Sunday, March 15, 2009

Little Sluggers

Saturday was Opening Day for Warm Springs Little League. We had debated whether to sign Toby up to play T-ball until last minute. He really needs an extra curricular activity so we decided to give it a try. Jessie has been avoiding organized sports at all costs for years even though we want her to try numerous ones. I know it is the perfectionist in her that doesn't want to lose, mixed with a fierce competitive streak, that has held her back. So the first day of Toby's practice Dave noticed J's friend from school is on a team coached by her Dad. Dave came home, emailed the League and begged, borrowed and bribed (almost :) ) to see if Jess could get on a team just over a week from Opening Day. We found out 20 minutes before the next practice that the Dad of J's friend would like to have her on the team, so that finally sealed the deal for Jessie. She loves it! So does Toby! He told me Saturday night after his first game that he was going to be a baseball player forever.
Dave was willingly snookered into being a coach on both kids teams. Jessie and Toby love practicing with Dad.
Jessie is a natural athlete. Her coach and lots of the Dad coaches thought she had played baseball before. J had a great first game considering she only went to one practice before. She is on a Farm team which uses the pitching machine during the games. First inning Jessie is asked to be the catcher. She was awesome and brave to put on all that gear and get out there to stop the ball every time. She got 3 RBI's and was literally batting a thousand. I was anxious to watch her reaction if she made a mistake because I know how negative that reaction can be sometimes. She almost caught a pop fly but just missed it when it bounced out of her glove. I know she learned a lot and didn't get down on herself which was great to see. She is maturing so fast.
Toby was out there to have some fun! It was completely entertaining watching the little T-ball players. They were all satisfied to hit the ball and pick it up if it came to them. The fielders would pick up the ball, wave it in the air and smile real big like they had just won the game. I'm surprised nobody ran the wrong way. Strategy will come later. I could tell Toby loved the team aspect of the game. He likes being silly with his friends and enjoyed the comraderie of being part of a team. He whacked a couple balls good too, which always helps.

Despite the unexpected, toe-numbing cold, we all had a pretty good day. I figured it was going to be chilly and warm up when the fog burned away like the day before. We were not prepared for how cold it was all day. I had to run home for a few heavier jackets and pants for Sydney since I really wasn't thinking when I put her in a cute sundress. Syd was overwhelmed with all the people and just wanted to be held. She is fighting a bug and didn't feel very good either. She slept through most of J's game nice and warm under a blanket in the stroller. Not surprisingly, Logan whined almost the entire time about wanting treats from the snack shack. All the snacks I brought were apparently inedible. He is in a very whiny stage these days. I'm praying it will pass soon before Dave and I accidentally leave him at Grandma's and go out of town for awhile. :)

1 comment:

Cassie said...

Our kids are looking forward to starting ball here in the next couple of weeks. It's just Jackson and Ashlynn this time. Breven opted to play football again. Have fun! Tell the kids we're cheering for them!