A wonderful song and video by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis that shows the passion that baseball can inspire.
Showing posts with label baseball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baseball. Show all posts
Monday, April 08, 2013
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Getting a Little Squirrely
Yesterday we decided to celebrate Memorial day in style. We grilled out, talked about the difference between Memorial day and Veterans day( Which interestingly enough, both are doubly significant dates in our family. Our wedding anniversary is on May 30th and Nate was born on Nov. 11th.), and caught a baseball game in the evening.
We were able to snag some great seats that morning, right behind home plate. Meryl came along with us and we marveled out how we could almost call the pitches. If you look carefully in the picture on the right you can see the ball on its way to the batter.
As for who was playing, it was the Bowie Baysox versus the Richmond Flying Squirrels. We had been to numerous R-Braves games before they decamped to Georgia, but this was our first Squirrel game. The Squirrels may be just AA as opposed to the R-Braves AAA status, but the feeling in the stadium was a whole lot more fun. The mascot is Nutzy the Flying Squirrel and he was all over the place. Climbing the backstop, dancing on top of the dugout, and climbing up on the railings. Maybe he wasn't the best role model for kids at the game, but he was certainly gungho and happy to interact with the crowd. Only Rebecca was willing to approach Nutzy and she got a big hug for her bravery.
The game itself was pretty good. We saw several double plays and a really heart braking catch that robbed the Squirrels of a win at the bottom of the 10th (yes we got extra innings). Sadly, the Squirrels didn't win the game. The Baysoxs surged ahead in the 11th and held off he Squirrels for a win.
However, the loss didn't affect the post game fireworks. That was one of the big draws for me. I like baseball, throw in some fireworks and I'm there. It was well past 11 when we finally got home last night. The kids had a great time and didn't seem to suffer too much today from a short night of sleep. Normally I wouldn't have them up so late on a school night, but the school year is almost over and there isn't much going on now.
And hey, there were crazy squirrels and fireworks.
We were able to snag some great seats that morning, right behind home plate. Meryl came along with us and we marveled out how we could almost call the pitches. If you look carefully in the picture on the right you can see the ball on its way to the batter.
As for who was playing, it was the Bowie Baysox versus the Richmond Flying Squirrels. We had been to numerous R-Braves games before they decamped to Georgia, but this was our first Squirrel game. The Squirrels may be just AA as opposed to the R-Braves AAA status, but the feeling in the stadium was a whole lot more fun. The mascot is Nutzy the Flying Squirrel and he was all over the place. Climbing the backstop, dancing on top of the dugout, and climbing up on the railings. Maybe he wasn't the best role model for kids at the game, but he was certainly gungho and happy to interact with the crowd. Only Rebecca was willing to approach Nutzy and she got a big hug for her bravery.
The game itself was pretty good. We saw several double plays and a really heart braking catch that robbed the Squirrels of a win at the bottom of the 10th (yes we got extra innings). Sadly, the Squirrels didn't win the game. The Baysoxs surged ahead in the 11th and held off he Squirrels for a win.
However, the loss didn't affect the post game fireworks. That was one of the big draws for me. I like baseball, throw in some fireworks and I'm there. It was well past 11 when we finally got home last night. The kids had a great time and didn't seem to suffer too much today from a short night of sleep. Normally I wouldn't have them up so late on a school night, but the school year is almost over and there isn't much going on now.
And hey, there were crazy squirrels and fireworks.
Friday, February 05, 2010
It May Be Snowy, But...
Baseball season is right around the corner.
This extremely cute video was made by one of the local schools in response to the name the mascot contest currently being held by Richmond's newest baseball team, The Flying Squirrels.
In fact the video is so cute they received an invitation to sing their song at the Diamond during the announcement of the mascots name.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Artist of the Week: Baseball
In honor of the ongoing baseball tourney, Nate is the artist of the week.
So far it has been an exciting tournament. The first four games are pool play, then the top two teams in each pool play in the semifinals with the pool winners playing the championship.
The first two games Nate's team pretty much pounded the other team. They would start off down a few runs, but would come roaring back and soundly defeat them. The final scores were 20 to 10 and 22 to 4. The games are supposed to run to six innings, but in both of those games the slaughter rule was invoked in the fourth to end the other teams misery.
Yesterday's game promised to be a good one. We were up against the other undefeated team in our pool.
