Off to a good start

2018 February 5, Monday

In my Uberpool ride this morning, I had the chance to sit in a conversation with a student athlete  and driver who had known each other since many years before. The driver was a middle-aged father who had coached baseball for his kids and the athlete when they were both in grade school. With warm smiles and contagious laughter, the two reconnected by reminiscing on old memories and updates on their current lives. 

As a proud parent of 2 kids recruited for Division 1 baseball and softball teams, the driver happily shared about his family and work in coaching youth league teams in Oakland and the Bay Area – driving for Uber was just his side-job.

"Do you ever have time for a break?" I asked.

The driver responded that he rarely gets much time for himself, but he finds his peace in knowing that the kids he coaches are off the streets by picking up the sport. The driver shared with the athlete how his little league team had recently partnered with a foundation monikered by "Bercovich" to help fund local youth baseball/softball programs.

Later, he mentioned how he recently visited college campuses for his 8th grade daughter's softball recruitment season. 

"D1 Softball usually teams recruit girls as young as 13 or 14 years old... they catch 'em early" added the driver. (My reaction: WOW!!)

With my little knowledge in these two sports, I learned something new: not only are female athletes at the age of 13-16 typically recruited for COLLEGE softball programs, but also able to pitch at 70 miles per hour... 

My driver was so proud to share about his daughter's achievements that I couldn't help but feel proud as well. 

This thought is way beyond me, but I can't wait to be proud of something like that someday... so much to the point that I can positively influence others to feel great too.

Anyway, it wasn't much longer until I arrived at my destination, but I stepped out of my Uber ride at 7:20 AM with uplifted spirits and hope for a good week.