Although photography is one of my favorite pastimes, the activity I enjoy most is coaching youth baseball. I've managed youth baseball teams for more than 25 years. In recent years, I've dedicated more time than ever to baseball--coaching two teams in the Spring and another in the Fall.

The weather in Chicago is always suspect during the early part of the Spring baseball season. Often, it is cold and windy. Rain is also usually a part of the mix. But, so far this season has been the most challenging in terms of the weather. For most of April, all baseball activities have been cancelled due to continuous rain.

Earlier this evening, I did a field assessment at one of our parks. I knew that there was no chance that the fields would be playable by tomorrow. I am more interested in determining if the fields might have a chance to be playable at all during the weekend--or at least by early next week. Things aren't looking good!

Underwater park Usually, when conditions are wet I take my teams out to a grassy soccer field called Cachey Park. The idea is that at least we can practice throwing drills and maybe take a few fly balls. But, that's not happening this year either.

Soccer field pond Earlier today, the Brookfield Zoo announced that it will be closed due to the weather for only the third time in its history! Before long, I'll be needing a boat to get to the park.