The other team was very good. They started off with three runs and maintained their lead for most of the game, but our boys kept plugging along. We have an amazing depth in our pitching, we have four really good pitchers while most teams have two maybe three. The rest of the fielders are not too shabby, they are alert and responsive to whatever comes their way. Nate has been switching between second and center field. I'm always amazed at how he can just fire the ball back to the pitcher when he is way out in center field.
Then there is our offense, these boys can really hit. They have learned to wait for the right pitch. There are no easy outs on our team when they are at bat.
Anyway back to last night's game.
In the fifth inning we had finally tied up the score. We had two outs and I think two on base. It was Nate's turn to step up to the plate, he was focused and ready to go. He has some outstanding statistics during this tournament, 6 hits in 7 at bats with two walks. In the stands we all started chanting Nate's name.
Jake asked if I was going to take pictures and I said no, I wanted to see what was happening and not through the viewfinder. I honestly don't remember the exact pitch count, it was a couple of balls and at least one strike. And then he got the pitch he was looking for. He drove a nice hit out towards center field. The ball hit the ground before anybody to get to it and Nate was off.
He ended up knocking in the winning run, by the end of the inning the score was 11 to 8, all they had to do was block the other team during the top of the sixth and they did it.
I asked Nate later if he knew he had batting in the winning run. He was genuinely surprised, he told me that he hit the ball and started running to first. He only knew it was a good hit because the first base coach (one of his team mates) was jumping up and down.
That's the kind of player Nate is. He was so focused in hitting the ball and getting on base he didn't even see where the ball went or what else was happening on the field. He really is a true athlete and not a show boat on the field.
So far it has been an exciting tournament. The first four games are pool play, then the top two teams in each pool play in the semifinals with the pool winners playing the championship.
The first two games Nate's team pretty much pounded the other team. They would start off down a few runs, but would come roaring back and soundly defeat them. The final scores were 20 to 10 and 22 to 4. The games are supposed to run to six innings, but in both of those games the slaughter rule was invoked in the fourth to end the other teams misery.
Yesterday's game promised to be a good one. We were up against the other undefeated team in our pool.
The other team was very good. They started off with three runs and maintained their lead for most of the game, but our boys kept plugging along. We have an amazing depth in our pitching, we have four really good pitchers while most teams have two maybe three. The rest of the fielders are not too shabby, they are alert and responsive to whatever comes their way. Nate has been switching between second and center field. I'm always amazed at how he can just fire the ball back to the pitcher when he is way out in center field.
Then there is our offense, these boys can really hit. They have learned to wait for the right pitch. There are no easy outs on our team when they are at bat.
Anyway back to last night's game.
In the fifth inning we had finally tied up the score. We had two outs and I think two on base. It was Nate's turn to step up to the plate, he was focused and ready to go. He has some outstanding statistics during this tournament, 6 hits in 7 at bats with two walks. In the stands we all started chanting Nate's name.
Jake asked if I was going to take pictures and I said no, I wanted to see what was happening and not through the viewfinder. I honestly don't remember the exact pitch count, it was a couple of balls and at least one strike. And then he got the pitch he was looking for. He drove a nice hit out towards center field. The ball hit the ground before anybody to get to it and Nate was off.
He ended up knocking in the winning run, by the end of the inning the score was 11 to 8, all they had to do was block the other team during the top of the sixth and they did it.
I asked Nate later if he knew he had batting in the winning run. He was genuinely surprised, he told me that he hit the ball and started running to first. He only knew it was a good hit because the first base coach (one of his team mates) was jumping up and down.
That's the kind of player Nate is. He was so focused in hitting the ball and getting on base he didn't even see where the ball went or what else was happening on the field. He really is a true athlete and not a show boat on the field.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
All Star Baby
Nate did it again and was selected to be on the invitation All-Star team with the added bonus of Larry being the coach. This time around Nate has been mostly out in the field, but I love this picture I got of him all geared up behind the plate. Today was the first time he got to be catcher. The pitcher, one of Nate's regular season teammates, prefers to have my boy behind the plate. Larry told me that the kid said "I like Nate because he's so small, all I see is the glove."
Yesterday and today were the first two days of the tournament. We have a very good team, loaded with talent in both defense and offense. So far we have won first two games with the respective scores of 20 to 10 and 22 to 4. They are just rolling along in pool play. There are two more games left, then the top teams go on to the semi-finals.
