From Chaos to the Dugout: Why I Wouldn’t Trade This Season for Anything

Last night, Dorian hit a triple—and for a second, the whole field held its breath. You could hear the gasps ripple through the bleachers, wondering if it might sail over the fence. It didn’t. But it almost did.

He’s on two teams this season, and the schedule? Pure chaos. I handed him a quickly packed dinner during the five-minute car ride between games—while his second team was already warming up. Between meal prep, calendar gymnastics, and texting friends for help with coverage, it somehow all gets done.

Because he is the priority. And these moments? They’re wild, messy, fast—and absolutely fleeting.

This is Dorian’s final year of Little League. That chapter will close soon. Some of his friends have already aged out, and it’s been a lot for both of us to process. But last night, they were in the stands—cheering him on like old teammates do. One even joked, “Hey, do you want to be in the Dorian Fan Club?”

I laughed and said, “I mean… I did make the kid, but sure, I’ll add that to my resume.”

And the truth is, I would. Happily.

Because beyond the big hits and the immaculate inning he pitched last week (yes—nine pitches, three strikeouts!), I’m watching him grow in all the best ways. As a catcher, he’s reading the field with maturity and confidence. He’s learning when to lead, when to listen, when to stay grounded, and when to celebrate like crazy.

One of the most beautiful things has been watching him mentor the younger players coming up behind him. Our coaches do an incredible job developing talent, and D has taken that to heart. Seeing him pull a nervous player aside, share what he knows, and lift them up? That’s the good stuff.

He’s learning:

• How to shake off a strikeout and keep showing up.

• How to be coachable and how to coach.

• How to trust his instincts, read the room—or in this case, the field.

  
  

We love baseball. But the lessons it has given us? Priceless.

As the great Connie Mack said:

“You can’t win them all, but you can try your best every time, and that’s what counts.”

This season is loud and full and exhausting. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

And yes—I’ll be in the Dorian Fan Club. First row, loudest cheerer, snack bag in hand.

We celebrate his kindness and leadership with ice cream—because the hits and strikeouts are awesome, but his characteris what I’m most proud of.