Mother's Day Weekend Exhibition Games...Tigers vs. Chiefs, May 9-10, 2015

Well it's another Mother's Day weekend on the fields but when you love the game, and love watching your kids on the field, you do not mind at all.

 

I know everyone in our house was very tired, having 2 back-to-back games during the week and arriving home so late in the night.  By the time I made it to bed after Wednesday and Thursday nights' games, it was well past 1:00 a.m.  I had a very hard time keeping my eyes open at work on Friday and the day went on forever. I was pleasantly surprised to walk into the door and find these waiting for me on the coffee table, in a vase with water an all!

 

Although I was tired, I couldn't fall asleep so I spent the night baking and decorating this cake for a Frozen theme party for a little girl celebrating her 3rd birthday.  I hope she enjoys the cake and her party.

Game 1 - Saturday, May 9th, 2015...

For these Exhibition Games, the Tigers are facing the Whitby Chief at our home field in Rivergrove.  It was a very hot day in Toronto and today’s game was scheduled to start at noon.  We dropped off Aaron on the field and headed to the Outlet Mall nearby.  Naturally Andy found someone to talk too at the Mall and we ended up stuck in traffic and reached the field just as the first inning was ending!  I asked Aaron and he said no one scored but he bat and we missed his hit in the outfield behind third!

The Tigers took the field for the top of the second with # 29 pitching and Aaron sitting.  The first batter hits, and our short-stop drops the catch, and he is safe on first and wastes no time stealing second.  The next batter walks but is thrown out at second.  The third batter hits and is caught and I honestly don’t remember how they got the third out.  The weather is hot, already 30 degrees, and these boys are wearing black shirts today!  No runs for the Chiefs.

Bottom of the second and our first batter walks, the second has a nice hit but is thrown out at first; the third also has a nice hit but is thrown out at first; the fourth hits, and should be out at first, but the Chiefs missed…and our first run is scored.  The next batter hits but is out at first, to end the inning.

Top of the third and the boys take the field again, with Aaron on second.  This was a very quick inning with the first batter striking out.  The second hits to first and is out and the third batter is caught in the outfield.

Taking his position on second...

The Tigers are back up to bat in the bottom of the third.  Our first batter walks; the second batter fouls a few before striking out.  One ball went over the fence, which I believe is no less than 40 feet high!  The third batter gets hit with a pitch and drops to the ground…we were all scared for a minute but thankfully he was able to get up and walk to first.  Aaron goes up and fouls a couple before striking out.  The next batter walks, and the bases are loaded, this batter can’t run so they call out Aaron (who was the last out) to take his place.  The final batter in this inning hits but is thrown out at first, so no runs in this inning.

Swing that bat!

Filling in for a fellow teammate...

Aaron is back on second for the fourth inning and # 1 is pitching.  Another quick inning, with the first batter walking; the second caught; and the next two hitting, but out at first.

The Chiefs also changed their pitcher for the bottom of the fourth and it was also a quick inning, with the first batter striking out; the second hitting right into the pitcher’s gloves and the third being thrown out at first.

Aaron is still on second for the top of the fifth.  The first batter hits towards Aaron and after fumbling for the ball, he is able to throw him out at first; the second batter hits into our third baseman’s gloves; the third walk and the fourth struck out.  Wow, these innings are ending so fast!

 He fumbles to get the ball, but manages to get the out at first.

In the bottom of the fifth, our first batter struck out; the second bunts but is out at first; the third hits a nice one in the outfield and is safe on first; the fourth hits and is safe…but the runner going home is tagged out. 

 

We changed pitcher for the top of the sixth to # 23.  The first batter is caught at third; the second hits and is safe on first; the third hits towards short and the boys get the double play to end the inning.


Nice double play boys...

Bottom of the sixth and our first batter hits and nice one and is safe on second; the next batter also hits but he is out at first; Aaron goes up and hits and gets thrown out at first…but gets and RBI.  The fourth batter gets hit with a pitch, again, and walks; and the fifth batter hits a nice one in the outfield but is caught.

 He hits but he is thrown out at first...but brings in an RBI!

