2017 Season Update...

It has definitely been a very busy, and confusing, Winter Season for Aaron.  As this will be the most crucial year, so far, we had to make sure we are making the right choices for him.

 

This is Aaron's final year of High School and I have to say that we are extremely proud of him and the choices he has made for himself so far.  He has come a long way since Elementary School. He completed the First Aid and CPR courses last year and already received his certifications. As of January 31st, he already has all the Credits and double the amount of volunteer hours needed to graduate...so he is just breezing through the next few months.

 

College applications went out earlier in the year and he already secured Offers, however, there are a few other Colleges/Universities (both Canadian and US) who have shown interest in him. He even received an invitation to workout with one of the College teams last month.  That was one of the toughest workouts I have seen so far, but he managed to complete it and even stayed awake during the 2-hour drive home! Right now we are just going through the elimination process before we make a final decision on where he'll be attending College.

 

Deciding on his Summer 2017 Baseball team was even more difficult but we had to put Aaron's happiness, and his love for pitching, first. After weighing all the options, we all agreed that his pitching would benefit more if he switched teams this year. As he didn't have much opportunity to pitch last year with the Ontario Cardinals (and it doesn't look like much will change this year either), Aaron will be joining the Ontario Giants for the 2017 Season. We are all looking forward to the opening game and seeing what this change will do for him.

 

On March 25th, Aaron attended and completed the Umpire Super Clinic so he will be officiating games as a Level 3 Umpire this year...that's quite the achievement for a kid who hasn't turned 18 as yet!!!

 

Trying to capture a photo is getting more difficult!



First Showcase for the Year - January 22, 2017

Last Year Aaron attended the Smith Brothers Showcase on the recommendation of another Coach, and it was a good event. So this year, when the invitation email came, he wanted to go and show of his skills again.

 

The event was held at the same location as last year, the Smith Brothers baseball club in New Lowell, Ontario, and the players had to be there for 9:00 a.m.  New Lowell is just over an hour drive from Toronto so the trip wasn't too bad being that early in the morning.  Not a lot of traffic but the fog was a bit much in certain areas.

 

We made it to the club just at 9:00 a.m. and the parking lot was already full.

As usual, there were a lot of really good ball players showcasing their skills and talents.

 

Here's Aaron doing some batting practice:

 

https://youtu.be/9EB4K2M4ebU

Baseball is NOT all Fun & Games...

One of the teams had a change in schedule and organized a game this Saturday, but I had a few errands to run so I had to miss the game.  Obviously, Andy came back with NO photos but he kept saying that Aaron played very well, and considering that he is still trying to get over the nasty cough he has for a couple weeks now.  The team lost but apparently, my son scored the only run for his team in this game, after hitting a triple (and I missed it)!

 

It wasn't until later in the afternoon that they decided to tell me about his souvenir from this game!  He was covering second base and while trying to get a double play, the runner had to slide into second, and he (the runner) and his metal cleats ended up on Aaron's foot! Baseball is not all fun and games like everyone believes...at this level it is a bit more aggressive at times.

 

Baseball is definitely a guy's sport!
(Let's hope this heals quickly)!

 

Thanksgiving Weekend Exhibition Games

It's already Thanksgiving weekend here in Toronto and thankfully, we still have double digit temperature. Although the sunshine is nice and bright, the wind is a bit cold!

Aaron received an invitation to play in a double-header exhibition game(s) this Saturday, with a newly formed team in the Fergie Jenkins league (the Giants), and he accepted. He woke up this morning and was not feeling well, but he still wanted to go...so it only means we skip Thanksgiving preparation, grab his gears, bundle up and head out to the fields!!!

The games were scheduled for 2:00 p.m. in Nobleton, Ontario, which is about a 30-minute drive from our house but we were asked to be there for 1:00 p.m.

Game 1

I was still trying to make myself warm and get settled when the game began, with the Giants up to bat first.  It was a quick inning with no runs for us.

Aaron was sent out to cover short when the Giants took the fields in the bottom of the first and it was also a short inning with no runs scored for the Athletics.

Our Short-Stop...

Top of the second and we get a runner in scoring position but the inning was over before we could secure the run, and leaving Aaron in the hole.

Aaron is back out at short for the bottom of the second.  The first batter hits and is safe on first; the second walks; the third and fourth both strike out; the fifth hits a double near the fence...and 2 runs are scored. The sixth batter hits, and another run is scored, and the batter is safe on first. Time is called to talk to our pitcher.  Aaron takes the opportunity to chat with one of his former teammates from the Mississauga North Tigers. The final batter hits right towards Aaron and he is thrown out at first, even though our coach is calling second. These are new coaches and only one has seen Aaron at practice before, so I guess they will find out soon that he knows HIS game!

