I finally got to see the young Reds team in action tonight. They were going into the game 0-2 against an undefeated Phillies team which, according to my scouting reports, has already hit 2 homers out of the park this year.
Tonight, their first batter hit a 3rd.
Yep, it wasn't a pretty game. I can't even joke about the Bad News Bears because it's just plain sad. I think part of it is my disappointment in our dear son's efforts, or lack of them.
My husband occasionally quotes someone famous (who I didn't take the time to look up) who says: "In order to finish first, you must first finish." Good logic there. In Carter's case it is: "In order to hit the ball, you must first swing." I'm serious. He struck out looking during each of his at-bats tonight.
I don't understand it. He practiced hours yesterday and I thought his confidence was up. But then he gets in the game situation and he doesn't swing. I'm not smart enough to get it, I just knew to keep my mouth shut on the long drive home. I hope he snaps out of it because we've got a whole lotta ball yet to play this summer.
The unknown wise person's quote (who was thinking about racing when he said it) still holds true for a lot of things.
In order to have a clean house, I must first clean. (Ha.)
In order to write a book, I must first write. (Yup, gotta get going on that.)
In order to lose weight, I must first find it. (Hey, I did that!)
OK, that last one probably doesn't reflect the true spirit of wisdom, but it's worth noting that I have accomplished something.
Now if I could just get someone to take a swing, we'll be in business. Lord, give me wisdom to understand it... or strength to keep my mouth shut...
Showing posts with label Bad News Bears. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bad News Bears. Show all posts
Monday, May 17, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Swinging into Spring
You know Spring is here and the end of school is near when it's Portfolio Night. In the old days, back when we were kids, they were just called Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences. Now they jazz it up with a new name so parents can't wait to go!
It actually is pretty nice. Each student basically gives their parents a tour of their "portfolio" -- samples of their school work to date. We also saw his recent science project and participated in some brain-buster activities. You know those "obvious" puzzles that are only obvious once you hear the answer. Parents were allowed to help their children but even I was stumped on one of them. (Trust me, I will lose sleep on that one but I am determined to figure it out myself!)
On a side note, this is our last grade-school teacher conference. I just can't believe it. The end is near...
After the Portfolio Extravaganza (now that sounds even more exciting yet!), we stopped home for a quick bite to eat and some homework, then headed to the first baseball practice of the year.
There is no way we are going to call this team the Bad News Bears. Remember how every year they are aligned with some MLB team? Carter's been the Tigers twice and I think the Phillies. This year, though, Coach Buttermaker, er Austin, a lifelong Cincy fan, gets his dream team. He's got the Reds! That's a sure sign this is going to be a great year, right? I hope so.
He will be aided by his trusty assistant Coach Buttermaker II, aka Mike, and lovely wife Christine (the other half of the esteemed Coaches' Wives Club). Carter now has moved up to the next age bracket. I recognized a few of the kids on the team.
In all fairness, it is unfair to judge the potential of a team by the first practice. If they are like Carter, they haven't swung a bat since last summer or played much catch. He was definitely rusty. Even Coach had to work out some rust, throwing pitches. I think both of them will be feeling it a bit tomorrow.
Eventually, we'll get into the swing of our spring schedule, too!
It actually is pretty nice. Each student basically gives their parents a tour of their "portfolio" -- samples of their school work to date. We also saw his recent science project and participated in some brain-buster activities. You know those "obvious" puzzles that are only obvious once you hear the answer. Parents were allowed to help their children but even I was stumped on one of them. (Trust me, I will lose sleep on that one but I am determined to figure it out myself!)
On a side note, this is our last grade-school teacher conference. I just can't believe it. The end is near...
After the Portfolio Extravaganza (now that sounds even more exciting yet!), we stopped home for a quick bite to eat and some homework, then headed to the first baseball practice of the year.
There is no way we are going to call this team the Bad News Bears. Remember how every year they are aligned with some MLB team? Carter's been the Tigers twice and I think the Phillies. This year, though, Coach Buttermaker, er Austin, a lifelong Cincy fan, gets his dream team. He's got the Reds! That's a sure sign this is going to be a great year, right? I hope so.
He will be aided by his trusty assistant Coach Buttermaker II, aka Mike, and lovely wife Christine (the other half of the esteemed Coaches' Wives Club). Carter now has moved up to the next age bracket. I recognized a few of the kids on the team.