Top of the seventh and final inning.  The first batter hits and is safe on first and quickly steals second.  The second batter hits one in the infield but our short missed the catch, and the Chiefs get their first run in this game.  The third batter hits and our short misses the ball, again, and the batter is safe at first.  Another hit and another run is scored, to tie the game, and there’s 2 runners on base!  The fifth batter is caught in the outfield; the sixth batter bunts and is thrown out at first.  Another run is stolen on a bad pitch and the next batter walks.  The final batter in this inning hits right towards Aaron who is able to get the out at first.

 

The Chiefs have a one run lead and sends in a new pitcher for the last inning.  Our first batter strikes out; the second walks; the third has a nice hit and is out at first but advances the runner on first to third.  The fourth batter also has a nice hit but the runner going home is tagged out at home plate, to end the game…and the Chiefs, who didn’t get a single run in the first 6 innings, take the win!!!  It just goes to show…anything can happen in these games.

We all came home and crashed and then later head out to Dinner to celebrate Mother's Day.


Happy Mother's Day...
to all the wonderful and deserving moms!

Game 2 - Sunday, May 10th, 2015...

 

Mother's Day and we are headed down to Whitby for our second Exhibition Game against the Chiefs.  Let's hope the boys can get back the win from yesterday.

Mother's Day morning, with my babies!

The game starts at 1:00 p.m. and the drive to Whitby wasn't too bad, since we were expecting much more traffic. We got to the field early and had enough time to drive around and do a bit of sight-seeing!

Since the Tigers are the away team, the boys are first up to bat.  The first batter hits a nice one in the left field...it drops and he is safe on first.  The second batter pops up and the back catcher caught it.  The third batter is struck out and the fourth hits but is thrown out at first.

The best present a mother could get...watching as my son took the mound to open for his team!

The first Chief was struck out, with just 3 pitches...wow!  The second batter hits to third and is thrown out at first; the next batter hits in the outfield and is safe on first; the fourth batter hits in left field and the defence had the ball in time to get the out but there's no one on first...WTH!  The fifth batter hits and our second baseman misses the ball...and 2 runs come in.  OMG, what just happened...where's our defence?  The sixth batter hits and again our defence couldn't get the out and another run is scored!  The seventh batter pops up and both our short and third baseman misses the catch!  Are you kidding me!!!  The eight batter hits and finally they get the third out.  That was a hard inning to watch, especially when I could see the frustration on Aaron's face.  The Defence needs to pull it together if we want to win this game.  The Chiefs have a 4 run lead.

That was a tough inning!

Top of the second and the Tigers are back up to bat.  The first batter hits and is safe on second; the second batter has a nice hit and is safe on first; Aaron goes up and strikes out after fouling 2; the fourth batter strikes out; the fifth batter hits and 2 runs are scored; the sixth batter hits (with a pink bat) and another run comes in and the final batter in this inning hits but the runner is out at second.  OK, not bad, we only down by 1 run.

Strike Three!

Pink Bat!

The team takes the field again as Aaron heads back to the mound.  This inning was much better.  The first batter hits and Aaron is able to jump and get the ball in time to get the out at first; the second batter hits and is safe on first; the third batter is caught and the fourth hits but is out at first.  Much better in this inning.

Nice!!!

The boys are back up to bat as the rain starts.  Our first batter strikes out; the second walks; the third is caught; the fourth got a nasty hit in the back and walks; and the firth struck out...leaving a runner in scoring position!

Bottom of the third and Aaron is back on the mound.  The first batter hits in the infield but it was too late for Aaron to get the ball and get the out...the ball is wet and it's still raining.  The second batter hits and is out at first; the third batter hits and the runner is out at second.  Andy and I noticed that he is pitching more like himself now...I wonder if the Coach is still controlling the pitches?  The final batter hits and is out at first.

I had to put away my camera because it is raining a bit harder now!  One parent came up to me and said - "I didn't recognize you without your camera"!  I guess I am getting a reputation!

Top of the fourth and our boys are back up to bat and it was quick as all 3 batters, including Aaron, hits and gets caught!

Everyone wants to use the Pink Bat!

We changed pitchers to # 31 for the bottom of the fourth and Aaron is resting.  The first 2 batters are out at first; the next 2 walks; and then the fifth strikes out.

The fifth inning was repeat of the fourth for our boys...all three hits and got caught.

The bottom of the fifth was also quick for the Chiefs...the first two batters hits and are out at first and the third is caught.

