HOME RUNS & Life lessons

Last night's game was great!! Christian hit his first HOME RUN!!

The Nationals were up to bat first. Christian was the first batter. He had some great swings, but did not make contact with the pitches from the pitching machine. Out comes the tee. He swings, the ball flies out to center field. He runs to first, second (there is scrambling in the outfield), third and then HOME. The next two Nationals, Ethan and Chase, hit great singles. Then comes NySheed with a HOME RUN. Nationals are up 4 runs. Kyler comes up to bat and hits - you guessed it a HOME RUN. 5 minutes into the game and they already had 5 runs.

The Orioles scored their 5 runs. Christian got two outs at 1st base. The Nationals score 5 more runs the next inning. Orioles are up to bat. Christian made two more outs at 1st and Oakley made an out at home - stopping the Orioles at only 3 runs that inning. 10 to 8

Top of the 3rd - Christian makes a powerful hit to center field. The center fielder did a great job of stopping the ball. Christian gets a single. Ethan and Chase continue with powerful singles. Bases loaded - NySheed comes up to bat. He hits a grand slam past the center fielder! Bases are loaded once again - Jacob knocks a single bringing in the 5th run of the inning.

Orioles come up to finish up the inning and the game. Christian makes an out at 1st. 1 run is scored. McRae makes an out at 2nd. Christian makes the last out at 1st. (6 outs for the game). Nationals win 15-9.

The back story to NySheed's grand slam is so sweet. One of the Nationals got out at 1st in the 2nd inning. He made a fantastic hit, but the first baseman made a great catch. NySheed was sitting in the dugout and saw this. He said, "When I'm up to bat next I'm going to hit a home run for Carson." When NySheed finished rounding those bases and came back to the dugout, he wore the biggest smile. He looked at Carson, pointed and said, "That was for you, Carson." Not only are these boys learning how to play baseball, they are learning how to be a team - how to reach out to others (life lessons).

I have seen several instances like this on the baseball field this season. I have seen players go up to check on a teammate that is having a "moment" in the field (they are 5 and 6-yr. olds and they have moments). Last week Christian was having such a moment before the game. The encouragement he received from his fellow teammates and coaching staff was awesome! He went right out there and did his best.

I have so enjoyed watching Christian and the Nationals play baseball. Watching them interact with each other on and off the field has been priceless! Those are the things that will stick with them.