GO LITTLE TIMMY GO!!
My middle
son Matt played little league baseball years ago. He was on the summer league travel team. One of his teammates and a good friend was
Chris, a pitcher. Chris’s brother Timmy
was two years younger than Chris, too young for travel baseball, but he went to
most of the games.
Timmy was an
excellent baseball player. I once said to
his dad,
“I’ll bet you’re looking forward to watching
Timmy play ball.”
“Timmy won’t be playing much
baseball.”
“Really…why not?”
“Timmy is going to play soccer. That’s going to be his ticket to college.”
Soccer at
this time was starting to get popular in the US, but soccer over baseball was
unheard of. I didn’t question his dad,
but truth be told I thought he was crazy.
Timmy, I
called him Little Timmy, I guess because he was the younger brother, was a
great kid. He always had a big smile and
a great attitude. His brother had a bit
of a temper which did not always serve him well in baseball, Little Timmy
always seemed cool as the proverbial cucumber.
I liked
hanging around at the summer baseball games with Little Timmy. Not all game or anything, but I would talk with
him and tease him a bit in a friendly way from time to time. His parents went to most of the games, but if
they were not around, I would occasionally spring for a hot dog or an ice cream
just because he was a good kid; also because he would wait in line and bring
the food back to me.
It is years
later now, and I don’t think Little Timmy ever went to College on a soccer
scholarship, even though he was an All-State goalie in high school. His dad wasn’t completely wrong though, Timmy
has done pretty well through soccer.
He has done
well despite a condition we both share.
I never realized it at the time because I guess he was as good at disguising
the ticks and jerky movements of Tourette’s Syndrome as I think I am.
I doubt Little
Timmy would remember me if I ran into him today, but I will be watching him and
rooting for him this week when he takes his place in goal for the United States
in the World Cup.
Go Little Timmy Howard GO!!
Little Timmy in action:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLtja17J5KQ
Go Little Timmy Howard GO!!
Little Timmy in action:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLtja17J5KQ
Great story.Timmy's dad saw potential when soccer in the US wasn't the sport it is today. Personally I think soccer players are better athletes than baseball players. What legs and lungs! Cool that you can say you knew Timmy when he was a youngster.
ReplyDeleteI played soccer for 20 minutes once and couldn't walk for a week!! I have much respect for those amazing athletes.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic story. I have never really been either a baseball or soccer watcher but I will definitely be rooting for Little Timmy now.
ReplyDeleteSoccer is better for you, but baseball players look cooler.
ReplyDeleteI know a blogger who has a son recently diagnosed with Tourette's. She probably would love to hear from you.
how very awesome! go, timmy, go!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post this is. What a great goalie Little Timmy is. Thanks for making me smile this morning.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day. ☺
Fascinating that you have a personal connection with someone actually playing in the World Cup. I guess Little Timmy's dad knew what he was doing.
ReplyDeleteOMG, I know little about soccer, but I know Team USA's goalie. Go, Tim, Go.
ReplyDeleteI suspect he would remember you. And from over the other side of the world - go Timmy go...
ReplyDeleteThat's a wonderful, heartwarming story. And I do think Timmy would remember you. You were kind to him and treated him like one of the "big kids."
ReplyDeleteWow! "Little Timmy" is a might big man on the soccer pitch. (That's what they call it, isn't it?)
ReplyDeleteWow. You have connections.
ReplyDeleteVery cool! If I watch a game, I'll be looking for him.
ReplyDeleteGo USA! Go Timmy!
ReplyDeletePretty Awesome story!! I have a great pic of me and Timmy from HS too. Good kid and an amazing goalie!
ReplyDeleteThat is cool. Good for you. :) Oh and about your comment today... Save me a place in class would you? haha
ReplyDeleteWhoa!!! That's so awesome that you know Tim Howard! We are huge soccer fans over here. This is so cool. I can't wait to brag to my husband that I know someone who knows Tim. He's an awesome goalie.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great story! Love a surprise ending. Go Timmy!
ReplyDeleteI don't know Tim Howard, but I am sure his fans are envious of you. Also this is one more fine post. Thanks.
ReplyDelete