There seemed to be some discrepancies with the score.  I counted 4 for them but they were saying the game is tied...we'll take it!  It was a quick 3 up 3 down in the top of the sixth as our first batter hits and is caught; the second strikes out and the third is also caught.

We change our pitcher again for the top of the sixth to # 13 and Aaron is sent out to the right field.  The first batter gets caught by the pitcher; the second hits and is safe on first; the third hits and it appears likes our centre fielder caught the ball before he fell but the umpire calls 'no catch'; the fourth walks and the firth batter strikes out, leaving the bases loaded.

Top of the seventh and final inning...and someone needs to score at least one run to win this game.  Our first batter hits right to second and is out at first; the second walks, and the third hits and the Chiefs get the double play...to end the inning!

Aaron is back in the right field as the Tigers take the field for the bottom of the seventh.  The first batter hits and the ball lands in the infield, and our pitcher overthrows to first, so that batter is safe on second!  The next two batters both strike out and the third batter hits and a run is scored...to end the game!  Final score is 4-3 for the Chiefs!

Good game boys!!!

Although it would have been good to win at least one game, both teams played really well.

To the average eye, this will not seem like much...but it's proof that I raised a good boy!!!

I hope all the moms out there enjoyed Mother's Day...

Ending Mother's Day on a sweet note...with these home-made raspberry jam filled cookies!

 

Game 2...Tigers vs. Falcons - May 7, 2015

Tonight it was a little longer drive, to Niagara Falls, as the boys tried for another win, against the Falcons.  I must say this is a beautiful field...with the Niagara Falls skyline in the background.  We were expecting it to get colder as we were close the water but to our surprise, it wasn't.

That is a beautiful field...why don't we have any like this in Toronto!

Ariana and I found another memorial but I didn't have time to Google and see who Dr. Potter was.  She did find time to pose for a photo!

She was posing for photos and I told her smile looked fake...'like this' she said!

We were watching the teams practice and I couldn't help but notice that our boys looked like they were getting ready for a baseball game but the Falcons looked liked they were ready for the Army!



Warming Up...



Hmmn...what's with these teams and their shorts!

The Umpires arrived around 8:20 p.m. and the game got on the way exactly at 8:30 p.m.  We were the away team so we're up to bat first.  Aaron and another pitcher were warming up earlier so we knew that he will be sitting until they put him in to pitch.

Getting Ready!

The first inning ended quickly.  The first batter hits and is out at first, the second hits and and gets caught and the third hits and is also out at first.  The Falcons' pitcher is a leftie...and he is good!

 

The Tigers took the field, with # 1 pitching and Aaron still in the dugout.  Our pitchers also did a great job.  The first batter hits and is out at first and the second hits to third and is thrown out at first.  The third batter struck out but the catcher dropped the third strike, but they still had enough time to get the ball and thrown him out at first.

No 1 opening for the Tigers.

Top of the second and our first batter hits...and broke his bat...and is thrown out at first.  The second batter walks, the third hits and both are safe on base.  The forth batter hits and is safe on first, but a runner is our at third.  The fifth batter hits and brings in the run...but its foul, before striking out!

The Tigers take the field again, and Aaron is still in the dugout.  The first batter strikes out, the second one hits and is safe on first, the third hits in the outfield and now there are 2 on bases.  The forth batter strikes out and number five hits but is out at first.  Still no runs for either team.

All 3 Tigers struck out in the third inning!

The Falcons are up to bat again in the bottom of the third.  The first batter got strike three but our catcher drops the ball and cannot get it in time to get the out!  The second batter hits and is safe on first, the third batter bunts and is safe...and the bases are loaded!  The forth batter pops up and is caught, the fifth batter hist in outfield and none of the Tigers can get the ball in time to stop the 2 runs from being scored.  The sixth batter hits a foul up in the air and is caught.  The seventh batter hits but is out at first, to end what seemed like a long inning.

In the forth inning, our first batter strikes out, the second hits to second is out at first, the third hits and is safe on first, the forth hits and is safe on first while the Falcons throw to second...but the ball drops and they're both safe!  Two outs and two on base now.  The fifth batter struck out, leaving a runner in scoring position!

