I know when it all started. It was just a little past 3:30, Friday afternoon, Aug. 16, 1991. My son, Ryan, came into the world. As my elated husband held him in his arms, I could hear him whisper to him of growing up and teaching him how to play baseball, golf and hundreds of other dreams that flow out of the mouths of parents after witnessing the miracle of birth.

When he turned 8, I realized his father's wish has become a reality -- he truly loved baseball.

When he was 5, he played T-ball at our local YMCA. Three years later he progressed to the coach-pitched T-ball league. That summer he gained a deeper love of the game when selected to his first tournament team. This honor was an eye-opener, not only for him, but also for his father and me.

One night after all-star practice, as my husband was putting him to bed I heard him say "But, Dad, I don't like to play outfield!" Trying to think quickly, I kissed my 3-year-old daughter goodnight and walked quietly into his room. "Good practice tonight, buddy," I said. "And let's not forget who played outfield."

He looked over at me with that wrinkled-up-nose-what-are-you-talking-about? look.

"Roberto Clemente," I said as I looked to my husband for backup.

"And Ken Griffey Jr.," my husband said with a smile.

Ryan's face lit up as he pondered playing the same position as these greats.

Well, it's been 10 years since that conversation and we still love watching him, as well as our 13-year-old daughter, Ashley, play. And we'll never forget all of the lessons we learned as "rookie" baseball parents. Here are some that are dear to my heart:

Rule 1: When the coaches tell you to forget anything you've planned for June and July. Believe them. And you thought your life wasn't your own before ball season.

Rule 2: Shudder silently when they get their snow white uniforms. Buy stock in Proctor & Gamble -- Clorox will never go off the market.

Rule 3: Pray for good weather, because if it rains and the field is a gooey mud hole -- you'll need even more Clorox.

Rule 4: Don't be embarrassed to ask directions from complete strangers. I know we have GPS units, but sometimes they lie. By the time all of the tournaments are over, you'll know every ball field in every town this side of the Mississippi.

Rule 5: If you have a stigma against Port-A-Johns, do not let your son try out for the team. Your bladder couldn't possibly have that much staying power.

Rule 6: Never believe what the other team's coaches tell you; these comments will stick like bubble gum on a new pair of cleats. This "thrown together team" practices year-round and plays in every tournament from here to Topeka.

Rule 7: Mothers are allowed to yell and scream and cheer like fools for the home team! My husband loves to watch the game from the opposite side of the field from me.

Rule 8: Learn how to keep score. Then you won't have to send your 3-year-old down to the dugout at the end of every inning.

Rule 9: If any other children come with you to the games -- take plenty of money. It doesn't matter that you packed drinks, chips, candy, gum, fruit and pretzels into a gigantic cooler. Absolutely nothing in your bag is what they want to eat. Period.

Rule 10: Try not to pay attention to the opposing team's cheering section. How dare they say your son can't hit the side of a barn! Just remember to smile sweetly as his ball goes soaring over the left field fence. Revenge is sweet.

Rule 11: Proudly display any trophy on their dresser as a reminder of something wonderful.

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I know I became a changed person when that all-star season ended, and so did my husband. Some of our best summer memories started that year. So as I said in the beginning, take me out to the ballgame? You bet! We wouldn't miss this for the world ...

"Now, hand me my folding chair. ... Are my sunglasses still in the car? ... Where's the camera? ... Did you see the size of these kids? What do you mean we're playing four games today? ... No, you can't go to the concession stand yet. ...Where's the sunscreen? ... What do you mean, strike three? ... Hey ump, would you like to borrow my glasses?"

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