Well, not the outcome I wanted, but there was no quit in the guys. Did you realize the 5 runs we scored in the 5th inning were all with 2 outs? We got two quick outs, then single, single, single, walk, double. And then those last 2 guys came in on that one wild pitch.
Mickey had some trouble to start the game, pitching wise. But Jerald did a good job in middle relief, and Andy had a nice long stint to keep us in the game. Our defense was a little shaky at times, but Jerald had a couple nice plays at first, and Taylor and Mason had some good throws over from 3rd. Mickey also did his job after pitching, and caught two balls out in right field immediately after coming out. My experience is that Mickey does not have the greatest wheels, but if he can get to it, he is gonna catch it.
On the batting side, we had some feast, and some famine. We sent 28 batters to the plate, we put 18 in play, struck out 8 times and were walked/hit twice. The biggie was Jerald's home run. Always nice to see that.
Ames brought 36 batters to the plate, they put 26 balls in play, struckout 7 times, walked twice (great job by our pitchers in that department), and reached once on a catcher's interference. I wasn't sold on that, but they had runners on 2nd and 3rd, so I was ok with loading them up to get a force anywhere, so I wasn't going to argue/discuss that call with Austin.
I think the real difference was the tremendous outfield play by Ames, they hit their cutoff men, and had quality throws. We have struggled all tournament in that department. I talked to their coach today, and he said they had practiced it a lot, and they executed as well Wednesday night as they had all tournament, so that stinks for us.
He also said they enjoyed the atmosphere, and playing under the lights. I agree, it was a good time, despite taking the L.
If you are a stats hound like me, let me know if you would like your son's batting stats. I can get them to you.
Still pondering the date for a post season party. I went to umpire tonite, so that killed some time I was going to make some calls to arrange that. So stay tuned, and check back here, I will make some overall comments, maybe this weekend when I have some more time.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
last post.....
I don't see it as possible to have year end get together where we can get everybody there. And with a 10 player team, even missing a couple makes a big difference. So I will just make my closing speech/comments in blog form.
I'm gonna go back to the draft first. I downplayed it in my house, around Vicki and Jerald, but I was pumped about the draft we had. Here is what I expected, a 10-4 finish, in 2nd place behind the Braves. I didn't want to publicly predict 10-4, because that is pretty lofty, but I thought we had it in us. And we did better. (and I thought the Braves would mow everybody down with their two ace pitchers)
The reason I liked our draft, is because we got, what I thought, were 5 of the top 9 available kids in the draft. Of course coaches all have different opinions. But when it is draft time, coaches from all teams get together and rank the kids. And for what I thought were the top 9 available in the Roland-Story draft, we ended up with 5. That meant the other 4, were split between the other 4 R-S teams. I was shocked. Apparently the other coaches had different ideas. Doesn't mean I am right, but it worked for me. And as an aside, I don't rank kids just on baseball ability, it is also on personality, and how good looking their mom is.
As usual it was cold in the spring, and we didn't get as much practice as we coaches wanted, but the guys seemed to step up pretty well. We started off with a rough stretch of 3 games in 4 days, and managed to come out of that with a 2-1 record.
Beating the Braves 2-0 was probably my favorite regular season game of the year. Love those pitchers duels. Even tho we won, our win over the Pirates was my least favorite. We walked our way to an 11 run win. Not many exciting hits, and it wasn't a competitive game.
In the post season, I really liked our tie breaker win over the Braves. It was really exciting to see Mickey come on at the end of the year, and dominate out on the mound. Of course, the last game against the Royals was pretty special too. Cody showed you don't have to throw hard. You just need to throw strikes, and have good defense.
And to that, I obviously don't know everyone's stats, but we only walked the opponents 51 times all year in our 18 games. I'm sure nobody can touch that. As a comparison, we got walked or beaned 122 times. So our pitchers prevented 71 extra base runners that the opponents gave us.
And about 10 of our walks came in our sub 55 degree days or rain, which makes it really hard to throw strikes. Our pitchers did a great job. Seven guys took the hill for us, ranging from CJs 97 pitches to Jerald's 554. CJ's totals were also helped by his 4 pitch inning against the Twins. That was awesome.
With those walks, and some hits, we got on base a lot. The lowest on base percentage on the team was .396. That is pretty good. My favorite hit was Jerald's bomb at the Carousel. But it was nice to see everybody get their cracks in. Mickey really hit some hard shots, and Cody had the shortest ones, as he did a good job with bunting this year. Grant's slap hit, after the fake bunt, against the Cardinals to get us the win was another one of my favorites.
You got my favorite wins, here are a few more of my favorites
Best walk off win--Jerald's HR in Roland against the Royals, big comeback in the 7th inning
Weird win--we 10 runned the Twins, but they only struck out once. Grant and CJ pitched, they hit the ball, we fielded it. Perfect.
Best play--championship game---Dylan to Grant to Jerald to get the guy who had just hit a base hit, and got him sleeping at 1st
Key catches--Cody in LF against the Braves, and Will with 2 catches in CF against the Yankees in the semis (while the game was still in doubt)
I'd also like to give a little thought on each of the players, so here ya go
Will was the most improved player from day 1 to day last. He really worked on stopping this dipping, and he then started to hit the ball. He went 3 for 3 against the Yankees, and I really think he has the sweetest stroke on the team, when he does it right. He is also one of the best on the team for catching a ball coming at him, and that is why he did a good job at 1b and CF.
Spencer got drafted by us because he could catch, and he did a great job at that. When you don't give up passed ball, and you can keep runners from stealing, it is a great advantage for your pitchers. He also had a great attitude, and was free swinging at the bat, finishing 2nd on the team in number of base hits, and also had the 2nd fewest walks.
Cody also was drafted because he could catch. Turns out he could pitch too, retiring the last 12 batters he faced in the championship game. His good attitude and versatility earned him a spot on the all star team. It was neat to see him grinning the entire last inning of that championship game--he knew he had it in the bag.
Matt was my mystery man this year. First time in the NSCLL at age 12. He was a little raw on baseball knowledge, but certainly had the physical ability. Not quite all star material this year, but if he sticks with it, I think his ability will really help him in the future. I'm not sure if he had more hits or words this year, it was about the same-around 10. I was really happy with how he was able to give us some innings on the mound.
Jerald breathes baseball, and it shows. I really like his focus and the desire to do the right thing on the field. He was often our coach on the field. He had a good year with the bat, and really carried us through the early and middle parts of the season with his pitching.
Dylan was another mystery man to me. I didn't know him, but he was drafted on the recommendation of Kent and Paul. Hands down, he did the best job on the team of backing up the throws from the catcher to the pitcher. That is one of the little things that 99% of the time does nothing for you. But that 1% can be a game saver. It showed he had his head in the game, and that is important to me. He didn't always have the best time at the plate, but he had no quit, and was up there taking his hacks. I like that too.
CJ quietly went about his business and did a very good job with his batting. He did his part by having a high on base percentage, allowing the sluggers behind him to knock him in. CJ is not flashy, but was solid with his defense, and always was solid with his teammates. He was always one of the first to provide support, if somebody had a bad at bat or play. In that regard, he was the rock of the team.
Zach is always Mr. Keepin' It Real. My favorite Zach story is before our 2nd Royals game. I was in our pregame meeting, trying to get everybody a little ramped up for baseball to go get those guys. I made some brilliant baseball point, and Zach says, "Wow, that is a really big garage door over there." For about 2 seconds I was mad, and then it just struck me as really funny, and it just got everybody loosened up as we had fun with that. It is a good reminder that LL baseball is not life or death, sometimes it is just to be out and having a good time with your buddies.
Mickey was King Carousel. He just dominated on the Story City pitching mound for some reason. Preseason I thought he could give me some good innings, but he really came on at the end with his pitching, and did it with very few walks (which in case you haven't noticed, drive me crazy). His bat got going too. I'm not going to pretend Mick is the greatest pitcher of all time, but the combination of above average speed and above average control is a recipe for success. He also warmed my heart, because I caught him at home practicing on a couple different occasions. (with the exception of time he was doing it with a Cubs hat on)
Grant is a great kid to have on the team for his versatility. Two years ago when I had him, he played every position for me. Don't know if he did this year, but he can pitch and play catcher, and does a super job on grounders and fly balls. You can play him anywhere. He also has a high on base percentage. I started the year with him at lead off, but he really seemed to have success hitting in between guys about twice his size. He really came thru at SS, with his catches when we were trying to put the Cardinals away in our opening round playoff game. He also really likes baseball, which gets him brownie points with me.
I also want to thank my coaching staff. They are quick to help with field maintenance and prep, and had a good relationship with the kids. Kent played a big role in the batting improvement of the guys. Paul got "stuck" in the dugout for the whole game, but fortunately that didn't drive him looney.
Also thanks to all of you that did concessions, or kept book, or umpired. It takes a lot of help to make a team go, and I was very happy with the volunteer spirit of our parent group. I do have to throw special kudos to Brad Waline. He did the plate for us for a couple games, bases on a couple more, and if not umpiring, he was keeping book or counting pitches. I do appreciate it.
I probably forgot something, if so, I'll add it in later. But in closing, this was a very special year. We had a great group of kids. Every one of them is very likable, and were an asset to the team. I can think of a play for every one of them, that was key to us getting a win--where they stepped up at crunch time, and made the play. And the key thing, they didn't drive me nuts. I had my occasional "I want to throttle him" for about 5 seconds, but considering they are 11 and 12 year old boys, that is pretty good.
We really only got to celebrate our success for about 5 minutes. So a virtual toast of root beer to the NSCLL Brewers
So thanks again for your support, and maybe we'll do it again in the future.
I'm gonna go back to the draft first. I downplayed it in my house, around Vicki and Jerald, but I was pumped about the draft we had. Here is what I expected, a 10-4 finish, in 2nd place behind the Braves. I didn't want to publicly predict 10-4, because that is pretty lofty, but I thought we had it in us. And we did better. (and I thought the Braves would mow everybody down with their two ace pitchers)
The reason I liked our draft, is because we got, what I thought, were 5 of the top 9 available kids in the draft. Of course coaches all have different opinions. But when it is draft time, coaches from all teams get together and rank the kids. And for what I thought were the top 9 available in the Roland-Story draft, we ended up with 5. That meant the other 4, were split between the other 4 R-S teams. I was shocked. Apparently the other coaches had different ideas. Doesn't mean I am right, but it worked for me. And as an aside, I don't rank kids just on baseball ability, it is also on personality, and how good looking their mom is.
As usual it was cold in the spring, and we didn't get as much practice as we coaches wanted, but the guys seemed to step up pretty well. We started off with a rough stretch of 3 games in 4 days, and managed to come out of that with a 2-1 record.
Beating the Braves 2-0 was probably my favorite regular season game of the year. Love those pitchers duels. Even tho we won, our win over the Pirates was my least favorite. We walked our way to an 11 run win. Not many exciting hits, and it wasn't a competitive game.
In the post season, I really liked our tie breaker win over the Braves. It was really exciting to see Mickey come on at the end of the year, and dominate out on the mound. Of course, the last game against the Royals was pretty special too. Cody showed you don't have to throw hard. You just need to throw strikes, and have good defense.
And to that, I obviously don't know everyone's stats, but we only walked the opponents 51 times all year in our 18 games. I'm sure nobody can touch that. As a comparison, we got walked or beaned 122 times. So our pitchers prevented 71 extra base runners that the opponents gave us.
And about 10 of our walks came in our sub 55 degree days or rain, which makes it really hard to throw strikes. Our pitchers did a great job. Seven guys took the hill for us, ranging from CJs 97 pitches to Jerald's 554. CJ's totals were also helped by his 4 pitch inning against the Twins. That was awesome.
With those walks, and some hits, we got on base a lot. The lowest on base percentage on the team was .396. That is pretty good. My favorite hit was Jerald's bomb at the Carousel. But it was nice to see everybody get their cracks in. Mickey really hit some hard shots, and Cody had the shortest ones, as he did a good job with bunting this year. Grant's slap hit, after the fake bunt, against the Cardinals to get us the win was another one of my favorites.
You got my favorite wins, here are a few more of my favorites
Best walk off win--Jerald's HR in Roland against the Royals, big comeback in the 7th inning
Weird win--we 10 runned the Twins, but they only struck out once. Grant and CJ pitched, they hit the ball, we fielded it. Perfect.
Best play--championship game---Dylan to Grant to Jerald to get the guy who had just hit a base hit, and got him sleeping at 1st
Key catches--Cody in LF against the Braves, and Will with 2 catches in CF against the Yankees in the semis (while the game was still in doubt)
I'd also like to give a little thought on each of the players, so here ya go
Will was the most improved player from day 1 to day last. He really worked on stopping this dipping, and he then started to hit the ball. He went 3 for 3 against the Yankees, and I really think he has the sweetest stroke on the team, when he does it right. He is also one of the best on the team for catching a ball coming at him, and that is why he did a good job at 1b and CF.
Spencer got drafted by us because he could catch, and he did a great job at that. When you don't give up passed ball, and you can keep runners from stealing, it is a great advantage for your pitchers. He also had a great attitude, and was free swinging at the bat, finishing 2nd on the team in number of base hits, and also had the 2nd fewest walks.
Cody also was drafted because he could catch. Turns out he could pitch too, retiring the last 12 batters he faced in the championship game. His good attitude and versatility earned him a spot on the all star team. It was neat to see him grinning the entire last inning of that championship game--he knew he had it in the bag.
Matt was my mystery man this year. First time in the NSCLL at age 12. He was a little raw on baseball knowledge, but certainly had the physical ability. Not quite all star material this year, but if he sticks with it, I think his ability will really help him in the future. I'm not sure if he had more hits or words this year, it was about the same-around 10. I was really happy with how he was able to give us some innings on the mound.
Jerald breathes baseball, and it shows. I really like his focus and the desire to do the right thing on the field. He was often our coach on the field. He had a good year with the bat, and really carried us through the early and middle parts of the season with his pitching.
Dylan was another mystery man to me. I didn't know him, but he was drafted on the recommendation of Kent and Paul. Hands down, he did the best job on the team of backing up the throws from the catcher to the pitcher. That is one of the little things that 99% of the time does nothing for you. But that 1% can be a game saver. It showed he had his head in the game, and that is important to me. He didn't always have the best time at the plate, but he had no quit, and was up there taking his hacks. I like that too.
CJ quietly went about his business and did a very good job with his batting. He did his part by having a high on base percentage, allowing the sluggers behind him to knock him in. CJ is not flashy, but was solid with his defense, and always was solid with his teammates. He was always one of the first to provide support, if somebody had a bad at bat or play. In that regard, he was the rock of the team.
Zach is always Mr. Keepin' It Real. My favorite Zach story is before our 2nd Royals game. I was in our pregame meeting, trying to get everybody a little ramped up for baseball to go get those guys. I made some brilliant baseball point, and Zach says, "Wow, that is a really big garage door over there." For about 2 seconds I was mad, and then it just struck me as really funny, and it just got everybody loosened up as we had fun with that. It is a good reminder that LL baseball is not life or death, sometimes it is just to be out and having a good time with your buddies.
