Red Sox

So of course, as always, we are in the middle of a baseball season. It is FALL BALL TIME! This time around both the boys are playing baseball and Ryleigh is playing softball but instead of lumping them all together in one post I have decided to give them each their individual post throughout the season, and since I happened to have my camera last night Spencer gets the first post.

Spencer is playing for the Red Sox this season (it does seem like someone plays for the Red Sox every season, too bad we are not Boston fans because we have enough Red Sox hats to outfit the whole family). I really like his coach. He is really good at explaining the game to the kids and teaching them proper techniques. The only down side of his coach is that he takes the “Fall Ball is a ‘learning’ league so it is non-competitive” too seriously. I think we are the ONLY team that doesn’t play to win, and as a result we have not won – EVER. In fact it is usually ridiculous – like 15 –3. I do understand that Fall Ball is a good time for those players that don’t normally get a lot of playing time to be able to play more key positions (rather than Right field) but C’MON! It is killing me!!! And in all honestly I think it is discouraging the boys. Who will want to come play baseball in the Spring if the Fall was full of disappointment Winning is more fun than losing.

Spencer has really grown to love playing First Base this year. I am happy that he has found his little perfect position. To be perfectly honest – he is great at it too! I really like watching him on first base, and at this age it is a LOT of work 9 times out of 10 the ball is not a straight shot at first when they are throwing it. It really challenges him to stretch out and move and get his glove on the ball – plus he is involved in nearly every play, which is just what he likes. We even bought him a first baseman's glove this year which he thinks is pretty rad.

He also really likes to pitch still – but what kid doesn’t? He is a great pitcher when he has a great catcher. I have noticed that when he feels like the catcher might be weaker than others he throws softly and then it doesn’t always make it across the plate – resulting in walks. I also have noticed that I think he is a great closing pitcher. His arm definitely has a 20 pitch shelf-life. But man – when that kid is on target he is ON!

Of course he still LOVES to hit! He is pretty great at it too. He has his very own unique batting stance which I think is adorable, not many kids his age have a stance. He also has an amazing eye. That kid knows what pitches to hit and which ones to watch and which ones to foul off. He reaches base most of the time and last night was no exception. In fact these two pictures of him batting are in the 4th inning. We were down 5-2 and we had the bases loaded with two outs and of course Spencer was up to bat. Not only did he get a hit but it was a BOMB!(Can you see that little white line through the sky in the second picture? that’s the ball!) Right down the third baseline all the way to the fence! It ended up being an 3 RBI triple and we tied up the game! Unfortunately in the 5th inning he came in to pitch again (after pitching the 4th inning) and the team started to unravel. He walked several batters and the catcher started to get tired and stopped catching the ball and there were a lot of over throws on the field. We ended up losing 10-5. Regardless of the score I do love to watch him play though! I hope it never ends.