When warmth returns, when the sun is long and the days hold promises of summer, I sense the possibility and glory of baseball. The innocence and beauty inside the game. And yes, the poetry.

Carlos is getting ready. The Frontier League holds TRYOUTS starting May 3 in Avon, Ohio. Carlos will be there with his friend Jeff. I might go. I'm hoping to go. Todd Marlin will be there, too - the Managing Director of the Washington Wild Things. Todd Marlin has been a gentle blessing to us, giving advice, helping point the way. Bobby Valentine introduced us. Others helped. John Howard starting.

Today, March 28, is the day Carlos' dad Carmelo Ayala was murdered. Every March is hard for Carlos. Every March 28 is a place of pain. If you've read What Else But Home, you know this. Wish Carlos well. "..."I'm trying to move forward, I'm trying to better my life. I hope he's proud of me. I'm trying. It just hurts to know how he's missing out of my life and how much he is going to miss..." Carlos sent me a text this morning. Forgive me, Carlos, for sharing a bit of what you wrote.

Carlos is getting ready. The Wild Things have a May 1 team tryout, which Carlos can go to on the way to the Frontier League tryout.

Morgan is Captain of his Brooklyn Friends high school baseball team this year, like Ripton was last year.

Carlos, tossing practice batting to Morgan last week in Tompkins Square !! (where my book starts)

Morgan tossing practice balls to Ripton, who was home visiting on spring break...

and to the absolute poetry of the game...

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