Mickey was King Carousel. He just dominated on the Story City pitching mound for some reason. Preseason I thought he could give me some good innings, but he really came on at the end with his pitching, and did it with very few walks (which in case you haven't noticed, drive me crazy). His bat got going too. I'm not going to pretend Mick is the greatest pitcher of all time, but the combination of above average speed and above average control is a recipe for success. He also warmed my heart, because I caught him at home practicing on a couple different occasions. (with the exception of time he was doing it with a Cubs hat on)
Grant is a great kid to have on the team for his versatility. Two years ago when I had him, he played every position for me. Don't know if he did this year, but he can pitch and play catcher, and does a super job on grounders and fly balls. You can play him anywhere. He also has a high on base percentage. I started the year with him at lead off, but he really seemed to have success hitting in between guys about twice his size. He really came thru at SS, with his catches when we were trying to put the Cardinals away in our opening round playoff game. He also really likes baseball, which gets him brownie points with me.
I also want to thank my coaching staff. They are quick to help with field maintenance and prep, and had a good relationship with the kids. Kent played a big role in the batting improvement of the guys. Paul got "stuck" in the dugout for the whole game, but fortunately that didn't drive him looney.
Also thanks to all of you that did concessions, or kept book, or umpired. It takes a lot of help to make a team go, and I was very happy with the volunteer spirit of our parent group. I do have to throw special kudos to Brad Waline. He did the plate for us for a couple games, bases on a couple more, and if not umpiring, he was keeping book or counting pitches. I do appreciate it.
I probably forgot something, if so, I'll add it in later. But in closing, this was a very special year. We had a great group of kids. Every one of them is very likable, and were an asset to the team. I can think of a play for every one of them, that was key to us getting a win--where they stepped up at crunch time, and made the play. And the key thing, they didn't drive me nuts. I had my occasional "I want to throttle him" for about 5 seconds, but considering they are 11 and 12 year old boys, that is pretty good.
We really only got to celebrate our success for about 5 minutes. So a virtual toast of root beer to the NSCLL Brewers
So thanks again for your support, and maybe we'll do it again in the future.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
And just like that, it is done
Great game by the guys tonite. I'm proud of the effort, and I am happy it was a team effort. See this space in a day or two for my year end commentary, I am going to just keep it to tonite's game for now.
Ed got us started out, and gave up a couple hits, but then pitched himself out of trouble. But he started the 2nd with 2 walks to the 7 and 8 hitter. My tolerance for walks is not very high, especially when we had 4 experienced pitchers ready to go. So I brought the hook. I like that he didn't get mad or pouty, and just accepted his new role in the outfield.
Cody doesn't throw hard, but he throws strikes. So I thought we should give that a whirl. And Cody gave up a couple hits, but our defense bailed us out, as well as a Royal interfering with CJ making a play. Cody then gave up a hit on his first batter in the third, and we did not allow a base runner for the remainder of the game. The next 12 batters (and last 12) were retired in order. Awesome! Cody proved you don't have to throw it fast to get outs. You need to throw strikes, and have your defense help you out.
Well they did get one base hit in there, but thanks to a well executed play we got the out. A Royal hit it out to Schmidtty in LF, who did his job, promptly fielded the ball, and got it to his cutoff man Grant. Grant saw the runner had overrun first, so he quickly whipped it to Jerald, who applied the butter on the toast for the 7-6-3 putout. That was the most excited I was all year. Just awesome job by those 3 guys.
Again the defense did well. Our pitchers only had 7 strikeouts, meaning 11 times we got outs in the field. There were a lot of dribblers to the pitcher, so that worked out well.
On the offensive side, Jerald got our first run on a weird mental breakdown by the Royals. Jerald had a hard hit ball, then through the wickets of the CF, then Jer advanced to 3rd on a wild throw, and then he jogged home when the Royals decided the ball was poison, and decided to just stand and look at it instead of fielding it. Then Grnat, CJ and Will all punched runs across. Everybody got out at least once tonite, but CJ, Jerald, Grant, and Mickey all got on at least twice, via one method or another. Of the 15 times they got us out, we struck out 11 times tonite. Our hitting wasn't as good as I was expecting it to be, but we got the hits when we needed them.
And just like that, it is done. It's been a good run. And like I said before, come back in a day or two, I want to make some commentary on the guys. I don't think we will have a year end party. I'd really like to only have it if we could have everyone there, and with summer and all that, that is going to be about impossible. So maybe we can come up with something, but it is not looking good.
So again, great job everybody, I am just pleased as punch with this team!
Ed got us started out, and gave up a couple hits, but then pitched himself out of trouble. But he started the 2nd with 2 walks to the 7 and 8 hitter. My tolerance for walks is not very high, especially when we had 4 experienced pitchers ready to go. So I brought the hook. I like that he didn't get mad or pouty, and just accepted his new role in the outfield.
Cody doesn't throw hard, but he throws strikes. So I thought we should give that a whirl. And Cody gave up a couple hits, but our defense bailed us out, as well as a Royal interfering with CJ making a play. Cody then gave up a hit on his first batter in the third, and we did not allow a base runner for the remainder of the game. The next 12 batters (and last 12) were retired in order. Awesome! Cody proved you don't have to throw it fast to get outs. You need to throw strikes, and have your defense help you out.
Well they did get one base hit in there, but thanks to a well executed play we got the out. A Royal hit it out to Schmidtty in LF, who did his job, promptly fielded the ball, and got it to his cutoff man Grant. Grant saw the runner had overrun first, so he quickly whipped it to Jerald, who applied the butter on the toast for the 7-6-3 putout. That was the most excited I was all year. Just awesome job by those 3 guys.
Again the defense did well. Our pitchers only had 7 strikeouts, meaning 11 times we got outs in the field. There were a lot of dribblers to the pitcher, so that worked out well.
On the offensive side, Jerald got our first run on a weird mental breakdown by the Royals. Jerald had a hard hit ball, then through the wickets of the CF, then Jer advanced to 3rd on a wild throw, and then he jogged home when the Royals decided the ball was poison, and decided to just stand and look at it instead of fielding it. Then Grnat, CJ and Will all punched runs across. Everybody got out at least once tonite, but CJ, Jerald, Grant, and Mickey all got on at least twice, via one method or another. Of the 15 times they got us out, we struck out 11 times tonite. Our hitting wasn't as good as I was expecting it to be, but we got the hits when we needed them.
And just like that, it is done. It's been a good run. And like I said before, come back in a day or two, I want to make some commentary on the guys. I don't think we will have a year end party. I'd really like to only have it if we could have everyone there, and with summer and all that, that is going to be about impossible. So maybe we can come up with something, but it is not looking good.
So again, great job everybody, I am just pleased as punch with this team!
game is still a go
Paul squeegeed the water off the field this morning. We have still taken some showers--but I still have confidence! If you don't hear anything, assume it is a go!
Monday, June 15, 2009
On to the championship
Well that game ended kinda weird. But it was a nice way to win and go home early.
Kudos: #1 to the team as a whole. This was truly a team win. Everybody played some part in adding to the victory. #2, if I have to pick a player, I'm going with Will. He had two very important catches in CF, and also went 3-3 batting. #3 our pitching with Ed and Mickey. Again another game with no walks. No freebies for the Yankees. The Yanks had 4 baserunners all night. Two surrendered hits by Ed, and two by Mickey.
One of the hits was the bomb hit by Andrew. That was on me. The Yankees had a runner on 2nd, Andrew had a 3-0 count. I should have hollered to Mick to throw a ball, and kinda unintentionally/intentionally walk him. I was talking to about it to Kent when the bomb went off. Oh well, such is life. But Mick buckled down and got the next batter to ground out. We then immediately responded in the bottom of the inning with 2 more runs, basically negating the home run.
Other things, I liked: Grant had a super play at 3rd on a grounder, and Jer was able to tippy toe touch at first to get the out.
On the batting side, all of us coaches were impressed with how our batters stayed in the box with Andrew pitching. He throws really hard, but we didn't see a single case of a batter bailing out. Our guys hung in there, and made him throw strikes. Which often didn't happen, because we walked 12 times tonite. Half of them were by two guys. Both Zach and Jerald each walked 3 times in their 3 plate appearances.
Also with 1.000 on base percentage tonite was Grant with 2 walks and a single, and Dylan with the same thing. Maybe Dylan's was an error, but we are going to give him a base hit because it hit the bag, and bounced away funny.
So we get game 3 with the Royals. It will be at 6:30 at the Carousel. Bring along another shirt for your son, as win or lose, I will be taking their shirts from them. And win or lose, it has been a good run this year. The boys seem to be having as much fun as they have had all year, so that is good.
Seeya Tuesday!
Kudos: #1 to the team as a whole. This was truly a team win. Everybody played some part in adding to the victory. #2, if I have to pick a player, I'm going with Will. He had two very important catches in CF, and also went 3-3 batting. #3 our pitching with Ed and Mickey. Again another game with no walks. No freebies for the Yankees. The Yanks had 4 baserunners all night. Two surrendered hits by Ed, and two by Mickey.
One of the hits was the bomb hit by Andrew. That was on me. The Yankees had a runner on 2nd, Andrew had a 3-0 count. I should have hollered to Mick to throw a ball, and kinda unintentionally/intentionally walk him. I was talking to about it to Kent when the bomb went off. Oh well, such is life. But Mick buckled down and got the next batter to ground out. We then immediately responded in the bottom of the inning with 2 more runs, basically negating the home run.
Other things, I liked: Grant had a super play at 3rd on a grounder, and Jer was able to tippy toe touch at first to get the out.
On the batting side, all of us coaches were impressed with how our batters stayed in the box with Andrew pitching. He throws really hard, but we didn't see a single case of a batter bailing out. Our guys hung in there, and made him throw strikes. Which often didn't happen, because we walked 12 times tonite. Half of them were by two guys. Both Zach and Jerald each walked 3 times in their 3 plate appearances.
Also with 1.000 on base percentage tonite was Grant with 2 walks and a single, and Dylan with the same thing. Maybe Dylan's was an error, but we are going to give him a base hit because it hit the bag, and bounced away funny.
So we get game 3 with the Royals. It will be at 6:30 at the Carousel. Bring along another shirt for your son, as win or lose, I will be taking their shirts from them. And win or lose, it has been a good run this year. The boys seem to be having as much fun as they have had all year, so that is good.
Seeya Tuesday!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Good win today (and yesterday)
Nice short game today. Seems that way when you only play 4 innings. First off, I am very happy with our bats today. (and when I say today, I also mean yesterday--ie: the game as a whole). We put the ball in play 21 times, and only struck out 5 times. (also had one walk). That is some pretty good hitting. And a lot of the hitting was by guys that have struggled at times this year.
Mickey with 2 singles and reached on an error (the error was a really hard hit ball, but right thru the wickets, so I have to give an error to F4). Ed had 2 singles, and put the ball in play another time. Will reached on two fielders choices, and also had a single. I am really proud of how those guys have been hitting the ball here lately.
Our pitching was pretty decent, especially considering the conditions on Friday. CJ did well in relief, giving up a walk, then striking out the next 2 batters. Today Jerald came out guns a blazin, then added to my grey hair in the 5th and 6th. The Cards got runners on 1st and 3rd in the 5th, and Jer pitched out of it, and then he had the bases loaded with no outs in the 6th, and pitched out of it. Wowser, the kid is gonna kill me. Will saved Jer's bacon in the 5th with his nice catch in CF.
We have the Yankees on Monday. They beat the Rangers 8-5 tonite. We will play at the Carousel at 8PM after the Minors Championship. Then if we can win that game, we would play the Royals in the tournament championship at 6:30PM at the Carousel on Tuesday.
No practice Sunday. Seeya Monday!
Mickey with 2 singles and reached on an error (the error was a really hard hit ball, but right thru the wickets, so I have to give an error to F4). Ed had 2 singles, and put the ball in play another time. Will reached on two fielders choices, and also had a single. I am really proud of how those guys have been hitting the ball here lately.
Our pitching was pretty decent, especially considering the conditions on Friday. CJ did well in relief, giving up a walk, then striking out the next 2 batters. Today Jerald came out guns a blazin, then added to my grey hair in the 5th and 6th. The Cards got runners on 1st and 3rd in the 5th, and Jer pitched out of it, and then he had the bases loaded with no outs in the 6th, and pitched out of it. Wowser, the kid is gonna kill me. Will saved Jer's bacon in the 5th with his nice catch in CF.
We have the Yankees on Monday. They beat the Rangers 8-5 tonite. We will play at the Carousel at 8PM after the Minors Championship. Then if we can win that game, we would play the Royals in the tournament championship at 6:30PM at the Carousel on Tuesday.
No practice Sunday. Seeya Monday!
Friday, June 12, 2009
1PM Carousel
Tis official. 1PM Carousel 4 innings to go!
Two of the 4 scheduled games tonite got played. Royals beat the Mets 6-0 and Orioles beat the Pirates something like 16-7. Rangers/Yankees never started.
Two of the 4 scheduled games tonite got played. Royals beat the Mets 6-0 and Orioles beat the Pirates something like 16-7. Rangers/Yankees never started.
4:30 PM Still a go
I am heading the Carousel, and for now, we are still a go. Field is still fine. Sorry for the uncertainty, but at least it isn't a basketball tournament, and we have to drive through a blizzard, right?
For now, game on
For now, game on. If the rain stays light, we will still play, the field is pretty dry and can take a good amount of rain. Also, we may wait for it to push through, and play at 8PM--a possibility. So stay tuned, and for now, plan on a game at 6PM at the Carousel.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Cardinals Friday
We will be playing the Cardinals on Friday at 6PM at the Carousel. We had to come from behind to beat them by 1 in our only meeting, so we will have to be focused and prepared. This is no gimme.
From here out, please have an alternate shirt for post game for your son. If we lose any of the next two games, (and the third no matter what if we make it that far) I need to get the jerseys back from the guys. I would be more than happy to wash them, than to try and chase them down. So I will be taking their shirts on our last game, so unless you want them topless post game, please bring another shirt from here out.
And also, it has been awhile, but I am owed some pushups. I have a black under armour type shirt, a helmet, and some batting gloves.
From here out, please have an alternate shirt for post game for your son. If we lose any of the next two games, (and the third no matter what if we make it that far) I need to get the jerseys back from the guys. I would be more than happy to wash them, than to try and chase them down. So I will be taking their shirts on our last game, so unless you want them topless post game, please bring another shirt from here out.
And also, it has been awhile, but I am owed some pushups. I have a black under armour type shirt, a helmet, and some batting gloves.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Another nailbiter
That was our 6th 1 run game of the year. We also had a 3 run win in extra innings. We also had a 2-0 win. In all of those, we are 7-1, so that is nice.
Where do I start? First how evenly matched we are with the Braves. We both sent 26 batters to the plate. We struck out 7 times, we struck them out 10 times, so advantage us. We walked them once, they walked/hit us three times, so advantage us. They committed 2 errors, we committed 4. Advantage them. We each had 3 base hits, so a push there.
Now for what we did well. First is the great job of pitching by Mickey. He threw 67 pitches in 5 innings work, with just the one walk and 9 strikeouts. He owns the Story City mound. He also had a great defensive play on their first batter while he was playing third to throw out the fastest guy on the field in Taylor Hill of the Braves.
Great job by Grant catching those popups in the 6th. Those were fairly easy, but Grant is not stupid, and I'm sure he knew the importance of catching them, and he did his job with a lot of pressure on. Will also had a nice catch in CF in the 4th, to close out an inning. If he didn't catch it, they would have scored a run.
I also want to mention the good job Spencer did behind the dish. He did a good job of not letting the ball get by him. Jerald scored 3 runs tonite, and every run of his was on a passed ball/wild pitch.
Lastly, a good job by Ed for his 1 inning of pitching work to open the game. My plan all along was to pitch him against the top of their order. He did a good job, though got busted for sleeping on the job, as Brandon McCoy swiped home on him. Ed won't do that again. One mistake is fine.