Bottom of the forth and the Tigers take the field, and Aaron comes out of hiding!  The first batter hits and is safe on base, the second batter hits and the runner at second is out.  The third batter hits and it should have been an out but he is safe...and 1 run comes in.  The next batter should have been struck out but he catcher drops the strikes.  Another hit and the batter is safe on first.  I lost track but there were 2 on base with 2 outs when the final out came.  Thank God!  Andy and I couldn't help but notice that Aaron is not pitching like himself tonight and he seemed upset.  I would be too if my defence was letting me down like that!

Top of the fifth and Aaron is up to bat.  He ends up walking and wastes no time dirtying his other new pants, when he stole second!  The next 3 batters struck out, leaving Aaron on second.

Hoping to Steal!

Bottom of the fifth and Aaron is back on the mound.  The first batter hits in the outfield and lands right into the gloves of our left fielder...and drops out!  Are you kidding me!  The next batter strikes out, the third hits and is safe on first.  I don't know what's going on with the defence...they're overworking these pitchers!  The forth batter struck out and the fifth hits and is out first.

Feeling the pressure...

Top of the sixth and we still have no runs.  The first batter goes up and fouls a few before striking out, the second hits and is safe on first and quickly advances to third due to the Falcons' error.  The third batter struck out and the forth nits a nice one in the outfield, and is caught!

The Tigers take the field again with #13 pitching.  The first batter hits and is safe.  Another hit and one is out at second, another hit and 2 on bases, another hit right to the pitcher who misses...and the bases are loaded with 2 outs.  The final batter struck out.

Top of the seventh, and the Falcons are still using the same pitcher.  The first batter walks, the second hits and they are both safe.  Aaron is up to bat and after 2 strikes and 2 balls, he gets hit with a pitch and walks.  The bases are loaded now.  The forth batter struck out and time is called, for the Falcons to change their pitcher.  The fifth batter hits and advances everyone but Aaron, who is thrown out at second, but our first run is scored!  The sixth batter walks, and the base are loaded again.  It seems like the Umpire wants to go home as he is calling strikes now!  The next batter hits and is safe on first, and 2 more runs come in.  The final batter hits and is out at first, to end the game with a final score of 3-5, for the Falcons.

Take a Walk!

On our way home Aaron didn't talk much but we knew he was upset.  Later at home, he explained that the pitching coach is controlling the pitches.  He signals the catcher, who then signals the pitcher what to throw!  This is all new to Aaron, and to us, so I can see why he was upset.  He is accustomed to controlling the games himself.

GAME 1...Tigers vs. Ancaster - May 6, 2015

Tonight we travelled to Ancaster, Ontario as the Tigers took on Ancaster for the first official game of the Season. 

The game was being played on the Matthew Krol field in Ancaster, Ontario.  I had no clue who Matthew Krol was but when I saw the dedication on the bench Ariana and I were sitting on, I was curious.

Matthew Krol was an outfielder with the Calgary Blues.  He was killed by lightening on August 4, 1994, the day after he celebrated his 19th birthday...on this very field!  He played with future major-leaguer Chris Reitsma at the time of his death.

"It was Aug. 4, 1994, when the Calgary Blues trotted back onto the diamond at Ancaster, Ont., for the resumption of their Canadian Big League tournament game. There had been a rain delay. The sky hung low with grey, heavyset clouds.  Future major-leaguer Chris Reitsma, the youngest Blue at 16, took to the mound to throw some warm-up pitches.  His best friend on the team, Matt Krol, had celebrated his 19th birthday the day before. He and the other outfielders were tossing a ball back and forth, loosening their arms.  Reitsma toed the rubber on the mound. It would help save his life.  "Out of nowhere there was a noise," Reitsma said. "I'll never forget that noise. I looked around and I think I was the only one standing. I was on the rubber on the dirt. The guys in the outfield, there was water, moisture on the grass. The lightning went through Matt."  Gary Krol was sitting in the stands that day. There had been no thunder, no warning. One minute his son was smiling and playing catch. The next he was lying lifeless in left field.  "There was a big bang like you've never heard before," Krol said. "All the kids on the field were lying down. Matt was the only one who didn't get up."  The team was hustled to a nearby community centre where word filtered back that Matt was gone. Crisis-management workers were brought in for the players. It was awkward, Reitsma recalled. No one spoke.  Two days later, the Canadian championships resumed. The Calgary players put Matt's jersey on the field and stood around it holding hands. For Reitsma, the son of a pastor, it was a memory he would carry with him all the way to the major leagues."