In all fairness, it is unfair to judge the potential of a team by the first practice. If they are like Carter, they haven't swung a bat since last summer or played much catch. He was definitely rusty. Even Coach had to work out some rust, throwing pitches. I think both of them will be feeling it a bit tomorrow.
Eventually, we'll get into the swing of our spring schedule, too!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
It's a Wrap
What would the baseball season be without a final appearance by the Bad News Bears?
OK, so they got smoked their last game. The Tigers still won three times as many games as last year -- with a 6-4 record -- and, more importantly, had fun doing it.
It was a good season. They were good kids, a nice group of parents, a dynamic coaching duo and sexy scorekeepers (c'mon, I gotta give us some props here).
Casey is wrapping up his graduation "season" tonight, too. We just got done with his cards and now he's working on the thank-you notes. I got the labels and stamps on the envelopes (with Carter's assistance) -- not because I'm organized but because I know he'll outlast me. I said, "Dad will stay up and help you finish!"
It's way past my bedtime and, other than the fact it's super muggy out, I should have a clear head for non-thinking sleeping. No more graduation Lists. No more dirt stains on uniforms and late games.
I'll miss the popcorn.
I guess I could always watch the neighbor girl play softball. Her season just started...
OK, so they got smoked their last game. The Tigers still won three times as many games as last year -- with a 6-4 record -- and, more importantly, had fun doing it.
It was a good season. They were good kids, a nice group of parents, a dynamic coaching duo and sexy scorekeepers (c'mon, I gotta give us some props here).
Casey is wrapping up his graduation "season" tonight, too. We just got done with his cards and now he's working on the thank-you notes. I got the labels and stamps on the envelopes (with Carter's assistance) -- not because I'm organized but because I know he'll outlast me. I said, "Dad will stay up and help you finish!"
It's way past my bedtime and, other than the fact it's super muggy out, I should have a clear head for non-thinking sleeping. No more graduation Lists. No more dirt stains on uniforms and late games.
I'll miss the popcorn.
I guess I could always watch the neighbor girl play softball. Her season just started...
Friday, June 5, 2009
Round One
The weekend baseball tournament got under way tonight. Strange how the level of excitement, nerves and pressure can change from the "regular" season games. And I'm not just talking about the kids!
We started our game off on the right foot. Got some hits, including an inside the park "home run" -- one of those singles or doubles riddled with enough errors to get the kids around the bases. Carter had one of those two years ago and it was awesome to watch. Tonight was Nate's turn. And it was pretty darn exciting, too. The team was on a high.
Then, unfortunately, the Bad News Bears showed up for an inning (this scorekeeper couldn't write enough E's in the book) and our opponents scored 7 runs. Then a few more the next inning. Before we know it, we are down 9-3 and everyone is stressed and cranky (the kids, too!).
With some refocusing, thanks to our capable coaches I'm sure, the Tigers made a comeback. Going into the last inning, we were tied 10-10. Simply amazing! All we had to do was hold 'em.
But we didn't. They scored. And we didn't. Game over. 11-10.
So we get up at sunrise and do it all over again. Our first game is 8:30 a.m. If we lose, we're out. If we win, our record will be compared to the others in our pool. And we still may or may not go onto another game.
We had a meeting of the minds at our house afterwards -- with thought-inducing beverages for some. I think the coaches want to start off strong out of the gate again, but be sure defensively we can keep control of the game. Logical, yet not so easy sometimes.
It's supposed to be only a high of 54 tomorrow so I expect it will be hovering in the mid-40s at first bat in the morning. If we're all dragging our butts out of our toasty beds, we better stinkin' win! Or at least give it a honest effort.
I know there's that saying about winning and losing not counting, just how you play the game, blah, blah, blah. That doesn't apply to tournaments, baby! Winning matters.
Losers have to go home and help their moms clean house ... or make mints.
C'mon, Tigers!
We started our game off on the right foot. Got some hits, including an inside the park "home run" -- one of those singles or doubles riddled with enough errors to get the kids around the bases. Carter had one of those two years ago and it was awesome to watch. Tonight was Nate's turn. And it was pretty darn exciting, too. The team was on a high.
Then, unfortunately, the Bad News Bears showed up for an inning (this scorekeeper couldn't write enough E's in the book) and our opponents scored 7 runs. Then a few more the next inning. Before we know it, we are down 9-3 and everyone is stressed and cranky (the kids, too!).
