Season Ending - Pure Genius!

Last Saturday brought us the last baseball game for Stefan and the last T-ball game for Dougie.  Both boys have really loved playing and we pray this passion for fun continues.  We have been very blessed in their coaches - both kids had coaches that were interested in helping the kids learn how to play, increase their skills and to have fun.  In spite of the fact that scores were not kept, the kids in Stefan's age group all seemed to know "who won" and how many runs came in.

Last year, Eric missed Stefan's entire first season of T-ball due to being here in Yokosuka while we were back in Washington for the evac.  This year, I missed most of Stefan's games due to scheduling conflicts!  I am so thankful that our kids had at least one parent at each game!  Once Ian is in the mix too, we will have to rely more on other parents and do our best to be three places at one time.

Stefan is coming along as a good little ball player.  He can throw pretty far, but not necessarily accurately (hmmm - sounds a lot like his mummy...).   He makes contact with the pitches on a regular basis and does not swing at everything that comes his way.  He is becoming more confident in catching and fielding the ball. More than anything, he just really likes to play.  I would say it was a successful season!

Dougie is happy to be out there.  Sometimes, he is just really "out there"

Dougie can throw the ball straight, he just can't get it in the air...  He may become a great at the shot put! His swing is coming along.

But the ball does not always go, well, far...

Notice the ball is now behind the bat?!?

Go Mighty Dragons!!!

The Mighty Dragons!

Jaye, a friend of mine and mom of Ellie, Dougie's partner in crime/shoe inspection above, passed the game ball around for the kids to sign.  Dougie did not miss a beat, and signed his name mirror-imaged backwards.  Jaye turned to me and asked, "Have you thought about this kid being a genius?!?"  Like DaVinci?  More likely just a contrarian!  Pure Genius!

Awards were given out:

Dougie won the award for "Most Improved Swing"

Coach Stoner won the game ball!

The kids all won movie tickets!  Woo-Hoo!

Thank you for a great season, Coach Stoner!!!

Eric did not get any pictures of Stefan's last game since he was in charge of the batting line-up, third base coach AND watching Ian.  Simultaneously.  The memories and experience were a far better trade-off for Eric.  Having only seen Stefan play in pictures and video last year, he really got to enjoy the season this year.  He happily stepped in at practices and games and filled the position of assistant.  I think next year, I will just sign him up!

Coach Armstrong had more on his plate than he could manage alone with this team.  Any team of 7-9 year olds, really!  He did a fantastic job keeping his cool, encouraging the kids and maintaining a great sense of sportsmanship.

Go Diamondbacks!  Thank you, Coach Armstrong, for a great season!!!