In 24 Hours

We will know if my 5th grade basketball team are league champs. I have a good feeling.

Gonna have a little 1/2 hour shoot on the outdoor courts tonight; try to keep them from being too nervous. Then a pizza/pasta party for an hour.

Win or lose, these boys are terrific. So check back for the news.

Who Ordered Winter's Return?

After days in the high 70's/ low 80's last week, we now have a 40 degree day. Super cold last night, due to wind chill. Had to cut 11U baseball practice short.

Forecast for the next week or so is seasonal mid 50's and low 60's. We are also in the midst of a fire-warning since the rain has pretty much stayed away. Fields are like dustbowls right now.

Better than snow.

The Old Switcheroo

Lemme tell you a story.

So in baseball, all bats and helmets are inspected by the umpires prior to the first pitch. They check for cracks and safety issues with helmets and that all bats meet the spec of that particular league. Bats are kind of funny since not too many people really pay attention.

So this occurred before my game yesterday. I have 5 team bats that all conform to league rules. We good. The other team is inspected and they good, or maybe not...

Second inning a kid gets up with a Combat B-2. Watch this video. These bats are known for being juiced. I notice after two pitches and the offending bat is pulled from game. Claim by opposing team is it was in the pile inspected. Which it may have well been.

But there have always been stories of juiced bats coming in games after an inspection is done. Google LLWS and illegal bats if you don't believe me.

Update to the Update

Forgot YSSS and how he did Saturday:

Went 1-3 at plate with a single, a stolen base and the lone RBI we could muster. Not much in the field, maybe two ground balls hit to LF.

Should've Won

I guess losing by 5 runs makes it hard to say that, but say it I will.

Played a team from the neighboring town and lost 9-4. Here's the stats that matter:

Walked 11 batters! - 3 scored

Made 6 errors in field - 4 scored

Batted 11 players - that'll never happen again

Struck out 5 times at bat - 4 looking (THE BACKWARDS K!)

Since I don't yell anymore - what can be said. It's 13U baseball...gonna be sloppy at times. But when my best pitcher takes himself out in inning #2 'cause he can't get anybody out, the hole is nearly dug. Big props to #24 and #14 for coming in and pitching some solid ball.

And how did OSSS do? He had two DEEEEEP doubles and two RBIs. he hit the second two-bagger a far way. The opposing coach told me he wouldn't pitch to my kid anymore and would just walk him.

Season is upon us.

The Update Is Not Good

Got blown out 11-1. The errors (including fielding, throwing and mental) will kill you.

13U up tomorrow. C-Ya.

Opening Day

For my 11U travel team...

Playing a team I've never seen before, and struggling with the 50/70 game. In addition, one of our better players is on the shelf, fielding-wise, due to an elbow injury.

So lace 'em up, get your gloves on and let's play ball.

Stay tuned later for update.

PS - 13U starts tomorrow, weather permitting. Couple of new players that I picked up last week.