Dear boys,
This fall MCS parents formed various “outdoor pods” — another term we’ve learned during this pandemic. These socially-distanced meetups have been vital to maintaining a sense of school community and mental health, but our family favorite is a game of punchball every Friday. Like baseball but without a bat, this popular game at MCS is perfect for these times — highly entertaining with minimal contact! Coordinated by Andrew, Finn’s dad, the group meets at 4:00 in the park to play “parents vs. kids” until the sun goes down. When Daddy told me he didn’t have to go work on a recent Friday I exclaimed, “Get your sneakers on ‘cause you’re gonna play punchball!”
With his drive and athleticism, Daddy definitely leveled up the game. It’s usually the kids that beat the grownups, but this Friday proved a bit more challenging. And it was no secret how some of the kids felt, especially the more competitive ones like Victor and Tamir.
“How come you had to bring your dad, Cash?! Sheesh. He’s catching all my balls!”
“Oh, you didn’t know? Cash’s dad played professional football AND basketball!!”
When Tamir asked about bunting to help minimize the number of outs Daddy was making, you kids started cheering for the chance to narrow the gap.
Not surprisingly there was a lot of trash talk when you boys were at the plate. Most of the time Daddy caught your balls; if not, he got you out at first base. Andrew, with his sweet-natured voice said, “You’re competitive Anton — so I know you can’t help it — but you can go easy on them.” Daddy laughed, saying, “You’re right Andrew, I can’t help it. But that’s how they get better. And anyways, I PLAY TO WIN!!” Even as a fierce opponent, Daddy embraced the role of coach, giving tips to you and your peers along the sidelines as you waited for your turn to punch.
“Damn Anton! You covered the field like you’re 21!” said Chuk, Victor’s dad who is also our good friend. “If I wasn’t so damn impressed I’d have been like, ‘Slow down fam!’ I mean, I had it easy on first base.”
Having Daddy on the mound and Chuk at first base was so much fun — The Dream Team! Parents cheered and kids groaned as Daddy entertained with one-handed catches and behind-the-back passes!
Playing field positions and sideline coach with such energy, it’s hard to believe Daddy will be turning 51 this week. The oldest parent on the field moving like the youngest!
When I told my friend Fredi about this game she was quick to point out the obvious blessing: you boys have a dad whose athleticism STILL blows people away, both young and old. A dad who can play and and do tricks that ignite your competitive spirit. Who makes you beam with pride in front of your friends! When either of you dove for a catch or slid into base, another parent would turn to me with a wink and say, “I wonder where he gets that from?”
In the end the kids pulled through with a win, due in part to Daddy giving the kids five outs at bat instead of three and his move to the outfield. It was obvious he couldn’t just NOT play as hard because the kids would notice, shouting, “Hey — you’re going soft on us!” So these few handicaps were just enough to get your team to rise up.
For many of us this is a weekly highlight. Daddy now opts to work Saturday nights so he doesn’t miss these Friday meetups. Whether in the game or on the sidelines chit-chatting with friends, this time together is food for the soul — the chance for parents and kids to play with abandon at a park in west Harlem. Where, for a couple of hours, we can forget about everything going on around us — amidst a global pandemic and contentious election —and just be, carefree.
I love you boys. I love your competitive play and the spirit of Daddy who lives within you.
Always and forever,
Mom