Offensively, we had a reasonably good night. The Braves fielded the ball well. They got 11 outs in the field. I really want to tout the back to back at bats by Jerald and Spencer in the 6th inning. Between the two, they made Hill throw them in the neighborhood of 15-18 pitches. Jerald ended up getting a double after about fouling off about 6 pitches. Spencer struck out, but it was after about 9 or so pitches. I have no problem with that. Fortunately Jerald was a good enough mood tonite that I could get away with calling him Buckner. (Google "Bill Buckner error" if you don't know what that means)
So the game was being played for the choice of whether to play local, or go to Ankeny. Our coaching staff chose to play local. The kids were leaning Ankeny. Ankeny is fun, getting to play different people, and on grass infields and all that. But the odds are somewhat stacked against North Story teams. So we are playing on Friday night at 6PM in Story City. Please, Please, Please let me know if your son is going to be gone this weekend. Zach is gone on Saturday if we win Friday, and we are not allowed pool players, so I need bodies!
On another note, the All Star selections were announced, and Jerald is our 12 rep, and Spencer is our 11 rep. Spencer is actually a league age 11, because it is based on what your age is on April 30, and at that time, Spence was an 11.
I am also the 12 year old Manager, and I am allowed some number of at large picks, and I have chosen to take Mickey and Cody as well. For the remaining 11s, it will be up to the 11 coaching staff if they want any of our players for at large picks.
If anybody is interested in running the concession stand on Friday, let me know. Thanks to Kate Hartzler for pulling double duty tonite, on the A's game, and our game.
Where do I start? First how evenly matched we are with the Braves. We both sent 26 batters to the plate. We struck out 7 times, we struck them out 10 times, so advantage us. We walked them once, they walked/hit us three times, so advantage us. They committed 2 errors, we committed 4. Advantage them. We each had 3 base hits, so a push there.
Now for what we did well. First is the great job of pitching by Mickey. He threw 67 pitches in 5 innings work, with just the one walk and 9 strikeouts. He owns the Story City mound. He also had a great defensive play on their first batter while he was playing third to throw out the fastest guy on the field in Taylor Hill of the Braves.
Great job by Grant catching those popups in the 6th. Those were fairly easy, but Grant is not stupid, and I'm sure he knew the importance of catching them, and he did his job with a lot of pressure on. Will also had a nice catch in CF in the 4th, to close out an inning. If he didn't catch it, they would have scored a run.
I also want to mention the good job Spencer did behind the dish. He did a good job of not letting the ball get by him. Jerald scored 3 runs tonite, and every run of his was on a passed ball/wild pitch.
Lastly, a good job by Ed for his 1 inning of pitching work to open the game. My plan all along was to pitch him against the top of their order. He did a good job, though got busted for sleeping on the job, as Brandon McCoy swiped home on him. Ed won't do that again. One mistake is fine.
Offensively, we had a reasonably good night. The Braves fielded the ball well. They got 11 outs in the field. I really want to tout the back to back at bats by Jerald and Spencer in the 6th inning. Between the two, they made Hill throw them in the neighborhood of 15-18 pitches. Jerald ended up getting a double after about fouling off about 6 pitches. Spencer struck out, but it was after about 9 or so pitches. I have no problem with that. Fortunately Jerald was a good enough mood tonite that I could get away with calling him Buckner. (Google "Bill Buckner error" if you don't know what that means)
So the game was being played for the choice of whether to play local, or go to Ankeny. Our coaching staff chose to play local. The kids were leaning Ankeny. Ankeny is fun, getting to play different people, and on grass infields and all that. But the odds are somewhat stacked against North Story teams. So we are playing on Friday night at 6PM in Story City. Please, Please, Please let me know if your son is going to be gone this weekend. Zach is gone on Saturday if we win Friday, and we are not allowed pool players, so I need bodies!
On another note, the All Star selections were announced, and Jerald is our 12 rep, and Spencer is our 11 rep. Spencer is actually a league age 11, because it is based on what your age is on April 30, and at that time, Spence was an 11.
I am also the 12 year old Manager, and I am allowed some number of at large picks, and I have chosen to take Mickey and Cody as well. For the remaining 11s, it will be up to the 11 coaching staff if they want any of our players for at large picks.
If anybody is interested in running the concession stand on Friday, let me know. Thanks to Kate Hartzler for pulling double duty tonite, on the A's game, and our game.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Practice Sunday, Game Monday
We will have practice on Sunday from 1 to 2:30 at RMS.
We will be playing the Braves on Monday at 8PM at the Carousel.
We will be playing the Braves on Monday at 8PM at the Carousel.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Not so fast my friend!
As Lee Corso would say. Braves lost last night to the Cubs. Braves play a doubleheader on Thursday. If they win both, we play here on Friday the 12th. If they lose both, we are going to Ankeny at 2PM on Saturday the 13th. If they split, it either goes to a coin flip, or we may just have a one game playoff, and if so, it will be next Monday at 8PM.
Also, practice tonight at 6PM.
Also, practice tonight at 6PM.
Monday, June 1, 2009
One of those nights
One of those nights at the ball yard. As Paul said during the post game huddle, we've had favorable things happen before, and they didn't happen tonite.
There are some things that I did find a bit bothersome. And they bit us. A lot of it revolves around a lack of practice. We have not had situational practice for awhile, and we had a couple cases of not knowing what to do with the ball when hit to them.
Something you may be unaware of. In the beginning of the year, I encouraged the boys to play catch with their buddies, and if not that, watch some baseball on tv, or investigate the MLB, and in particular the Brewers on the internet. Two games ago in the pregame huddle I offered the starting pitching position to anybody on the team who could name a MLB Brewers pitcher (I exempted Jerald cause I know he likes the Brewers). Nobody could name one. That irked me a little. (Mickey at least came up with a Brewers pitcher from last year)
On the batting side, our attempts to walk our way to victory also got us. Now, I am not complaining about the umpiring, but the zone tonite did not work in our favor. I have no doubt our pitchers have surrendered the fewest walks in the league. And I would say our batters currently have a reasonable view of the strike zone. But a huge strike zone works against us, because our pitchers lose the advantage of their ability to hit the zone, while the other teams give up walks. We only walked twice tonite.
But I am not going to fault our kids for some of the strikes they took. Ya chalk it up to one of those nights. Our first 7 strikeouts were all looking. We are not that bad of a batting team. Our guys do that occasionally, but the first 7 is definitely an anomaly.
We did have some good things tonite. Ed had a nice catch of a line drive at 3rd. CJ made a nice catch in CF. Cody, Mickey, and Spencer all had nice base hits.
But credit to the Orioles too. They hit the snot out of the ball, and their catcher and shortstop each had very good defensive nights. They made the plays, we didn't.
And just like that, the regular season is done. With the loss, and unless the Braves totally collapse, we are not going to win the regular season, so we will be playing in the local year end tournament. And I like that too. So pretty much plan on playing Friday night, May 12 in SC or Roland.
Now, you will be seeing a little change in how the Brewers are operated. It has nothing to do with our loss tonite, it would be the same thing had we won 20-0. With our next loss, we are done with the season. I don't particularly want that, as I enjoy this team, and I enjoy playing baseball. So during the regular season I like to move guys around a little bit.
But the team will now become a bit more of a meritocracy. The guys will be playing where the coaches feel they can best help the team continue to keep playing. And one of the places for that to earn some merit is the practices we will be having. If I can confirm field space, it will be on Wednesday night in Roland. Not a done deal yet, but stay tuned to this space and your email for details.
And a bad night on the baseball field still beats a good night of soccer.
There are some things that I did find a bit bothersome. And they bit us. A lot of it revolves around a lack of practice. We have not had situational practice for awhile, and we had a couple cases of not knowing what to do with the ball when hit to them.
Something you may be unaware of. In the beginning of the year, I encouraged the boys to play catch with their buddies, and if not that, watch some baseball on tv, or investigate the MLB, and in particular the Brewers on the internet. Two games ago in the pregame huddle I offered the starting pitching position to anybody on the team who could name a MLB Brewers pitcher (I exempted Jerald cause I know he likes the Brewers). Nobody could name one. That irked me a little. (Mickey at least came up with a Brewers pitcher from last year)
On the batting side, our attempts to walk our way to victory also got us. Now, I am not complaining about the umpiring, but the zone tonite did not work in our favor. I have no doubt our pitchers have surrendered the fewest walks in the league. And I would say our batters currently have a reasonable view of the strike zone. But a huge strike zone works against us, because our pitchers lose the advantage of their ability to hit the zone, while the other teams give up walks. We only walked twice tonite.
But I am not going to fault our kids for some of the strikes they took. Ya chalk it up to one of those nights. Our first 7 strikeouts were all looking. We are not that bad of a batting team. Our guys do that occasionally, but the first 7 is definitely an anomaly.
We did have some good things tonite. Ed had a nice catch of a line drive at 3rd. CJ made a nice catch in CF. Cody, Mickey, and Spencer all had nice base hits.
But credit to the Orioles too. They hit the snot out of the ball, and their catcher and shortstop each had very good defensive nights. They made the plays, we didn't.
And just like that, the regular season is done. With the loss, and unless the Braves totally collapse, we are not going to win the regular season, so we will be playing in the local year end tournament. And I like that too. So pretty much plan on playing Friday night, May 12 in SC or Roland.
Now, you will be seeing a little change in how the Brewers are operated. It has nothing to do with our loss tonite, it would be the same thing had we won 20-0. With our next loss, we are done with the season. I don't particularly want that, as I enjoy this team, and I enjoy playing baseball. So during the regular season I like to move guys around a little bit.
But the team will now become a bit more of a meritocracy. The guys will be playing where the coaches feel they can best help the team continue to keep playing. And one of the places for that to earn some merit is the practices we will be having. If I can confirm field space, it will be on Wednesday night in Roland. Not a done deal yet, but stay tuned to this space and your email for details.
And a bad night on the baseball field still beats a good night of soccer.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Note from Sat and Sun
Something I forgot about Saturday's game. Grant had a great steal of home. He was on 3rd, and gave me the look of "I want this one", and didn't say a word. I simply said, "If you feel it, take it." He got a running start, and with an assist to Zach, Grant was able to steal home.
So how did Zach help? Well from my angle at 3rd base coaches box, with his ample girth, Zach caused an eclipse of the Grant. The catcher could not even see Grant, as Zach was basically in the catcher's line of sight, as Grant ambled down the line. By the time he noticed, it was too late, run scored.
On a note from today, Kudos to Grant's mom (she has a name, but is widely known as Grant's mom) came in 2nd place in the home run derby at the end of practice. One of the hits was one crushed to center field, well over everyone's head. If we are down to 8 sometime, I might slip a Brewers jersey on her, and send her out to the field.
So how did Zach help? Well from my angle at 3rd base coaches box, with his ample girth, Zach caused an eclipse of the Grant. The catcher could not even see Grant, as Zach was basically in the catcher's line of sight, as Grant ambled down the line. By the time he noticed, it was too late, run scored.
On a note from today, Kudos to Grant's mom (she has a name, but is widely known as Grant's mom) came in 2nd place in the home run derby at the end of practice. One of the hits was one crushed to center field, well over everyone's head. If we are down to 8 sometime, I might slip a Brewers jersey on her, and send her out to the field.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Jeesh, another wild one.
Lotta stuff to comment on, on this one. First, and it is unusual for us, I was more happy with our hitting than our defense. The D was kinda shoddy today. Maybe that is lack of practice, or the tireds. I don't know. I'm not mad, because I can deal with physical errors. But it is frustrating.
But on the bright side, we did have some nice defensive plays. Grant made a nice play at short over to Will at first. Matt had a nice catch in foul territory at 3rd. Cody to Grant, C to SS on steal attempt in the first, and the other way around in the 6th, Grant to Cody SS to C to get the out on the steal attempt.
Our pitching was pretty solid. Mickey did a solid 4 innings on a warm day with 8Ks. Jerald and Spencer did a good job in relief.
On the batting side, the obvious one is Jerald's bomb. I've coached or umpired well over 100 games at the Carousel, and I can only think of 2 or 3 hit balls over the tennis court fence. That was neat to see.
Everybody put the ball in play today except Spencer and Zach. Spencer's day at the plate is the weird one. He walked twice, doubling his season total. Matt had a nice shot to CF, unfortunately caught. Will has come around with the bat. Kent has really worked with him, and it seems to be paying off. Cody and Grant each had extra base hits too.
And who can forget the new Dylan? A little mixup left Spencer back in Roland (and thanks to Chad Hartzler to go to fetch him) So since the real Dylan was gone today, and we were down to 8, so I called up Dylan Rivers (Mickey's brother)from our farm team, the Rockies, and he played a solid right field for us, for one inning until Spencer arrived.
And much like the movie, Field of Dreams, Dylan played the role of Moonlight Graham, playing one inning in the outfield in the majors, and never got the chance to bat. However unlike the movie, unless Dylan goes to medical school next year, he will get a chance to be in the majors in the NSCLL next year.
Practice tomorrow at RMS from 1 to 2:30. We need it.
Game at Gilbert at 6PM on Monday. Maybe if we get rained out, it will get moved to Tuesday. I hope so, because we still have not had a chance to implement Ten Run Tube Top Tuesday. (Any time we 10 run an opponent on Tuesday, all the moms have to wear tube tops to the next game)
Year end tourney update. We now are going to finish 2nd or 1st. If we finish in first (still a chance) we will play in Ankeny on Saturday June 13 at 2PM, and if we win that, on Sunday in Ankeny at 1PM. If we finish in 2nd, we will play in Roland or SC at 6PM (possibly 8) on Friday June 12. (and then Saturday, and then Monday if we keep winning)
But on the bright side, we did have some nice defensive plays. Grant made a nice play at short over to Will at first. Matt had a nice catch in foul territory at 3rd. Cody to Grant, C to SS on steal attempt in the first, and the other way around in the 6th, Grant to Cody SS to C to get the out on the steal attempt.
Our pitching was pretty solid. Mickey did a solid 4 innings on a warm day with 8Ks. Jerald and Spencer did a good job in relief.
On the batting side, the obvious one is Jerald's bomb. I've coached or umpired well over 100 games at the Carousel, and I can only think of 2 or 3 hit balls over the tennis court fence. That was neat to see.
Everybody put the ball in play today except Spencer and Zach. Spencer's day at the plate is the weird one. He walked twice, doubling his season total. Matt had a nice shot to CF, unfortunately caught. Will has come around with the bat. Kent has really worked with him, and it seems to be paying off. Cody and Grant each had extra base hits too.
And who can forget the new Dylan? A little mixup left Spencer back in Roland (and thanks to Chad Hartzler to go to fetch him) So since the real Dylan was gone today, and we were down to 8, so I called up Dylan Rivers (Mickey's brother)from our farm team, the Rockies, and he played a solid right field for us, for one inning until Spencer arrived.
And much like the movie, Field of Dreams, Dylan played the role of Moonlight Graham, playing one inning in the outfield in the majors, and never got the chance to bat. However unlike the movie, unless Dylan goes to medical school next year, he will get a chance to be in the majors in the NSCLL next year.
Practice tomorrow at RMS from 1 to 2:30. We need it.