 

Defense...

Top of the third and Aaron starts us of. After fouling a couple, he walks, and wastes no time in stealing second! The next batter hits and is out at first, but Aaron is able to make it to third. The next batter hits and Aaron is sent home, only to be tagged out at the plate! Then the runner is thrown out at third, and no runs for us!!!

That bat flip though!!!

The slide into Second...

We send in a new pitcher for the bottom of the third, and the bases are quickly loaded. The next batter hits and 2 runs are scored; and then another hit brings in 2 more! Time is called to change our pitcher. All the kids today are new to each other and are being looked at for a spot on the team, although Aaron has already been offered one...we just haven't decided as yet. The inning ended before any more runs could be scored.

Our Short-Stop...

Top of the fourth and our first and second batters are both out at first; the third is safe on first; the fourth hits a nice triple...and we finally get our first run in this game! The fifth batter walks and then the next batter is out at first.

Bottom of the fourth and the first batter is caught at first; the second walks; the third hits and is safe on first; the fourth is out at first...but 1 run is scored. The final batter is caught in centerfield.

Top of the fifth and our first batter strikes out; the second is safe on first; Aaron goes up and hits one in the infield and is safe on first, but the runner is out at second. The fourth batter hits and is safe on first, and Aaron makes it to third; and the fifth batter strikes out...leaving Aaron on third!

Safe on First...

Bottom of the fifth and it was 3 up 3 down, and our players are looking more comfortable with each other now.

Top of the sixth and I lost track because of a phone call, but at one point the bases were loaded and 1 run came in. Time is called...not sure if it was mercy or the time limit, but the teams were given a half hour break before Game 2.

The sun is now going in and out of the clouds and it is much colder! Andy had already picked up lunch for Aaron, so he and I headed out to a nearby local supermarket and bakery to get something to eat. Warm, fresh, homemade bread and cheese taste really good with it's cold.

Game 2

The second game got started with the Giants taking the field first. Aaron is back at short and he managed to get the first out when the ball was hit right towards him. The second batter is caught by the catcher and the third is out, when he hits infield but Aaron grabs the ball and throws him out at first.

Nice Grab!!!

Bottom of the first and our first batter hits and is safe on first; the second is caught in centerfield and the runner is thrown out at second! The third batter hits and is safe on first; the fourth hits a nice one down nears the fence...and our first run in this game is scored...and the batter is safe on third! Another hit near the fence and another run comes in, and the batter is safe on second. Then the final batter pops up and it's caught by the catcher.

Top of the second and the Athletics' first batter is out at first; the second strikes out; the third and fourth both walk but then the fifth batter strikes, to end the inning with no runs.

Bottom of the second with 1 already out, Aaron goes up and hits on a full count, and he's safe on first, and he steals second before the batter is done batting! The next batter hits and is safe on first but Aaron gets caught in a run-down between second and third! He tried but is eventually tagged out! The fourth batter walks and the fifth is out at first.
 

Nice Hit...

"Whatcha gonna do, when they come for you"...

Top of the third and the Athletics' first batter strikes out; the second is caught infield; the third hits and is safe on first; the fourth is also safe. A runner is tagged out when the catcher throws to Aaron...to end the inning.

It's so obvious that the boys are now playing as a team...either they are really comfortable with each other or the food helped! We could see Aaron stretching his arms behind the dugout and loosening up his arms. He is going to be pitching sometime in this game but I am not sure which inning. It is also freezing cold...and I do mean FREEZING! My teeth are knocking but I want to see him pitch so I have to brave the cold.

Bottom of the third and our first batter is out at first; the second hits a double and is safe; the third and fourth both walk; the fifth hits a nice double...and cleared out the bases (3 runs)! The sixth batter strikes out; the seventh walks and the eight is out at first...leaving Aaron in the hole.

Top of the fourth and the first batter walks; the second hit one in left-field and is safe on first; the third and fourth both strike out.

Aaron starts us off for the bottom of the fourth and he hits the very first pitch out of the park...but it's foul! He fouls the second pitch and eventually strikes out! He goes back to the dugout and heads over to the bullpen to warm up. Our second and third batter both strike out.

Foul...

Not much time to warm up in the bullpen but Aaron takes his place on the mound for the top of the fifth. We have a 5-run lead in this game, as the Athletics haven't been successful in scoring any runs. The first batter strikes out after fouling a few; the second hits right to Aaron and is out at first; and the third does the same...hitting right to Aaron. Wow, we only needed the pitcher and catcher for this inning! Watching him pitch is worth braving the cold.

