The Sports Dad: A Bucket of Balls. I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying.......

This Week's Inspiration:

What it is: A few years back, during an ordinary scroll through social media, I came across a post that stopped me cold. Not the usual viral nonsense — this one brought real, actual tears to my eyes … right there in my office. 

It was a simple story about a 72-year-old grandfather named Randy Long from Alabama. While cleaning out his garage, he stumbled across an old bucket of baseballs — the same ones he had pitched to his son and grandson for years. Rather than toss them, he brought the bucket to a local batting cage and left a handwritten note. Here’s what it said: 

Hope someone can use some of these baseballs in the batting cages. I found them cleaning my garage. I pitched them to my son and grandson for countless rounds. My son is now 46 y/o and my grandson is 23 y/o. I am 72 and what I wouldn't give to pitch a couple of buckets to them. They have both moved away. 

If you are a father, cherish these times. You won't believe how quickly they will be gone. 

God bless. 

P.S. Give them a hug and tell them you love them every chance you get. 

Why It Inspires Me: That note leveled me. 

As someone who became a dad a little later than most (I was 37 and 40 when my daughter and son were born), I like to think I have a strong appreciation for the fleeting moments of parenthood. But even with that perspective, I still sometimes let the days blur. I still get distracted. I still assume we’ve got “plenty of time.” 

This grandfather’s note hit me hard because it put into words something I often feel but rarely say: just how deeply I love the time I spend with my kids. Especially when it’s something as simple and beautiful as tossing a ball around or coaching from the sidelines. 

I’m not always great at expressing it — I’m a classic “dumb dad” when it comes to emotions — but this story reminded me to try. To be intentional. To tell my kids I love them. To give them that hug. To not let the moment slip away. 

That old bucket of baseballs turned out to be a treasure chest of wisdom. And I think about it all the time.

Recommended Watch:

A video segment from ABC News telling the full story of Randy Long and his now famous note pinned to a bucket of balls.

Action You Can Take

Simple but important: If you're a parent, a coach, a grandparent—or just someone lucky enough to have loved ones nearby—take the time today to be present. Toss a ball. Share a laugh. Give a hug. Say the thing you usually keep to yourself. 

Watch this video from my colleague Lee Elias about What You Should Say To Your Kids Before a Game.  

If you come across any content that you think is worth sharing with the broader Youth Inc. community, I’d love to hear from you. Drop me a line at tmurphy@youth.inc. 

Let’s learn, grow, and enjoy the ride—together.