Misha and I have a new, annual ritual of me accompanying him to his softball game on a Sunday afternoon every summer. (We’ve done it twice; is it a ritual yet? A ritual-in-training?)

The only blue-eyed redhead on a team of Chinese Americans playing in a league founded by their church, Misha brings his usual good cheer and smattering of Yiddish expressions, as well as a powerful bat and fine, defensive acumen to the game.

When Misha was born, my dad (zichrono livracha) arrived to the hospital within hours, proffering a mink teddy bear (dad was a furrier) with one hand and a miniature glove and bat with the other. “I’m going to make him a pitcher,” dad proudly proclaimed to his best friend and anyone else who would listen, and sure enough, during my parents’ frequent visits to the Golden State, he spent hours with Misha in the backyard, calling curve balls, sliders, and fastballs.

Twenty minutes into Sunday’s softball game I was reminded that this was not an MLB match-up, although the defensive errors reminded me, sadly, of some Mets games I’d rather forget.

For starters, you pitch to your own team in this league, as a way of keeping the game fun and less competitive. As Misha explained to me, “the goal is to give each batter a chance to hit, instead of focusing on strikeouts.” Another key difference is that females are encouraged to play; all of the teams are co-ed. There are 4 outfielders, and base stealing is not permitted.

As in Little League, and perhaps some bleacher sections in the majors, everyone in the stands is a self-appointed coach. But the real entertainment is to watch (and hear) every player (except the current batter) yelling instructions and encouragement to everyone on the field. If a player running the bases actually listens, she may even take in contradicting advice! Joking aside, though, as I watched the game progress, it became clear that these teams are 100% engaged, and the lack of instant replay forced me to really keep my eyes on the field.

From the opening ceremony, during which everyone on the field—including umpires (volunteers from teams not playing that Sunday), coaches, and all team members—forms a circle to introduce themselves, to the postgame fellowship meeting, the Chinese Christian Union Sports League makes sure that its members have a holistic, healthy, and fun experience. And I have the pleasure of witnessing this, as frequently as I want to attend and cheer on my son.