Watching him pitch is worth braving the cold!

Bottom of the fifth and our first batter is caught in centerfield; the second is safe on first; the third is caught in left-field and the fourth is caught in right-field.

Aaron is back on the mound for the top of the sixth. The first batter walks and Aaron throws to first to pick him off but our first baseman drops the ball! The second batter hits to second, and our defense couldn't get any outs! The third batter strikes out, and the runner advances to third! The fourth batter walks, and the bases are loaded! Our coach is getting upset because the Umpire is not calling the strikes, and he keeps shouting for Aaron to "throw it right there"! The next batter hits and they get the double-play, stopping any runs from being scored. OMG...I was so tense in that inning that I forgot how cold I was!!!

Bottom of the sixth, and our first batter walks; the second is caught in centerfield; the third hits and is safe on first...and a run is scored. The fourth batter fouls a few and then gets caught at second, and the runner going to second is out, to end the inning.

Top of the seventh and last chance for the Athletics to score a run in this game...and most likely the last inning. Aaron is back on the hill. The first batter hits and is out at first; the second hits towards Aaron and is out at first; the third walks; the fourth hits in right-field and is safe on first and the final batter hits right towards Aaron and he is out at first, ending the game!

So much passion behind those pitch!

All I can say is "WOW". Yes, I know I am a LITTLE bias but I didn't get to see him pitch a lot this Summer and I 'almost' forgot what he is capable off when he has a ball in this hand. It was definitely worth giving up my Saturday and sitting in the cold. I didn't wait for anyone, I just grabbed my stuff and ran to the Jeep to warm up!!!

Time to head home and finish prepping for Thanksgiving. There is always so much to be thankful for, including baseball...but not the white pants!

Fall Ball Season Game 2 - RAINED OUT!!!

I think we will have to have a little chat with Mother Nature. It seems like every time Aaron is about to pitch a game, the rain falls. I was really looking forward to seeing him pitch tonight, especially since they didn't have to use him in Game 3 yesterday!

I guess you never know what to expect with Fall weather...rain or cold!!!

 

Tonight's Regular Season game is cancelled due to the rain...

 



Fall Brawl Tournament...Games 2 & 3

First weekend of Fall and we are back on the baseball field for Games 2 and 3 today. As the boys secured their first win early in the tournament, their Game 2 was scheduled for 11:30 a.m. and not bright and early in the morning.  Thank God for that because it was definitely sweater weather today! Today's games were booked at the Dave Dash Memorial Park in Brampton, Ontario, and the boys were requested on the field at 10:30 a.m. The last time Aaron was on this field was with Mississauga North Tigers, where they took a beating by some really big Brampton boys!!!

Game 2 vs. Humber College

The game got underway right at 11:30 a.m. with Humber taking the field first. Our first batter hits right to the pitcher and he's out at first.  The second hits to short, and is thrown out at first. The third walks and then he gets picked off, before the next batter is done batting!

Bottom of the first and Aaron is sent out to cover short, as the boys take the field. Humber's first batter is out at first, the second is caught in left-field, the third hits and is safe and then the fourth batter strikes out.

Covering Short...





Top of the second and West TO is up at bat again. Our first batter is out at first, the second walks, the third hits towards the pitcher and he's safe on first...but the runner is out at second. The fourth batter hits and is safe on first but the runner is out at second, and then the fifth batter strikes out to end the inning.

Aaron is back out at short as the boys take the field for the bottom of the second. Humber's first batter strikes out, the second hits and is safe on first because Aaron overthrows to first. The third batter hits and the ball bounces right over Aaron and the batter is safe on first. The fourth batter hits towards second, and Aaron runs to cover second and gets the double play, before any runs can be scored. I guess it's safe to say he made up for his errors!!!

Those muscles are really coming in...

Top of the third, with 1 already out, Aaron goes up to bat and is hit with a pitch and walks. He wastes no time stealing second. The next batter is caught in right field, but Aaron makes it to third. The fourth batter is caught in centerfield, leaving Aaron going home!



Waiting for the steal...

On his way to third...

We send out another pitcher for the bottom of the third. Humber's first batter strikes out, the second is caught in centrefield, the third hits a nice double and the fourth is out at first.

Humber is still using the same pitcher for the top of the fourth and our first batter strikes out, the second is out at first and the third walks...but is picked off before the next batter is done batting!

Bottom of the fourth and Aaron dives for the first hit but couldn't stop the ball from going in left-field. I know that's going to hurt!!! The second batter hits to third and they get the double play and the final batter strikes out.

