Your right, items like that are the good things about doing this job. And in particular being involved in rec type leagues. As I have started doing high school ball and ASA state and even have my 2nd National scheduled for this year, people ask me "why are you still messing around with that rec league?" Well 2 reasons, #1 I don't ever think I am "too good" to call a rec league game thats where I started it's 10 minutes from my house, but #2 you never get the moments like you have just listed Al, in big tournies. That connection with the kids, you know you have had a positive impact on them and what they might not know is they have had just as big, if not bigger impact on you! Makes you feel good inside and with all the bad stuff in the world we deal with everyday you flat out need that sometimes!!
Like the old saying goes.....Life is not measured by the breaths you take but more by the moments that take your breath away. Life is flat out too short not to have fun!!