With some refocusing, thanks to our capable coaches I'm sure, the Tigers made a comeback. Going into the last inning, we were tied 10-10. Simply amazing! All we had to do was hold 'em.
But we didn't. They scored. And we didn't. Game over. 11-10.
So we get up at sunrise and do it all over again. Our first game is 8:30 a.m. If we lose, we're out. If we win, our record will be compared to the others in our pool. And we still may or may not go onto another game.
We had a meeting of the minds at our house afterwards -- with thought-inducing beverages for some. I think the coaches want to start off strong out of the gate again, but be sure defensively we can keep control of the game. Logical, yet not so easy sometimes.
It's supposed to be only a high of 54 tomorrow so I expect it will be hovering in the mid-40s at first bat in the morning. If we're all dragging our butts out of our toasty beds, we better stinkin' win! Or at least give it a honest effort.
I know there's that saying about winning and losing not counting, just how you play the game, blah, blah, blah. That doesn't apply to tournaments, baby! Winning matters.
Losers have to go home and help their moms clean house ... or make mints.
C'mon, Tigers!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Da Bears
I'm dismayed to report the Bad News Bears have returned. And it wasn't pretty.
Tonight it was the Coaches' Wives Club's turn in the concession stand. We didn't mind one bit. One, it was a cool evening so we were out of the elements. Two, there was only one game going on so business was slow and we could watch our boys. And three, when it turned ugly, there was plenty of distance between us and Coaches Buttermaker 1 & 2.
We were reminded at times of a sports bloopers reel. Just some unfortunate fielding situations. We also walked their team around some bases, too. All in all, with a 9-3 loss, we sort of beat ourselves.
At least the rain held off until we were on our way home. When we think it can't get worse, we are reminded a sound beating would have been so much more "painful" in the rain. Then we're mad, pouty and wet!
The great thing about baseball is we can shake it off like a wet dog (or those poor Brewers who got whipped by my Twins) and try again Thursday. This time the CWC will be on the sidelines again offering our two cents.
I'm sure that will make all the difference ;)
Tonight it was the Coaches' Wives Club's turn in the concession stand. We didn't mind one bit. One, it was a cool evening so we were out of the elements. Two, there was only one game going on so business was slow and we could watch our boys. And three, when it turned ugly, there was plenty of distance between us and Coaches Buttermaker 1 & 2.
We were reminded at times of a sports bloopers reel. Just some unfortunate fielding situations. We also walked their team around some bases, too. All in all, with a 9-3 loss, we sort of beat ourselves.
At least the rain held off until we were on our way home. When we think it can't get worse, we are reminded a sound beating would have been so much more "painful" in the rain. Then we're mad, pouty and wet!
The great thing about baseball is we can shake it off like a wet dog (or those poor Brewers who got whipped by my Twins) and try again Thursday. This time the CWC will be on the sidelines again offering our two cents.
I'm sure that will make all the difference ;)
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Good News Bears
The team formerly known as the Bad News Bears are doing pretty good these days. Last night they won their second game so their record is off to a positive 2-1 beginning. A much better start than last season!
Carter's field trip bus got in late (after 5:30) so we were a bit late for the game. Thank goodness we have such a nice, understanding coach (and handsome, too)! Here are some highlights:
Carter steals second and shows some painful-looking sliding technique. You can tell it's early in the season. At least he was safe.
Coach Jimmy Buttermaker (oh wait, no more Bad News Bears references) and son watch the action from third base.
Carter had one hit tonight, one walk and one strikeout. This year they got to choose their numbers so he chose #24 because his left-handed batting hero Ken Griffey Jr. wears that!
Speaking of his hero... When we got home there was a belated birthday present waiting for him from his Auntie Lene. You can tell by his face that he was excited the moment he recognized what it was! (Now Lene's a hero, too!)
Carter shows off his new #24 jersey. This one will not be worn when he's even thinking of sliding into second. Actually I'm pretty sure he shouldn't come within 10 feet of dirt or food, for that matter. But it's way cool. And he can't stop smiling about it.
Carter's field trip bus got in late (after 5:30) so we were a bit late for the game. Thank goodness we have such a nice, understanding coach (and handsome, too)! Here are some highlights:
Carter steals second and shows some painful-looking sliding technique. You can tell it's early in the season. At least he was safe.
Coach Jimmy Buttermaker (oh wait, no more Bad News Bears references) and son watch the action from third base.