Game at Gilbert at 6PM on Monday. Maybe if we get rained out, it will get moved to Tuesday. I hope so, because we still have not had a chance to implement Ten Run Tube Top Tuesday. (Any time we 10 run an opponent on Tuesday, all the moms have to wear tube tops to the next game)
Year end tourney update. We now are going to finish 2nd or 1st. If we finish in first (still a chance) we will play in Ankeny on Saturday June 13 at 2PM, and if we win that, on Sunday in Ankeny at 1PM. If we finish in 2nd, we will play in Roland or SC at 6PM (possibly 8) on Friday June 12. (and then Saturday, and then Monday if we keep winning)
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Year End Tournament schedule
Our last regular season game is Monday June 1. Though long term forecast is indicating dicey weather for next Monday. If we get that one rained out, we have until June 6 to finish any regular season games.
For the post season, we have two scenarios. The least likely is that we somehow pass the Braves in the standings, or that we end up tied with them, and then with a coin flip we win the league championship. If that happens, we will play in the District 3 Tournament of Champions in Ankeny on Friday June 12 and/or Saturday June 13. It is a lose and you are done tournament. Win, and you keep playing, pretty much the next day. The bracket is not out yet, but our first game would be the 12th or 13th, depending how the bracket is laid out.
The more likely scenario is that we hold our place in the standings, and finish 2nd. (we still could finish 3rd too, but the sitch remains the same) If that is the case, we will play in the local tournament on Friday June 12 in Story City or Roland. It is also a lose, and you are done tournament. If we win on Friday, we will play sometime on Saturday, probably with a start time in the 10AM to 1PM range. Then if we win there, and assuming rain doesn't back the tournament up, we would play in the championship game in Story City at 8PM on Monday June 15. Rain would back everything up by a day, so keep the 16th free if possible too.
For the post season, we have two scenarios. The least likely is that we somehow pass the Braves in the standings, or that we end up tied with them, and then with a coin flip we win the league championship. If that happens, we will play in the District 3 Tournament of Champions in Ankeny on Friday June 12 and/or Saturday June 13. It is a lose and you are done tournament. Win, and you keep playing, pretty much the next day. The bracket is not out yet, but our first game would be the 12th or 13th, depending how the bracket is laid out.
The more likely scenario is that we hold our place in the standings, and finish 2nd. (we still could finish 3rd too, but the sitch remains the same) If that is the case, we will play in the local tournament on Friday June 12 in Story City or Roland. It is also a lose, and you are done tournament. If we win on Friday, we will play sometime on Saturday, probably with a start time in the 10AM to 1PM range. Then if we win there, and assuming rain doesn't back the tournament up, we would play in the championship game in Story City at 8PM on Monday June 15. Rain would back everything up by a day, so keep the 16th free if possible too.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Nice win, kids drove me crazy
Nice win tonite. What I really liked about it is the kids that have been struggling with the bat, were the ones that did the best with the bat. Will looked awesome with his 3 hits (one was caught, but that is fine). Maybe it sunk in to him to stop dipping. He stopped that, and got hits. When he doesn't dip, he has one of the best looking strokes on the team.
Zach had two good hit balls, again one was caught, but that is fine. Matt had a nice base hit. Looked kinda goofy, but it did the trick. Spencer had a super bases loaded double. I love that.
Speaking of Spencer, great job by him pitching tonite. In two innings of work, he struck out 6 (he did allow one base hit tho). He hasn't pitched since opening night. He does a good job for us catching, so I kinda forget about him pitching, but I thought I'd give him a whirl tonite. He did great. I pulled him because as long as he stays under 40 pitches, he can still catch later in the game.
Mickey got in the zone to finish it out, He struck out 7 of the 9 batters he faced. Mickey also had a solid base hit in the 2nd inning. Best looking hit ball of the night.
We put the ball in play 18 times tonite. I like that. We struck out only 7 times. So for the most part. we hit it, they made the plays. I'm good with that. Our pitchers only walked one tonite (Jer had the one). Considering David's strike zone seemed a little on the small side tonite, that is an excellent job by our guys.
As for the kids themselves, they drove me crazy tonite. They wouldn't shut up in the huddles pre and post game, and just generally acted squirrly. I shouldn't say all, if I am going to point fingers, it was the 5th graders. The 6th graders actually were pretty decent in the huddles. As a whole they didn't seem into the game in the dugout. I'm not going to go Bobby Knight on them tho. At least not yet.
The next Brewers event is Saturday at 1:30 (note the time change) at the Carousel. No practice Friday--no field space. Schmidtty is going to be gone and/or still on the IR, so if your son is going to be gone, please let me know so I can attempt to score a pool player.
Zach had two good hit balls, again one was caught, but that is fine. Matt had a nice base hit. Looked kinda goofy, but it did the trick. Spencer had a super bases loaded double. I love that.
Speaking of Spencer, great job by him pitching tonite. In two innings of work, he struck out 6 (he did allow one base hit tho). He hasn't pitched since opening night. He does a good job for us catching, so I kinda forget about him pitching, but I thought I'd give him a whirl tonite. He did great. I pulled him because as long as he stays under 40 pitches, he can still catch later in the game.
Mickey got in the zone to finish it out, He struck out 7 of the 9 batters he faced. Mickey also had a solid base hit in the 2nd inning. Best looking hit ball of the night.
We put the ball in play 18 times tonite. I like that. We struck out only 7 times. So for the most part. we hit it, they made the plays. I'm good with that. Our pitchers only walked one tonite (Jer had the one). Considering David's strike zone seemed a little on the small side tonite, that is an excellent job by our guys.
As for the kids themselves, they drove me crazy tonite. They wouldn't shut up in the huddles pre and post game, and just generally acted squirrly. I shouldn't say all, if I am going to point fingers, it was the 5th graders. The 6th graders actually were pretty decent in the huddles. As a whole they didn't seem into the game in the dugout. I'm not going to go Bobby Knight on them tho. At least not yet.
The next Brewers event is Saturday at 1:30 (note the time change) at the Carousel. No practice Friday--no field space. Schmidtty is going to be gone and/or still on the IR, so if your son is going to be gone, please let me know so I can attempt to score a pool player.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Brewers player stabbed today
By himself. Dylan apparently thought it was a good idea to try to open a box of mac and cheese with a butcher knife. Anyway it looks like he has some stitches in his left hand for now. For you bettors, his status for Monday has been listed as "Questionable" by the league.
As a reminder, no practice on Sunday. Enjoy the weekend (with some at home practice). Game Monday in Roland at 6, be there by 5:30. Also bring cameras, we will take team photos after the game, if it is nice, and not dark.
As a reminder, no practice on Sunday. Enjoy the weekend (with some at home practice). Game Monday in Roland at 6, be there by 5:30. Also bring cameras, we will take team photos after the game, if it is nice, and not dark.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Game time change and photo night
We have moved our game on Saturday May 30 from 3PM to 1:30 PM. There was an 11A and 1P game at the Carousel that day, but the 1P game got moved. So to keep my umpire busy, and not leave a hole in the field usage, we just moved the game up. We may start a little earlier than 1:30 if the game in front of us gets finished up quickly. So 1:30 is an estimated start time. So if possible, have the guys there at around 12:45 on that day. I'll get you a reminder as the day approaches. Let me know if that time change poses a problem.
As far as I know, everybody will be in Roland on Memorial Day night. And if the weather holds, we are going to make that family picture night. We'll line everybody up for a post game team picture, so you can get one, if you didn't buy an official team picture.
As far as I know, everybody will be in Roland on Memorial Day night. And if the weather holds, we are going to make that family picture night. We'll line everybody up for a post game team picture, so you can get one, if you didn't buy an official team picture.
Monday, May 18, 2009
I wanna add something else
Despite my below comments about our hitting, it did improve over the Mets game. We tried to talk and work with the guys about being more aggressive at the plate. I saw that tonite. I didn't see guys backing out, and we were getting our hacks. Hits will come if we keep that up, and don't go back to dipping, and backing out, and other stuff like that.
Also wanted to point out something that happened to our opponent, that we preach about to our guys. On the game ending hit by Jerald, their right fielder first came in on the ball, then it went over his head, as we all saw. We tell our guys to step back first, better to have it fall in front of you, instead of over your head. And you saw what over the head did, Jer was off to the races. So remind the guys, step back first, don't step in first.
Also wanted to point out something that happened to our opponent, that we preach about to our guys. On the game ending hit by Jerald, their right fielder first came in on the ball, then it went over his head, as we all saw. We tell our guys to step back first, better to have it fall in front of you, instead of over your head. And you saw what over the head did, Jer was off to the races. So remind the guys, step back first, don't step in first.
Well, that was interesting....
I didn't know what to say to the boys in the post game huddle. What a wild finish. We've played better games, but not more fun games. Twists and turns and weirdness.
Our batting was a little better, we put the ball in play a few more times. Still not quite enough hits as I want to see.
Our defense made some nice plays-still a few errors, but stuff I remember....
They jacked one to right field, and their runner attempted to score from first. We were able to throw the ball in quickly, and threw their guy out at the plate.
Ed had a goofy play at 2nd base to throw somebody out at first. Had a weird bobble, but he hung with it, and got him. Schmidtty had a nice play at shortstop on a hard hit ball to get the out at 2nd in the 2nd.
Here is the inside skinny on some stuff going on during the game. First the play at the plate, that may or may not have been interference. First off, our umpire, Anson did a good job at the plate on ball/strike, safe/outs. Nice to have umpiring like that. But anyway, on that play, I thought there might have been batter interference on the play, where Spencer got into the batter. So I asked if that might have been the case, as a play like that is relatively easy to correct.
Then Anson initially agreed there was interference, but sent the runner back to 3rd. But with that call, is why I asked for time, and went out to talk to Anson. There is nothing in the rules on that, about sending somebody back. If there is 1 out (which there wasn't), the runner would be out, if interference were judged. If there is 2 outs, which there was, the batter is out, and the inning ends. Anson agreed with my point. The Royals coaches then argued that it was not interference, that the batter attemptted to get out of the way. At that point, I left the discussion, because I am not going to argue judgment calls in a LL game. (I will discuss misapplications of rules, but not judgment calls)
Anson then decided it was not interference. That was a tough call. I could go either way with it. A batter cannot magically disappear, and we did have a crazy pitch, so we caused the fracas on our own bad play. But the batter could have had a bit more of a clue as to what was happening, and got out of the way. So that is why there was no further peep out of me on the matter.
On another case, the Royals had runners on 2nd and 3rd and their #5 hitter (Darland) up in the 7th inning. He had already hit a bomb on Jerald. I instructed Grant to throw them high, cause I know Darland likes them high. And if we walked him, no big deal. I heard some fans encouraging Grant to throw strikes. He was actually doing exactly as I told him--an unintentional, intentional walk. They were in the perfect spot, and Grant executed my instructions perfectly. So we got the bases loaded, and were able to then get an out at the plate. However Grant struck the next guy out. Then we had an error on a ground ball to Grant and the throw over to Mick at first. So we played it out well, just didn't quite execute it.
To that, I thought Grant did a great job in relief. Jerald pitched a good game, up until the 6th when he started pitching batting practice instead of getting outs. Other than the 2nd inning, he had been pitching well. So Grant came in, and finished out the 6th. He had some roughness in the 7th, but our batters bailed him out in the bottom.
I made Grant's dad, Brad, earn his pay tonite. He had a lot of bangers out on the field for safe/out. I thought he got them all right (even those that went against us). So thanks to Brad for his effort on the bases. That reminds me of the nice swipe tag CJ had at 3rd, where Spencer threw the ball down on an attempted steal attempt by Rader. Good job by those two.
No game or practice til Monday. As a team. But my expectation is that the boys find a buddy, and play catch, and hit wiffles, or bounce tennis balls of the garage door, or something. Our hitting is still subpar, and it is always good to keep the arm loose.
Our batting was a little better, we put the ball in play a few more times. Still not quite enough hits as I want to see.
Our defense made some nice plays-still a few errors, but stuff I remember....
They jacked one to right field, and their runner attempted to score from first. We were able to throw the ball in quickly, and threw their guy out at the plate.
Ed had a goofy play at 2nd base to throw somebody out at first. Had a weird bobble, but he hung with it, and got him. Schmidtty had a nice play at shortstop on a hard hit ball to get the out at 2nd in the 2nd.
Here is the inside skinny on some stuff going on during the game. First the play at the plate, that may or may not have been interference. First off, our umpire, Anson did a good job at the plate on ball/strike, safe/outs. Nice to have umpiring like that. But anyway, on that play, I thought there might have been batter interference on the play, where Spencer got into the batter. So I asked if that might have been the case, as a play like that is relatively easy to correct.
Then Anson initially agreed there was interference, but sent the runner back to 3rd. But with that call, is why I asked for time, and went out to talk to Anson. There is nothing in the rules on that, about sending somebody back. If there is 1 out (which there wasn't), the runner would be out, if interference were judged. If there is 2 outs, which there was, the batter is out, and the inning ends. Anson agreed with my point. The Royals coaches then argued that it was not interference, that the batter attemptted to get out of the way. At that point, I left the discussion, because I am not going to argue judgment calls in a LL game. (I will discuss misapplications of rules, but not judgment calls)
Anson then decided it was not interference. That was a tough call. I could go either way with it. A batter cannot magically disappear, and we did have a crazy pitch, so we caused the fracas on our own bad play. But the batter could have had a bit more of a clue as to what was happening, and got out of the way. So that is why there was no further peep out of me on the matter.
On another case, the Royals had runners on 2nd and 3rd and their #5 hitter (Darland) up in the 7th inning. He had already hit a bomb on Jerald. I instructed Grant to throw them high, cause I know Darland likes them high. And if we walked him, no big deal. I heard some fans encouraging Grant to throw strikes. He was actually doing exactly as I told him--an unintentional, intentional walk. They were in the perfect spot, and Grant executed my instructions perfectly. So we got the bases loaded, and were able to then get an out at the plate. However Grant struck the next guy out. Then we had an error on a ground ball to Grant and the throw over to Mick at first. So we played it out well, just didn't quite execute it.
To that, I thought Grant did a great job in relief. Jerald pitched a good game, up until the 6th when he started pitching batting practice instead of getting outs. Other than the 2nd inning, he had been pitching well. So Grant came in, and finished out the 6th. He had some roughness in the 7th, but our batters bailed him out in the bottom.
I made Grant's dad, Brad, earn his pay tonite. He had a lot of bangers out on the field for safe/out. I thought he got them all right (even those that went against us). So thanks to Brad for his effort on the bases. That reminds me of the nice swipe tag CJ had at 3rd, where Spencer threw the ball down on an attempted steal attempt by Rader. Good job by those two.
No game or practice til Monday. As a team. But my expectation is that the boys find a buddy, and play catch, and hit wiffles, or bounce tennis balls of the garage door, or something. Our hitting is still subpar, and it is always good to keep the arm loose.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Anemic hitting
Not really happy about the hitting today. Getting no hit by Alex Good and the Braves. I get that. Getting 1 hit by this outfit? I don't get that. The Mets starting pitcher was not throwing hard, but was throwing strikes. But collectively we think we are going to walk our way to victory. We need to adapt to the umpire, and he had a big zone for both teams today. We need to think aggressively when we are in the box. Didn't happen today.
We had one ball hit out of the infield, and that was our only base hit, by Jerald. We only put the ball in play 8 times out of 27 plate appearances. I understand, if they are throwing balls, we need to let them go. But I don't see a sense of aggressiveness, and with this team, we should have been pounding the heck out of them. The Twins put up 11 on these guys. But then again, the Twins swing the bat, as evidenced by our game last Monday.
Now I will cease my ranting, and talk about the good things. Again, super pitching performance by the Brew Crew. Everybody did their job. CJ gave up a couple runs, but he was doing as he was told--throw strikes. And he did. We didn't walk anybody today, tho CJ did bean one guy. I'll take that over six innings any time. And that is what got us the win. We are not giving them free base runners. Except for the one plunking, they earned every one of their base runners.
