Nick's last game

Well tonight was a bitter sweet night. It was Nick's final baseball game. This year he joined the SYBA (stillwater youth baseball association) on a newly formed team. The SYBA is a more competitive league than the Stillwater Parks and Rec system -- Nick was excited to be part of a team that competed at a higher level and went into the season with a lot of enthusiasm. However, what we found was that the higher level, was very high -- in the end, his team, the Stillwater Outlaws didn't win one single game. We found that we played teams that were made up of players several years older than Nick's team which were entirely fifth graders and most, if not all, of the teams had been together for many years. However, in the end, I think Nick learned a lot about the game of baseball and learned some skills that he would not have acquired had he not joined the team. It was hard for the boys to keep their chins up because they kept getting beat, but I really think during the games they had a good time and a lot of friendships were made that will hopefully continue. I of course had a good time with the parents on the bench and I will miss those four hour double header games when we talked and talked and talked and then talked some more. I will post some pictures of Nick tomorrow when I get my turn on the big computer (gotta love when you have to take turns with your kids). I'm proud of Nick for keeping with it and learning some new skills and making some new friends. He looked great in his "official" uniform too. On a sad note, our headcoach was not there today because his mom was killed in a car accident this afternoon. It's hard to be reminded how precious life is and you never know when tragedy is going to strike. I know the coach will never read my blog but I hope his family knows that they are in our thoughts and prayers....