Carter had one hit tonight, one walk and one strikeout. This year they got to choose their numbers so he chose #24 because his left-handed batting hero Ken Griffey Jr. wears that!
Speaking of his hero... When we got home there was a belated birthday present waiting for him from his Auntie Lene. You can tell by his face that he was excited the moment he recognized what it was! (Now Lene's a hero, too!)
Carter shows off his new #24 jersey. This one will not be worn when he's even thinking of sliding into second. Actually I'm pretty sure he shouldn't come within 10 feet of dirt or food, for that matter. But it's way cool. And he can't stop smiling about it. Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Fresh Starts
Today was a day of fresh starts for us.
Let's begin with the important one. We went into work early so I could leave awhile this morning to bond with my hair artist, Rachel. OK, not the most important. I guess I meant, let's go chronologically...
I was in desperate need to see her. Hadn't been there in 2+ months and was looking it (and feeling it). I told her to "summer-ize" me with a new 'do. So I'm lightened up a bit and feeling like the last of the winter blahs have been rinsed away.
Now for the really important one. Tonight was the first baseball game of the season. Coach Jim Buttermaker and his assistant Coach Mike Buttermaker were hoping to turn last year's Bad News Bears season around. And, thanks to new talent (and hubby's new pair of coaching shorts), they did.
The Tigers (as they are called this year, wearing the Detroit logo), beat the Nationals 15-6. Carter had one strikeout and two walks. Nothing special but nothing bad, either. We'll take it.
In a post-game news conference, Coaches Buttermaker were hesitant to sound too confident about the season. But this observant reporter caught them smiling with that look of satisfaction in their eyes. Not cockiness. Just satisfaction with an understated glimmer of hope.
Bet Coach Jim wears those new stylish gray shorts again. Seriously, they're not weird, fancy or unusual. But there's nothing that says we can't have a new ritual for this fresh new season. We'll go with what works for the Win column, right? Even if it means I keep the score book again. (Hey I didn't cheat. I swear!)
Let's go Tigers!
Let's begin with the important one. We went into work early so I could leave awhile this morning to bond with my hair artist, Rachel. OK, not the most important. I guess I meant, let's go chronologically...
I was in desperate need to see her. Hadn't been there in 2+ months and was looking it (and feeling it). I told her to "summer-ize" me with a new 'do. So I'm lightened up a bit and feeling like the last of the winter blahs have been rinsed away.
Now for the really important one. Tonight was the first baseball game of the season. Coach Jim Buttermaker and his assistant Coach Mike Buttermaker were hoping to turn last year's Bad News Bears season around. And, thanks to new talent (and hubby's new pair of coaching shorts), they did.
The Tigers (as they are called this year, wearing the Detroit logo), beat the Nationals 15-6. Carter had one strikeout and two walks. Nothing special but nothing bad, either. We'll take it.
In a post-game news conference, Coaches Buttermaker were hesitant to sound too confident about the season. But this observant reporter caught them smiling with that look of satisfaction in their eyes. Not cockiness. Just satisfaction with an understated glimmer of hope.
Bet Coach Jim wears those new stylish gray shorts again. Seriously, they're not weird, fancy or unusual. But there's nothing that says we can't have a new ritual for this fresh new season. We'll go with what works for the Win column, right? Even if it means I keep the score book again. (Hey I didn't cheat. I swear!)
Let's go Tigers!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Democratic Process
Democracy: The practice or principles of social equality.
Today is one of those days we'll see the democratic process in action. After work, we'll head to the polls to elect (among other offices) our new township chairman and a new county judge (hopefully a friend of ours). As the one definition of democracy points out, there is "social equality." Every vote counts.
We'll also be witnessing democracy on a different level this evening during baseball tryouts. Every kid has a chance to make a team. And frankly, in the true spirit of democracy and social equality, every kid will make a team. Carter doesn't even have to try out. Since Daddy will be coaching again, he's automatically on his team. I guess it's like running for office unopposed.
Jim's coaching partner, Mike, is in Vegas for national bowling this week, so the onus is on Coach Buttermaker to draft a non-Bad News Bears team this year. Their strategy: Pick kids who can pitch! That may make all the difference in the world.
Carter is technically the oldest kid in the 9-10 year olds divisions because the cutoff date is your age on April 30 (and Carter turns 11 on May 1). So we expect big things. Last night Coach Daddy asked him if he thinks his new glasses will help in baseball this summer. "Definitely!" Carter says.
