Angels In The Outfield

Sports fans get it. They understand the importance of teamwork. They know that you have to show up for the big event. You have to be flexibile enough to take the shot and other times know when you need to assist. Some times you have to take one for the team. No one wants to bunt. But if that bunt helps your team then you stand there and wait for the opportunity and find yourself satisfied and happy that you put your team in scoring position. Some times you might be a little winded but if you are needed to go out for the long pass then you are ready to go the distance. And whether its the basket,goal,end zone or home plate you are always pointed in that direction because HOME is what it is all about.   Ernestine Ward was the ultimate sports fan.   It was a blessing to be there to see Ernestine Ward go home yesterday. She shined in her final at bat. She had gathered her clan of nine amazing children together to be reminded of the enormous love this mighty matriarch gave to them. The great baseball film Field Of Dreams coined the phrase, If you build it,they will come. Well she built this remarkable team (family) and they came from all parts of the nation.   Each of her players(children) are incredibile individuals. They each bring different gifts to the team,as do their spouses,children and their children and... Yes,the team has grown and achieved the impossible by getting stronger and better with each addition. But the starting line-up is the original nine. They are the Wards--the mighty,mighty Wards. Ken,Mark,Mary,Nate,Paul,Phil,Sue,Wayne and Yvonne. (Alphabetical order guys--remember there is no crying in baseball.)   Their obvious strength is their size. They are great in number. But their greatest weapon is their knowledge of the playbook. There will be no hesitation regarding decisions. Onside kick or punt? Go for the first down? Hit it out of the park or advance the runner? All they must do is ask themselves what their mom would do and know that home is wherever you all are gathered.   They each participated in the service whether by hymn selection, a personal tribute or their very presence. They spoke of her sacrifice bunts and referred to her as both the Most Valuable Player and the heart of the team. They share a collective grief and tremendous loss. More importantly they share countless memories and a collective love. And as they said,they will carry her in their hearts.   So, this play-by-play is for them.      Ernestine Ward is in the batters box. She looks at the packed house in Miller Park. It doesn't phase her. Her kitchen had more people in it every morning for thirty years. She kicks the chalk. She accidentally kicks the catcher and says "Oh, excuse me hon' ". (This shortened term for honey is her term of endearment.) She straightens up and looks at the pitcher. He sends a curveball toward her and it seems to arrive in her power zone and CRACK that ball looks like it might be........it falls in left field at the wall,but wait...Ward is already rounding second--would she...could she---she is flying......the throw in is cut off and Ward has passed third and is racing toward home--the throw--------the call-------SAFE!!!!!! SAFE!!!!! Ernestine Ward is safe at home and the Milwaukee Brewers have won the World Series!!!!!!!!! Interviewed later the catcher was asked what was that Ward said as she stepped over him when she scored? He replied: "Excuse me hon' " and that she had a big smile on her face.   If you have ever seen Angels In The Outfield, then you know ... it could happen.