Still a score-less game as we head into the top of the fifth. Our first batter hits a nice double, the second is out at first, the third hits and is out at first but he advances the runner to scoring position and the then the fourth batter hits right into the pitcher's gloves!

Bottom of the fifth and Humber's first batter hits one in right field and he's safe on first, the second hits towards Aaron and he gets the out at first as there was no time for the double play. The third walks, the fourth hits towards Aaron and he got the ball to the second baseman in time for a double play but our second baseman overthrows to first, and the batter is safe and the first run in this game is scored! The next batter hits on in right field and is safe on first.  Time is called to change our pitcher. Our new pitcher hits the first batter and he walks...and the bases are loaded (for the first time in this game)! This inning should have been over already, with no runs. A run is scored on a wild pitch and then the next batter hits in right field and another run is scored. The final batter hits towards Aaron and he gets the out at second...thank God!

Top of the sixth and we really need some runs now, as the time limit is also coming close for this game. Our first batter is caught in centerfield, Aaron goes up and strikes out, the third hits a nice double, the fourth walks and the final batter strikes out...and still no runs for us.

Bottom of the sixth and it was 3 up 3 down for Humber.

Top of the seventh and final inning in this game. If we don't score at least 4 runs now, the game will be over. Our first batter bunts and is out at first! The second is hit with a pitch and walks, the third pops up and the drop the catch but got the runner out at second. The other teams start arriving now and someone recognizes Humber's pitcher (btw, they are still using the same pitcher) and said he's 21 years old. I thought this was an 18U tournament! The fourth batter hits and is safe on first and the final batter hits, breaks his bat and is thrown out at first...to end the game!

We didn't even get a single run!!! The boys get a 2-hour break and then it's game 3.

Andy found out from the officials that there is no age limit in this tournament.

Game 3 vs. Brampton Royals

We had a bit of time to drive around downtown Brampton before we heading back to the field for Game 3. It was busy and crowded as there was some type of festival going on at the time.

Game 3 got started right at 4:30 p.m. with West TO up to bat first. Our first batter hits and is safe on first, the second gets caught, the third hits and is safe on first, but the runner is out at second, the fourth hits a nice double, and the fifth strikes out...leaving a runner in scoring position.

West TO takes the field for the bottom of the first and Aaron is left on the bench. Brampton's first batter hits one in right field and is safe on first, the second hits in centrefield, and is safe on first and advances the runner to third. The next batter is up to bat when our catcher overthrows the ball the second, and the first run is scored! The third batter hits right in the infield, and our defense couldn't get the out or stop the another run from being scored! The fourth batter his a double in right field and 1 more run is scored. The next batter is caught in centrerfield, and the runner is thrown out at third, to end the inning.

Top of the second and our first batter strikes out, the second walks and quickly steals second and third. The third batter is caught in right field but our first run gets scored. The last batter in this inning hits but is thrown out at first.

It was 3 up 3 down for Brampton in the bottom of the second.

Top of the third and our first batter walks, the second is caught behind second, the third hits in centrefield and is safe on first, the fourth gets caught in left field and the fifth is caught by Brampton's second baseman.  Aaron is now warming up...just in case.

Another quick inning in the bottom of the third when Brampton's first batter strikes out, the second and third both hit and are safe on first, the fourth strikes out and the runner is thrown out at second.

Top of the fourth and our first batter hits a nice double, the second walks...and time is called to change their pitcher. Our third batter walks, and the bases are loaded, the fourth hits in left field and 1 run is scored, and the bases are still loaded! The fifth batter gets caught in centrefield and the runner is thrown out at home. The sixth batter walks and the bases are loaded again, and the final batter in this inning is out at first...leaving the bases loaded!

Another 3 up 3 down in the bottom of the fourth!

Top of the fifth and it was 3 up 3 down for us.

We are still using the same pitcher for the bottom of the fifth and Aaron is still in the dugout! Brampton's first batter hits in right field and our defense drops the catch! The second batter is caught in left field, the third hits in right field and 1 run is scored and the batter is tagged out at home...that was just short of a home run! The final batter in this inning gets caught in left field.

It was another 3 up 3 down for us in the top of the sixth...and we're still down by 2 runs!

Bottom of the sixth and Brampton's first batter is out at first, the second is caught in centrefield, the third hits and is safe, the fourth hits to short and our defense couldn't get any outs! The next batter gets caught in centrefield, and no runs for Brampton in this inning!

