Baseball is back!! The Rangers are playing in AA Select since there weren't enough AA Rec teams, so we'll see how this goes. The first game was a close one, but sadly, we lost 8-7.
Colby's first pitch of his little league career was a STRIKE!! I could've cried, haha. I was so nervous for him, but he did an amazing job and had a few strike-outs but since the catcher dropped the ball, the runners were able to get to first. The boys can also lead off and steal now, so it's a lot to manage.
Needless to say, we were SO proud of our boy!
Grandma and Papa were there to witness his pitching :)
Colby played catcher in game 2 of 3 that week and did a great job despite getting tired of squatting, haha. He was 7th on the batting order and didn't hit until the third inning (kid pitch is WAY slower than coach pitch), so even though I was late to the game, I didn't miss his at-bat. They walked him, but he stole bases until he made it home.
In game 3, Colby played catcher again and killed it! He had a great throw to third to pick off a runner (teammate didn't catch the ball), and ALMOST got a kid out at home. There's a huge learning curve this season, but the Rangers are working hard.
I only had videos from the next Monday night's game, but although it was another loss for the Rangers, they played a good game. Colby was walked for his only at-bat, but he stole all the way to home. He played shortstop and was super attentive to everything going on around him, which was helpful since they were playing a tournament team.
At the next game, Colby finally pitched again and did an amazing job! (Coach Brett is trying to give everyone a chance at pitching, but it's frustrating to Colby when not many of the boys are very accurate.) He got all three outs that inning with a strike out and two caught pop-flys. That made up for all the balks they were calling on him, haha. Like I said, there's a big learning curve this season.
He was awarded his second game ball of the season for his awesome inning as pitcher...
They were playing against one of his very best friends from school, so I had to get a picture at the end. These boys are best buddies and I've loved seeing their friendship develop over the years.
I even snagged a picture of Colby pitching to his friend Jackson...
The next Monday, Colby played first base and helped get two of the outs during one inning. When it was his turn to bat, he struck out and was super bummed. The innings last forever, which means that sometimes they only bat once!
Wednesday night's game was a huge improvement from Monday night's! These boys fought hard and nearly pulled off the win. Colby had a solid hit, so I think our time at the batting cages over the weekend really paid off. He was pretty bummed that he didn't get to pitch or catch again, but since everyone is taking turns, his turn doesn't come around very often.
On Saturday, as we pulled into the Sports Complex, we saw a guy selling puppies. We had a few minutes to spare, so I humored Colby. I have zero interest in getting a dog, but he sure was cute.
Warming up...
Colby's first hit was sort of a chop, but he made it around the bases for the run. During his second at-bat, he avoided getting hit in the ankle by doing an awesome jump and eventually got a hit.
During that game, he sat one inning (they have 13 kids on the team so several kids are on the bench each inning), played in the outfield once (no action), and was set to play in the outfield again. When the umpires decided to let them play a third inning and go over the time limit, Coach told Colby to warm up his pitching arm. Another kid started pitching that inning and the other team had 3 runs. At that point, they brought Colby in and we were all hoping he could get two more outs before they got their 2 runs to tie the game. And he did it!! His pitches were so good and the catcher did an amazing job. First win of the season!!
Coach referred to Mason and Colby as "The Battery" when giving them their game balls. These boys seriously work so well together and I love watching them do their thing. As soon as we left, Colby requested to go to Hobby Lobby to get another case for his new ball. That's #3 for the season!
Colby's last game of the season was a good one! He was able to pitch again, which is basically his favorite thing. He also had a really good out to first and scored a run for his team.
It was another great season with the Rangers! Colby received his 4th game ball and was so pumped. He later asked his coach if he knew how many game balls he had that season and he guessed 5, but followed up with "and you earned every one of them!"
There are SO many good friends on this team with amazing and super involved families.
Patrick, Colby, and Adam...
Colby and Adam...
We love Coach Brett and are grateful for the time and attention he pours into his team...
We sure love this kid and love watching him play! Grandma and Papa come to nearly all the games as well, so he is well supported.
We're ready for a break from all the practices and games, but we'll be ready when the Spring season starts up again!!
