All-Stars

C was one of four players from the Marlins selected to represent in the All-Star game tonight. It was his first time, and he had an absolute blast. Two of his coaches tonight were his very first baseball coaches a few years back. Fun! Overall, C had a great season. He is quick, and brought in quite a few runs. He even had two home runs! He started out the All-Star game playing his favorite position - center outfield. He also played left outfield and short-stop. He was the first batter (and struck out that time -- but brought in a run the next time he was up to bat). The team he was on ended up winning 10-3. But most importantly, he had so much fun playing with a great group of guys he is lucky to call his friends. It was a really fun night, and an awesome way to end another great season.

Marlins at Helfaer

Last night, C "Don't-Touch-The-Hair" P and the Marlins had an 8:30pm (!!!) baseball game at Helfaer Field. It's always a game the team looks forward to. The field is incredible. They get to play under the big lights. They all get nicknames. There are announcers -- this year it was H and his friend from school (the coach's daughter). Who did a great job, by the way. The Marlins were the home team. As you can see, they had a great game. C pitched the last inning. It's really a just-for-fun night, and they had a really good time.

The Big League

You may recall that on Mother's Day, C's baseball team was supposed to play at Helfaer Field but got rained out. Such a bummer. Fortunately they were able to reschedule and play last night. Helfaer is the little field right outside Miller Park, and just a really fun place to get to play on. The coaches gave each of the players nicknames that were broadcast as the lineup was announced. C is "Spicoli." Too funny. The Marlins ended up getting creamed by a team they have beat every time this season so far. Didn't matter though -- they had a blast. C caught two amazing (I mean, really, really amazing!) outs, scored the one run, and even pitched one and a half innings. He had a great game. Nina & Papa came, and Brian and H were able to catch the last couple innings due to H's soccer tryouts. It was a super fun evening at the ballpark.

Sports Weekend

Well, spring sports have definitely kicked in. Yesterday C had two soccer games and a baseball game, and H had soccer. I missed H's game and C's baseball game due to my Oak Park visit, but from what I hear, it was brutal cold. Ouch. I made it back in time today to catch another one of H's soccer games, and C's baseball games -- and I'm so glad I did! Both were super exciting. H's team ended up losing 1-2, but played an amazing game against a team has crushed them several times in the past. Plus H (the little blue speck in the background) scored an awesome goal. C's baseball game was great today too. They won, and C was first off to bat (bringing in a run) and pitched three innings. Fun day, but I'd be lying if I didn't say it felt great to be home and finally dethawed.

Last Game of the Season

Baseball is officially over, and C had such a great time. He's already asked if he can play again next year. He absolutely loved it. The Yankees lost tonight, but had a great time out there. C even made his catching debut, which was pretty awesome.

Home Run

The Yankees lost their game the other morning, so are in the consolation bracket of the Little League tournament. They ended up winning, so have one more game tomorrow night. But the best part of the game definitely was C's first career home run that happened tonight. It was absolutely amazing!

Game Ball

The Yankees were supposed to play at Helfaer Field today. Everyone was looking so forward to it, but we got an early morning email that because of the rain last night, the game was cancelled. The good news is, they still got to play -- they just had to do so on their regular Little League fields (which aren't too shabby either). And the best thing was, C had an amazing game! It even earned him the game ball today.

Family Fun Day

What a day! It started with Brian leaving bright and early for the Trek 100, then my mom coming out, and us running around to C's baseball game and H's soccer game. After both were over, we met up at the Little League fields for Family Fun Day. C couldn't wait to try his hand dunking his coach at the dunk tank. Good stuff! After that, we went to my cousin's house for a post-Trek 100 pool party. This was the 2nd annual, and a so much fun that the boys didn't want to leave. Swimming, trampoline, new friends. Doesn't get much better. On our way back home, we stopped by Scott & Ali's to say hi to Scott's family who were all over to celebrate his parents 50th anniversary. Whew.

Baseball

C's Little League team played two games this weekend. They have been playing really well, and are having an absolute blast. They won Saturday -- by a lot (they even turned off the scoreboard so the score wouldn't be shown). They also played Sunday, and lost 9-10. So close! C had some decent hits, putting himself and others on base. But what blew me away were the two outs he caught while playing second base. It was pretty awesome.

First Baseball Game

After C's soccer game yesterday, we rushed back home so he could go to his first baseball game! (H was supposed to have two soccer games too, but both were cancelled due to field conditions. Poor guy has been practicing three times a week for 1.5 hours a day and his team has yet to play a league game -- it stinks.) Anyhow, C spent most of his time on third base and made it onto base two out of three times up to bat. He did quite well, if I do say so myself. Over half of his team has never played before, and they lost 6-8 to one of the older (i.e. more experienced) teams. It was fun. And the best part of the game? C had a great time.

Our Baseball Player

Have I mentioned that C is playing baseball to the mix this spring? Yep, it's kind of been crazy -- and it's only the beginning. H played t-ball when he was in second grade. In fact, he was signed up to play the following year too. But we moved during the season and he was unable to play. Now, even if he wanted to, he's probably so behind (is it just me, or does everything seem so competitive and intense nowadays?). Anyhow, that's not the point. I'm not sure when t-ball stops around here, but C's team is comprised of 6-8 year-olds, and it's machine pitch. It's also the last year that he can play in the Rookies so we figured second grade was a good year for him to try it out too. Today his team had a scrimmage, and they got to wear their brand new uniforms. C certainly is proud, and is very excited. He had a great time today -- which is good news considering games start up this weekend. (P.S. His soccer team just had photos taken last week and had to pose in this position. It was his idea to pose like this. Too funny.)