I'll be missing tomorrow's game, it's at 8:15, which is too late for a couple of seven year olds I know and I have to pick up Jake at the train at 8:00. But I'll be there Tuesday, rooting for our boys.
Yesterday and today were the first two days of the tournament. We have a very good team, loaded with talent in both defense and offense. So far we have won first two games with the respective scores of 20 to 10 and 22 to 4. They are just rolling along in pool play. There are two more games left, then the top teams go on to the semi-finals.
I'll be missing tomorrow's game, it's at 8:15, which is too late for a couple of seven year olds I know and I have to pick up Jake at the train at 8:00. But I'll be there Tuesday, rooting for our boys.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Season's End
This weekend Nate and Max got to play the last game of their respective seasons.
Max was first up on Saturday. It was a cool dampish morning with overcast skies, perfect weather for soccer. Much preferable to the scorching temperatures from not so long ago. Max's team played well, in fact it was the best they had ever played as a team. They had finally gelled as a team just in time for the last game. It's unfortunate that they would play their best during their last game. They didn't win, but it was a good game to watch and they did tie their opponents.
Nate's team, meanwhile was embroiled in the end of season playoffs. They lost their first game, but it was a double elimination tourney. They could still battle back in the loser's bracket to win the whole shebang, which was exactly happened last year to Nate's team.
After their initial loss, the Angels were able to win their games on Thursday and Saturday. We were back at the field on Sunday for their next game. It was a beautiful evening, a bit on the warm side, but lovely nonetheless.
The team started off strong with four runs in the first inning and pretty much shutting down their opponents. Unfortunately the other team got a good Rally going and in the sixth inning they were able to preserve their hard won lead. It was tough loss for the team. Most of the boys looked a bit sad and disappointed during the post game presentation as did the friends and family on the bleachers near our team's dugout.
However, we are talking about 10 year old boys. After scarfing down some snacks they all seem to bounce right back.
Ah the miracle of junk food and good friends.
Max was first up on Saturday. It was a cool dampish morning with overcast skies, perfect weather for soccer. Much preferable to the scorching temperatures from not so long ago. Max's team played well, in fact it was the best they had ever played as a team. They had finally gelled as a team just in time for the last game. It's unfortunate that they would play their best during their last game. They didn't win, but it was a good game to watch and they did tie their opponents.
Nate's team, meanwhile was embroiled in the end of season playoffs. They lost their first game, but it was a double elimination tourney. They could still battle back in the loser's bracket to win the whole shebang, which was exactly happened last year to Nate's team.
After their initial loss, the Angels were able to win their games on Thursday and Saturday. We were back at the field on Sunday for their next game. It was a beautiful evening, a bit on the warm side, but lovely nonetheless.
The team started off strong with four runs in the first inning and pretty much shutting down their opponents. Unfortunately the other team got a good Rally going and in the sixth inning they were able to preserve their hard won lead. It was tough loss for the team. Most of the boys looked a bit sad and disappointed during the post game presentation as did the friends and family on the bleachers near our team's dugout.
However, we are talking about 10 year old boys. After scarfing down some snacks they all seem to bounce right back.
Ah the miracle of junk food and good friends.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
A Pretty Good Day for Baseball
As I mentioned yesterday, on Saturday Nate was the bat boy for the VSU baseball team. It turned out to be the home opener for the team and it was a beautiful day for baseball, sunny and mild. Nate had a great time hanging out in the dugout and getting the bats.
The team and the coaches were all really nice to Nate. He would get to do high fives with players and coaches whenever he returned to the dugout and some players liked to pat Nate's helmet as they passed by.
Unfortunately it wasn't the team's day. The first baseman did make a spectacular catch, but in the end VSU lost. However, Nate was still a winner. Not only did he get to hang with the team, he was also invited to participate in the post game handshake. He looks so cute there with all the college ball players.
The guys seemed to genuinely like Nate, but that's not surprising. Nate is an affable little guy with an obvious love of the sport. They probably saw a bit of themselves in Nate.
The team and the coaches were all really nice to Nate. He would get to do high fives with players and coaches whenever he returned to the dugout and some players liked to pat Nate's helmet as they passed by.