Our defense took a step backwards from last Monday night. We had a couple errors, and that causes some problems. But again, our pitchers were able to work through it. Mickey owns the Story City mound. He may or may not be ok elsewhere, but his pitching has been top notch in Story City this year. I am keeping that in mind for the rest of our pitching rotation.
Practice Sunday at 1PM at RMS, to 2:30. Game at RMS on Monday at 6, be there NLT 5:30 please. As a reminder, let me know if your son is going to be gone for any future game. We are short a player on May 30 (Schmidtty), so that one is key if someone else is going to be gone.
Thanks again for those of you that make the Brewers go--from working the books, pitch counting, concessions, and umpiring. I do appreciate it.
We had one ball hit out of the infield, and that was our only base hit, by Jerald. We only put the ball in play 8 times out of 27 plate appearances. I understand, if they are throwing balls, we need to let them go. But I don't see a sense of aggressiveness, and with this team, we should have been pounding the heck out of them. The Twins put up 11 on these guys. But then again, the Twins swing the bat, as evidenced by our game last Monday.
Now I will cease my ranting, and talk about the good things. Again, super pitching performance by the Brew Crew. Everybody did their job. CJ gave up a couple runs, but he was doing as he was told--throw strikes. And he did. We didn't walk anybody today, tho CJ did bean one guy. I'll take that over six innings any time. And that is what got us the win. We are not giving them free base runners. Except for the one plunking, they earned every one of their base runners.
Our defense took a step backwards from last Monday night. We had a couple errors, and that causes some problems. But again, our pitchers were able to work through it. Mickey owns the Story City mound. He may or may not be ok elsewhere, but his pitching has been top notch in Story City this year. I am keeping that in mind for the rest of our pitching rotation.
Practice Sunday at 1PM at RMS, to 2:30. Game at RMS on Monday at 6, be there NLT 5:30 please. As a reminder, let me know if your son is going to be gone for any future game. We are short a player on May 30 (Schmidtty), so that one is key if someone else is going to be gone.
Thanks again for those of you that make the Brewers go--from working the books, pitch counting, concessions, and umpiring. I do appreciate it.
Friday, May 15, 2009
reminder-no practice tonite
No practice tonite, as there is no field space. Have the guys at the field tomorrow no later than 12:30 please. And another home game, so thank you to the "volunteers" for running the concession stand.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Other thing of note
Tonite, Spencer walked for the first time all year. In his 25th plate appearance, he walked for the first time. Otherwise he has either put the ball in play, or struckout. Our leader in walks, CJ, has walked 11 times. The next lowest, other than Spencer is Matt with 3. As a team we have around 65 walks on the year. Doesn't mean any one kid is better than the other. Just kinda funny--Spencer is always up there hacking away, he also has the 2nd highest number of base hits on the year for the team. So kudos to Spencer for his long lost patience and his first walk!
Bigger wins, but not better
I have so many things to list what went right tonite against the Twins. We've defeated opponents by bigger scores this year (Rangers and Pirates), and we've had more satisfying wins (at least to me--the Braves) but this was just a great team effort, and baseball how it should be played. I would call this our best win tho.
First off the pitching. I didn't pull Grant because of any issue with him. I just wanted to get CJ some work. Those two guys combined for only 47 pitches. Grant had 43 in 3 innings work. I'll take 14 pitch innings any time. But CJ topped him. He got out of his only inning on 4 pitches. Nick Moore managed to get the count to 1-0 before popping up to Jerald. For CJ's other two pitches, he got Parker Witthuhn to line out to Grant, and CJ took care of biz himself on the last pitch, on a ground out to him, which he threw over to Will at first. So CJ really didn't get much work after all. But he was one pitch from a perfect inning.
Now the other thing about the pitching is that it was not blow them away, strike out baseball. Grant only struck out one Twin tonite (and CJ none of course). That is almost unheard of any LL baseball for a winning team. Another case of rarity popped up tonite. I cannot recall a team winning a game, and having striking out their opponent once. Amazing. Half of their team only batted once tonite.
And the win is totally on the team, not just one guy. Our defense was outstanding tonite. Heck, since the game was short, I will review the Twins at bats. Matt with a nice catch in right field, then Grant to Jerald for the 2nd out. Then the Twins got a base hit. We had our only crazy throw of the night at that time. Then Mickey ended the inning with a great play from 3rd to 1st for the out, so we stranded their runner.
In the 2nd, Jerald caught a line out, then the only other base hit of the night for the Twins to right field. Cody came in on it, then it went over his head. We remind the guys not to do that, Cody knows better, but he has all sorts of credits with me for his nice catch in left in the Braves game. Then Grant had his only strikeout, then CJ fielded the ball at SS, and stepped on 2nd for the forceout.
In the 3rd, a popup to Grant, a popup to CJ, our lone walk allowed, and then Will with his kooky barehanded fielding at first base for the out. And then we already reviewed CJ's 4th. Just great defense.
And that is why I hate walks. When the pitcher is throwing strikes, the defense stays awake, and is more prepared for hit balls. When they have to stand out there for ball after ball after ball, they fall asleep, get bored, and are not prepared to field balls when they do end up getting hit.
And to that, the Twins walked us just enough times to cause them problems, because we were able to hit the ball well tonite, surrounding those walks. Everybody but 2 guys scored tonite for us. Jerald had a nice 3 for 3, Grant was 3 for 3 in on base percentage, with 2 walks and a hit, and Mickey reached both times he was up--for a walk, and a reach on an error.
So it is the Mets on Saturday. I might do family photo day that day if it is nice, so stay tuned for that. We will not have a practice this Friday, due to field space issues. But encourage the guys to keep working--play catch with their buddies (or parents), have them hit wiffle balls.
First off the pitching. I didn't pull Grant because of any issue with him. I just wanted to get CJ some work. Those two guys combined for only 47 pitches. Grant had 43 in 3 innings work. I'll take 14 pitch innings any time. But CJ topped him. He got out of his only inning on 4 pitches. Nick Moore managed to get the count to 1-0 before popping up to Jerald. For CJ's other two pitches, he got Parker Witthuhn to line out to Grant, and CJ took care of biz himself on the last pitch, on a ground out to him, which he threw over to Will at first. So CJ really didn't get much work after all. But he was one pitch from a perfect inning.
Now the other thing about the pitching is that it was not blow them away, strike out baseball. Grant only struck out one Twin tonite (and CJ none of course). That is almost unheard of any LL baseball for a winning team. Another case of rarity popped up tonite. I cannot recall a team winning a game, and having striking out their opponent once. Amazing. Half of their team only batted once tonite.
And the win is totally on the team, not just one guy. Our defense was outstanding tonite. Heck, since the game was short, I will review the Twins at bats. Matt with a nice catch in right field, then Grant to Jerald for the 2nd out. Then the Twins got a base hit. We had our only crazy throw of the night at that time. Then Mickey ended the inning with a great play from 3rd to 1st for the out, so we stranded their runner.
In the 2nd, Jerald caught a line out, then the only other base hit of the night for the Twins to right field. Cody came in on it, then it went over his head. We remind the guys not to do that, Cody knows better, but he has all sorts of credits with me for his nice catch in left in the Braves game. Then Grant had his only strikeout, then CJ fielded the ball at SS, and stepped on 2nd for the forceout.
In the 3rd, a popup to Grant, a popup to CJ, our lone walk allowed, and then Will with his kooky barehanded fielding at first base for the out. And then we already reviewed CJ's 4th. Just great defense.
And that is why I hate walks. When the pitcher is throwing strikes, the defense stays awake, and is more prepared for hit balls. When they have to stand out there for ball after ball after ball, they fall asleep, get bored, and are not prepared to field balls when they do end up getting hit.
And to that, the Twins walked us just enough times to cause them problems, because we were able to hit the ball well tonite, surrounding those walks. Everybody but 2 guys scored tonite for us. Jerald had a nice 3 for 3, Grant was 3 for 3 in on base percentage, with 2 walks and a hit, and Mickey reached both times he was up--for a walk, and a reach on an error.
So it is the Mets on Saturday. I might do family photo day that day if it is nice, so stay tuned for that. We will not have a practice this Friday, due to field space issues. But encourage the guys to keep working--play catch with their buddies (or parents), have them hit wiffle balls.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Fun day at the I-Cubs
Fun day at the I-Cubs. Here is my favorite pic that Vicki took today. I supposedly am getting a photo emailed that the I-Cubs took when we were out on the field. I will send that out when I get it.If you are my Facebook friend, you can see more of my pics from today.
The boys were complimented by the I-Cubs staff for their good behavior while on the field. We got our team name on the big screen a couple times, and Spencer also got up there for having his 12th birthday. We also got on the video board a couple times as well.
A reminder of our home game on Monday at the Carousel. Picture night, so bring the forms if you want to order something, and please have the boys there at 5:20 tomorrow if possible. And thank you for whoever "volunteered" to run the concession stand tomorrow night.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Nice comeback win
For those of you who had been anxiously waiting for my blog update, I had to umpire the game after ours. It was Twins/Mets (our next two opponents). It was a painful game, 13-11 Mets. Lotta errors, and it took just over two hours.
Then I went to the new Star Trek movie with some co-workers. My boss and I wore Star Trek uniforms, so we are extra nerdy. Great movie--like Die Hard in Space.
But I am home now, thinking about baseball again. Overall, I was pleased with the effort. We got a little sloppy mid game, and we had a few errors, mental and physical. But the boys never gave up, and came back for the win.
Ed did a nice job on the mound. In fact, I am changing that to great. In the first 3 innings, he faced the minimum. 1-3, F3, F3, K, K, K, K, K, K. Then things got a little kooky in the 4th. Ed gave up a walk, and I yanked him. Then Jerald gave up a hit, and a walk, and a beaning. But the good news is, we only gave up 1 run in all that. Jer struck out the next 3 batters while the bases were loaded.
Cody had some trouble in the 5th, not all of his doing. Then in the 6th, it was the opposite of last Tuesday. Mickey came in to relieve Cody, and shut down the opponent to seal the deal--though not exactly, because today, we were still behind.
But the boys put together 3 singles and 2 walks to score two, and come from behind to win. Jerald started it off with a base hit, and stole 2nd. Grant was told to bunt Jerald over, when Jer was at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. But Grant's bunt stance caused the Cards pitcher to throw wildly, which got Jerald to 3rd and then home. Grant really made that happen with being able to pull his bat back on the wild pitches. Then with Jerald in for the tie score, Grant faked a bunt, and slapped a hit over the pulled in shortstop. Spencer got off the schnide with a nice hit to follow that, and Zach and Will coaxed walks, which forced the winning run in.
Unlike some previous games, I was more happy with the offense than the defense today. We put the ball in play today 15 times in 29 plate appearances. We were also walked 5 times--which means 9 strike outs. I'll take that. Everybody got on base today, and all 5 of our runs were by different people.
With 4 different pitchers, 2 different catchers, and 5 different run scorers, and everybody getting on base, this truly was a team win. I am really proud of that.
Hard to believe, but we are already in the 2nd half of the season--8 down, 6 to go (not counting year end tournament)
Looking forward to the I-Cubs on Sunday, and seeing if we can put together a good effort against the Twins on Monday.
Then I went to the new Star Trek movie with some co-workers. My boss and I wore Star Trek uniforms, so we are extra nerdy. Great movie--like Die Hard in Space.
But I am home now, thinking about baseball again. Overall, I was pleased with the effort. We got a little sloppy mid game, and we had a few errors, mental and physical. But the boys never gave up, and came back for the win.
Ed did a nice job on the mound. In fact, I am changing that to great. In the first 3 innings, he faced the minimum. 1-3, F3, F3, K, K, K, K, K, K. Then things got a little kooky in the 4th. Ed gave up a walk, and I yanked him. Then Jerald gave up a hit, and a walk, and a beaning. But the good news is, we only gave up 1 run in all that. Jer struck out the next 3 batters while the bases were loaded.
Cody had some trouble in the 5th, not all of his doing. Then in the 6th, it was the opposite of last Tuesday. Mickey came in to relieve Cody, and shut down the opponent to seal the deal--though not exactly, because today, we were still behind.
But the boys put together 3 singles and 2 walks to score two, and come from behind to win. Jerald started it off with a base hit, and stole 2nd. Grant was told to bunt Jerald over, when Jer was at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. But Grant's bunt stance caused the Cards pitcher to throw wildly, which got Jerald to 3rd and then home. Grant really made that happen with being able to pull his bat back on the wild pitches. Then with Jerald in for the tie score, Grant faked a bunt, and slapped a hit over the pulled in shortstop. Spencer got off the schnide with a nice hit to follow that, and Zach and Will coaxed walks, which forced the winning run in.
Unlike some previous games, I was more happy with the offense than the defense today. We put the ball in play today 15 times in 29 plate appearances. We were also walked 5 times--which means 9 strike outs. I'll take that. Everybody got on base today, and all 5 of our runs were by different people.
With 4 different pitchers, 2 different catchers, and 5 different run scorers, and everybody getting on base, this truly was a team win. I am really proud of that.
Hard to believe, but we are already in the 2nd half of the season--8 down, 6 to go (not counting year end tournament)
Looking forward to the I-Cubs on Sunday, and seeing if we can put together a good effort against the Twins on Monday.
Friday, May 8, 2009
No practice tonite
You should have been called, but just in case not--Friday practice has been canceled.--Lotta standing water on the RMS field. Seeya tomorrow.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
4 days, 4 events
We will have enough bodies, so Friday practice is on. From 6 to 7:30PM at RMS. Saturday game at 11AM in SC, be there by 10:30 please. No practice Sunday, but we have the I-Cubs. Monday game in SC, picture night, be there by 5:20 please.
Both of our games are "home" games. So a reminder if you "volunteered" for the concession stands on those dates.
Both of our games are "home" games. So a reminder if you "volunteered" for the concession stands on those dates.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
I like that
Very fun game. Again, I like those low scoring affairs. And of course it is more fun when we win.
First I'll start off with my grouch. We did not have a base hit tonite. Our batting needs to improve. But with that said, we faced, when he is on, the best pitcher in the league. But we still should be able to put some balls in play, and we did not do that. Alex faced 19 Brewers, 11 Strikeouts (the 12th out was my mistake in sending Cody to the plate), and we got walked or hit by pitch 8 times. No balls put in play.
However, with speed, comes some wildness, and we were able to take advantage of that. And to our batters credit, we did get those walks. So our leading batters of the night were CJ with 3 plate appearances, 2 walks and 1 hit by pitch, and Schmidtty, with 2 plate appearances, and 2 walks.
Now on for what I really liked about the night. Great defense. We did not have an error. Grant pitched well against the Braves the first time we played, but didn't get much help from the defense. Tonite, error free. Spencer made a couple nice plays in front of the plate to throw runners out at first, he also had a great throw down to 2nd to start the game, enough to make their runner turn around, and then we ran a great pickle play (I think Mickey did the eventual tagging.) Will did his job at first on one chance there, Cody made a nice catch in windy conditions clear out in left field, and Jerald made a heck of a snag on a hard hit ball to close it out. And of course Mick was there to catch those throws, including the clincher, when Jerald's throw was a little on the low side.
Our pitching was great, obviously with the shutout. Jerald did a very nice job. Mickey pitched himself into and out of trouble in the 5th. I am not very keen about walks, especially with the bottom of somebody's order. Mickey looked a little off, despite striking out the first batter he faced in the 6th. So I brought Cody in, fresh off his good effort in Gilbert on Saturday.
