TEE BALL is FUN!

was created especially for

Steven John Joyce
at the age of 6

We're Proud of You From
Mom and Dad
June 2000

 When springtime came in Waukegan, excitement was in the air. Flowers were blooming, bees were humming, birds were singing, and something special was going on around the ball park. It was TEE BALL time!

 Boys, girls, playmates, and friends were gathering. Steven Joyce, along with John, Danny and Rich, stood side by side. They were on the same TEE BALL team with many other friends. They were all very happy to be on the Cardinals team together.

 Happy to see them, the coach promised they would practice and learn how to bat, catch, slide, and other important things. Steven tried hard to always listen to the coach, to keep his eye on the ball, to swing the bat level, and to play safely.

 TEE BALL games were always exciting. Steven's parents came to watch. So did John, Danny and Rich's parents. Many other parents and grandparents were in the stands too. When Steven and other players did well, they clapped and shouted! It was fun!

 When Steven came to bat with his helmet on just right, the umpire set the TEE BALL up on the tee. Steven took a deep breath and swung the bat with all his might!

Oh, oh! He swung so hard he spun all the way around - but the TEE BALL was still sitting on the tee. "Strike one!" the ump called.

 John, Danny and Rich shouted, "Go ahead, Steven! You can do it!" Steven heard someone call out from the stands, "C'mon Steven! You can hit it!"

 Again, the umpire placed the ball on top of the tee. Steven eyed the ball and swung straight. Wow! What a hit! It was a hot infield grounder. Steven ran like a jack rabbit!

 The shortstop grabbed the ball and threw it to first base, but the throw was not quick enough. Steven ran across the bag just beating the ball. The umpire signaled, "Safe!"

 Folks in the stands shouted for joy! "Yeah, Steven! Yeah, Steven! We knew you could do it!" Everyone clapped and cheered.

 After the game, Coach Jones gave all of the players a high five. One of the mothers had good, cold fruit punch and cookies waiting for them. Ummm! Steven, along with John, Danny and Rich, and all of their teammates, liked cookies-especially chocolate!

 Steven and his teammates dreamed of being All-Stars and going to the TEE BALL World Series in Milton, Florida, where TEE BALL Baseball was born. What a thrill that would be!

 For now, though, they gathered under a big tree to eat their snack. Coach Jones said, "You all did a good job today. I am proud of you! Did you learn anything that will help you next time?"

Steven perked, "Keep your eye on the ball!" John, Danny and Rich chirped, "Listen to the coach! Be a good sport! Don't be a quitter!"

 "That's right," said the coach. "TEE BALL is not just about winning. It is about playing fair and doing what is right. It is about being a good winner and not being sore if you lose."

Steven knew the Coach was right!

 All of the boys and girls agreed! Then Coach Jones grinned and said, "But the best part of TEE BALL is..." Just then, Steven and the whole team shouted together, "TEE BALL is FUN!"

 Cardinals Schedule for 2000