Another season done

The softball and baseball season is always full of highs and lows for me. Sometimes I'm so happy when it's done, and sometimes it's just fun and I wish it could go on longer. Inevitably, there are great games, and just as inevitably, there are horrible games. Pride and laughter, tears and dejection are all part of each season. Sometimes, they're all a part of each inning!

For Abby, she was thrilled to pitch this year, and to be selected for the All-Star team. She really played great the first half of the season, hitting triples and homeruns on a regular basis, and throwing quite a few strikes (something that's easier said than done at this level!). Unfortunately, starting in the All-Star game, she forgot how to swing her bat. Quite literally. She would watch balls go by, and even though some of them were some iffy calls on strikes, she still struck out watching several times over. It was so frustrating to watch. They played a really close semi-final game, and ended up winning 13-12 in a nail biter. In the final game, Abby started pitching, and in the first inning struck out the first three hitters and in the second inning, she struck out the first, caught the pop fly for the second, and threw the girl out at first for the third. You can't get better than that! (You can't pitch more than two innings at this age.) But what made me even happier is that she started hitting the ball again. Yeah! Her coach yelled at her a couple of times (I told him to) and she at least contacted the ball. Finally, in one of the later innings, she really connected and hit a triple (could have been a homerun but they held her. I guess I'm ok with that!).

 One of the best things about the All-Star team was she got to play with her friends, especially Holly, who caught for her. There weren't a lot of girls on the team this year that Abby was close to.

 

Nolan at bat. He also started strong with the bats and now slowed down a little bit. He's really on two teams, one Dave coaches as part of the rec league and one tournament team. On the tournament team, he's been short stop and rules the field. He's louder than anyone at calling where they play is at, how many outs, etc. Funny, because he mumbles and I can't hear him at all when he's talking to me across the dinner table. Crazy kid. 

This is what the littles do during all the games I drag them to.

Part of the fun of the team? The team when they're not playing! Nolan had two overnight tournaments. How fun to hang in a pool with your friends at a hotel and eat pizza!

After the last tournament, the coach thanked me for letting Dave be the team mom.

First place for the last tournament of the year!

Abby batting. But not hitting, as the case may be. 

 But that is some pitching! I have no idea how you don't hit every girl that comes up to bat.

 Second to last tourney for Nolan... fourth place out of 10. Seven games in two days. The boys were totally wiped. I wasn't able to go to the tourney (hanging out with the other kids while Nolan plays and trying to keep them occupied in 100 degree heat? And having to get two hotel rooms? No thank you!) and when Dave got home, I got the complete play by play. I think it's funny. These boys are EIGHT!! How will it be when they are 16? Or if Nolan plays in college? I can only imagine!

Anyway, another successful but busy season. Usually we have a reprieve until next spring, but Nolan is also going to play fall baseball this year. Should be interesting!!

(P.S. This is my 500th post!!! Yeah!!)