Alright folks, got another real-life scenario unpacked for you. My kid qualified for the Cedar Point Baseball Tournament next year, and let me tell ya, packing was a whole project. Way different than our usual local stuff. Here’s how it went down, step by messy step.
The Pre-Panic Phase
First off, I heard “Cedar Point Tournament” and immediately thought ROLLER COASTERS. Wrong! Turns out it’s actually near Sandusky, OH, not the amusement park itself. Big relief budget-wise, ha! But then reality hit: multi-day tournament, potentially nasty weather changes, and hauling gear for a whole team of antsy teenagers. My kitchen table became Mission Control.
Building the Beast (The Gear List)
Started with the obvious baseball stuff:
- Cleats: Dug out his current pair – muddy as heck. Gave ‘em a power wash. Praying they don’t fall apart mid-game.
- Glove & Batting Gloves: Did the glove need re-lacing? Yep. Halfway through, realized I lost my needle pliers. Improvised with tweezers. Looked janky but held.
- Bat & Helmet: Checked the bat tape – peeling. Had to redo it. Helmet got a wipe-down – smelled like stale sweat and bubblegum. Nice.
Then hit the roadblock: weather gear. Cedar Point weather in tournament season? Flip a coin. Added:
- Lightweight Rain Jacket: Found one stashed behind the winter coats. Dusted it off.
- Base Layers: Pulled out some old compression shirts and leggings. Had to check for holes like a maniac.
- Sun Hat & Bandanas: Sunscreen alone wouldn’t cut it for multiple games. Found his hat… brim bent. Steam from the kettle fixed that surprisingly well.
Survival Kit Essentials (The Non-Baseball Stuff)
This is where mom-mode kicked in. Forget the bats, gotta keep the kid fueled and functional.
- Hydration Backpack: Found his Camelbak shoved under his bed. Smelled… suspicious. Vinegar soak saved the day.
- Cooler: Our cheap one leaks. Tried the duct tape fix. Jury’s still out if it holds juice boxes without turning the trunk into a swamp.
- Team Snacks: Raided Costco. Granola bars, trail mix, oranges. Ended up with way too much beef jerky, but the kid insisted. Dad tax applies.
The “Oh Crap I Forgot That” Moment
List seemed solid. Bragged to my wife. Felt smug. Then, digging for sunscreen spray:
- FIRST AID KIT! How?! Rummaged through the garage. Found ours expired by like 2 years. Dollar store run for bandaids, antiseptic wipes, blister pads, and bonus: extra sunscreen sticks because the spray tube got crushed in the pantry. Figures.
- Foldable Chairs: Dug out our camp chairs. One wobbled. Tried tightening bolts with a butter knife. Semi-successful.
- Power Bank: His phone would die instantly filming plays. Found an old brick charger. Hope it still holds a charge.
Packing Nightmare (Literally)
Started piling it all in the hallway. Kid walks by: “Dad, where’s my extra sunglasses?” Cue frantic search. Found under car seat. Added. Then, smelling the cleats again: Shoe Deodorizer Spray! Forgot that too. Dumped baking soda in them overnight as a cheap hack.
Tried using those vacuum space-saver bags for clothes. Yeah right. Ended up just smushing stuff into duffels. Big bag for team gear (balls, catcher gear the team shares), small bag for his personal stuff, cooler jammed in the middle. Trunk tetris mastered, kinda.
The Live Test (Tournament Lessons)
Drove out there. Actual findings:
- Chairs: Wobbly one survived. Saw some fancy ones, but ours worked.
- Cooler Duct Tape: Held! Mostly. Minor leak. Towel absorbed it.
- Power Bank: Lifesaver. Phones died quick with all the videoing.
- Bandanas: Kid used it constantly to wipe sweat. Genius last-minute add.
- Weather: Went from chilly morning to blazing sun to light sprinkle. Layers and rain jacket got used HARD. Base layers under the uniform saved his butt.
- Regrets: Forgot eye black stick for glare. Had to borrow. Also, that baking soda? Cleats still reeked by day 3. Should’ve bought the spray.
Biggest win? Hydration pack. Kid actually drank water between innings without constant nagging. Hallelujah.
The Verdict
Planning sucked, executing felt chaotic, but in the end, we had mostly everything needed. Kid played hard, stayed fueled, avoided sun poisoning, and gear held up (mostly). Learned some tricks for next time – mainly buy new deodorizer spray sooner! Don’t just make lists, think about the grind of multiple games. Layers, snacks, and ways to stay cool/hydrated are king, almost as important as the glove. Hope this helps you avoid some of my fumbles!