Unfortunately it wasn't the team's day. The first baseman did make a spectacular catch, but in the end VSU lost. However, Nate was still a winner. Not only did he get to hang with the team, he was also invited to participate in the post game handshake. He looks so cute there with all the college ball players.
The guys seemed to genuinely like Nate, but that's not surprising. Nate is an affable little guy with an obvious love of the sport. They probably saw a bit of themselves in Nate.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Artist of the Week: All Star
In honor of the end of baseball (well at least for this year) Nate is the Artist of the week.
He had a lot of fun, even though he was (in our opinion at least) underutilized. He is one of those natural athletes that loves to play the game, any game at all.
In baseball he is a decent little hitter (and a very cute one at that) that always, and I do mean always, runs full steam. He'll make it to first when some kids might have let up and been beat out.
Out on the field he'll do a good job in any position, remaining focused and in the game. He is best utilized in the infield, there his quick reflexes really pay off. During the regular season he was the primary catcher, but could be a pitcher in a pinch.
For the All Star games he was limited mostly to the outfield, but he did get a couple of innings as catcher. That's him there , behind the plate in the lower picture. I'm really pleased with this picture because I got it just after he caught the ball. You can see the ball safely tucked inside the glove, his right hand just where it should be, with a little puff of dust surrounding the glove from the ball's impact. Nate had a great attitude even with the late nights and high temperatures. For that alone he deserves recognition.
He had a lot of fun, even though he was (in our opinion at least) underutilized. He is one of those natural athletes that loves to play the game, any game at all.
In baseball he is a decent little hitter (and a very cute one at that) that always, and I do mean always, runs full steam. He'll make it to first when some kids might have let up and been beat out.
Out on the field he'll do a good job in any position, remaining focused and in the game. He is best utilized in the infield, there his quick reflexes really pay off. During the regular season he was the primary catcher, but could be a pitcher in a pinch.
For the All Star games he was limited mostly to the outfield, but he did get a couple of innings as catcher. That's him there , behind the plate in the lower picture. I'm really pleased with this picture because I got it just after he caught the ball. You can see the ball safely tucked inside the glove, his right hand just where it should be, with a little puff of dust surrounding the glove from the ball's impact. Nate had a great attitude even with the late nights and high temperatures. For that alone he deserves recognition.
Monday, July 21, 2008
All Star Update
So far we've won two and lost one game and only just barely.
Tonight's was a real doozy we won 17 to 3, only giving up the three runs during the last inning. Nate got to catch during the last inning and it was fun watching tear off the helmet to snag errant balls. Nate does everything with a great deal of enthusiasm and it's a pleasure to watch him in action.
So now we are done with pool play. Our team did well enough that they advanced to the single elimination championship round. That'll be on Wednesday, so we get tomorrow off.
Tonight's was a real doozy we won 17 to 3, only giving up the three runs during the last inning. Nate got to catch during the last inning and it was fun watching tear off the helmet to snag errant balls. Nate does everything with a great deal of enthusiasm and it's a pleasure to watch him in action.
So now we are done with pool play. Our team did well enough that they advanced to the single elimination championship round. That'll be on Wednesday, so we get tomorrow off.
Friday, July 18, 2008
He's an All Star Baby
You know how I said waaaay back in June that we had played our last baseball game of the season.
Well I was wrong. Nate got nominated to the All Star team.
For the past two weeks he has been practicing with his team in preparation for the tournament that starts this weekend. He'll be playing tomorrow, Sunday and Monday. If his team does well he'll get to play a few more games.
It'll be brutally hot, but we'll be cheering him on with the added bonus of Meryl joining us with her mother. And then really, no more baseball.
Well I was wrong. Nate got nominated to the All Star team.
For the past two weeks he has been practicing with his team in preparation for the tournament that starts this weekend. He'll be playing tomorrow, Sunday and Monday. If his team does well he'll get to play a few more games.
It'll be brutally hot, but we'll be cheering him on with the added bonus of Meryl joining us with her mother. And then really, no more baseball.
Monday, June 16, 2008
The Last Game
On Saturday was our last baseball game of the season.
Jake's team, the Braves, had also made it to the championship game. They were up against their main rivals and got to play them Friday night. The Cubs just barely won (one more inning and I think our boys would have pulled it off) and forced a second game.
