For JP, it was awful way to end what had been a reasonably good season. He started every game but one, as I recall, playing mostly second base and third base with a little outfield mixed in earlier in the season. He never really got his bat on track, which disappointed JP, I know. He was on base a lot, though, through sheer hustle and determination. He might have led the team in hit by pitches, including Saturday's game when David Lipscomb's horse plunked him in the hip with a fastball.
When he was on base this season, JP consistently made things happen by stealing bases and taking an extra base when the situation allowed. On Saturday, for example, he beat out an infield hit when the second baseman bobbled the ball then continued running to second when he realized no one was covering the bag. The next batter, Winn (WNSL Dodger alumni), similarly beat out an infield hit and JP alertly rounded third and slid into home head first on the play. Watching JP and Winn work together at second base and shortstop, and on the base paths, has been fun.
After beating Ensworth Friday afternoon, MBA was out of pitching for the most part. Whitt pitched his ass off against David Lipscomb and did well but after he was spent, there was no one left in relief who matched up well with David Lipscomb's hitters. I had hoped Coach Anderson would pitched JP, as had a few other fathers who have seen JP pitch over the years. He didn't, though, and I am not sure how much difference it would have made in the end. David Lipscomb played better than we did and they had a horse on the mound who nearly pitched a complete game, finishing at just under 100 pitches.
For the season, I would have liked to see JP have an opportunity to pitch in relief but other than a meaningless inning in the last game of the season against Brentwood Academy, it didn't happen. Mostly, I was curious how he would match up against other junior varsity players. He played a ton, though, and he will be pitching for HBC this summer on a regular basis so it all works out in the end.
I am sad that the school season is over for JP, though, as I really enjoyed getting to know the other parents. There are a lot of fathers who really know baseball. It's just a really good group of parents and boys. I will miss seeing them at games.
Joe's HBC 12U Grays played at Lavergne on Saturday and Sunday, losing all three games. Quite a different outcome than last weekend's tournament win in Donelson but that's baseball, right!?! Joe is mired in a terrible hitting slump - there's a theme here - and I actually videoed his at bats in an effort to find the problem. We worked off the tee and side tossed in the back yard after yesterday's loss after we identified what might be the problem. Joe is lowering his bat, rather than loading back, when the pitcher winds up. Only getting reps will help him break the habit, so we'll keep at it.
Tonight, Joe plays in Grassland with his WNSL Braves squad. I'll be coaching, as Scott and the St. Henry's boys have a school event that conflicts with the game. For old times sake, I am going to wear one of my WNSL Dodgers jerseys. As usual, I cannot wait to get on the field with the boys tonight.
Baseball, baseball, baseball. What will I do one day in the not too distant future when the boys' baseball careers are over?
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