I had a kid was a big baseball player

Jack Lockard, baseball player

I have been remiss in not writing about baseball lately, specifically Jack's baseball. Oh, I have a fantasy

team, the Homer Pyles, and they are doing OK for a bunch of slow, powerless power hitters.

But Jack's first season playing organized baseball has really been something to write home about. His team, the North Wake Giants, are currently sitting atop the standings with a 7-2 record. The coaches are talking championship, and I really think this team could pull it off with a few breaks.

The Giants have a couple of consistent pitchers, quite a few solid hitters, and just enough grit to win the whole thing.

In fact, I am getting so wrapped in this team, that I become a nervous wreck as the games progress. I have started to live and die with each pitch, which can be especially troublesome when there are many pitchers in the league with control issues. There are some long, long innings.

As far as Jack goes, he may not be the best player on the team, but no one works harder or is more coachable. He consistently makes contact and hustles like Pete Rose. Unfortunately, his glovework has often been akin to that of Dr. Strangeglove, and it hasn't improved as much as his hitting has since the season began. A couple of key errors in one particular inning was the chief cause of one of the team's rare losses.

He does, however, provide a lot of the aforementioned grit -- he may bat last and spend a great deal of his time in right field, but he is an unquestionably a key part of the team. He can work a walk, and is not afraid to take one for the team by getting hit by a pitch. His understanding of the game has grown exponentially, and it's been a wonder to watch. He more often than not will throw to the right base, and doesn't get down on himself when he makes an out or an error.

In fact, that is where I wish he was just a bit more competitive. I take his failures harder than he does, but maybe that is my problem. He is clearly improving and enjoying himself, and that's what it's all about.

If I catch his eye when he is in the on-deck circle, he will invariably wink at me. He is not lacking in confidence.

And I have to mention his old-school ways. He is the only player in the league to use a wood bat. He chose number 3 because of Babe Ruth. And when the team met for the first time and the coach asked each player what his favorite movie was, Jack replied amidst a sea of "Star Wars," and Spiderman" responses: "Duck Soup."

What a kid.

So, at the risk of jinxing his team, I will chronicle the rest of his season. It's certainly a pennant race to watch, and I must say, more interesting than a lot of other things going on in the sports world.

Next game, tomorrow night, against the Brewers.

If you come to the game, I will be easy to recognize. I'll be the guy pacing behind the home plate screen, too nervous to watch and too nervous to look away, and looking like he is about to throw up at any minute.

I wouldn't have it any other way.