Cody is Mr. Efficiency, he is averaging 2.3 pitches per batter on the year. That means he is not striking people out, he is letting the other team hit the ball, and our defense field it and get the outs. Good times.
I have not decided about practice on Friday. I need to talk to my coaches. Game on Saturday in SC. I will be sending out an email regarding the ICubs in the next day or so, with details. Thanks for your support this season, I really like the group of kids we have, and their good attitudes.
First I'll start off with my grouch. We did not have a base hit tonite. Our batting needs to improve. But with that said, we faced, when he is on, the best pitcher in the league. But we still should be able to put some balls in play, and we did not do that. Alex faced 19 Brewers, 11 Strikeouts (the 12th out was my mistake in sending Cody to the plate), and we got walked or hit by pitch 8 times. No balls put in play.
However, with speed, comes some wildness, and we were able to take advantage of that. And to our batters credit, we did get those walks. So our leading batters of the night were CJ with 3 plate appearances, 2 walks and 1 hit by pitch, and Schmidtty, with 2 plate appearances, and 2 walks.
Now on for what I really liked about the night. Great defense. We did not have an error. Grant pitched well against the Braves the first time we played, but didn't get much help from the defense. Tonite, error free. Spencer made a couple nice plays in front of the plate to throw runners out at first, he also had a great throw down to 2nd to start the game, enough to make their runner turn around, and then we ran a great pickle play (I think Mickey did the eventual tagging.) Will did his job at first on one chance there, Cody made a nice catch in windy conditions clear out in left field, and Jerald made a heck of a snag on a hard hit ball to close it out. And of course Mick was there to catch those throws, including the clincher, when Jerald's throw was a little on the low side.
Our pitching was great, obviously with the shutout. Jerald did a very nice job. Mickey pitched himself into and out of trouble in the 5th. I am not very keen about walks, especially with the bottom of somebody's order. Mickey looked a little off, despite striking out the first batter he faced in the 6th. So I brought Cody in, fresh off his good effort in Gilbert on Saturday.
Cody is Mr. Efficiency, he is averaging 2.3 pitches per batter on the year. That means he is not striking people out, he is letting the other team hit the ball, and our defense field it and get the outs. Good times.
I have not decided about practice on Friday. I need to talk to my coaches. Game on Saturday in SC. I will be sending out an email regarding the ICubs in the next day or so, with details. Thanks for your support this season, I really like the group of kids we have, and their good attitudes.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Good game, practice Sunday
I was very happy with our performance today in Gilbert. I wasn't that impressed with our 10 run win in Gilbert 2 weeks ago. But today I was. We hit the ball well and we played pretty good defense.
We only had 5 strikeouts today, so that means 7 of the times we got out, it was them making the play on us hitting the ball. I'll take that.
Now, we still aren't superstars. In talking to their coaches, we faced their 4, 5, and 6 pitchers. They toasted their 1&2 pitchers on Thursday. Then after the game, the mom of #3 pitcher told the coach, uh, my kid isn't going to be there Saturday. Doh! That is why I ask that if you know you son is going to be gone, let me know as soon as possible. In that case, he could have pitched his #3 on Thursday, and saved his #2 for us. Good for us, bad for them.
Everybody scored today for us. Everybody scored for us in the 4th inning, except for Zach, who got stranded on 3rd. But everybody made their outs except Grant. He was the only one that didn't get put out sometime today, he went 2 for 2, plus a walk. He also did a good job of swiping home on a sleeping pitcher early in the game.
Jerald and Cody both did well today pitching. Cody had his first pitching chance of the year, and made the most of it. He only threw 18 pitches in 2 innings. He started with 2 pitches and 2 outs. Cool! It is nice when our defense backs up our pitchers. We have struggled with that at times this year. And Jerald "only" threw 38, so we have everybody available for Tuesday. Granted this was only a 4 inning game, but we only walked one, so again I like that.
Right after the game Paul brought up another cool point. The 2 run single. We had runners on 2nd and 3rd, and CJ hit a nice base hit up the middle. We didn't need a homer, just good fundamental baseball there.
So practice on Sunday from 1 to 2:30 at RMS. No practice Monday. Game in Zearing on Tuesday at 6PM.
I think Vicki got all the picture forms handed out, if you didn't get one, let me know.
We only had 5 strikeouts today, so that means 7 of the times we got out, it was them making the play on us hitting the ball. I'll take that.
Now, we still aren't superstars. In talking to their coaches, we faced their 4, 5, and 6 pitchers. They toasted their 1&2 pitchers on Thursday. Then after the game, the mom of #3 pitcher told the coach, uh, my kid isn't going to be there Saturday. Doh! That is why I ask that if you know you son is going to be gone, let me know as soon as possible. In that case, he could have pitched his #3 on Thursday, and saved his #2 for us. Good for us, bad for them.
Everybody scored today for us. Everybody scored for us in the 4th inning, except for Zach, who got stranded on 3rd. But everybody made their outs except Grant. He was the only one that didn't get put out sometime today, he went 2 for 2, plus a walk. He also did a good job of swiping home on a sleeping pitcher early in the game.
Jerald and Cody both did well today pitching. Cody had his first pitching chance of the year, and made the most of it. He only threw 18 pitches in 2 innings. He started with 2 pitches and 2 outs. Cool! It is nice when our defense backs up our pitchers. We have struggled with that at times this year. And Jerald "only" threw 38, so we have everybody available for Tuesday. Granted this was only a 4 inning game, but we only walked one, so again I like that.
Right after the game Paul brought up another cool point. The 2 run single. We had runners on 2nd and 3rd, and CJ hit a nice base hit up the middle. We didn't need a homer, just good fundamental baseball there.
So practice on Sunday from 1 to 2:30 at RMS. No practice Monday. Game in Zearing on Tuesday at 6PM.
I think Vicki got all the picture forms handed out, if you didn't get one, let me know.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Brewers Bonus!
Brewers fans and families,
This is Mickey's mom (aka Mary Rivers) and I have a deal for all the Brewers and their friends and families. I work at a hair salon in downtown Ames, Turning Heads Salon. I would like to extend a 5.00 off any service to anyone who makes an appointment with me and mentions they're with the Brewers. I've been in the business for 25 years, and have recently moved back home, and would love to get to know the community better and be able to make you look great!
Hours: Wed, Thurs, Fri.
evevning apts. available(when the boys aren't playing!)
some Sat. upon request(when the boys aren't playing!)
Mary Rivers
Turning Heads Salon(across the hall from Downtown Deli)
328 Main St.
Suite 120
515-233-3950
p.s.GO BREWERS!!!
This is Mickey's mom (aka Mary Rivers) and I have a deal for all the Brewers and their friends and families. I work at a hair salon in downtown Ames, Turning Heads Salon. I would like to extend a 5.00 off any service to anyone who makes an appointment with me and mentions they're with the Brewers. I've been in the business for 25 years, and have recently moved back home, and would love to get to know the community better and be able to make you look great!
Hours: Wed, Thurs, Fri.
evevning apts. available(when the boys aren't playing!)
some Sat. upon request(when the boys aren't playing!)
Mary Rivers
Turning Heads Salon(across the hall from Downtown Deli)
328 Main St.
Suite 120
515-233-3950
p.s.GO BREWERS!!!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Practice Friday 6 to 7:30
I'm sure this will make it rain, but nobody is on the Roland field, so let us resume our practice schedule for one night, and have a practice. Despite our recent win, we could still use some practice in fielding and hitting. So RMS, 6 to 7:30.
I have the flyers for team photos. It will be on May 11. Let me know if your son is not going to make that Monday game. I can try to reschedule so we can get our official photo with everybody there. If I remember, I will hand out the flyer/order forms this Saturday. If not, next Tuesday. Cody is one of the "models". I knew the nickname that I gave him this year made sense--Rico Suave. Or maybe we should queue up the Right Said Fred.
I have the flyers for team photos. It will be on May 11. Let me know if your son is not going to make that Monday game. I can try to reschedule so we can get our official photo with everybody there. If I remember, I will hand out the flyer/order forms this Saturday. If not, next Tuesday. Cody is one of the "models". I knew the nickname that I gave him this year made sense--Rico Suave. Or maybe we should queue up the Right Said Fred.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Forgot something
I also wanted to mention Zach's good play in Left Field in the 6th inning. I forgot to mention that. If that ball gets by him, that is all sorts of trouble. But he was able to hold the game tying runner on first. Of course Zach took it off the hand, and his reward was getting taken out of the game.
Another note about the no walks surrendered either. I'm sure it has happened some time, some where. But I don't recall a game where a team didn't surrender a single walk. It is a rare feat.
Another note about the no walks surrendered either. I'm sure it has happened some time, some where. But I don't recall a game where a team didn't surrender a single walk. It is a rare feat.
Fun game
First off, before I forget, we found a toy semi by our dugout. Does it belong to any of your kids? If so, I've got it.
On to the game....Fun times under the lights. Of course winning makes it nicer, but that was the kind of baseball game I like, 4-3, with some nice pitching.
Stat of the day....Jerald and Mickey didn't walk anybody. I love it! Walks drive me crazy. Yanks did a good job too, they only walked 2 Brewers (CJ and Dylan) and beaned 1 (Mickey).
Other stuff:Cody had a horrible first inning defensively. But he shook it off, made a catch at SS later in the game, and went 2-2 with the bat, with 2 really nice bunts. By the 2nd inning, he was over his bad inning, had a great attitude, and was cheering everybody on. I love to see that.
Mickey did a great job in relief. I really liked how he just bore down, and got outs. He gave up 2 hits to start the 6th, then struck out the next 3 to close it.
Paul mentioned this during the game... We had 4 errors in the first inning, and they only scored 1 run. In the 3rd, they had 2 base hits, and scored none. I'll take that.
Our batting is still a little shaky, but Jerald did go 3 for 3, and Cody went 2 for 2. Though as Cody told me, he got stranded at 3rd both times. C'mon guys, let's score Cody.
I will have details on practice and games, and pictures, and I Cubs and all that later this week. But is is getting late, so that is all for now. Thanks for changing your plans to make this go tonite. I think the kids really like playing under the lights, and we didn't have to cram it in later in the season.
On to the game....Fun times under the lights. Of course winning makes it nicer, but that was the kind of baseball game I like, 4-3, with some nice pitching.
Stat of the day....Jerald and Mickey didn't walk anybody. I love it! Walks drive me crazy. Yanks did a good job too, they only walked 2 Brewers (CJ and Dylan) and beaned 1 (Mickey).
Other stuff:Cody had a horrible first inning defensively. But he shook it off, made a catch at SS later in the game, and went 2-2 with the bat, with 2 really nice bunts. By the 2nd inning, he was over his bad inning, had a great attitude, and was cheering everybody on. I love to see that.
Mickey did a great job in relief. I really liked how he just bore down, and got outs. He gave up 2 hits to start the 6th, then struck out the next 3 to close it.
Paul mentioned this during the game... We had 4 errors in the first inning, and they only scored 1 run. In the 3rd, they had 2 base hits, and scored none. I'll take that.
Our batting is still a little shaky, but Jerald did go 3 for 3, and Cody went 2 for 2. Though as Cody told me, he got stranded at 3rd both times. C'mon guys, let's score Cody.
I will have details on practice and games, and pictures, and I Cubs and all that later this week. But is is getting late, so that is all for now. Thanks for changing your plans to make this go tonite. I think the kids really like playing under the lights, and we didn't have to cram it in later in the season.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Concession schedule
Since we have yet to have a "home" game this year, I kinda forgot about the concessions. I sent out a thing earlier in the year, but it has probably been a month, so here is a reminder
Mon Apr 27 Waline Arnold now Tues Apr 28
Sat May 9 Hartzler Braland
Mon May 11 Schmidt Clark
Sat May 16 Dedic Prom
Mon May 18 Braland Rivers
Mon May 25 Fritz Schmidt
Thanks for your help in this. This is part of the deal to keep entry fees low. If you can't make one, if you could find somebody to switch that would be helpful. If not, let me know, and same thing if you have any questions.
Thanks!
Mon Apr 27 Waline Arnold now Tues Apr 28
Sat May 9 Hartzler Braland
Mon May 11 Schmidt Clark
Sat May 16 Dedic Prom
Mon May 18 Braland Rivers
Mon May 25 Fritz Schmidt
Thanks for your help in this. This is part of the deal to keep entry fees low. If you can't make one, if you could find somebody to switch that would be helpful. If not, let me know, and same thing if you have any questions.
Thanks!
Nuked
Nuking for tonite. For now--we are scheduling for 8PM tomorrow(Tuesday) at the Carousel (following the minors game).
Darn rain
Looking like we might cancel, do to the upcoming rain. But we are going to hang in there for a little bit to see what happens.
Game on-Yankees also say go
I didn't believe it til I saw it, but just went to the Roland field, and we are ready for baseball tonite. It is a little soggy by 1st and 2nd, but we can get that fixed up. The rest of the field is hard, no footprints when I walked on it. The Roland field does drain nicely. Funny thing is, I found half a fish by 3rd base. I have no idea where that came from--I know it was wet, but not that wet (I'm guessing dropped by a bird)
Anyway, considerations...it will be cool, so dress appropriately. The grass is soggy. PLEASE PARALLEL PARK to the field, and do not drive on the grass--that will make Mr Sheahan happy, and the lawn mower guys, they do not like ruts. Bring a lawn chair, the bleachers are in standing water.
Another note--I know it isn't the greatest weather for the game tonite. But based on our limited field space, and the difficulties in arranging fields and umpires for makeups, I really prefer to play it, even if the conditions are less than ideal--especially when the playing field is fine.
Anyway, considerations...it will be cool, so dress appropriately. The grass is soggy. PLEASE PARALLEL PARK to the field, and do not drive on the grass--that will make Mr Sheahan happy, and the lawn mower guys, they do not like ruts. Bring a lawn chair, the bleachers are in standing water.
Another note--I know it isn't the greatest weather for the game tonite. But based on our limited field space, and the difficulties in arranging fields and umpires for makeups, I really prefer to play it, even if the conditions are less than ideal--especially when the playing field is fine.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Sunday practice canceled
Please email me (if we haven't called you yet) to let me know that you know-regarding Sunday practice canceled. rogerfritz@gmail.com
For now-game still on Monday at Roland at 6PM.
For now-game still on Monday at Roland at 6PM.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Well, that wasn't so hot
Not a real good effort by the Brew Crew. But credit to the Braves, Taylor Hill pitched a great game, and the Braves made some good defensive plays. As for us, Cody laid down a nice bunt, but they fielded it just right, and barely got him out. Zach also put the ball in play, and just got nipped. I did like that those guys hustled down the line when we put the ball in play. On the defensive side, Jerald made a nice play at first base in foul territory.
As for what to work on....we need to improve on the defensive side. The Braves only hit 3 balls in the outfield all night. 3. A team shouldn't score 8 runs on 3 balls to the outfield. As for batting, we bailed a little too much, and lost some aggressiveness at the bat. I was satisfied with Grant's pitching effort, I think only 2 or 3 of the runs were earned, but when some walks and hit batters got mixed with some errors, the Brew Crew got in trouble.
But that was a good team. Apparently the Hawaiian shirts didn't help. So on Monday, back to the uniforms. I like our chances against the Yankees if we can get the outs when presented to us, and if we step at the pitcher and keep the bats level when swinging.
If the weather is dry, practice on Sunday from 1 to 2:30 at RMS!
