From the Editor
With spring in the air, children throughout South Jersey are grabbing their bats and mitts and heading to the ball field; some returning and some for the very first time. Parents and grandparents will fill the bleachers to cheer them on, marveling at how it feels like just yesterday that they themselves or their child was standing on that very field. In this issue of Shore Local, David Weinberg writes about the nostalgia of seeing generations of one’s family play ball.
With two older brothers that excelled at sports, especially baseball, I often joke that I grew up on a ball field. Although, as a kid, I was an average (at best) player, I loved the ballpark! I’d hang out at the snack stand with my friends, seeing how many pieces of penny bubble gum I could stuff in my mouth at once and who could blow the biggest bubble. We’d run along the perimeter of the field playing tag or hide and seek and catching fireflies at dusk. Those evenings at the ballpark make up many of my fondest memories.
The most impressive ballpark I’ve ever seen is South Jersey Field of Dreams, a baseball league and field in Absecon for children with physical and cognitive disabilities. Witnessing the love and kindness that radiates from that field will change your entire perspective on life, for the better. I know it did mine.
This Saturday, April 13, is Opening Day for the South Jersey Field of Dreams. A ceremony at 11 a.m. will not only mark the beginning of a new season but will also pay tribute to the “Absecon Citizen of the Year,” Jacob Hackett, a devoted advocate for challenged populations.
Whether your child loves baseball, soccer, wrestling, or something different, it doesn’t matter. It’s not about the specific sport, but rather the feeling of being part of a team that is so special. Getting outside this time of year is an added bonus – if you’re lucky. I remember many spring days shivering in the bleachers at my daughter’s softball games, but even the cold days stir up fond memories.
With the arrival of spring, it’s time to dust off our bats and gloves and head out to the ball field. Whether it’s watching our kids take their first swings or reminiscing about our own days on the diamond, there’s something special about the ballpark that brings us all together. Here’s to a season filled with sunny days, cheering crowds, and the joy of being part of a team. Let’s play ball!
Peace & Love,
Cindy
