The youth football program we had been a part of for several years closed its doors at the end of last year, which led us to look for other options. Only Peter was to enroll for the season, for Jeremy–after much thought and counsel-seeking–opted to play fall baseball.

We decide on the Wheaton Rams, after we heard positive things about the program and learned that practices and games were within a relatively close proximity to our house.

It was kind of a slow start for Peter, since he left good friends in order to join this new team, where he didn’t know anyone. But he was determined to get to know his teammates and now feels part of the team.

His coaches call him Pistol (short for Pistol Pete).

It’s pretty funny to hear them call out, “Hey, Pistol, get out there and hit somebody!”

He is an intense kid and has adjusted well to the change.

He was assigned #31, which was my cousin Ronnie’s number in high school. Every week he dons it, and I think about Ronnie–the all-state linebacker from Wheaton. Pistol wears the number proudly!