That's good to hear. Just like our votes, he better make every "at bat" count!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Maybe next year...
The Bad News Bears finished up their season last night in a tough tournament loss. It was close for awhile, but then again, all games start out tied, don't they?
Carter has been begging all year to pitch. He did early on in the season, but since then, Coach has kept the better pitchers in. I won't say the "best" pitchers in because we didn't really have anyone of that caliber on the team.
Last night, in a weak moment (and I appreciate that, Daddy), Coach said Carter could pitch. But he did indicate that as soon as Carter walked two runners, then he
was done. Carter did end up walking two, but in between them, he struck someone out, so he was OK with that brief performance.
On offense, Carter finally had two rips. He was beat to the plate on one but did make it on (and eventually around the bases) with the second one. In both cases, he had an RBI, but that wasn't quite enough. They ended up losing 13-6.
Maybe next year, Bears. I know if -- and that's huge if -- Jimmy Buttermaker decides to coach again, he'll be drafting pitchers!
Carter has been begging all year to pitch. He did early on in the season, but since then, Coach has kept the better pitchers in. I won't say the "best" pitchers in because we didn't really have anyone of that caliber on the team.
Last night, in a weak moment (and I appreciate that, Daddy), Coach said Carter could pitch. But he did indicate that as soon as Carter walked two runners, then he
was done. Carter did end up walking two, but in between them, he struck someone out, so he was OK with that brief performance.On offense, Carter finally had two rips. He was beat to the plate on one but did make it on (and eventually around the bases) with the second one. In both cases, he had an RBI, but that wasn't quite enough. They ended up losing 13-6.
Maybe next year, Bears. I know if -- and that's huge if -- Jimmy Buttermaker decides to coach again, he'll be drafting pitchers!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Star light, Star bright...
They say when the stars are aligned just right, good things will come to you that day. Today was not one of those days. In fact, if I got my telescope out, I'd venture to say I'd see them scattered about like a game of pool or bocce ball.
I learned it is possible for everyone in a household to have a bad day -- or at least a challenging one -- in their own separate worlds.
Mommy had a fitful night's sleep so woke up feeling cruddy, had a bad weekly weigh-in and suffered through technical difficulties most of day, exclaiming, "I hate computers" at least a half-dozen times.
Daddy also didn't sleep well, but his computer worked today. Unfortunately, the mighty Windstar's window broke on the way home (we were taking the van in for "service engine soon" problems tomorrow anyway). Then he had to coach the Bad News Bears in a 10-1 tournament loss. And it looks like his Cincinnati Reds are losing by a similar margin as we speak.
I bet you can guess why Carter's day was bad. Coach Daddy Buttermaker had even tried to bribe him. "If you get just one hit, I'll take you out for ribs Wednesday night." Carter did get on base with a walk and hit (as in he was hit by a pitch), but no official hit. I think he was more upset about the ribs thing than the loss. But as a consolation, he may get an ice cream treat at Shivers tomorrow night.
That's not quite everyone. We can't forget about Sylvester. Yes, our feline princess puked on our white carpet in the bedroom tonight.
So I'm going to log off now, hope Blogger doesn't bomb on me and lose my blog in cyberspace like last night... and go find that telescope...
I learned it is possible for everyone in a household to have a bad day -- or at least a challenging one -- in their own separate worlds.
Mommy had a fitful night's sleep so woke up feeling cruddy, had a bad weekly weigh-in and suffered through technical difficulties most of day, exclaiming, "I hate computers" at least a half-dozen times.
Daddy also didn't sleep well, but his computer worked today. Unfortunately, the mighty Windstar's window broke on the way home (we were taking the van in for "service engine soon" problems tomorrow anyway). Then he had to coach the Bad News Bears in a 10-1 tournament loss. And it looks like his Cincinnati Reds are losing by a similar margin as we speak.
I bet you can guess why Carter's day was bad. Coach Daddy Buttermaker had even tried to bribe him. "If you get just one hit, I'll take you out for ribs Wednesday night." Carter did get on base with a walk and hit (as in he was hit by a pitch), but no official hit. I think he was more upset about the ribs thing than the loss. But as a consolation, he may get an ice cream treat at Shivers tomorrow night.
That's not quite everyone. We can't forget about Sylvester. Yes, our feline princess puked on our white carpet in the bedroom tonight.