Top of the seventh, and final inning in this game. If we don't score at least 3 runs NOW, we are going home and not moving on to tomorrow! And the other bummer...Aaron is not going to show his face in this game after all! That's one of the disadvantage of being a pitcher at this level, and with this many players on a team! Our first batter hits and is safe on first, the second hits but is out at first, the third is out at first, the fourth hits and is safe on first...and 1 run is scored! Time is called and Brampton changes their pitcher again. The next batter hits and is caught...and the game is over.

So close...we lost by 1 run!!!

And that, my dear friends, was our entire Saturday...but I wouldn't have it any other way!!!

Fall Brawl Tournament Game 1

It's only the second day of Fall 2016 but you could already feel the difference in the weather. It was such a gloomy day today, with grey skies all day, and the weather channel was calling for a 40% chance of rain, so I thought the game would be cancelled for sure. Thankfully, the rain never came...at least not here in Toronto.

Tonight the boys finally get to play their first game as a team. Last week's game against Humber College got cancelled at the last minute, so this is officially their first Fall Ball game.

The team's first game for this weekend's tournament is at the Flower City Recreation Centre in Brampton, Ontario. Aaron played on this field twice before, both with Rexdale Renegades and with the Mississauga North Tigers. The game was scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. but the boys had to be there at 6:00 p.m. for warm up.

The Umpires arrived on time and the game got started right at 7:00 p.m, with West TO taking the field first. Aaron remained on the bench in the dugout as the boys headed out on the field. Leaside's first two batters both hit nice ones down centrefield, and this is a big field, and quickly scored 2 runs before the inning ended.

West TO got a few nice hits in the bottom of the first and even had a runner in scoring position but couldn't score any runs before the inning was over.

Top of the second and Aaron is still in the dugout as the boys head back out onto the field. Leaside gets another run very early in the inning. They have a couple runners on base when the next batter hits one down centerfield. Another run is scored and there are still runners on base, but the inning is over before any more damage could be done. We can now see Aaron warming up in the bullpen.

Bottom of the second and we got runners on base and was so close to getting our first run in the game, but the runner gets tagged out at third. I will never understand why they take these chances when we really need some runs.  Another batter manages to get on base and then finally the first run was safely scored. The bases are loaded and the next batter is hit with a pitch, and a run is walked in...and the bases are still loaded!  Another run is scored on a wild pitch. Another batter walks and the bases are loaded again. The next batter is out at first but another run is scored...to tie the game.  With 2 outs, the next batter walks and the bases are loaded once again. The next batter is hit with a pitch and another run is walked in...and the bases remain loaded! The next batter hits a nice one in left-field, bringing in 2 more runs. Another hit and the batter is safe...and time is called to change the pitcher...7 runs after!!!  Why they left their pitcher to struggle this long is beyond me, but it was a break we got early in the game. The new pitcher takes over and we scored 2 more runs before our final batter struck out. Holy smokes, that's 9 runs in this inning alone!!!

Top of the third and West TO head our to the field, with Aaron on the mound! The first batter hits, and should have been out at first but our short-stop throws too high and our first baseman has to jump off the base to get the ball...and the batter is safe!  The second batter is out at first.  he third walks. The fourth hits in left-field and but our defense drops the catch...and the 2 runners on base both score!!! The next 2 batter are both out at first.

On the Hill, for the Top of the Third...

Bottom of the third, with 2 already out, Aaron goes up and he hits...but is thrown out at first.

Top of the fourth and Aaron is back on the mound. The first batter hits and the ball bounces in the infield. Aaron gets the ball and waits on the baseline for the batter, and tags him out. Boy, did I ever regret turning off my camera...that was funny to watch! The next batter is out at second. The third is hit with a pitch and walks. The fourth hits and the throw from short is too high, AGAIN!  Seems like our catcher had a lapse in judgment when he overthrows the ball to second, and the runner on base scores!  The final batter in this inning hits and Aaron throws him out at first.

We got runners on base in the bottom of the fourth, but couldn't score any more runs.

Top of the fifth and another pitcher heads to the mound. Someone said the coach is giving each pitcher 2 innings in this game...so Aaron is done for the night. Leaside got a couple runners on base but no runs were scored.

Bottom of the fifth and we got a runner on base. The next batter hits one in centrefield and brings him home. Another hit and another run is scored. Andy just noticed that everyone is using Aaron's Baum bat...this is the bat that's guaranteed not to break! Time is called at 9:00 p.m. (2 hour game limit) but the coaches decides to finish the inning, even though we are winning. Another run is scored, and with 2 outs, the final batter strikes out.

Game over and the score is 12-7...for us...

Walking off the field with their first win...