Raising them right. Collegiate baseball is officially underway for the 2026 season, and the MLB opening day is right around the corner. The days are getting warmer, baseball is being played, and hot dogs are being consumed; there is no better way to spend a spring day. I can feel my seasonal depression fading away as I type this.
There is nothing better than spring sports in full swing, and while cheering on your favorite team is always a bonus, another plus side is seeing a younger generation of sports fans fall in love with baseball the same way you did. Whether they catch the baseball bug from playing wiffle ball or in little leagues or from simply spending time with their parents in the stands, the passion a young fan carries is unlike any other.
And that passion is amplified by a recent viral moment of a young group of kids honoring our nation before the first pitch of their wiffle ball game. Of course, every baseball game begins with the singing of the national anthem. The tradition that takes place before all sporting events is rooted in World War I patriotism and is designed to unite fans and honor the country and the military. But let’s also face it… It gets fans amped up for the game right before the first pitch, kick off, puck drop, etc….
A TikTok user, Frank Trost, shared a video of a group of children carrying on the tradition for their backyard wiffle ball game.
“The kids kicking off the wiffle ball game with the national anthem.”
The group of neighborhood children gathers near a garage/shop shed to hold their hands over their hearts before running to their respective positions to begin the game. The best part about the video is that there is no parent in sight telling this group of children to sing the “Star Spangled Banner.” These kiddos love their nation, the tradition of singing the national anthem and a clean, fair game.
This is one of the best videos I’ve seen online lately. PLAY BALL.
@fwanktwost The kids kicking off the wiffle ball game with the national anthem #mlb #nationalanthem #baseballseason ♬ original sound – Frank trost
The comment section was filled with love for these future baseball stars. Take a look at a few of my favorites before you go:
“Yes these are the reasons I served!”
“Play ball, babies.”
“That’s the cutest thing ever! Way to go, parents! Good job!”
“of the FrEEEeEe.”
“Maybe there is still some hope for the future.”
“Most American thing I’ve seen all day.”
“Someone is raising their kids right.”
“Just subconsciously took my hat off! PLAY BALL!!!!”
“And you got season tickets!”
“Really hit the high note on free!”
“God bless America, those kids and their parents.”
“America baby!”
“This should have a minimum of a million likes.”
“When I see things like this, it gives me hope for the future.”
“Best thing I saw on the internet today.”
“It’s about to go down.”
I think some of our Olympic athletes could learn a thing from these kids…