So I'm going to log off now, hope Blogger doesn't bomb on me and lose my blog in cyberspace like last night... and go find that telescope...
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
A Better Buttermaker
After tonight's stinging one-run loss to the Diamondbacks, I found myself Googling "Bad News Bears" again for more unfortunate comparisons. With a record of 2-6, we still actually have a chance to finish at .500. A chance.
Until then, as the Wikipedia entry for Bad News Bears mentions, we (the Orioles) are still the cellar-dwelling team. And though our own Coach Buttermaker likes his occasional Budweiser, he sticks to Diet Dew during the games... though he probably wouldn't mind some Ibuprofen mixed in.
Tonight in pictures:
"Coach told me to swing... I am ready to swing... I want to swing... Uh-oh. Another walk. Coach ain't gonna be happy."
Running to third... Sliding... Safe!
Coach Jimmy Buttermaker addresses the team.
"Yes, Coach, we're listening." ... "Yes, we'll try harder next game!" ... "I wonder who brought snacks tonight?"
Until then, as the Wikipedia entry for Bad News Bears mentions, we (the Orioles) are still the cellar-dwelling team. And though our own Coach Buttermaker likes his occasional Budweiser, he sticks to Diet Dew during the games... though he probably wouldn't mind some Ibuprofen mixed in.
Tonight in pictures:
"Coach told me to swing... I am ready to swing... I want to swing... Uh-oh. Another walk. Coach ain't gonna be happy."
Running to third... Sliding... Safe!
Coach Jimmy Buttermaker addresses the team.
"Yes, Coach, we're listening." ... "Yes, we'll try harder next game!" ... "I wonder who brought snacks tonight?"
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Rain, rain, go away...
Unfortunately, the Bad News Bears were back in action tonight. I'd blame the rain or the fact that it was a late game -- right around bedtime for some of these kids -- but both teams had to deal with those conditions.
Watching the Orioles out in the field, standing in the light, steady rain, it brought to mind a Peanuts cartoon. I could just see Charlie Brown standing in the pouring rain, mitt in hand, ready to play.
Unfortunately, our guys weren't ready to play -- and didn't seem like they wanted to. But who am I to judge? That's just my observation from the stands.
Of course, at one point I'm yelling at Carter to step closer to the base when he's batting. I turn to the people next to me and say, "I don't care if I'm the yelling mom. If he doesn't listen to the coach, he better listen to me. Unfortunately, he has to live with both of us!"
Ahh, sports. Gotta love 'em!
Watching the Orioles out in the field, standing in the light, steady rain, it brought to mind a Peanuts cartoon. I could just see Charlie Brown standing in the pouring rain, mitt in hand, ready to play.
Unfortunately, our guys weren't ready to play -- and didn't seem like they wanted to. But who am I to judge? That's just my observation from the stands.
Of course, at one point I'm yelling at Carter to step closer to the base when he's batting. I turn to the people next to me and say, "I don't care if I'm the yelling mom. If he doesn't listen to the coach, he better listen to me. Unfortunately, he has to live with both of us!"
Ahh, sports. Gotta love 'em!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Puttin' on the Hits
For breakfast this morning I found myself eating my words. But this time I didn't mind choking them down.
Two nights after I labeled Carter's team the "Bad News Bears," they were out to prove me wrong. And they did! I'm sure it had much more to do with Coach Austin's stern post-game "critique" Tuesday night and the fact he had them show up an hour early last night to get in some batting practice. But either way, they turned themselves around to chalk up their first W of the season.
For once, the Orioles were the team taking the lead in the first inning. It started out with walks -- they were getting walked around the bases and scoring that way. Then the first person got his hit. Then another kid. Before you know it, our team looked like a hitting machine.
Don’t know how many hits we had -- but it was more than any other game this year. Carter and several others got their first good whack, that's for sure. The team was so positive, so enthusiastic. It was contagious!
We ended up winning 9-2. Whoo-hoo! I'm sure it took hours for the adrenaline rush to die down. I know Carter still wasn't asleep at 10!
I got the inside scoop on the victory from the coach (since I'm sleeping with him, you know). The big key, according to coach, was "We threw strikes and didn’t give up a lot of walks. Then kids in the field pay attention better and have a better chance at catching the ball."
I'm not convinced the A.D.D. in the dugout is gone, though. At one point I walked by and heard a kid say, "My dog peed in my mouth once," and I kept right on walking.
