Opening Day of Baseball

After two years of t-ball, Evan was finally ready to move up to coach pitch baseball.  He was so excited.  Because of a lack of coaches, Daddy and Uncle Paul decided to step up to coach the boys' team this year.  Eddie had assisted as coach of Evan's t-ball teams, but because of a usually crazy schedule as a "single dad" and "on call fireman/forester," he didn't want to take on the added responsibility of head coach.  After arranging to have practices on Wednesday nights (my one night off from school) and with Uncle Paul's help, they decided to give it a try.  Eddie is so patient with the boys, and I know it will be a good season.  The first game was Saturday, and it was a hot one.  Seriously, I got my first sunburn of the year.  I mean, who wears sunscreen in April?  Haha!  One of the biggest differences this year aside from being pitched to is that the boys have to learn to get players out.  The process involves more than just going through simple motions of getting the ball and throwing it to first base.  They need to learn to think about where to throw the ball to get runners out.  They also have to learn that sometimes they will get out.  We think the boys did surprisingly well for their first game.

Warming up before the game.  Their team is green this year so they decided to be the Cobras.  Yikes!  Not sure who came up with that one. 

Cousin Lanny warms up. 

Fielding a ground ball.

Coach Paul gets the boys ready for the game. 

This little guy enjoyed getting some energy out before the game. 

Running off with his pal, Cohen. 

Some pretty Spring colors for Opening Day!

Brody picked some pretty pink flowers for some lucky lady. 

Evan winds up for the throw.

Coach Eddie has a meeting with the other coach before the game. 

The boys get in their batting order. 

Evan quenches his thirst before batting. 

Evan getting a pep talk from Coach Uncle Paul before getting to bat.  I guess this will be his infamous pose one day when he is in the majors.  Haha!  I took these shots from behind the fence so you can see the fence got in the way. 

Getting in his batting stance. 

Great swing!

Getting to first base safely and getting some tips from Coach Daddy. 

Lanny is ready to bat like a pro. 

Evan gets ready to play the pitcher position. 

Evan on base again. 

Pretty excited to make it to 3rd base. 

This cutie enjoyed watching the action from the shade. 

Evan going after the ball. 

Brody figuring out if he can reach this tree. 

Got it!

Greeting the other team at the end of the game. 

Coach Eddie and the boys leaving the field after a successful first game. 

Coach Eddie giving his after game pep talk. 

Sweet boys getting some after game treats. 

Evan shares his snack with his little brother!

Cousin Reade's First T-Ball Game

Cousin Reade played his first official game of t-ball on the next field at the same time as our game so we tried to catch some of his game too.  We couldn't believe how tiny those little players looked.  So cute!  Reade has actually had more experience at t-ball than most 4 year olds because he got to play a little last year on his big brother's team when they were short on players.

Rounding 3rd and headed home!

Getting instructions from Coach on being ready for a ground ball. 

He just looks so little and sweet here. 

Stopping a ball. 

Preparing to throw it all the way to first from outfield. 

He's ready for more!

Looking like a pro!

That smile says it all, and that's what I love most about him.  He  isn't too competitive and just enjoys the game!

Preparing to give high fives to the other team.  Great game, Reade!