Take Me Out to the Ball Game…
PLAY BALL
My family joined both Giants and A’s fans over the Father’s Day weekend to cheer their favorite teams (we like both teams). Baseball season is an exciting time for fans of all ages.
THE BIGGEST FAN
Sadly, one of the biggest fans will be missed. Tim Moellering is no longer here to cheer on the SF Giants or CAL Bears. His favorite teams of all are the many youth baseball teams he coached through the years. There have so many Little League and high school teams in Tim’s career it’s hard to count them all. As important as coaching were his roles as teacher and mentor. My sons Rob and James were lucky enough to have Tim as their coach for the Mudhens, in North Oakland Little League.
IT’S HOW YOU PLAY THE GAME
One of the memorable moments of the team came during playoffs on a hot, late afternoon game in Contra Costa. The Mudhens were trailing, but pulled ahead in one of the last innings. Suddenly, the ref called the game — mid-inning — because he thought it was getting too dark to continue play. So the score reverted back to the previous inning, when the Mudhens were losing. Irate Mudhen parents (myself included) were outraged and ran out onto the field. The only person calm and rational was Tim. He reminded parents and players to keep it in perspective. He said the ref called the game from a viewpoint of safety. He said the Mudhens played a good game and a great season, with many more to come. It was almost like Moses turning back the Red Sea. The players shook hands with their opponents. We said our goodbyes and left the field with our heads held high.
TIM MOELLERING’S TOP TEN RULES TO LIVE BY
These rules were passed out at the Memorial Service for Tim held January 29, 2011, at Willard Middle School in Berkeley, California.
(1) Have empathy for everyone.
– If you remember or read Tim’s favorite book, “To Kill a Mockingbird” you’ll learn from Atticus Finch. “Crawl in someone’s else’s skin and walk around in it.”
(2) Tell the truth.
– When you tell the truth you have less to remember. You know you never lied and eventually everyone will trust you.
(3) Be reliable.
– Do what you say you are going to do, even if it means showing up on time. People will trust you.
(4) Assume positive intent.
– Assume everything everyone does is with good intentions. If they are incompetent, so be it, but it doesn’t hurt you to assume they are doing their best. You will be able to understand their actions when you don’t judge.
(5) Be physically active.
– Better than any drugs. It’s fun; it can be a big boon in your social life. If you are running an errand, walk or ride a bike because you will feel better. It may not be obvious at first, but it adds up.
(6) Just do it.
– If the choice is between sitting around and doing nothing or doing something, do something every single time.
(7) Don’t blame anyone.
– THIS IS KEY. No one is to blame for anything. Only you can change what you do. If you blame someone else then you can’t solve the problem…instead, you are telling someone else to solve the problem. If you don’t blame other people then you will be able to take control.
(8) Your possessions can be replaced.
– People are obsessed with their possessions. It’s a terrible way of living by letting your possessions control you. When you let go of your possessions, you become free. There’s little relationship between wealth and happiness.
(9) Carpe Diem.
– “Seize the day.” Accomplish something everyday, otherwise you are wasting your time. There’s always something wonderful to experience, go do it.
(10) Solve your problems.
– Some people like to have problems so that they have something to complain about. Don’t waste your time. It also gives you something to do, something to strive for.
TIM MOELLERING NORTH OAKLAND LITTLE LEAGUE (NOLL)
Tim Moellering Juniors-Seniors Scholarship Fund
If you wish to make a tax-deductible contribution to continue Tim’s legacy of leadership and service to our local youth, please make a check payable to “NOLL-SOLL Tim Moellering Scholarship” and mail it to the league address:
North and South Oakland Little Leagues
PO Box 11383, Oakland, CA 94611
http://www.berkeleyside.com/2011/01/24/memorial-service-for-tim-moellering-set-for-saturday/