Baseball and softball have dominated our schedule since March, and we’ve enjoyed it all. It was a little sketchy during certain weeks, as many games were postponed due to rain. But all three kids’ teams were able to complete a full game schedule.

Jeremy was on the Red Sox this year, playing mostly 2nd base. He is a smart baseball player, and I always felt confident when he covered that part of the infield.

As in years past, he was a dependable batter, almost always able to get on base.

As the season progressed, his coaches began putting him in as pitcher more and more. Jeremy became a student of the pitcher position, asking my dad, Jim, and coaches for advice and tips so that he might improve.

Improve he did, because by the end of the season, he was the starting pitcher and could pitch for three innings (a big deal at this level)!

His team sure did progress as the season went on. In the beginning, we spectators weren’t too optimistic about things, but it was great to see them come together as a team and improve. Not only did they make it to the championship game, but they won decisively.

A terrific season in the books for JP!

Ruth was on the Barracudas this year. All the Wheaton teams were named after sea creatures, and I must say that this was my favorite. Ruth gave it her all and often said how much she enjoys softball. She played all the positions, but her favorites were shortstop and 3rd base. She can throw that ball hard…even if she is still working on accuracy.

She was aggressive with the bat and improved as the season went on.

She was occasionally put in as catcher.

All three kids were voted to be on their all-star teams this year. I was sick the night the boys played, hence no pictures.

But I was able to snap some pictures of Ruth’s game:

And just like Grandma, she was quite excited about the t-shirt!

Speaking of Grandma, she and Grandpa win the award for most faithful fans this spring/summer. They made it out for many, many games, offering some timely coaching and words of support.

Then there was Peter. His final year of youth baseball, he was on the A’s. I got unexpectedly emotional thinking about this end of a chapter for him. We commented often that he could not have ended up on a better team. Like Jeremy’s team, they came together as the season went on, and this particular group of boys was full of good character.

They became known for their nail-biter games. Several times I found my heart racing during the last couple innings. Peter was catcher every game.

Opposing teams thought twice before stealing 2nd base, as he was aggressive and accurate with his throws.

When he wasn’t catching, he was the team’s closing pitcher.

He lacked finesse, but made up for it in brute strength.

There was one game he pitched in the rain. They were playing the #1 team in the league, and beat them. It was a nail-biter.

Up to bat…

In another miraculous run through the playoff bracket, the A’s made it to the championship game! Sadly, they lost and ended up coming in second place. But the team gained something better than a championship–they gained friendships and a true team bond.

I’m so proud of this guy. For three weeks, he went to football practice in the morning, then played baseball in the evening…without a complaint.

It’s bittersweet to be done with the baseball and softball season. While it’s nice to have weeknights at home once again, we sure do enjoy cheering these kiddos on!