This is just the greatest.

In a show of brilliant sportsmanship, two softball teams in Iowa — representing Manchester and Hopkinton — celebrated with a pre-game bounce and celebratory center circle. All the girls were involved, everyone was excited to take part. Smiles were in all the faces.

In short, a good time was had by all.

That’s the real trick to the entire experience. Manchester and Hopkinton’s efforts were focused entirely on helping their girls have a great time. That’s precisely what should be happening at that age, with all concern about skill development and competition left far down the list of priorities … if they even have to show up at all.

Bravo, Machester and Hopkinton. Well done. Sometimes we should all be a little more Iowan.