It was, again, brutally hot out and the game was at noon. Jake's team got to be home and their best pitcher was once again eligible to play (there are strict pitch count rules and he was on mandatory rest after his last outing).
The game was a close one.
We started out with a bang, but the Cubs were no slouches. They surged ahead, but we were almost able to catch them. We lost by just one run. Most of the boys were crushed, but not Jake. He was happy to have made to the championship games. He had a good game, he made a few good plays and a decent hit or two. And for once he had been on a winning team.
The Braves had dominated the regular season and had been undefeated in the playoffs until the the championship games. They had beaten the Cubs in a close match earlier, but in the end they just couldn't quite put them away.
Jake's team, the Braves, had also made it to the championship game. They were up against their main rivals and got to play them Friday night. The Cubs just barely won (one more inning and I think our boys would have pulled it off) and forced a second game.
It was, again, brutally hot out and the game was at noon. Jake's team got to be home and their best pitcher was once again eligible to play (there are strict pitch count rules and he was on mandatory rest after his last outing).
The game was a close one.
We started out with a bang, but the Cubs were no slouches. They surged ahead, but we were almost able to catch them. We lost by just one run. Most of the boys were crushed, but not Jake. He was happy to have made to the championship games. He had a good game, he made a few good plays and a decent hit or two. And for once he had been on a winning team.
The Braves had dominated the regular season and had been undefeated in the playoffs until the the championship games. They had beaten the Cubs in a close match earlier, but in the end they just couldn't quite put them away.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Minor Champions
Last night was Nate's big championship game.
They were able to defeat the other team the previous night and force the second game.
And what a game it was. Our boys duked it out with the Orioles until they reached an unsurmountable lead in the fifth inning. The most amazing part was Nate.
He had been playing catcher in 100 degree weather and was still focused and making big plays at home plate. He is the team's best catcher and that was the position he played 24 1/3 innings out of the 29 innings of the playoffs. The rest of the time he was either shortstop (two innings) or pitcher (2 2/3). And to make it even more incredible the other team could not get a single hit off of him when he pitched.
In fact he pitched the last two innings of the final game. During the last inning he struck out two and caught the final out.
As I said to Nate, "Honey you own home plate."
This got a shy little smile and he ducked his head, pleased that I noticed what he is capable of doing. But of course Nate is still Nate. And when he wasn't out on the field he would inevitably be found in the bucket.
In the dugout there would be a large bucket for the balls. The bucket would normally be positioned near the exit to the main part of the field. Nate loved to sit not on the bucket, but inside the bucket. He evened got the nick name "bucket-boy."
He'd happily sit the the bucket watching his teammates bat. Rocking back and forth, spinning around and just being silly. It didn't strike me as a particularly comfortable seat, but what do I know.
Either way he still looked pretty darn cute.
Anyway, it was a great game that kept us riveted in our seats until the final out.
Right after the game ended the league officials brought out the trophies and awarded them out on the field. The stands all poured onto the field to watch (and photograph!) the presentation.
It was quite a night.
They were able to defeat the other team the previous night and force the second game.
And what a game it was. Our boys duked it out with the Orioles until they reached an unsurmountable lead in the fifth inning. The most amazing part was Nate.
He had been playing catcher in 100 degree weather and was still focused and making big plays at home plate. He is the team's best catcher and that was the position he played 24 1/3 innings out of the 29 innings of the playoffs. The rest of the time he was either shortstop (two innings) or pitcher (2 2/3). And to make it even more incredible the other team could not get a single hit off of him when he pitched.
In fact he pitched the last two innings of the final game. During the last inning he struck out two and caught the final out.
As I said to Nate, "Honey you own home plate."
This got a shy little smile and he ducked his head, pleased that I noticed what he is capable of doing. But of course Nate is still Nate. And when he wasn't out on the field he would inevitably be found in the bucket.
In the dugout there would be a large bucket for the balls. The bucket would normally be positioned near the exit to the main part of the field. Nate loved to sit not on the bucket, but inside the bucket. He evened got the nick name "bucket-boy."
He'd happily sit the the bucket watching his teammates bat. Rocking back and forth, spinning around and just being silly. It didn't strike me as a particularly comfortable seat, but what do I know.
Either way he still looked pretty darn cute.
Anyway, it was a great game that kept us riveted in our seats until the final out.
