Pitching In

We had our first of only a handful of JV games that we were able to squeeze on the schedule between all those makeup varsity games. This was great for the 7 freshman who usually stay in the dugout during those regular games. They finally got some playing time!

So we left work at 3-ish to get over to Stratford for the 4:30 game. We were en route when we got our first surprise of the day. We were listening to the radio and sadly learned of the death of Dick Trickle, known in these parts as the "winningest stock car driver in America." He was quite a character and hubby has many memories of him from his sports-writing days. Our racing nephew Colin was blessed to learn from the best, too, as Mr. Trickle served as a close mentor the past few years.

It was just a shocking piece of news. As far as NASCAR goes, he put Wisconsin Rapids on the map! A lot of people are pretty sad tonight.

We really didn't get time to process it because we heard it and then were at the game and I had things to do. Another mom and I are trying to get pictures of all the guys playing to put on a DVD or something at the end of the season. Well she has a rock-star camera so she has taken most of them. Today, however, she couldn't make it so I was in charge.

I made sure I had my "big camera" with and new batteries. But I never thought I'd need to check the memory card. So I got about 20 shots off and my card was full. I then had to revert to my "purse camera" which takes a decent picture on a sunny day but really has no zoom. I did try one picture with my smart phone but it really lacks quality. (I'm gonna say that instead of operator error.)

It wouldn't have been a big deal except for two things: I knew neither she nor I would be around this weekend to shoot JV. And, surprise of surprises, Carter pitched tonight! What a night not to have my good camera! Oh well. I made do with what I had and between the two cameras, got some decent pictures.

He ended up throwing for 2 innings and they rotated in some other "new" pitchers, too. He only gave up 1 run, threw quite a few strikes, but walked some, too, and we still had a lead when he was done. So that was good. In the other innings he played 3rd base. He also had a hit maybe more but I wasn't paying 100 percent attention when I was shooting. Ha.

In the end, we sort of fell apart as a team and got a bit sloppy with throws. So we ended up losing 9-7. Bummer. At least he got some experience! I will leave the camera WITH a spacious memory card for Jim to take pictures this weekend.

Here are way too many photos for you -- and since it is way past my bedtime (the trend these days), I will just post them without any captions. You can figure out what's going on. It's baseball!!