As for what to work on....we need to improve on the defensive side. The Braves only hit 3 balls in the outfield all night. 3. A team shouldn't score 8 runs on 3 balls to the outfield. As for batting, we bailed a little too much, and lost some aggressiveness at the bat. I was satisfied with Grant's pitching effort, I think only 2 or 3 of the runs were earned, but when some walks and hit batters got mixed with some errors, the Brew Crew got in trouble.
But that was a good team. Apparently the Hawaiian shirts didn't help. So on Monday, back to the uniforms. I like our chances against the Yankees if we can get the outs when presented to us, and if we step at the pitcher and keep the bats level when swinging.
If the weather is dry, practice on Sunday from 1 to 2:30 at RMS!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Frosty but fun
If I could throw out the weather, that is the kind of game I like. A pretty good pitching performance by both teams, a come back, and then a come back.
Things I liked tonite:
1. Jerald pitched a really nice game
2. Mickey had a great defensive game, and went 3 for 4 at the plate, with two of the hits being key events in the game.
3. No quit in the team. They could have been down after blowing the lead, but instead it was, "We get to play another inning? Cool." (Much to the chagrin of the parents!)
Other things of note: kinda cool that we threw a kid out at first on a hit to right field (Ed to Will I think, maybe Mickey was at first?)
CJ had a nice play at shortstop to throw somebody out
Spencer made a nice play at catcher on a foul pop up
We ran the bases well (tho a couple steal signs got missed, which irks me somewhat!)
Our backing up of throws was much better tonite. I was getting on Grant's case on Saturday, but he did a good job of that at the SS position tonite.
Both Will and Cody got on base with some bunts. We may try that some more!
Our batting as a whole was a little shaky. But it was cold, and it is hard to stay loose and limber for batting. We do need to stay in the box, and step at the pitcher when swinging. A lot of the guys were talking about numb hands, so it is hard to hit and field the ball with that.
If somebody were to offer me 2-1 with 3 games in 4 days, I would take it. I like where we are at, and what we have done so far. We need to continue to improve, but all in all, I am very happy with what the boys have done.
Friday looks nice--no wind chills!
Things I liked tonite:
1. Jerald pitched a really nice game
2. Mickey had a great defensive game, and went 3 for 4 at the plate, with two of the hits being key events in the game.
3. No quit in the team. They could have been down after blowing the lead, but instead it was, "We get to play another inning? Cool." (Much to the chagrin of the parents!)
Other things of note: kinda cool that we threw a kid out at first on a hit to right field (Ed to Will I think, maybe Mickey was at first?)
CJ had a nice play at shortstop to throw somebody out
Spencer made a nice play at catcher on a foul pop up
We ran the bases well (tho a couple steal signs got missed, which irks me somewhat!)
Our backing up of throws was much better tonite. I was getting on Grant's case on Saturday, but he did a good job of that at the SS position tonite.
Both Will and Cody got on base with some bunts. We may try that some more!
Our batting as a whole was a little shaky. But it was cold, and it is hard to stay loose and limber for batting. We do need to stay in the box, and step at the pitcher when swinging. A lot of the guys were talking about numb hands, so it is hard to hit and field the ball with that.
If somebody were to offer me 2-1 with 3 games in 4 days, I would take it. I like where we are at, and what we have done so far. We need to continue to improve, but all in all, I am very happy with what the boys have done.
Friday looks nice--no wind chills!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Practice is a go
I understand it is cold, and a lot of baseball here lately. If you don't want to come, I have no problem with that. But Jerald and I will be there, and if anybody wants to show up, we'll come up with something to do. If not, seeya tomorrow!
So far, practice is on
I doubt we get on the Roland diamond today. But we can get some hitting practice in out in the grass. So if your son can make it today (RMS 1-2:30), that would be great. If we call it off, we'll give you a call.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Ugly game
I liked the win, but it really wasn't that fun of a game. In 39 plate appearances, we got walked 15 times. I like baseball where both teams hit the ball, the defense fields the ball, and people are either safe or out. We put the ball in play 15 times, which isn't that bad either.
I do think we actually played better last night, despite the loss. But this game was hard to get in a good rhythm because all the walks put everybody to sleep.
Matt did a pretty good job in his first ever pitching experience (not counting the scrimmage). We still need to work with him in the other jobs of pitcher, which include covering home and first. And that is not just him, everybody could use some improvement with that. Mick did a good job of closing down. He was one pitch from getting the hook after he walked the first two batters of the 4th inning, but then he struck out the #5 batter, and life was good again.
On the batting side, if we get walks, we get walks. But I do like to see us hit the ball. The first pitcher for the Royals last night is one of the best in the league. What we saw today is probably near the bottom end, and when they threw strikes, we did hit the ball fairly well. So we shall see how we do with the middle type pitchers. I think we will be successful for the most part. Monday will be a good test. I'm sure we will get Colton Osmundson for most of the game. He throws strikes, not real fast, but not slow either. Should be a good test for us.
Mickey had the hit of the day with his bomb to right field. Kent and I were talking about him after the game Friday. We were talking about how sometime, when he gets ahold of it, he is going to hit a bomb. Certainly did that with his 2nd inning hit. Spencer went 3 for 3 on the day to go along with his taking one off the wrist. You could see the ball lace marks indented in his wrist. Nice to see him come back, but with the big lead, I gave him the rest of the day off for catching.
Practice on Sunday at 1 at RMS (to 2:30) if it is not raining. Then the game Monday night against the Cubs. Lotta baseball here. Thanks for your support with this. I know the schedule is rough here, it should slow down a little after Monday.
I do think we actually played better last night, despite the loss. But this game was hard to get in a good rhythm because all the walks put everybody to sleep.
Matt did a pretty good job in his first ever pitching experience (not counting the scrimmage). We still need to work with him in the other jobs of pitcher, which include covering home and first. And that is not just him, everybody could use some improvement with that. Mick did a good job of closing down. He was one pitch from getting the hook after he walked the first two batters of the 4th inning, but then he struck out the #5 batter, and life was good again.
On the batting side, if we get walks, we get walks. But I do like to see us hit the ball. The first pitcher for the Royals last night is one of the best in the league. What we saw today is probably near the bottom end, and when they threw strikes, we did hit the ball fairly well. So we shall see how we do with the middle type pitchers. I think we will be successful for the most part. Monday will be a good test. I'm sure we will get Colton Osmundson for most of the game. He throws strikes, not real fast, but not slow either. Should be a good test for us.
Mickey had the hit of the day with his bomb to right field. Kent and I were talking about him after the game Friday. We were talking about how sometime, when he gets ahold of it, he is going to hit a bomb. Certainly did that with his 2nd inning hit. Spencer went 3 for 3 on the day to go along with his taking one off the wrist. You could see the ball lace marks indented in his wrist. Nice to see him come back, but with the big lead, I gave him the rest of the day off for catching.
Practice on Sunday at 1 at RMS (to 2:30) if it is not raining. Then the game Monday night against the Cubs. Lotta baseball here. Thanks for your support with this. I know the schedule is rough here, it should slow down a little after Monday.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Not a bad effort, but tough one to lose
I was reasonably happy with our performance tonite. The Royals are a good club, no shame in losing to them. They have 3 12 year olds that were All-Stars last year, so they have some talent. Jerald pitched well and had a nice bomb to CF. Matt had the at-bat of the night--9 pitches I think, which ended with a base hit. I love to work the opponent's pitch count like that.
With 3 games in 4 days, I had to juggle and watch pitch counts some what. That didn't help our cause any. I wanted Mickey available for Saturday or Monday, so I had to yank him at 20. Spencer struggled a little, but he has never pitched before. I have confidence in him for later in the year, though he is toasted on pitch count for the next 2 games.
We struck out 10 Royals, and we struck out 12 times. I'd like to see us put the ball in play a little more. Everybody but Spencer and CJ struck out at least once tonite. Mickey did a good job at first getting a couple outs.
I thought the boys played reasonably smart when the ball was hit to them. We did the right thing, which makes me very happy. We fell a little short in some cases where when not immediately involved in a play, we weren't backing up throws and stuff like that. But we will improve.
Hope the rain holds off. I love that we get another shot 14 hours later.....
With 3 games in 4 days, I had to juggle and watch pitch counts some what. That didn't help our cause any. I wanted Mickey available for Saturday or Monday, so I had to yank him at 20. Spencer struggled a little, but he has never pitched before. I have confidence in him for later in the year, though he is toasted on pitch count for the next 2 games.
We struck out 10 Royals, and we struck out 12 times. I'd like to see us put the ball in play a little more. Everybody but Spencer and CJ struck out at least once tonite. Mickey did a good job at first getting a couple outs.
I thought the boys played reasonably smart when the ball was hit to them. We did the right thing, which makes me very happy. We fell a little short in some cases where when not immediately involved in a play, we weren't backing up throws and stuff like that. But we will improve.
Hope the rain holds off. I love that we get another shot 14 hours later.....
Monday, April 13, 2009
Monday practice is on
Yes it will be cold and breezy, but the boys are tough. If it were January, it would be a great day today. We need outfield practice, so we will do a lot of that, though the diamond in Roland doesn't really look that bad. So anyway, from 6:30 to probably 7:45 or so.
Stand by
No decision has been made on practice tonite. The rain is supposed to end by 1, and we are not supposed to get that much. So it may be a 5PM decision or so. So again stand by. A reminder, if we do have practice, it is at 6:30 to dark at RMS.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Great scrimmage
I was really happy with the effort today. Good time had by all, saw lots of smiles, and lots of doing the right thing. Our pitchers did a pretty good job of throwing strikes (though the defense sometimes struggled in backing them up). I think everybody got on base, and all but 2 scored at least one run, so a very good team effort.
Our pitchers struck out 11 and walked 6, which is a ratio I can live with. Though I would have liked a few more defensive outs, and not make the pitchers get so many outs through strikeout.
I liked how the team was really supporting each other, and we had some good chatter out there in the field. Here are the main things I think we still need to work on: 1. Someone taking charge, and making the play on pop ups. 2. Making a defensive play, and then knowing what to do with the ball as soon as it is cleanly handled (so not rushing the play). 3. Knowing when and where to back up plays All of these come with practice.
So speaking of practice, no practice on Easter. Monday is moved to 6:30 at RMS (we need to share the field that day. Practice will go til dark--about 7:45 or 7:50 I imagine.
Next weekend 3 games in 4 days. Please let me know if you son is going to miss a game. That really takes a toll on the pitching, so I would like to know if I have to work around a missing pitcher.
Happy Easter.
Our pitchers struck out 11 and walked 6, which is a ratio I can live with. Though I would have liked a few more defensive outs, and not make the pitchers get so many outs through strikeout.
I liked how the team was really supporting each other, and we had some good chatter out there in the field. Here are the main things I think we still need to work on: 1. Someone taking charge, and making the play on pop ups. 2. Making a defensive play, and then knowing what to do with the ball as soon as it is cleanly handled (so not rushing the play). 3. Knowing when and where to back up plays All of these come with practice.
So speaking of practice, no practice on Easter. Monday is moved to 6:30 at RMS (we need to share the field that day. Practice will go til dark--about 7:45 or 7:50 I imagine.
Next weekend 3 games in 4 days. Please let me know if you son is going to miss a game. That really takes a toll on the pitching, so I would like to know if I have to work around a missing pitcher.
Happy Easter.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Sat Scrimmage
Good practice tonite on Friday. Here is the story for Saturday.
Have the boys there at 12:45. They are to wear their hat, whatever baseball pants they want, and a shirt/sweatshirt. They are not to wear their uniform shirt, as this is really just a glorified practice. However, it will be played as a game. I will be rotating the guys around a bit, and we should be done by 3.
No practice on Sunday, and on Monday, practice at RMS at 6PM, if it is not raining, or wet.
Have the boys there at 12:45. They are to wear their hat, whatever baseball pants they want, and a shirt/sweatshirt. They are not to wear their uniform shirt, as this is really just a glorified practice. However, it will be played as a game. I will be rotating the guys around a bit, and we should be done by 3.
No practice on Sunday, and on Monday, practice at RMS at 6PM, if it is not raining, or wet.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Fri/Sat practice
Practice at 6pm at RMS on Friday, til 7:30, if you don't have church.
Scrimmage at 1PM on Saturday at RMS, be there about 12:45 if you can.
No practice on Easter.
Scrimmage at 1PM on Saturday at RMS, be there about 12:45 if you can.
No practice on Easter.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Monday practice report
Anybody leave a coat at practice tonite? Maybe it was in the gym before we got there. But just checking. If so, I have a blue winter type coat.
The kids got their jerseys tonite. They are for games only, not for running around in. Please remind them of that.
Next practice is Friday at 6PM at RMS diamond (I'm expecting the snow to be gone). If not, we will probably punt, but stay tuned. If you have church, go to church. I totally understand it is Good Friday.
We are going to have a scrimmage on Saturday at 1PM at RMS. If your son is not going to be there, please let me know. I have already heard from 1 parent.
Encourage the boys to get out and play catch on their own. Our practices are really too short and too infrequent to make big strides in their talent level. If they are gonna plant their hiney in front of the TV, encourage them to watch baseball on TV.
We had a pretty decent practice tonite for inside. Kent worked with the boys swing off the T. Paul and I worked on bunting and throwing with the guys. Then we all worked on situations and knowing "What am I going to do if the ball is hit to me?"
The kids got their jerseys tonite. They are for games only, not for running around in. Please remind them of that.
Next practice is Friday at 6PM at RMS diamond (I'm expecting the snow to be gone). If not, we will probably punt, but stay tuned. If you have church, go to church. I totally understand it is Good Friday.
We are going to have a scrimmage on Saturday at 1PM at RMS. If your son is not going to be there, please let me know. I have already heard from 1 parent.
Encourage the boys to get out and play catch on their own. Our practices are really too short and too infrequent to make big strides in their talent level. If they are gonna plant their hiney in front of the TV, encourage them to watch baseball on TV.
We had a pretty decent practice tonite for inside. Kent worked with the boys swing off the T. Paul and I worked on bunting and throwing with the guys. Then we all worked on situations and knowing "What am I going to do if the ball is hit to me?"
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
Updated practice schedule
No practice tonite--sock hop. (groan)
Sunday practice is canceled.
Monday practice is at Roland Middle School from 6 to 7:30. I have the old gym reserved. If for some reason it is a pleasant 39 degrees, (!) we will still go outside. But I am expecting we will be inside. So swing by the outside diamond. If you don't see anyone there, go to the SE entrance (off the playground, by the band room), and we will be in the old gym.
Saturday at 9AM, each of the fields the NSCLL uses will be having a clean up party (East, Carousel, RMS). We will be doing raking and such for what I assume will not be more than about 2 hours. If you need some exercise, just bring yourself (or send your son!) and a rake, and come on down.
Our first scrimmage is a week and a day away. Yay!
Sunday practice is canceled.
Monday practice is at Roland Middle School from 6 to 7:30. I have the old gym reserved. If for some reason it is a pleasant 39 degrees, (!) we will still go outside. But I am expecting we will be inside. So swing by the outside diamond. If you don't see anyone there, go to the SE entrance (off the playground, by the band room), and we will be in the old gym.
Saturday at 9AM, each of the fields the NSCLL uses will be having a clean up party (East, Carousel, RMS). We will be doing raking and such for what I assume will not be more than about 2 hours. If you need some exercise, just bring yourself (or send your son!) and a rake, and come on down.