 

Wow, as a parent, I cannot even begin to understand what Matthew Krol's parents went through, especially his father who watched the entire thing!  I pray that nothing like that ever happens to my kids or anyone else's child!

It was a beautiful day in Toronto today reaching a high of 24-26 degrees but by the time we arrived in Ancaster, around 7:15 p.m., it was already starting to get a bit chilly.

 

Andy and I agreed that we were going to start using the extra hour before the games begin to get some much needed exercise, but does anyone honestly believe he followed through!  He bailed on me and went for coffee with one of the other parent.  Thankfully, I had Reece with me so I was a able to get in a quick 10 minute before I got distracted with the beautiful sunset.  So it was time to grab my camera and practice...walking will have to wait!





Beautiful Sunset - May 6, 2015



Waiting for the game to begin!

 

The boys from Ancaster were warming up...in shorts, and here I was looking for another sweater!  The Umpires, a couple of older guys, arrive around 8:15 p.m and the teams got ready to start.  Since the Tigers were the AWAY team, they were up to bat first.

 

It was a very quick 3 up 3 down as our first batter struck out, the next one popped up and is caught, and the third hits but is out at first.  Oh man, their pitcher is good!

 

The Tigers take the field, with # 19 pitching and Aaron on second.  The first batter hits towards Aaron, who was able to throw him out at first.  With two and one on first, he steals and should be out at second...but is called safe.  There's advantages and disadvantages of having older umpires!!!  The inning ended with one on base and no runs for Ancaster.

 

So Close!

In the second inning all our batters struck out...leaving Aaron the hole! 

 

Ancaster is up again, with # 19 still pitching and Aaron on second, and gets one batter on base before the next two strikes out.  The one on base wasted no time stealing and scoring the first run in the game, before the inning ended.



No. 19

Third inning and Aaron is up to bat. One ball and then he hits...right to second and is thrown out at first.  Next batter, exactly the same thing...and he's also out at first.  The Tigers get one on base due to a walk but the next batter struck out, leaving him there!

Ball or Stirke?

Ancaster goes back up to bat.  Number 19 is still on the mound and Aaron is back on second.  The first batter is hits and gets on base.  The next batter hits towards Aaron and he gets the ball in time to tag the runner and throw to first, to get the double play!  Wow, seems like all the hits are going straight towards him.  The third batter strikes out...with no more runs for Ancaster.

Keep your eyes on that ball...
(it seems like everything is coming your way)!

Forth inning and the Tigers are back up to bat. Our first batter walks, and wastes no time stealing second. Next batter strikes out. Third batter hits quite a few fouls before walking. Next one strikes out. The next batter has a nice hit and the batter on base is able to score the first run for the Tigers. The next batter strikes out, leaving 2 on base. Game tied!



 

Bottom of the forth and we change our pitcher to # 29.  It was a quick end for Ancaster as the first batter is caught, the second strikes out and the third is out at first.

 

Top of the fifth and Aaron is starting off, again.  The count is full but he manages to stay alive by fouling 2 more before hitting and making it safely on first.  Ancaster tries, but fails, to throw him out as he steals second.  Earlier Andy and I were both wondering if his running will be anything like last year, so I guess he just showed us...somethings don't change!!! The next two batters both stuck out while Aaron is trying to steal third.  Ancaster's pitcher tries throwing him out at second a couple times.  One time it was so close, I honestly thought they got him, but he dives back on base in the nick of time...and the pants that I spend time washing to get white again, has another stain in the very same spot!  He manages to steal third before the next batter gets a walk.  The next batter goes up and hits a nice one in the outfield and both Aaron and the other batter on base were able to score.  The next batter struck out but the Tigers have a 2 run lead.





Ready for the steal.





In scoring position.







His first run for the Season - May 6, 2015!



Ancaster has some nice hits in the bottom of the fifth and at one point the bases are loaded.  One batter is thrown out at second, one struck out and the final one is thrown out at first, while a player is running home.  No runs for Ancaster in this inning.

