That's a wrap

I have talked with the D-backs coach, and we are not able to arrange a game. They only have 9 players, and they were unable to come up with a team on any of the proposed dates. So our season is finished, with a 6-2 record.

Some thoughts....I really think we got better as the season went on, which we should have. We were heavy on 7th graders, and it is a big jump to the big diamond. But they responded well.

We had a couple injuries and days where kids had to be gone. Josiah and Mickey missed games due to injury. Cody, Neil, and Nick also had games missed due to various trips/obligations. But we were able to play thru the missing guys.

We had a good group of kids. Jeff brought it up, and I totally agree, that we were a very positive group, even when things weren't going well. Both Jeff and I hear players from the other teams whining at their pitchers for not throwing strikes, or getting on them after a bad at bat. We had our moments of inattentiveness to what was going on, but nobody got down on their teammates. Both Jeff and I were really proud of the guys for positive attitudes.

I did get a little frustrated at the inattentiveness occasionally at the games. One of our guys would get on base, and there was occasionally no cheering or words of support. Our high school team does a good job of cheering on their teammates. I hope the guys take note, and can do so in the future.

I wish we could have practiced more. But the guys are busy with track, and I'm busy, and there are concerts, and all that other stuff. But hopefully this served as a nice break-in to jr hi ball.

After the last game we went around the huddle, and had everybody say their favorite thing of the season. And all of them were good stories. Matt talking about his 3 RBI single, Spencer talking about Matt getting beaned in the butt for the game winning RBI. Andrew talked about a certain opponent grunting after he grounded out--and how funny that was. Josiah simply liked being healthy enough to play baseball.

It was nice to see that stuff, and the guys noting their success. In the last game, Cody asked me to play left field. He wanted to play 3rd most of the year. But every time he played left field, he was catching balls. He and I both realized he did a really good job for us there.

Neil's favorite moment was when he had the "fight" with Nick over who got to play 2nd base. Neil convinced me, and then had a great play to kill an opponent rally. Good stuff.

So anyway, the 2010 NSCLL Indians are done. I kept stats. If you are interested in your batting or pitching stats, let me know. I'm not gonna send them out as a team, but I would be happy to send out for an individual.

Best of luck in Junior High ball for the guys. Thanks to the parents for concession stand duty, and umpiring that you did, and book keeping and pitch counting. And for the 7th graders, maybe I'll see you next year!