America's Favorite Sport....

It's BASEBALL season again! And even though the weather is sometimes less than cooperative, the kids don't seem to care. Multiple layers and their ready to go! After a week of practices, we had the kickoff Jamboree last Saturday. Shortened games (just 3 innings) allowed coaches a chance to see their players in action, some for the first time. Many younger kids were stepping up from the lower Rookie league where they used a pitching machine so this was their first time hitting off a "real life pitcher". Also meant that there were fewer seasoned pitchers coming up than before (NOTE: When Nicholas was in Rookie, the kids pitched after the first 3 innings of the game).

Mat is coaching Nicholas' team again and actually has a pretty good team. His assistant coach is the older brother (high school age) to one of Nicholas' friends and teammates, DJ. Like Nicholas, DJ is a pitcher. Between the two of them, they pack a pretty good 1-2 punch. Another friend, Jamas, is on the team. The three of them all played on a tournament team together last summer. How cool is that! Turns out, Mat also has another player who can pitch (someone we didn't know about until after he got his roster). A great core of players to build around.

They had their first real game on Wednesday night. Nicholas was the starting pitcher for the game (he didn't pitch at all during the Jamboree)...and he did great. Held the other team to just two runs in two innings. He and DJ actually threw a runner out at home (DJ was catching) but the ump called the runner safe. Most of us in the stands would have to argue with the refs call on this one, but whaddaya gonna do? Our team won 20-10.

Game #2 was last night. Nicholas ended up pitching the 5th inning and struck out 3 of the 4 batters he faced. Another great outing. And one of the innings when he was playing catcher, he almost threw a runner out at 2nd base (trying to steal). Oh so close! Here's a quick pic of my favorite player at bat. That handsome coach in the background is Mat!


Looks like you'll have to look for us at the ballpark for the next few months.