newton naturals

Connor was able to play on a travel ball team this past fall with some good buddies of his.  It was the first year for the Naturals and though exhausting, was full of great fun and experience.  Time will tell if it is something we will ever do again but he will always hold the best of memories for it regardless!

sun trust park

We took our first trip to SunTrust Park to watch the Braves take on the Rockies.

In all honestly we weren't super impressed.  It's a beautiful stadium, but it lacked the fun family atmosphere of Turner Field.  The kids activities are all shoved in the back away from the actual game, everything costs something. and their was alcohol and party zones everywhere.  I know that's what makes them the most money, but a part of me was sad that the wholesome family outing to the Braves Game didn't quite feel the same.

Regardless, we had a memorable night because my Rockies loving Tyler Chatwood fanboy Connor was decked out in ALL his Rockies gear plus a sign with a shoutout to his favorite player.  Zach took him down to the Rockies bullpen to show off his sign and he was rewarded with a sweet little conversation and a signed baseball.  I love watching little dreams come true for my boys. 

Newton Green All Stars

There are a lot of emotions that could go into this post.  Mainly stemming from what ifs that were so close these boys could taste them.  But, our paths our planned for a reason, and for whatever one, these guys had to build character for the future down a difficult road ending in a hard fought game and a second place finish.

Micah was drafted on the Newton Green giving him his first experience in All Stars and he was elated.  He and his teammates practiced hard for weeks, learned new skills and grew a ton as individuals and teammates.  At the district tournament they fought hard and won their first game but the next day, after a difficult pitching inning from one of our boys, they lost by one and instead of the easy road to the championship game they took the rough one.

Our boys played 7 games in three days.  Two of the days had them playing three games back to back to back with no breaks.  They won everything they needed to to advance to the championship game and gave and gave until they had nothing left to give.  To their parents that 2nd place finish was a result of hard work and dedication from our boys.  While there were many tears from Micah on the way home and disappointment from missing something by mere inches, we couldn't not convey to him enough how proud we were of him and how impressed we were with his talent.  He played the best I've ever seen him play and while the results were not what we wanted, I pray he sees the successes made and is able to have the opportunity to show his skills in this venue again.

Braves baseball

For the Spring season since he was 5 years old, Micah had a different coach.  Connor's All Star coach from last year, Brent Stapp, drafted him and wouldn't let him go.  While Micah was a bit nervous at first, it ended up being a great thing.  He learned a lot, perfected some skills, and grew a ton as a ball player with these new voices coaching him.  We still missed our old coach and ball friends but were very thankful for the results that came.

Micah had his best season yet, ending 10-1, made new friends, and was drafted by the Green All Star team at the end of his season.

There were definite times of frustration and plenty of parenting from us and character building for him, but he is a better person because of it.

Next year Micah moves on to a new league and is excited about continuing forward in his baseball "career".

Phillies baseball

Connor had a great and challenge season this year in his first year in the 7-8 year old league.  He was drafted by a coach we didn't know and on a team, except for one, with kids he had never met.  It's hard starting a season when you and your abilities are not known but if anyone of our boys can handle that it's Connor.  He played hard, listened to his coaches, and waited patiently for them to notice his skills. 

 Halfway through the season he got his chance.  After asking every game for a chance to pitch, they finally put him on the mound and he shone!  Two innings, five strikeouts, no walks.  His coach actually apologized to us for not giving him the chance sooner and from then on he became one of the team's top two pitchers.

Even when the team didn't have a successful season as far as wins go he kept playing hard and always doing his best to help them keep going.  I am so proud of his work ethic and confidence and learn a lot from his constantly.

He ended the season with big smiles and new buddies and that is always a win!