Growing Season

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 21, 2000

The Times followed the Inverness Marlins T-ball team for three months, chronicling its season from the early practices to the last pizza party. The result is a tale, told in stories and photos, of children learning about baseball and themselves.

On a red clay field, with the sun dropping toward the pine trees and running trails that surround it, C.J. Cagwin steps up to the plate to practice his swing.

Cagwin, above, taps home, sets his feet and takes a few practice swings at the ball sitting precariously on the tee.

Here, there are no contract disputes or bickering over the strike zone.

The biggest argument is over who gets to hit first and who has to shag balls.

Fans don't push for a state-of-the-art stadium. They'll be happy with portable toilets and a small concession stand nearby.

More stories and photos: Practice Family Opening day Healing hands Control and chaos Teaching Party time Coach

There is no pressure to perform. Moms, dads, sisters and brothers cheer even when players ground out.

This is as far removed from luxury suites and million-dollar attitudes as baseball gets.

Whispering Pines Park is the home of the Inverness Marlins T-ball team, 14 would-be sluggers, many of whom are playing organized baseball for the first time.

Their biggest concern isn't trying to hit .300; it's getting a hit.

The managers aren't consumed with making it to the World Series; their goal is to make it through practice without the entire team
having to go to the bathroom.

For three months, the kids learn more than the game. They learn discipline by having to pay attention to coach Jim Tobin and his assistants. They learn teamwork from watching a teammate who has struggled in practice get a hit in a game.

Most of all, under Tobin, they learn about baseball.

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.

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