Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

 The first week of March, Dom, Will, and Eric started the baseball season.  They both showed great improvement over last season.  I was particularly pleased with Dom's team.  I may be repeating myself, but there is a huge difference between the 7-9 league and the 10-12 league.  Dom was one of 2 catchers, which this year was a very important position as kids could steal bases when you dropped the ball...and they did.  Base running is incredibly aggressive for this age group.

 Dom also improved in his batting.  He went from being the weakest batter to one of the most consistent by the end of the season. 

 

 When he wasn't catching, he played in the outfield and got in his running for the week.  He chased everything that was within 100 feet of him.  He plays well, but his sports enthusiasm is always what makes us the most proud. 

 While he was practicing and often during games, the others found other forms of entertainment...that always led to a need for a bath.  But, they were happy.  And that is always what is important...right?

 Eric coached Will's team, and as such, there aren't nearly as many pictures of him because I was often with Dom's game.  But, Eric was very proud of Will's defensive plays.  He could count on Will to know where the play was and to rush the ball.  Something that is pretty hard to teach.  Especially to an age group where the majority just want to hit the ball and then not pay attention to the rest of the game.  Having gone through this a couple of seasons, hitting is important, but it is when you are on defense that the game can be lost.  Having kids paying attention is key, and Will was always paying attention.

 Will also improved on his batting over last season.  It took him to the last couple games of the season, but he eventually started getting pretty consistent.  Unfortunately, he never made it all of the way home and that was a disappointment for him.  But, we were so proud of his improvement.  And we look forward to that continuing as long as he wants to play.  And if being a player doesn't pan out, he definitely could have a future as a sports statistician.  He always had the correct numbers when asked.

 Some action shots of Dom.

I never watched baseball as a kid.  At least not to pay attention, my main interest was when we got a funnel cake.  However, ever since the Royals made it to the playoffs, we have become more and more interested in the game and its complexity.  I am thrilled to watch the boys play and thrilled to see how they improve from practice to practice.  We are already looking forward to next year...but, first: Soccer....then Basketball...then Baseball!