Spring Baseball 2014 ~ The First Games

Evan started his first season of machine pitch baseball a few weeks ago.  After two years of t-ball and one year of coach pitch, this really feels like real baseball now.  They play on a much bigger field, and the teams are definitely more competitive.  The rules are more like real baseball too.  Keeping score is also a big part of the game.  There is even a real paid umpire.  It can get pretty stressful at times, but the boys are really learning a lot and progressing in the sport.  Four years ago, I could hardly fathom being at this point, but I am so proud that Evan has stuck with sports for the time being as I think they can be such an important part of a young boy's development.  Plus, I really just love watching him play.  Sports are probably one of the best parts of being a mom of boys.  The boys have won 2 and lost 2 games so far.  One of the games they lost was only by one point.  Last night's game was a slightly different story as the boys just weren't on their game in the field and missed many plays costing them many runs.  Evan actually did pretty well though and scored his first run by barely beating the ball to home plate and sliding in.  I couldn't believe it when daddy told me because unfortunately Brody and I had stayed home for that game.  I have been playing sports photographer during the games to catch as many good shots of the players as I can while Daddy is assistant coaching.

Evan and his team lining up in the dugout. 

Evan prepares to hit.  We soon learned that his bat was too short and that he was either having to stand dangerously close to the plate or missing the balls. 

He has a great stance and swing. 

Taking pictures through a fence can be tough. 

Evan's first hit got his cousin Lanny to third base although it meant he got out at first.  We explained that is called a "sacrificial hit." 

Cousin Lanny in the field. 

Evan in the field.  Handsome little ball player!

Waiting for the pitch.  I just think he looks so cute now that his baseball pants are shorter and show his baseball socks.  

Lanny is ready for the ball. 

I liked this shot of Lanny. 

Coach Eddie (also known as Daddy)

Evan just needs to work on his concentration in the field.  

Brody finds a new friend to play with during the game. 

Silly boy.  Yes, watching him at games can be challenging and tiring. 

Brody and Cousin Cate love getting very dirty at the games. 

Evan at bat

Swing.  Apparently, Evan likes to wait for the "money shot" to make the hit.  He works well under pressure. 

Giving high fives after the game. 

He was excited to get snacks after the game. 

Listening to Coach Bill's pep talk after the game. 

Coach Eddie and the players putting their hands in for the team cheer. 

Go Gladiators!

The second game was our first Saturday game.  We missed the previous week's opening day games because of bad weather so we had the opening day festivities this day as well as team pictures.  The games commenced with singing the National Anthem. 

Our team during the Anthem. 

Don't they look so professional? 

Coach Eddie was a great first base coach...and cute too.  ;-) 

One of my other cuties during the game. 

Lanny is up at bat. 

He made it to first.

Evan prepares for the pitch. 

I just loved this shot of one of our teammates running home. 

Brody just enjoys being outside on a lovely day. 

Evan is ready in the in field. 

Such a cute little ball player. 

The sun was pretty bright. 

Evan's teammate Liam is safe at first. 

Coach Eddie giving instructions to the team. 

Lanny takes the plate. 

Evan practicing his swing. 

He's ready. 

Go #7!

Like a pro. 

Swing!

Evan also got to play catcher for the first time but wasn't loving the heavy equipment. 

Catching is serious business. 

Let's go, Gladiators!