Friday, April 3, 2009

Let the practices begin

Last night was Lou's first practice with his baseball team. They'll have about a month of practices before the games begin, then the season ends the first week of June, which is perfect timing for the arrival Baby#4.

The coach is a very nice man who has all the patience of Mother Theresa. I don't know if I'd be able to instruct a group of 6-year-olds. Thank goodness they started out by throwing rubber balls. There were all sorts of errant throws last night!

They got partners and tossed, then practiced running through first/running the bases. Next, they got into positions and the coach had them field, then toss the ball to the appropriate base. Lou started out in left, then moved to third, and then to shortstop for the next round. He really wanted to try out first, but I'm sure he'll have plenty of time to show the coaches what he can do at the different bases.

With his being five, I wasn't sure how he'd stack up against the six and seven-year-olds he'd be playing with. Size-wise, he's about in the middle, the same as with ability. But I'm saying that based on what I've seen of him outside of that practice. For whatever reason--nervousness?--he didn't do what he knows how to do. He didn't step when he threw. He didn't throw to his partner, but let it bounced it in to him.

But it makes sense. He's really good at picking up on the cues of those around him. You could see him intently watching his teammates, intimating what they were doing. This was his first practice and he wanted to fit in. Ok, maybe I'm analyzing this too much. You get the picture. Regardless, he's so pumped about being on a team. They're called the Dodgers and he plays about 2-3 times a week, starting April 23rd. He keeps asking how long before the next practice. This kid is in heaven.

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