Gettin’ in the GameSM
My sons and I recently traveled to our very first Gettin’ in the Game. Adam and Zachary are really active in sports, so I asked if they wanted to go. They said, "Yeah! Let’s go to Pittsburgh!" At first, I think the idea of going on a road trip appealed to them more than anything else, but we all ended up having a great experience. We also found out that Gettin’ in the Game is about a lot more than playing sports.
Both boys signed up for baseball. Although they’re both All Stars, one of the nice things about the program is you don’t have to be an All Star to win. Zachary was a little disappointed that he had to compete against his older brother, but he easily could have won. The younger kids are just as likely to win as the older kids because of the way the point system is devised to level the playing field. Adam, who is 17, came in third in the scoring, but a boy of around 10 or 11 came in first.
The best part for Adam and Zachary was having Corey Parker coach them. Corey used to be a professional baseball player, and though Adam and Zach had met him several times before, the thrill hasn’t worn off yet. Adam has always wanted to be a professional baseball player and having Corey coach him was an incredible experience.
Gettin’ in the Game is not just about playing sports. You’ll be sadly disappointed if you’re going there for a competitive edge. But if you want to experience a family outing, this is it. The families we met at Gettin’ in the Game were so warm, loving, and open. And the kids! To look at the group by the end of the day, you would’ve thought that they had known each other their entire lives. One little boy followed Adam around the whole day. He couldn’t get enough of him! Adam gave him some little present at the end of the day and the kid was just ecstatic.
It’s a really great program and the boys had a lot of fun, but the kids at Gettin’ in the Game take away a lot more than just baseball skills and golfing skills. They take away social skills and life skills. The kids get so much out of it. It’s great for little kids, too. My gosh, there were 5-year-olds there!
It’s an amazing opportunity. For my boys, it was like a dream come true, especially being coached by Corey Parker. The draw of Gettin’ in the Game is to get involved with sports, but the bonus is meeting all of these wonderful people. The boys can’t wait to go back, and we’re planning to go again.