Two nights after I labeled Carter's team the "Bad News Bears," they were out to prove me wrong. And they did! I'm sure it had much more to do with Coach Austin's stern post-game "critique" Tuesday night and the fact he had them show up an hour early last night to get in some batting practice. But either way, they turned themselves around to chalk up their first W of the season.
For once, the Orioles were the team taking the lead in the first inning. It started out with walks -- they were getting walked around the bases and scoring that way. Then the first person got his hit. Then another kid. Before you know it, our team looked like a hitting machine.
Don’t know how many hits we had -- but it was more than any other game this year. Carter and several others got their first good whack, that's for sure. The team was so positive, so enthusiastic. It was contagious!
We ended up winning 9-2. Whoo-hoo! I'm sure it took hours for the adrenaline rush to die down. I know Carter still wasn't asleep at 10!
I got the inside scoop on the victory from the coach (since I'm sleeping with him, you know). The big key, according to coach, was "We threw strikes and didn’t give up a lot of walks. Then kids in the field pay attention better and have a better chance at catching the ball."
I'm not convinced the A.D.D. in the dugout is gone, though. At one point I walked by and heard a kid say, "My dog peed in my mouth once," and I kept right on walking.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
A.D.D. in the Dugout
Although we're not ready to lay a permanent label of "Bad News Bears" on Carter's baseball team after just three games, we're tempted.
If you can recall the bumbling baseball team from the 1970s movie, you can visualize why Coach Austin's patience is being tested to its limits. He's got a green team that doesn't have a firm grasp of the fundamentals. And I think I know why. They're not paying attention.
I got a unique perspective of what goes through the minds of 9- and 10-year-olds last night when I found myself sitting directly behind the bench. The dugouts are under construction so they didn't have their usual privacy. That didn't matter to them. They talked like there was no one behind them. They talked like there wasn't a baseball game in front of them, either. It was like Attention Deficit Disorder at its finest.
Here are a few snippets of conversation (I just numbered the kids in each conversation to protect their anonymity. Though I'm not sure they deserve it.):
Kid 1: Buddy, is that your real name?
Kid 2: No, it's Christopher.
Kid 1: Then why do they call you Buddy?
Kid 2: I don't know.
Kid 3 joins in: I never knew my name so I took my stepdad's last name.
Kid 2: You never knew your father?
----------------------
Kid 1: Does anyone want sunflower seeds?
Kid 2: I thought you didn't like sunflower seeds.
Kid 1: No, I just wasn't sure if I was allergic. If they were some sort of nut.
Kid 3: You're allergic to nuts?!
----------------------
Kid 1: Are you eating Skittles off the ground?!
Kid 2: No, I'm just checking to see if they're dirty.
----------------------
Kid 1: Wouldn't that be cool to get a grand slam?
Kid 2: I'm just gonna let the pitch hit me.
... Sigh... and there you have the first episode of the Bad News Bears....
If you can recall the bumbling baseball team from the 1970s movie, you can visualize why Coach Austin's patience is being tested to its limits. He's got a green team that doesn't have a firm grasp of the fundamentals. And I think I know why. They're not paying attention.
I got a unique perspective of what goes through the minds of 9- and 10-year-olds last night when I found myself sitting directly behind the bench. The dugouts are under construction so they didn't have their usual privacy. That didn't matter to them. They talked like there was no one behind them. They talked like there wasn't a baseball game in front of them, either. It was like Attention Deficit Disorder at its finest.
Here are a few snippets of conversation (I just numbered the kids in each conversation to protect their anonymity. Though I'm not sure they deserve it.):
Kid 1: Buddy, is that your real name?
Kid 2: No, it's Christopher.
Kid 1: Then why do they call you Buddy?
Kid 2: I don't know.
Kid 3 joins in: I never knew my name so I took my stepdad's last name.
Kid 2: You never knew your father?
----------------------
Kid 1: Does anyone want sunflower seeds?
Kid 2: I thought you didn't like sunflower seeds.
Kid 1: No, I just wasn't sure if I was allergic. If they were some sort of nut.
Kid 3: You're allergic to nuts?!
----------------------
Kid 1: Are you eating Skittles off the ground?!
Kid 2: No, I'm just checking to see if they're dirty.
----------------------
Kid 1: Wouldn't that be cool to get a grand slam?
Kid 2: I'm just gonna let the pitch hit me.
... Sigh... and there you have the first episode of the Bad News Bears....
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