T-ball generates liftoff to future success

WESLACO - T-ball! It's where 5- to 6-year-old kids start to learn about baseball, learn to socialize from dedicated coaches and parents walking them through the games.

Practice, practice, practice, it's the key to improvement.

At this early age, players start learning about the fundamentals of t-ball that will propel some young athletes into careers as baseball or softball stars like La Joya pitcher Miguel Peña, who was drafted in the fifth round of the Major League Baseball draft two weeks ago.

But for the youngsters participating in the various t-ball leagues throughout the area, it's about having fun, making mistakes and sometimes incredible plays.

Little League coach and Weslaco resident Jay Flores said he enjoys being with children and helping them learn the game, often devoting countless hours teaching his players about baseball and about life.

"When they make an error, we let them know that it's OK to make mistakes," he said. "We also try to cover game a situation, which really helps."

But perhaps the key, Flores said, is putting the "fun" in fundamentals.

"We let them know just to go out there and enjoy the game," he said. "And so far it has worked. I've been doing this for five years. I show them the way to play and the fundamentals, teaching them the concept."

Parents also play a huge role by either coaching teams or supporting the young athletes from the stands.

"They have a lot of fun out there," said Enrique Gonzalez, a parent with a child in t-ball. "They meet a lot of friends. They make new friendships."

Gonzalez said t-ball is just another means for parents to bond with their children.

"It's a great feeling when they win," he said. "Especially when you see that smile they have when they hit. And it's even a greater feeling when they hit a homerun; it's a great feeling for both the player and for the parents."