Tee Ball, Part Deux

Spring Tee Ball season has arrived in Cary, NC.

 Will and best buddy, Gabe, are Colorado Rockies once again!

On the pitcher's mound and feeling fine!

Play Ball!

Will's first tee ball game was this past Tuesday evening and it went very much as we expected.

He and his buddy Gabe had a blast hanging out in the dugout...
...and being silly, as usual!
Then the (Town of Cary) Colorado Rockies took to the field.

"Will!"
"Yes?"
"You're in right field."
"Ok. I don't know where that is!"

Thankfully there were many wonderful volunteer coaches to help guide these guys and gals to their correct positions.

"Ok, I am in right field. Now what?"
It is truly adorable to see him "take a knee" like a little pro.
And then 3.2 seconds later, the attention span began to wane.
And the doodling in the dirt began.
And the inattention allowed the ball go right between his legs where someone else got the ball.

"Huh? Where did it go?"
Which lead directly into a super terrific glove-throwing hissy-fit and big 'ol pout session right there on the field. Arms crossed. Back turned to the batter.

We were so proud.
Scott and I held each other back since we both wanted to march out there and drag him off the field. Thankfully, Coach was there to talk him through it and get him back on his feet.
Of course as soon as they came off the field, Scott took Will aside for a private "chat" that focused on whether or not Will would continue participating on the team. I think he got the point. I hope.

Then it was on to batting.

"Will!"
"I'm here!"
"You're on deck!"
"What deck?"

Alrighty then.
A swing and a miss (but what a great shot by the photographer. Why, thank you!)
Look at those teeth, gritted with determination!
Let's take a look at the replay. I think the secret is in the tush wiggle right before he swings.

Poised to steal second!
Post-game / pre-snack smiles!
And a big cheer for everyone - Goooooooo Rockies!

Batter Up!

This past week was a banner one for Will as he began his first ever team sport: tee- ball.

Although he was a bit reluctant when I first signed him up, once he learned that his best buddy Gabe was assigned to the same team he got pretty excited.

Buying his first glove (and baseball pants, socks and rubber cleats) was a hoot because the kid was so excited he was literally bouncing through the store. Accessories apparently make the man.

The first practice was Friday night and, though he was shy at first, he got over that quickly. Frankly it took all my strength not to march onto the field and tell him to quit chatting and messing around and pay attention to the coaches. I didn't do it because, well, I did not want to be one of those mothers....even though I totally am.

When we first arrived it was warm but within 5 minutes, the temperature dropped about 15 degrees and the wind began to blow. Despite the weather, practice went well. I thank God that there are men who have the patience and willingness to introduce these 5 year olds to the sport and the three coaches for our Rockies seem really great.

Scott and I are excited to see how much Will learns and how much fun he has over the next 16 weeks.

Here's a quick video of the first day of practice. Apologies for the wind noise!