Steeerike Three!

Little league baseball has begun. Grant is playing Triple A ball. He was placed on the Indian's team with 10 other boys, none of which he knew prior to season. Last year he had very intense coaches and he learned so much. But, he wasn't into baseball as much as most of the boys on his team. He played mostly in right field and if he wasn't chewing on his mitt, he was making up imaginary baseball plays and acting them out. He is very entertaining to watch. Some changes have occurred in the league this year and it is a little less competitive. We are thrilled. Way more up Grant's alley. He just wants to have a good time and feel successful.

His new coach called and said we were having a parent/player meeting. We went to the meeting and they gave us Grant's uniform and then the coach introduced himself. He told us that he has never coached baseball, knows very little about the sport, however he can play basketball. But, he volunteered to be the coach where Russ and I didn't, so I can't say too much. He then started asking the boys what their names were and what position they would like to play. The first boy, Drew, wanted to play center field or second. The coach said he could play either one throughout the game. Then he looks to my son.

Coach: What is your name?

Grant: Grant

Coach: What position do you want to play?

Grant: Pitcher

Coach: Okay, you will be one of my pitchers. I will probably need two.

Me: (Laughing) He has never pitched before, ever.

Coach: That is okay.

I was sick. Grant was determined. We went out and practiced a few times. He threw somewhat accurate until I put Garrett in the batter's box. Then he started throwing way outside. We worked at it for about an hour. I kept telling him, "Don't worry about hitting the batter, just get the ball inside". Luckily, Garrett is very used to batting against me and has gotten quite good at ducking and jumping out of the way. Eventually, Grant stared to feel more confident and started throwing across the plate again.

Tonight Grant was the starting pitcher. He was so excited. I was a nervous wreck, but he wasn't. He was very confident. On the way over to his game I had told him not to be worried about hitting the batter, just get the ball to Mitchell (the catcher) and don't make him have to chase wild balls. Grant's first two pitches were high and then he beaned the batter. I was starting to have that really sick feeling. The next batter got a base hit. Then Grant STRUC OUT the next batter up. The next few boys got hits, a couple of boys scored, and then Grant had two more strike outs to finish the inning. He only walked one batter, the one he beaned. I was so impressed. His form looked good. He had a little attitude up on the mound. And best of all, he had a smile from ear to ear. He was in the game, contributing, and having the time of his life.

Dang, he is so cute! And he throws a mean strike! Good job Grant!
Grant had so much support from family tonight, how could he have not been successful. Nana, Papa, Uncle Brent, Aunt Kami, Gavin, Savanna, Garrett, Gracie, Brayden and his buddy Jamie, and of course Grant's mom, were all there to cheer him on. It meant the world to Grant to have his cousin, Brayden at the game. NOBODY loves Brayden more than Grant. Not even that cute little mama of Bray's can compete with Grant's adoration! Thanks Brayden (and Jamie) for being there.