rangers

Colby's first season of baseball was less than ideal due to his coach, so we opted to go back into the "draft" and just hope for the best.  Well, we really did get THE best coach out there.  He was motivated to teach the kids, but did so in a kind, uplifting, and fun way.  So many of the other dads were involved in the weekly practices, so the kids always had such great direction and opportunities to practice their skills.

Pics from his first game as a Ranger...

He moved up to 7U this season, which means that they no longer have the option of using the tee.  The beginning of the game was SUPER slow because all the kids (on both teams) were striking out...until Colby got up to bat!  His hit was solid and I was so excited for him!! He had another great hit on his second at-bat, so he was off to a great start of the season. 

He played first base for two innings and he rocked it!! His claim to fame: getting all three outs one inning. 

Coach Brett gives a game ball after each game, and Colby received the first one!! Coach praised him for his solid hits and for his great job at first base.  To say that he was on Cloud 9 would be an understatement :)

We were so proud of our little buddy, and it was fun that Grandma and Papa were there to watch him as well.

Colby played again on Monday night and even played catcher for a few innings.  He had solid hits the first two at-bats, but had the hardest time on his last at-bat. But after hitting 6 foul balls, be cranked out a double!!

Colby had to miss a Saturday game after his ear tube surgery, but by Monday, he was ready to play again. He had two of the most amazing hits tonight, so I would say that he was fully recovered.  I was totally screaming in the videos I took, but it was just so exciting to see the ball sailing through the air.  

Colby received the game ball again and his coaches said, "You crushed that ball, Colby!" Followed by, "We want everyone to hit the ball just like you." 

He was crazy sweaty after the game, but just so happy!

Another Saturday, another baseball game :) We make a pretty good fan club, if I do say so myself.

Colby hit a double, a triple, and struck out on his last at-bat. But it was definitely an exciting game to watch.  The kids have improved so much during the season :)

Colby wore Texas Ranger eye blacks that he earned during his mid-week practice, so he looked pretty official. 

Brooke loves hanging out with Hattie (Maverick's little sister), and it was sweet watching them work on friendship bracelets and doodles. 

Random note: Colby fell asleep on me later that day, and I could clearly see where the eye blacks were.  Apparently, he had some sort of skin reaction to the adhesive. 

At the next game, Colby had more great hits, although he was pretty disappointed that someone caught his pop fly.  

Brooke's girl gang is growing, haha!  All the girls wanna come hang out with her and she is just SO sweet and patient with them all.  I am so impressed with the way she just lovingly shares all the tiny toys and Barbies she brings :)

Near the end of the game, a kid on the other team hit an amazing fly ball over near third base.  One of our players caught it and the fans went crazy!!  I looked closer to realize that it was MY boy that caught it!!  I was seriously screaming and then almost crying, haha.  Sports do weird things to your emotions.  That was the third out of the inning, so I rushed over to the dugout to congratulate him.  Brooke can be heard on the video congratulating him as well :)

The best part: his teammate's grandpa was right there taking pictures and caught a closeup of Colby (closed eyes and arm outstretched) making the incredible catch!  He finally sent the pictures a few weeks later and I was totally obsessed...

I am extremely grateful that he caught this amazing moment on film because these pictures are priceless to us!  Colby just saw me posting about his catch and he commented that it was embarrassing when everyone was cheering for him.  I told him that he didn't need to be embarrassed for an amazing catch, but I understood what he meant about all the attention. 

Maverick's grandpa took hundreds of pics of the team, so I downloaded every last one of Colby...

This is such a classic "Colby" picture, hand over his mouth saying something funny to his teammates :)

Colby and Maverick (whose real name is Hudson)...

Photo evidence of the amazing out that actually didn't get called correctly, haha.

We made it back from our camping trip just in time to make it to Colby's Monday night game!  The highlight of the night was his triple!  He technically made it all the way home, but they made him go back   to third since one of the infielders had possession of the ball.  Or something like that, haha.  I love watching this kid play ball!!  

Brooke and her little buddies, Payton (Noah's sister) and Hattie.

And guess what?? Colby earned his third game ball of the season :)

The next Saturday was crazy going back and forth between tournament games for the kids, but Brooke and I rushed over there from her game and we only missed the first 6 minutes.  He had an amazing triple and finally played pitcher. 

This has been an incredible season with the Rangers!  Coach Brett has been fantastic, as well as the dads who've helped with practices all season.  Kevin left early to take Brooke to her next game, so he missed the photo op, but it definitely takes a village to help a team succeed. 

Colby and Adam

Colby and Adam's dad, who was one of the Assistant Coaches.

Colby and Coach Brett

This really has been night and day different than his last season, and it all has to do with the coach.  Brett set the tone for a season of learning and having fun, all while staying upbeat and positive for the kids.  We couldn't be more grateful. 

Colby was so happy that not only did Grandma and Papa come, but so did the Peacocks.  Family support is the best!!

Colby loved playing on this team and we've already asked Coach Brett to save Colby a spot on his Spring team!!