Tee Ball

Tee Ball 2011 was a special time for our family.... 

Jack was coached by his Papa Johnny. 

Finn was promoted from Bat Boy to unofficial player #11 for the Ussery Group Red Sox.

And I was able to determine that tee ball uniforms are the cutest of all kid sport uniforms.

It all started on a cold February night practice, where our 10 little guys met on a red, dirt field determined to swing as hard as they could, slide into every base despite necessity, and master the art of climbing a chain link fence.

Our coaches were awesome!  

Papa Johnny, Coach Larry (also known as Coach "Warry"), and John were our coaches, and they all did an amazing job working with these boys.  I think Johnny and Larry were a little out of their league with how young these kiddos were and how little (at first) it appeared they could understand.  But they immediately adjusted to the boys and taught them the fundamentals of catching and throwing.  (And not to head to third base after you hit!)  They were so encouraging to every boy on the team.

So many of the other dads were so willing to help out as coaches as well.  It really was a family effort.  

Even the snacks were good.  Someone brought Oatmeal Creme Pies early in the season screwing it up for the rest of us on the snack schedule.  I mean, really?  I was worried my Teddy Graham/Capri Sun contribution would receive an audible "BOOOOO!"  But we survived.

As with most things, it was difficult for Finley (seen below as #11) to accept that he was too young to be on the team.  But when your Grandad is the coach, you get to experience a few perks.  Like, say, when a few players can't make it to the game and you just happen to have an extra jersey in your car and you get put in the game....only to be put in every game after that because it's just too darn cute.

Our little lefty really was able to hang in there with the big boys.  

(And, yes, he has his shorts on backwards.  But, hey...they were on.)

How awesome is this picture?

This is what Jack would do in the field if we yelled, "Look like a baseball player!"  He was so ready.  After every game, he would ask us what our favorite part was.  If we didn't answer correctly, he would say something like, "You mean, it was the time when I caught that ball in the air that was soooo high?"  

I love that boy.

Jack really loved Tee Ball, and he improved so much throughout the season.  He wanted to learn, and he wanted to win.  Can't argue with that.

And Finley got a little taste of what it will be like next year when he's officially on the roster.  

Usually at the end of a sport season, we're ready for it to be over.  But we really miss Tee Ball!  The players were our friends, the families were so involved, and there's nothing like being coached by your Papa Johnny and Dad.  

I have a feeling this was the first of many seasons of baseball for our family.  

One can hope, right?