Right after the game ended the league officials brought out the trophies and awarded them out on the field. The stands all poured onto the field to watch (and photograph!) the presentation.
It was quite a night.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Artist of the Week: Team Spirit
This week's artist is Max and Rebecca's tt-ball team, the Cubs.
One of the first things Larry did as coach for the t-ball Cubs was to start the tradition of singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" before each game with the "the Cubbies" being substituted for "the home team."
This policy was a huge hit with the team and even with a few other team managers. There really is nothing cuter than a bunch of little kids belting out a song.
So here it is, the t-ball Cubbies making Harry Carey proud.
One of the first things Larry did as coach for the t-ball Cubs was to start the tradition of singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" before each game with the "the Cubbies" being substituted for "the home team."
This policy was a huge hit with the team and even with a few other team managers. There really is nothing cuter than a bunch of little kids belting out a song.
So here it is, the t-ball Cubbies making Harry Carey proud.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Running Home
After seemly endless rainy days, to the tune of 5 plus inches this past weekend- bringing April's total to just over 7 inches, the fields have dried out and baseball has started back up again. Jake played yesterday and tonight Nate, Max and Rebecca had games to play.
Tonight I got to watch Nate's team whomp their opponents at 16 to 1. It was only their second game meanwhile Jake is halfway through his schedule. The dynamic duo's game wasn't quite so lopsided, being just t-ball. The biggest surprise on the t-ball front is Rebecca.
She is really getting into playing the game. During her first game she made an out and since then she has become a fairly focused player, far more than her twin, Max, who has a tendency to run hot then cold throughout the game. Rebecca pays attention to what is going on and knows how to react. Fielding and base running are coming easily to my little girly girl.
And here is my little girl racing home.
Tonight I got to watch Nate's team whomp their opponents at 16 to 1. It was only their second game meanwhile Jake is halfway through his schedule. The dynamic duo's game wasn't quite so lopsided, being just t-ball. The biggest surprise on the t-ball front is Rebecca.
She is really getting into playing the game. During her first game she made an out and since then she has become a fairly focused player, far more than her twin, Max, who has a tendency to run hot then cold throughout the game. Rebecca pays attention to what is going on and knows how to react. Fielding and base running are coming easily to my little girly girl.
And here is my little girl racing home.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Spring is Here
Spring is firmly entrenched around here and here are a few signs.
The flowers have been blooming for quite awhile, but I don't take anything seriously until the lilacs start doing their thing. Ours started a week ago and are featured in my new header.
Opening day for baseball has come and gone. Now I 'm not talking about this, but rather the local Little League's opening day. Last year was a dismal rainy affair. This year it was much colder, but was mercifully brief because it was postponed to yesterday and started at 1:00 pm instead of 8:00 am. The best part was the reduction in speechifying. I suspect the original mucky-muck couldn't reschedule and the league decided to just stick with just the board of directors and the ceremonial first pitch.
But for me the biggest sign that spring is here to stay is when I break out the shop-vac. Yes, it's time to vacuum the tree.
The flowers have been blooming for quite awhile, but I don't take anything seriously until the lilacs start doing their thing. Ours started a week ago and are featured in my new header.
Opening day for baseball has come and gone. Now I 'm not talking about this, but rather the local Little League's opening day. Last year was a dismal rainy affair. This year it was much colder, but was mercifully brief because it was postponed to yesterday and started at 1:00 pm instead of 8:00 am. The best part was the reduction in speechifying. I suspect the original mucky-muck couldn't reschedule and the league decided to just stick with just the board of directors and the ceremonial first pitch.
But for me the biggest sign that spring is here to stay is when I break out the shop-vac. Yes, it's time to vacuum the tree.
Friday, April 11, 2008
A good Friend
I have the bestest friend ever.
I was talking to Larry on the phone Wednesday (he's out of town at a conference) when it suddenly hit me that yes the two games the kids have on Thursday don't conflict and are at the same field, but I'm going to be stuck there from 5:30 to at least 9:30 and maybe as late as 10:00. The late hour isn't too big a deal for the older two boys, Max and Rebecca, however are another story.
So I called up Meryl and asked her if she was busy Thursday night. And it just so turned out that she wasn't.
Whoot!
