Dear Baseball

Dear baseball,

I still see those lights cuttin’ through the night,

Hearin’ my name from the bleachers under Friday skies.

I still feel the dirt, the sting of that swing I missed,

And how I swore I’d never quit — back when I was just a kid.

You gave me friends I’ll never forget,

A jersey with my name that still smells like sweat.

I gave you my summers, my shoulder, my pride,

You gave me a reason to dream every night.

But I had to let you go,

Though part of me still ain’t sure why.

Was it the clock, or the world, or a fastball I couldn’t fight?

You’ll always be that first love

I left on that red clay line…

Dear baseball,

You were mine.

Dear baseball,

You taught me how to lose,

How to tip my cap and fight like I had somethin’ to prove.

From the dugout prayers to the bottom of the ninth,

You taught me how to hurt, but still hold my head high.

There’s a glove in the attic and cleats in a box,

And a photo of me with Dad takin’ one last walk.

We never said goodbye — I just ran outta time,

But I still see your lights when the stars align.

Yeah, I had to let you go,

But I swear I still hear the call.

When that crowd would rise and I’d throw like I had it all.

You’ll always be that first love

I left on that red clay line…

Dear baseball,

You were mine.

Dear baseball…

You’ll always be mine