Soccer, Hoops, Baseball…While We Watch the Big Stages Take A Few To Try…and Remember…The Simple Acts That Got Them…and Us..Here.

We are in the midst of a run of mega events…World Cup, MLB, MLS and WNBA All-Star Games, even Fanatics Fest this weekend. Yet while we chase the glitz and glam and hype, watching a few kids playing whiffle ball in our neighborhood, and watching some others play catch with a football at the beach, reminded me…and maybe all of us, about the basic needs and opportunities that got us to fandom, especially during a long, hot summer.

The catch playing reminded me of an amazing piece in the New York Times by Jessica Shattuck, about of all things, playing catch, and how this simplest of acts connected her with her son in times when there was sometimes a void between them, She was not a helicopter parent or a sports fanatic, she didn’t know a lot abut the game, but the simplicity of throwing a ball was a touchstone for her. You can read the piece here. It also reminded me of a few years ago on Sunday morning as I was going to get bagels I heard New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan on “Ed Randall’s Talking Baseball” show on WFAN in New York talking about how the simplest of actions with his father, playing catch after work, were some of his brightest memories. Often times in big time sports and promotions it is the simple ideas that get lost as not glitzy or glammery enough, but with the right platform, can be the most effective.

A simple act connects fans of all ages in a communal and promotable activity that links young and old, boy and girl, dad and son, mom and daughter. Timeless, simple, easy. MLB’s well orchastrated Paly Ball Weekend last month was a key piece of that reminder.  Here is a good summary.

The Times story went even deeper, and served as a great reminder on how these little things we do helps to ease the anxiety, get kids active and less antsy, and provide a release for all as we work through these challenging times.  We are always tested, but when we are we can look inward and see the brightness on the darkest days we can harken back to the easiest acts, and isn’t one of those just throwing a ball around with someone? Have hope, and find the time to still enjoy the little things that get lost in our very busy lives, and maybe take advantage of some events this weekend. It will bring you closer together in the easiest of ways.

Also as you watch the greatest of stars this week and next, look for the joy in their actions. Not the twerking and posing, but the smiles and the way some take in the moment. It probably brings them back to the why…kicking a ball, throwing a pass, or playing catch. Simple joyful acts we need more of.

Enjoy the games.