The first team I played for was Tobers Party Store. For some kids growing up, baseball was just another way to pass time during the summer, away from the grind of public school. For me, that was it. From the moment my eyes opened in the morning until the moment I fell asleep, baseball was on my mind. I loved playing baseball, watching baseball, and talking about baseball. Nothing else mattered. Eating and sleeping were just “necessary evils” that took away valuable time from my hobby. I looked forward to the day I would be drafted into the professional ranks after a successful college career. Bubbling with enthusiasm, I explained my inevitable career path to anyone who would listen. Of course, the responses were not very encouraging. “Do you know how good you have to be?” and the tried-and-true “Go to college and get a real job” were two of the most popular sentiments thrown at me by “the opposition.” Naturally, in my 10 year old mind, I knew they were delusional and that I would prove them wrong. It was the summer of 1983. Excited kids from all walks of life were gathering at baseball fields to be sorted into different little league teams. . “That was it,” I thought as I waited patiently for my name to be called. I scoured the competition, keeping an eye out for anyone who shared the same love for the game as me. After completing a thorough investigation, I determined that there were only a select few who would challenge my “self-imposed” star credentials. The majority of children, it seemed, were only there because their parents couldn't afford summer camp. Then the moment arrived. “David Ramos, you will play for Tobers this year,” said the main organizer. I stuck my...... middle of paper...... to play baseball for a few hours every week. I couldn't understand that not everyone likes baseball, so I naturally assumed I was just better than most kids. Of course, I realized the reality a few years later, when I proved that although I was a good player, I was far from a superstar. It was not a crushing defeat, however, as my aspirations in life began to change. To this day, I still love baseball, but I don't love it like I used to. Apparently, I grew out of it, in the same way that most children are born of childish ambitions. However, I will never forget the joy it brought to my life. This has had a profound effect on my life to this day. In times of stress and difficulty, I can always think of that magical summer of 1983. It was the happiest time of my life, and it is something I will never forget and never want forget..