I gave her a choice she could watch Jake's major-minor game or shuttle the rest home and stuff them into bed. Since the pollen counts are up Meryl elected to take the younger set home, which made Max and Rebecca *very* happy. Of course they completely forgot on Thursday and Max started to grouse about how he never gets to ride in Aunt Meryl's car. I stopped him cold when I said "Well you do tonight, Aunt Meryl is driving you home."
Nate also decided to head back home, he had his fill of the park and he wanted to ride in the Jeep. From what I understand he was quite a stickler about the speed limit. Meryl asked me later how I can stand driving him about. I simply pointed out that in the van he's in the back row, far. far away from the dashboard. In the Jeep... well he got to ride up front and got an unobstructed view of all the dials. And yes the front is not ideal for a nine year old, but I trust Meryl and she has the ability to shut off the front passenger airbag.
Anyway, the younger crowd got home safely and I got to watch Jake's team pretty much annihilate their opponent. The game got called at 9:15, Jake's team was up by more than10 runs and the other team had no hope of coming back in one more inning.
We got home at an almost decent hour and Jake even got to visit for a bit with Meryl. It's a nice having a good friend that can pitch in when you need a little help.
I was talking to Larry on the phone Wednesday (he's out of town at a conference) when it suddenly hit me that yes the two games the kids have on Thursday don't conflict and are at the same field, but I'm going to be stuck there from 5:30 to at least 9:30 and maybe as late as 10:00. The late hour isn't too big a deal for the older two boys, Max and Rebecca, however are another story.
So I called up Meryl and asked her if she was busy Thursday night. And it just so turned out that she wasn't.
Whoot!
I gave her a choice she could watch Jake's major-minor game or shuttle the rest home and stuff them into bed. Since the pollen counts are up Meryl elected to take the younger set home, which made Max and Rebecca *very* happy. Of course they completely forgot on Thursday and Max started to grouse about how he never gets to ride in Aunt Meryl's car. I stopped him cold when I said "Well you do tonight, Aunt Meryl is driving you home."
Nate also decided to head back home, he had his fill of the park and he wanted to ride in the Jeep. From what I understand he was quite a stickler about the speed limit. Meryl asked me later how I can stand driving him about. I simply pointed out that in the van he's in the back row, far. far away from the dashboard. In the Jeep... well he got to ride up front and got an unobstructed view of all the dials. And yes the front is not ideal for a nine year old, but I trust Meryl and she has the ability to shut off the front passenger airbag.
Anyway, the younger crowd got home safely and I got to watch Jake's team pretty much annihilate their opponent. The game got called at 9:15, Jake's team was up by more than10 runs and the other team had no hope of coming back in one more inning.
We got home at an almost decent hour and Jake even got to visit for a bit with Meryl. It's a nice having a good friend that can pitch in when you need a little help.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Rain, Rain, Go Away
We've been getting a lot of rain the past few days and we're getting pretty sick of it.
Thursday Nate's scrimmage was canceled when about half of the other team bailed out on the coach. This resulted in a great deal of whining and pouting from Nate.
Friday was just gloomy and overcast, but the ground was soaked which made the dog show I was at that much more exciting. It was an outdoor show and it meant that I got to run around and kneel in the mud. John was a trooper, but Dell was another story. He was a little fool, rolling around on his back and keeping his nose glued to the ground. Too bad, because the judge did like him, but he wouldn't let me show him off.
Saturday was supposed to be opening day for Little League, but the whole thing got postponed. They wanted to avoid last year's debacle with the photographers (the pictures were so awful the coach demanded a re-shoot). Rebecca, surprisingly, was the most upset and literally burst into tears when I told her that she wasn't playing that day.
Today I schlepped off to another dog show up in Maryland. It was absolutely wretched out, a cold biting rain with an occasional blast of wind to liven things up and again it was an outdoor show. The rings were set up as normal, six rings in two parallel rows with a large central aisle dividing the rows. A large tent was erected over the central aisle with only a small portion of the individual rings covered. Just enough to cover the stewards table. Outdoor dog shows are almost never canceled due to rain, it takes extreme conditions are force a cancellation. So show dogs may have a fru-fru and pampered reputation, but they are shown outside in the rain and the mud.
Both of the dogs were rock solid in the rain, only flapping their ears when the rain lashed harder. They weren't what the judge was looking for, but I was happy with how they performed. Neither of the red boys are the natural that their sire (Crunch) was, but they are coming along.
