As has been the case with this group of boys at times, they didn't come out ready to play in game 1. I started Joe at pitcher - a mistake in retrospect, as I probably should have gone with Keaton - and Nolensville jumped on us quickly with six runs. Joe didn't make it out of the inning. He didn't have any control, as he continued to short arm the ball, something he hadn't done in the past. As a result, especially from the longer distance, he doesn't have any pop on his fastball. He's had the same problem making throws from shortstop, as well. It's like he doesn't fully bend his right arm as he makes the throw, so there is not whip action to his arm. The result is a pitch, or throw, with little on it. It's something we have to address this winter.
More concerning, though, was the fact that Joe wasn't ready emotionally and didn't react well when his teammates - Nico at third base, in particular - made multiple errors. His frustration was palpable and, of course, losing control of your emotions is not something you can do as a pitcher. JP told him as much when he visited the mound when things began to unravel. I pulled him a couple of batters when he continued to vocally express his frustration. It's all part of it, though, and I love his competitiveness. He wants so badly to do well that he gets upset when things don't go the way he hopes. It's something we'll work on and, as always, I'd rather have a kid who cares versus one who doesn't.
On the bright side, Joe's hitting was much improved, as he really swung Bennet's new bat very well. He had a single to left field in game 1. In game 2, he knocked in a run with a single to left field in the first inning. Later, after walking in his second at bat, he absolutely smoked a line drive down the line into left field - the hardest hit ball of game 2 - and plated two more runs. It was the best he has hit all season. I've got to get him a new bat, I think.
A couple of interesting notes from the first game. Elias pitched well. Nice, fluid pitching motion. Good control. He can pitch, I think, but he's got to decide if he wants to and, really, if wants to play baseball in general.
The highlight for me, though, was pitching Huck in the last inning. My affection for him is well noted in this space, because he's so genuine, enthusiastic, appreciative, and competitive. I'm proud of how hard he has worked to get some control over his emotions because he tends to get down on himself when he makes a mistake. Our work on that the last couple of years is starting to pay dividends, I think. At any rate, I brought him in to pitch in the last inning at Coach Benton's suggestion.
After Coach Cyrus warmed him up while we were batting, Huck took the mound and threw nothing but BB's. It was reminiscent of the night - last fall, maybe - when I pitched Big Mike and he was a revelation on the smaller field because he threw so hard. Huck's control wasn't great but he threw really, really hard. He was so funny to watch, as he took a giant deep breath before every pitch and, at time, quickly made the sign of the Cross in between pitches (no, he's not Catholic, but he's seen big league players do it in the batter's box, so he does it, too). I was so proud of Huck. It was a memorable outing for him, the first time he has pitched for me in a game.
Game 2 was much better that game 1. Harper got there for game 2 and, in the first inning, threw a runner out on a routine grounder to third base. He made the play that Nico couldn't make in game 1 and that set the tone for us in what was a much better played game defensively for the Dodgers. Keaton pitched relatively well as the starter, although he ran out of gas sooner that I would have liked. Harper took the mound and finished the game off, as we gonged (14 - 4) a Nolensville team that wasn't any worse than the Nolensville team we played in game 1.
It's only natural, I guess, but I find myself wishing like hell I had one more year with these boys. If only, you know? If only they were 11 and not 12.
If only I had another year, two baseball seasons (fall and spring), to work with Huck on pitching, and on throwing and catching more consistently.
If only I had another year to try to reach Nico, to access that part of his brain that will keep him focused and locked in.
If only I had another year to spend with Bennett, to marvel at his grasp of the nuances of a baseball game in a manner unlike any boy I've ever coached.
If only I had another year with Walker, to replace the years he missed on our team when he played for a coach who didn't develop him or, more importantly, his love of baseball. Walker can play baseball - as evidenced by the fly ball he caught in center field in game 2. He just doesn't know it. I need another year to see him grow bigger and strong, and hit the ball more consistently.
If only I had another year with Paul, to help him gain confidence in himself while he improves on the baseball field.
If only I had another year with Trey because, well, Trey is one of my favorite boys I ever have coached. Always smiling, always game, smart baseball mind and can play anywhere. He sent me a card when my mother died. I will never forget that.
If only I had another year with Ram, whom I've coached since he was four or five years old. I need another year to find a way to teach him to hit with power and to watch his pitching continue to improve. So smart. He'll be a surgeon some day and a concert level guitarist because there is nothing he cannot do. He'll be a winner in life.
If only I had one more year with Joe, to spend with him on the baseball field. My time coaching him has meant the world to me. Words can't express how proud I am of him and how much I have loved every minute I've spent with him on a baseball field.
One more game on Sunday and that's a wrap for the Dodgers.
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