Our first scrimmage is a week and a day away. Yay!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
I am crushed
We are going to have a good day for baseball practice, and it is canceled for a sock hop. Priorities!
Stay tuned for Sunday and Monday. Not official yet, but Sunday is likely to be canceled, and we shall see what Monday brings.
Stay tuned for Sunday and Monday. Not official yet, but Sunday is likely to be canceled, and we shall see what Monday brings.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Guys who caught my eye in practice tonite
If your kid isn't on here, don't worry, but these are my top memories of the practice tonite
1. Matt "Ed" Braland and his 2 home runs in batting practice
2. Dylan "Mike" Schmidt with his great diving catch of Jerald's flyball to center field.
3. Tyler "Mickey" Rivers being on the winning team all 3 times in the catch game.
4. Kudos to CJ, Grant, Mickey, and Jeraldo winning 5 of the 10 relay race games.
1. Matt "Ed" Braland and his 2 home runs in batting practice
2. Dylan "Mike" Schmidt with his great diving catch of Jerald's flyball to center field.
3. Tyler "Mickey" Rivers being on the winning team all 3 times in the catch game.
4. Kudos to CJ, Grant, Mickey, and Jeraldo winning 5 of the 10 relay race games.
Ch-ch-ch-changes
Good practice tonite. A little windy, but we still had a good time. Coach Arnold split out the seat of his pants, and Matt about took my head off with a hot smash up the middle while I was pitching to him. Yikes!
Changes already...
Some of the boys apparently want to hop in their socks this Friday, and it starts during our allotted baseball time, so we are canceling Friday's practice. Also two thirds of the coaching staff is helping at the sock hop, so that also weighs in on the decision.
Some of the boys are in the Norsemen baseball camp. Just a reminder that it is this Saturday at 12:30 PM in Story City. (assuming it doesn't rain)
Next Brewers practice will be Sunday at RMS at 1PM if you can make it.
And the next big change...we are moving our opener on Thursday the 16th in Ellsworth at 6PM to Friday the 17th in Ellsworth at 6PM. Still against the Royals. A team in the minors needed a flop due to a conflict. The easiest way to help out was for the two minors teams, and us and the Royals to swap our Thursday/Friday games.
Now, that gives us a lot of baseball in there. We will have 3 games in 4 days (it was 3 games in 5 days, so not a big change, but still....) So just like I mentioned at our opening meeting night, I ask if you know you will be gone for any of these games, please let me know. Funny thing how the schedule breaks down, we will have 3 games in before the Braves have played their first game. Hope it doesn't rain that weekend, or we will really be scrambling to get those games in. And if it doesn't rain, our pitching will certainly be put to the test. But I am interested to see how we will do.
Check the blog often, but here is our likely to be changed schedule for now of Brewers events....
Friday the 3rd-canceled
Saturday the 4th field cleanups in Roland and Story City at around 9:30 AM, if you want to help, we'll let you rake leaves!
Saturday the 4th Norsemen camp for those that have registered 12:30PM
Sunday the 5th practice 1 to 2:30 RMS
Monday the 6th practice 6 to 7:30
Friday the 10th Good Friday for now, practice from 6 to 7:30. Treat it like a Sunday-if you have church of family things-do that.
Saturday the 11th scrimmage vs the Cubs RMS 1PM
Sunday the 12th Easter No practice
Monday the 13th practice 6-7:30 RMS
Friday the 17th our opening game Ellsworth 6PM vs the Royals
As you can see, not much practice time before opening day. Encourage your son to find a buddy, and go play catch and keep the arm loose.
Changes already...
Some of the boys apparently want to hop in their socks this Friday, and it starts during our allotted baseball time, so we are canceling Friday's practice. Also two thirds of the coaching staff is helping at the sock hop, so that also weighs in on the decision.
Some of the boys are in the Norsemen baseball camp. Just a reminder that it is this Saturday at 12:30 PM in Story City. (assuming it doesn't rain)
Next Brewers practice will be Sunday at RMS at 1PM if you can make it.
And the next big change...we are moving our opener on Thursday the 16th in Ellsworth at 6PM to Friday the 17th in Ellsworth at 6PM. Still against the Royals. A team in the minors needed a flop due to a conflict. The easiest way to help out was for the two minors teams, and us and the Royals to swap our Thursday/Friday games.
Now, that gives us a lot of baseball in there. We will have 3 games in 4 days (it was 3 games in 5 days, so not a big change, but still....) So just like I mentioned at our opening meeting night, I ask if you know you will be gone for any of these games, please let me know. Funny thing how the schedule breaks down, we will have 3 games in before the Braves have played their first game. Hope it doesn't rain that weekend, or we will really be scrambling to get those games in. And if it doesn't rain, our pitching will certainly be put to the test. But I am interested to see how we will do.
Check the blog often, but here is our likely to be changed schedule for now of Brewers events....
Friday the 3rd-canceled
Saturday the 4th field cleanups in Roland and Story City at around 9:30 AM, if you want to help, we'll let you rake leaves!
Saturday the 4th Norsemen camp for those that have registered 12:30PM
Sunday the 5th practice 1 to 2:30 RMS
Monday the 6th practice 6 to 7:30
Friday the 10th Good Friday for now, practice from 6 to 7:30. Treat it like a Sunday-if you have church of family things-do that.
Saturday the 11th scrimmage vs the Cubs RMS 1PM
Sunday the 12th Easter No practice
Monday the 13th practice 6-7:30 RMS
Friday the 17th our opening game Ellsworth 6PM vs the Royals
As you can see, not much practice time before opening day. Encourage your son to find a buddy, and go play catch and keep the arm loose.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Cancel that Friday April 10
Forgot that that is Good Friday. We switched it to Saturday, Apr 11 at 1PM in Roland. If you have stuff going on, don't sweat it. More details to follow.
Monday practice is a go
Brewers practice from 6PM to 7:30 at Roland Middle School on Monday. So far a chance of rain, but pretty small. So it is still a go.
Schedule addition--kinda. We were scheduled for a practice on Friday April 10 at 6PM. At that time, we will instead be playing a scrimmage with the Cubs at RMS.
Schedule addition--kinda. We were scheduled for a practice on Friday April 10 at 6PM. At that time, we will instead be playing a scrimmage with the Cubs at RMS.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Concession schedule
Here is our concession schedule. If it gets rained out, I ask that you help out on the makeup game.
Mon Apr 27 Waline Clark
Sat May 9 Hartzler Braland
Mon May 11 Schmidt Arnold
Sat May 16 Dedic Prom
Mon May 18 Braland Rivers
Mon May 25 Fritz Schmidt
And if we need to in the year end tournament, I'll draft somebody who has not done it twice. I really appreciate your assistance in this task!
Mon Apr 27 Waline Clark
Sat May 9 Hartzler Braland
Mon May 11 Schmidt Arnold
Sat May 16 Dedic Prom
Mon May 18 Braland Rivers
Mon May 25 Fritz Schmidt
And if we need to in the year end tournament, I'll draft somebody who has not done it twice. I really appreciate your assistance in this task!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Good practice tonite
A little tough to really let it all out, but it went pretty well for the first time, and especially in the confined space that we were in. We still got in some batting, fielding, throwing, base running, and situations. We passed out the hats, and we are good to go for Sunday, at 1PM in Roland (if you have other stuff going on, that is fine).
Sunday May 10 at the I-Cubs is a done deal. There are limited dates, but I thought that one works as well as any. Details will follow.
Sunday May 10 at the I-Cubs is a done deal. There are limited dates, but I thought that one works as well as any. Details will follow.
Schedule is out
Go to the league website http://www.eteamz.com/nscll then click on the schedule, and then choose the tab for "Majors by team". With rain and other potential issues, it will change. But this is how it is for now.
Also, keep Mothers Day May 10 in the back of your mind. (not a done deal yet) We may be taking the boys (and any parents) to an I-Cubs game to be anthem buddies. They will get to run out on the field with the players for the National Anthem. I did it last year, and it was a lot of fun, and exciting for the kids. We get 15 free tickets, so players and coaches will get in for free. Any parents wanting to come will need to pay their own way in.
Here is our schedule in a very non formated way. I endorse going to the website.
1 7 Brewers Royals Ellsworth Thursday, April 16, 2009 6:00 PM
.
2 45 Brewers Pirates Gilbert South Saturday, April 18, 2009 10:00 AM
.
3 13 Brewers Cubs Roland Middle School Monday, April 20, 2009 6:00 PM
.
4 17 Brewers Braves Roland Middle School Friday, April 24, 2009 6:00 PM
.
5 21 Yankees Brewers Roland Middle School Monday, April 27, 2009 6:00 PM
.
6 30 Brewers Rangers Gilbert South Saturday, May 2, 2009 1:00 PM
.
7 35 Braves Brewers Zearing Tuesday, May 5, 2009 6:00 PM
.
8 40 Cardinals Brewers Story City Carousel Saturday, May 9, 2009 11:00 AM
.
9 8 Twins Brewers Story City Carousel Monday, May 11, 2009 6:00 PM
.
10 49 Mets Brewers Story City Carousel Saturday, May 16, 2009 1:00 PM
.
11 54 Royals Brewers Roland Middle School Monday, May 18, 2009 6:00 PM
.
12 64 Brewers Twins Roland Middle School Monday, May 25, 2009 6:00 PM
.
13 66 Cubs Brewers Story City Carousel Saturday, May 30, 2009 3:00 PM
.
14 73 Brewers Orioles Gilbert South Monday, June 1, 2009 6:00 PM
Also, keep Mothers Day May 10 in the back of your mind. (not a done deal yet) We may be taking the boys (and any parents) to an I-Cubs game to be anthem buddies. They will get to run out on the field with the players for the National Anthem. I did it last year, and it was a lot of fun, and exciting for the kids. We get 15 free tickets, so players and coaches will get in for free. Any parents wanting to come will need to pay their own way in.
Here is our schedule in a very non formated way. I endorse going to the website.
1 7 Brewers Royals Ellsworth Thursday, April 16, 2009 6:00 PM
.
2 45 Brewers Pirates Gilbert South Saturday, April 18, 2009 10:00 AM
.
3 13 Brewers Cubs Roland Middle School Monday, April 20, 2009 6:00 PM
.
4 17 Brewers Braves Roland Middle School Friday, April 24, 2009 6:00 PM
.
5 21 Yankees Brewers Roland Middle School Monday, April 27, 2009 6:00 PM
.
6 30 Brewers Rangers Gilbert South Saturday, May 2, 2009 1:00 PM
.
7 35 Braves Brewers Zearing Tuesday, May 5, 2009 6:00 PM
.
8 40 Cardinals Brewers Story City Carousel Saturday, May 9, 2009 11:00 AM
.
9 8 Twins Brewers Story City Carousel Monday, May 11, 2009 6:00 PM
.
10 49 Mets Brewers Story City Carousel Saturday, May 16, 2009 1:00 PM
.
11 54 Royals Brewers Roland Middle School Monday, May 18, 2009 6:00 PM
.
12 64 Brewers Twins Roland Middle School Monday, May 25, 2009 6:00 PM
.
13 66 Cubs Brewers Story City Carousel Saturday, May 30, 2009 3:00 PM
.
14 73 Brewers Orioles Gilbert South Monday, June 1, 2009 6:00 PM
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Friday practice moved to SC Elementary School
Friday's practice has been moved inside to the Story City elementary school. Practice is from 6 to 7:30PM. Use the north doors, tho practice will be held in the old gym, so they will have to walk down the hall to get to practice. Come in gym/tennis shoes, bring the glove, and bat if they have one.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Good get together
Glad we had a good turnout tonite for the kickoff meeting. Don't forget, if you have any questions, feel free to contact one of the coaches.
If the weather is at least semi-decent, our first practice will be at the RMS from 6 to 7:30 on Friday. I am guessing the field will still be soggy, but that is ok, we need to just play some catch, and get our arms loosened up. And we can do that in the grass.
If the weather is at least semi-decent, our first practice will be at the RMS from 6 to 7:30 on Friday. I am guessing the field will still be soggy, but that is ok, we need to just play some catch, and get our arms loosened up. And we can do that in the grass.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Brewers Baseball Handout
BREWERS BASEBALL
Manager: Roger Fritz cell 290-7500 home 388-4179 rogerfritz@gmail.com
Coaches:
Kent Arnold cell 291-3506 home 733-2522 laurie.Arnold@hotmail.com
Paul Clark cell 230-3004 home 733-2622 paulclark@usa.com
Practice Schedule—Roland Middle School
Mondays 6-7:30 Fridays 6-7:30
Sundays 1-2:30 Sundays are optional if you have family commitments.
If we have weather issues, we may move to a gym for practice. Games will generally be on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Schedule will be released around April 1. Season will be done around June 16.
Get your son white baseball pants and navy blue socks.
Let a coach know as soon as possible if your son will miss a game.
Bookmark the league website http://www.eteamz.com/nscll
Bookmark my Brewers blog http://nscllbrewers.blogspot.com/
RULES:
1. Be safe. When you swing a bat, know what is around you. When you throw a ball, make sure people in the area are looking.
2. Have fun. Despite a major league team name, this isn’t the majors. We are here to have fun and learn about baseball.
3. Show sportsmanship. Throwing bats, helmets and gloves is unacceptable. Treat our volunteer umpires with respect. They will occasionally goof up a call, like you will occasionally goof up a play. That is ok, use it as a learning experience. Never make fun of or holler at a player on another team. Cheer for your teammates.
4. Look like a ball player. Hats should not be worn backwards. Jerseys should be tucked in. Hustle all the time. Even if you are not fast, that doesn’t mean you can’t hustle. Run to your position in the field, run back to the bench when it is our turn to bat.
Manager: Roger Fritz cell 290-7500 home 388-4179 rogerfritz@gmail.com
Coaches:
Kent Arnold cell 291-3506 home 733-2522 laurie.Arnold@hotmail.com
Paul Clark cell 230-3004 home 733-2622 paulclark@usa.com
Practice Schedule—Roland Middle School
Mondays 6-7:30 Fridays 6-7:30
Sundays 1-2:30 Sundays are optional if you have family commitments.
If we have weather issues, we may move to a gym for practice. Games will generally be on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Schedule will be released around April 1. Season will be done around June 16.
Get your son white baseball pants and navy blue socks.
Let a coach know as soon as possible if your son will miss a game.
Bookmark the league website http://www.eteamz.com/nscll
Bookmark my Brewers blog http://nscllbrewers.blogspot.com/
RULES:
1. Be safe. When you swing a bat, know what is around you. When you throw a ball, make sure people in the area are looking.
2. Have fun. Despite a major league team name, this isn’t the majors. We are here to have fun and learn about baseball.
3. Show sportsmanship. Throwing bats, helmets and gloves is unacceptable. Treat our volunteer umpires with respect. They will occasionally goof up a call, like you will occasionally goof up a play. That is ok, use it as a learning experience. Never make fun of or holler at a player on another team. Cheer for your teammates.
4. Look like a ball player. Hats should not be worn backwards. Jerseys should be tucked in. Hustle all the time. Even if you are not fast, that doesn’t mean you can’t hustle. Run to your position in the field, run back to the bench when it is our turn to bat.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Parent/Player meeting
All the parents and players should come to our kick off meeting at Monday, March 23 at 6PM at the Roland Library Annex (just south of the post office). We will go over expectations for both players and parents, hand out schedules, and gather contact info.
If it is nice, we will head down to the middle school and throw around for about a half hour. If it is wet or raining, we will just head for home.
If it is nice, we will head down to the middle school and throw around for about a half hour. If it is wet or raining, we will just head for home.
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