Ancaster changes their pitcher, a leftie, for the top of the sixth.  One of our boys (#15) hits a few fouls before striking out.  One hit went up so high in the air that we were all looking up to the sky for a while.  If he had only straightened out that hit, it would have been a home run for sure.  The next batter goes up and hits...and breaks his bat, and he is thrown out at first.  The next two batters walks and Aaron is up.  He hits a nice one to third and is thrown out at first, to end the inning.  No runs for the Tigers in this inning.

Nice swing!

We change pitchers again, to # 23, for the bottom of the sixth.  Ancaster's first batter struck out; the second one hits and is safe on first; the third batter struck out; the fourth hits and it should have been an out but the ball goes straight through Aaron's gloves...and he is left there shaking his head and watching his gloves!  The final batter pops up and is caught.  Still no more runs for Ancaster.

Top of the seventh.  Our first bater hits and is out at first; the second walks; the third hits and is out at first, but advances both runners.  The next batter pops up right in front of third.  Ancaster's third baseman adn pitcher both call it...and it drops between both of them.  Wow, one run in with 2 still on base!  The next batter also pops up, and this time Ancaster's catcher calls it...but he also drops the catch.  Two more runs come in for us and time is called by Ancaster.  The final batter fouls a few before striking out.

Bottom of the seventh and it's already 10:30 p.m.  The first batter hits and is safe on first; the second is out at first; the third one hits to Aaron is he is able to thrown him out at first; the forth batter walks, the next batter struck out but our catcher drops the third strikes and is not able to get the ball in time to tag him out so he is safe on first...and the base is loaded!  The final batter hits to third and our third baseman gets the ball in time to thrown him out at first!!!

Game Over.  Score 6-1 for us.  All I can say is WOW...this level of baseball is better than a Jays game!



 

Great game, from both teams but...Way To Go, Tigers!!!

Now hurry up lets go home...the drive is long and it's a school night!  Can't wait for tomorrow night's game...

LIFE BEGINS...Exhibition Game - May 3, 2015

I am not sure who was more excited for the first game...me, Andy, Ariana or Aaron!  Aaron, by far, was the only calm one in the house.

 

He's playing at the AAA level this year, so we are expecting a Season better than the last one, but honestly I am not sure how to forget the last season. He's also playing in a different loop this year, so he'll be facing players he's never seen before.

 

The games weren't supposed to start until May 6th but we had a last minute change in the schedule.  An exhibition game against Cambridge Wolves was added, for Sunday, May 3rd at our home field in Mississauga.  In my opinion, the first game always proves to be interesting as the boys are getting to know each other on the field.  There are only three new players on the team this year...Aaron and two others.  Since the weather was nice the team had a couple practice out on the fields in the past couple weeks, but Aaron missed them both as he was away on a school camping trip and at his umpire course.

The weather this afternoon was really nice, reaching 23 degrees and when we got to the field, there were 2 other teams finishing up their game.  If I didn't know better, it definitely felt like Summer!
 

The umpire arrived on the field just before 5:30 p.m. and the game got on the way exactly on time.  Our boys took the field, with # 29 pitching.  Aaron took his position on second base.  This will be his other position when he's not pitching.  With one already out and one on base, the next batter hits straight towards the pitcher, who gets the ball in time to throw to Aaron on second, to get that out, and then Aaron throws to first, to get the third out...to end the inning with no runs for the Wolves.  Nice double play boys!!!



Second Baseman...when he's not pitching.

Our boys go up to bat and hit some fouls before popping up and being caught, with no runs scored.

 

Our boys took the field again for the second inning with # 31 pitching this time.  Andy said since it was an exhibition game, our Coach wanted to give each pitcher a chance to pitch in this game so he could have an understanding of their ability.  So the Tigers' pitchers were going to pitch one inning each.  There were a few errors among our defence in this inning which earned the Wolves 3 runs.  One batter popped up and it was clearly Aaron's catch...we even heard him call it, but our short-stop apparently called it too and no one heard him.  The short-stop ended up running in front of Aaron and they both missed the catch.  That batter got on base and wasted no time in stealing second!  The next batter hit in the infield and our first baseman got the ball and threw it to third, to try and get the out...which didn't happen!  Aaron got the second out by diving for a catch...and came up with a nasty grass stain on his brand new WHITE pants and it's only the second inning!  The third out was caught in the outfield.



MINE...MINE...these boys are still getting to know each other on the field!

