get to pick my Dad, but I got myself a Hall of Famer in Eddie Walsh. And no matter what, he'll always be the old champ in my eyes.
Take heed, dads, don't forget about that little girl. Mine never did.
Happy Father's Day! by CNB