Nate's team had practice today, but only a few kids showed up. I guess some of the parents got scared off by the drizzle, but that doesn't stop my crew. The ones that did show had a great time playing in the mud. But I'm tired of all this rain.
Thursday Nate's scrimmage was canceled when about half of the other team bailed out on the coach. This resulted in a great deal of whining and pouting from Nate.
Friday was just gloomy and overcast, but the ground was soaked which made the dog show I was at that much more exciting. It was an outdoor show and it meant that I got to run around and kneel in the mud. John was a trooper, but Dell was another story. He was a little fool, rolling around on his back and keeping his nose glued to the ground. Too bad, because the judge did like him, but he wouldn't let me show him off.
Saturday was supposed to be opening day for Little League, but the whole thing got postponed. They wanted to avoid last year's debacle with the photographers (the pictures were so awful the coach demanded a re-shoot). Rebecca, surprisingly, was the most upset and literally burst into tears when I told her that she wasn't playing that day.
Today I schlepped off to another dog show up in Maryland. It was absolutely wretched out, a cold biting rain with an occasional blast of wind to liven things up and again it was an outdoor show. The rings were set up as normal, six rings in two parallel rows with a large central aisle dividing the rows. A large tent was erected over the central aisle with only a small portion of the individual rings covered. Just enough to cover the stewards table. Outdoor dog shows are almost never canceled due to rain, it takes extreme conditions are force a cancellation. So show dogs may have a fru-fru and pampered reputation, but they are shown outside in the rain and the mud.
Both of the dogs were rock solid in the rain, only flapping their ears when the rain lashed harder. They weren't what the judge was looking for, but I was happy with how they performed. Neither of the red boys are the natural that their sire (Crunch) was, but they are coming along.
Nate's team had practice today, but only a few kids showed up. I guess some of the parents got scared off by the drizzle, but that doesn't stop my crew. The ones that did show had a great time playing in the mud. But I'm tired of all this rain.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
He's an All Star
Part of the excitement of winning their team's division is that the top five players on the team get to be part of the All Star team.
So Nate got to be on the All Star team.
You can see how pleased he is in this picture. He is warming up for the first game of the tournament (each division fields a team in the tournament).
It was a very nice bunch of boys and they had a great time playing together.
Nate got to keep his position at top of the batting order and you can see what a fierce competitor he is in his "game face" picture. I took it while he was taking a few swings on the on deck circle. Just before hand I asked him to turn and face me and he immediately went into his batting stance.
I think of him being my sweet goofy boy with the puppy dog eyes, but I forget how focused he can be when he plays.
This focus pays off. He got to be catcher for a fair amount of the tournament and did a good job covering the plate, but his big moment was in center field. He did an amazing catch. It was a reach, but he hung on for the out and then fired it in the the infield. I called up Meryl just afterwards, when the next batter knocked another one to center field. He stretched out and his glove just got to the ball, but not enough to catch it. He came so close.
Larry told me afterwards that one of the other coaches said during the second hit "Do it again Nate!"
Unfortunately the team lost all three games and did not advance, but they were competitive. With a bit more time and practice they could have been very good.
Oh and Nate, he got the game ball during the last game for his amazing catch.
So Nate got to be on the All Star team.
You can see how pleased he is in this picture. He is warming up for the first game of the tournament (each division fields a team in the tournament).
It was a very nice bunch of boys and they had a great time playing together.
Nate got to keep his position at top of the batting order and you can see what a fierce competitor he is in his "game face" picture. I took it while he was taking a few swings on the on deck circle. Just before hand I asked him to turn and face me and he immediately went into his batting stance.
I think of him being my sweet goofy boy with the puppy dog eyes, but I forget how focused he can be when he plays.
This focus pays off. He got to be catcher for a fair amount of the tournament and did a good job covering the plate, but his big moment was in center field. He did an amazing catch. It was a reach, but he hung on for the out and then fired it in the the infield. I called up Meryl just afterwards, when the next batter knocked another one to center field. He stretched out and his glove just got to the ball, but not enough to catch it. He came so close.
Larry told me afterwards that one of the other coaches said during the second hit "Do it again Nate!"
Unfortunately the team lost all three games and did not advance, but they were competitive. With a bit more time and practice they could have been very good.
Oh and Nate, he got the game ball during the last game for his amazing catch.
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