Our guys go back up to bat and even though they got some hits, it was a quick end to the inning.  With 2 already out, Aaron goes up to bat.  New Season, new league, new team...and he's in the same situation!!!  Two ball, one strike, one foul and then he hits...right into the gloves of the short-stop!  Inning over and no runs for our boys!



Ok, let's see if all that practice was worth it!

The Tigers take the field again for the third with # 19 pitching.  Aaron is off the field...and warming up in the bullpen.  This was a quick 3 up 3 down, with no runs for the Wolves.

Our boys are up again and finally got some players on base but the inning ended with players in scoring positions...and still no runs for our boys.

Top of the forth and our boys take the field again, with Aaron on the mound.  I know I am a little bias, but it was amazing pitching again.  Another scoreless inning.  With two outs, the third batter hits the ball straight towards Aaron.  From where I was standing it looked like the ball hit him and he fell!  Memories of him 2 years ago immediately came back to me...when he got hit with a ball in the rib.  It was only when I heard the clapping that I realized he dove and caught the ball to get the third out.

This is where he belongs!

After they went back into the dugout, I walked over to ask if he was alright...and to check how dirty his pants was! I guess I know what I will be doing tonight!!!
 

You know he was born to do this,
especially when he does it with such passion

Even Ariana, who I thought had gone to the park with some of the other girls, came up to me and said, "Mom, did you see how good Aaron was pitching? That was amazing pitching!"

Yes, it was amazing pitching Ariana!

 

The Tigers are back up to bat for the forth inning.  They have some good hits and manages to score the first run for their team.  The bases are loaded with two outs, and Aaron is up to bat AGAIN!  He hits a nice one but is thrown out at first, and the inning is over.

Wow, good hit...must be the new bat!

Aaron sits as the Tigers take the field for the fifth inning, with # 1 pitching.  It was another quick inning with no more runs for the Wolves.

 

Our boys are back up to bat and manages to score another run.  Two outs and the bases are loaded when time is called...for the Wolves to change their pitcher.  I haven't been keeping track but it looks like the first time they've changed the pitcher.  The next batter strikes out, leaving the bases loaded!

 

Aaron is still sitting as the boys take the field for the sixth inning with # 23 pitching.  It was another scoreless inning for the Wolves.

 

In the bottom of the sixth the Tigers has their first broken bat for the Season.  They managed to cash in another run to tie the game.  And with two outs, Aaron goes up to bat once again.  He hits to short and although it looked close, he's thrown out again.

 

Top of the seventh and final inning of this game, the boys take the field with # 13 pitching, and Aaron is back out on second.  I lost track but there were some errors on the field which caused the Wolves to gain 3 more runs.

 

The Tigers are back up to bat for the final time and manages to score 2 more runs before the game ended, in favour of the Wolves.

Are you ready...for centre stage!

Even though the boys lost, by just 1 run, it sure was a good game.  And if its any indication of how the games will be played...then we are in a for another great Season!!!

 

On our way home, we stopped of at the Tim Hortons to grab something to eat. While standing in line, a parent from the other team came up to ask if Aaron was the kid pitching in the 4th or 5th inning, while I was taking photos. When we said 'yes' she said she just wanted to say he was a great pitcher!  Yep, he sure is.  He's the best one I've met so far!!!
 

Ariana already has a new friend for the Summer!!!

It's still early in the Season...but Mommy STILL Loves Baseball!!!

Go Big, or Go Home!!!

We were watching the Home Opening Game here in Toronto, between the Blue Jays and the Tampa Bay Rays, on TV last week.  As I watched Jose Bautista receive his 3rd Silver Slugger award I turned to Aaron and asked, "do you think you will ever get one of those"?  His response - "no, but I could get a Golden Glove award"!

 

He's been playing baseball since age 7 and has only had 1 home-run in his life...so far.  He was just 9 years old and just started playing on the Select team.  He didn't earn the home-run because of hitting the ball out of the park, but by distracting the defence.  The hit he made only earned him first base but because he was confident with his running he decided to continue to second base, despite the Coach telling him otherwise.  He landed on second and distracted the short stop, who then tried to throw him out on second and overthrew the ball.  It was just the break he needed to run all the way home.  Me, I just watched in shock and by the time I decided to turn on my camera, it was too late.

 

Work Hard, Play Harder...Dream BIG!!!