With the all-star break approaching for Major League Baseball (MLB), I feel inspired to share some reflections about baseball. But not about MLB.

Rather, I feel inspired to reflect on Excelsior Springs High School baseball.

In the five weeks or so since I covered my last Excelsior Springs ballgame, my appreciation of the season I witnessed has grown. Following the Tigers on their journey to finishing third in the Class 4 state tournament is among the most amazing rides I’ve taken during my many years in sports journalism. Here were a few of the thrills:

• A combined no-hitter: On a chilly and occasionally snowy March 17 afternoon, I watched the Tigers win their home and season opener against William Chrisman. Excelsior Springs got the 1-0 victory behind a combined no-no from Colson Moore, Brayden Lewis and Brendan Blackburn.

I can count the number of no-hitters I’ve covered during my decades of sports journalism on one hand – and that’s baseball and softball combined. I didn’t see my…