In 1908, one of the most iconic songs associated with the game of baseball was written. “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”. A couple of interesting facts, the writers of the song, Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer, had never attended a baseball game until after they wrote the song. Jack was inspired to write the song while riding the subway and seeing a sign that read, “Baseball Today”. It was not until 1934 that we have the first record of this song being played at a high school baseball game in LA.  Later on in 1934, it was played at game 4 of the World Series. This song can be heard during Minor and Major League games in the middle of the 7th inning and the crowd usually joins in the singing.

Baseball is one of those things in life that I love. Like many of you, as a youth, I played ball.  My position was catcher. The best part about being the catcher, you usually get to keep moving during the whole game as the pitcher throws every ball or strike to your glove. My father was my little league coach, which made the experience even more memorable. Today, life has come full circle and now I coach my kid’s team. There is just something about standing on that red dirt, the smells of fresh cut grass and popcorn from the snack shack, and the sounds of the crack of a bat as the crowd cheers. Baseball is also a game that does not have a time limit. Sure, little league usually sets a time to be done and calls the game, but that is the only case. In reality, whoever has the most runs at the end of 9 innings is the winner. In the event of a tie in the 9th, we go on to extra innings to find out who the winner is and the home team always has last bats. A few years ago, at Angel Stadium, we attended a game that went into the 14th inning! That was a long game!

Life is very similar to a baseball game.  None of us has a crystal ball telling us how long we are going to be on this earth or the choices we are going to make.  We take each pitch, one at a time. Sometimes we will make choices that result in getting on base, striking out, or even hitting a home run. In life as in baseball you must play to the last out as opposed to playing until the time runs out.

In the Scout Oath and Law, we are charged to being physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. To be Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.  Each one of these points are essential as each of us play our position in the epic game of baseball called life.

Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd;
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack,
I don’t care if I never get back.
Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don’t win, it’s a shame.
For it’s one, two, three strikes, you’re out,
At the old ball game