Little Leo the lion cub was feeling wobbly. Today was his first baseball practice! All his friends – Penelope the penguin, Barnaby the bear, and Hazel the hippo – were so excited, but Leo felt a little scared. He’d never held a baseball bat before. What if he couldn’t hit the ball? What if he missed?
Penelope waddled over and gave Leo a gentle nudge. “It’s okay to be nervous, Leo,” she said. “Everyone feels that way when they try something new. The most important thing is to have fun!” Barnaby lumbered up, holding his bright red baseball glove. “And we’re all here to help you!” he boomed with a friendly grin.
Coach Owl explained the rules. Leo listened carefully, but his paws felt clumsy when he tried to hold the bat. He swung… and missed! He swung again… and missed again! Leo’s ears drooped. He wanted to hide.
Hazel noticed Leo’s sad face. She trotted over and said, “Don’t worry, Leo! It takes practice. Let’s try together.” Hazel showed Leo how to hold the bat and how to swing. She didn’t laugh when he missed; she just cheered him on. “You’re getting closer!” she encouraged.
Slowly, Leo started to feel a little braver. He swung the bat, and this time… he tapped the ball! It didn’t go very far, but it was a hit! Leo’s face lit up. He ran to first base, with Penelope, Barnaby, and Hazel cheering him all the way.
Leo didn’t hit a home run, and he still missed sometimes, but he kept trying his best. He learned that baseball wasn’t about being perfect; it was about playing with his friends and having fun. He realized that even when things are scary, having friends to support you makes everything better.
By the end of practice, Leo wasn’t wobbly anymore. He was tired, happy, and proud of himself. As he walked home with his friends, he knew that even though baseball was new and a little scary at first, he couldn’t wait to play again tomorrow. And that, thought Leo, was a very good feeling indeed. Now close your eyes, little one, and dream of hitting home runs with your friends!