Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

Carson getting the signal from the coach in today's game

Hi all,

Well we've transitioned rapidly from winter to spring, from skiing to baseball! For our European friends, we'll have to do a separate tutorial on baseball when you come to visit us :-)

Running evaluation in Feb

 The season started out with evaluations in February, and Carson spent a couple of hours fielding, running, and hitting while being evaluated by the coaches. Then the season began with some practices and clinics run by the league.

Warming up for hitting evaluation

Fielding Clinic

At first, Carson was anxious about going - "too competitive", he said. He's used to being the best footballer and hasn't really played baseball in over two years. But after the games this week he's fired up.

Carson ready to take the pitch

Carson started this week with a couple of games with his team, the Mountain View / Los Altos A's. He's played a couple of positions so far, including third base, center field, left field, and the last couple of games he's been catcher.

Batter up!

Getting ready in the dugout

So far the games have gone well - they have won both of them. I got to score today's game using the baseball shorthand...yikes! Never done that before and only screwed up really bad twice...But we got the score right which I guess is what really matters. That and the pitching count, since the kids are only allowed a certain number of pitches to avoid injury.

The team lining up to be introduced

Most of the games are played at the local elementary school Huff, about half a mile from our house. Maybe 10 parents and siblings come out to watch, so there's a bit of cheering but more advice from coaches than anything else.

Post-game wrap-up

Coach Bice always takes extra time to review the games with the kids, complimenting them on their strengths. The coaches are all volunteer so we're fortunate to have Coach Bice since he's very dedicated and has lots of experience...and doesn't tolerate the kids fooling around!

Looks like Coach Bice is more nervous than Carson on third base!

Today the A's beat the Indians 15 to 10, Carson had an RBI single and was on base a couple of more times after walks, got several stolen bases, but unfortunately didn't end up scoring a run. Andrew Bice (coach's son) had the highlight with a Grand Slam with bases loaded! Didn't get that on camera though, since I was too worried trying to figure out how to score that on the score sheet!

Anyway, we had a great day and Carson now can't wait for the next game on Saturday!