Baseball Wrap-Up...

Despite what seemed to be a non-stop flood of rain, muddy fields, and thus canceled games and practices, the baseball season did turn out to be a fun one for Adam - and thanks to his awesome coach - he really learned a lot and grew as a ball player. His hitting was on point - hitting off the pitch almost every time and as the icing on the cake his last hit of the season went flying into the outfield - boom! 

He found his fielding strength at pitcher and first base - I think he likes the positions where he's in the mix each play - can't say I blame him. He was responsible for a couple throwing outs which was always the coach's number one goal. 

The kids also had fun before and after the games playing tag, eating pizza, and using energy that sometime's seemed to be dwindling during the games or practice and yet surprisingly came back to them in time for post-game/practice freeze tag! Ha! 

To top off the season the coach surprised the kids with a silly string fight - a fun way to say so long to baseball - at least until the fall! 

Baseball - Finally!

What a baseball season this has been - rain has kept the players off the fields for far too many practices and games, but a few weeks ago we did get one game in - and our Nationals proved they've been learning a lot about the game and put forth a great effort against the Braves. 

Harper was the cutest cheerleader of them all - and I think Adam benefited as he had some awesome at bats and did some decent fielding as well. 

There's still much for these Rookie League kiddos to learn - but they are doing the best they can with the wet weather we've had. Hopefully this weekend we'll get in a few more games - though rain is yet again in the forecast. 

Let's go Nats! 

Baseball Wrap-Up...

It was definitely a fun first season of baseball for Adam and for us. The kids were all so adorable and got along really well and while they still have a lot to learn you could see some definitely improvements both individually with the players and as a team. By the last game the kiddos were really making plays and were doing less playing in the dirt. Ha! We are so thankful to Coach Joe and to Luke's dad who took awesome photos during each game. 

The end of season celebration was held at Santini's and the kids loved getting to receive a trophy for their hard work and dedication. As a bonus, Coach Joe told us that Adam was definitely most improved and says he sees a lot of talent in him....well duh! ;) We are looking forward to moving Adam up to Coach Pitch in the spring. 

My little slugger...

Adam is really enjoying playing baseball and even though we've had a few games and practices postponed due to rainy weather, he's still gotten in a couple games and you can see the team progressing - in that they aren't playing in the dirt quite as much and the ball generally ends up where it's supposed to go. I think we're learning that's the best we can hope for at this age. That being said, Adam does seem to be picking it up a lot faster than some of his teammates (yes, I'm that braggy mom, so sue me) and I just love to see him hustle after the ball. Grandma, Grandpa, Kathleen & Olivia were there to cheer him on at his last game and boy did he love showing off for them - big hits, big throws, and big smiles!

Big props to the dad on his team that takes these awesome photos of everyone - sure can't capture these great actions shots on my iPhone. 

Batter up!

Adam is playing his first season of baseball this fall and we couldn't be more excited. He is starting with t-ball and his team is the Mudhens. They are the most adorable group of 6 year olds and only two weeks in seem to already be improving their skills and making friends and great teammates with one another. 

His coach has been great working with the team on fundamentals - when the kids first ran the bases most ran in the right direction and most skipped actually touching the bases - so yeah, learning the fundamentals is key. 

Their first game was rained out which was probably a good thing as it meant they got in two practices before their first game. It also meant their first game was their "Under the Lights" game (each team gets one of those a season - fun for the little guys). They had pictures first which was adorable. Most of the kids are swimming in their uniforms, it's too cute. Then it was on to the game. They play four innings and each kid gets to bat and they don't count outs. It's really just all about learning the sport and having fun. The "Under the Lights" game meant they also had an announcer. It was pretty cool hearing Adam's name called out during the starting line-up and then hearing it called each time he came up to the plate. Quite an experience for both players and parents! 

Adam did so great in his first game. He played first base, right field, pitcher and left field. He hustled after every ball and everyone raved about what an arm he has - though we need to work on teaching him to change the speed/strength of his throws based on how far away the person he is throwing to is - yikes! And his batting - well, he's a slugger that's for sure! 

Can't wait to see what the rest of the season brings and I know we'll have a lot of fun cheering on the Mudhens in the process.