Saturday, April 30, 2011

My Wee Little League-er Makes his Pitching Debut!


Malachy (9 years) was the first pitcher in the first game of the 2011 season.   He threw well!  He looked so small down there on the mound. It was a delight to watch this little man who has been throwing the ball accurately since he the first he held a ball as a baby.  His father has been working with him for a couple of years.......and now, we see the fruits.  Good thing his biggest brother Matthew created a pitching mound on our property way back when.  We need it!

In the first inning, he struck out three batters.  In the second inning, he struck out one batter, walked one, and his team made a double-play of a weak pop-fly.  He did not give up one hit.  They lost that game in a shut-out, but they had fun.

They have since lost two other games.  Malachy pitched well in one of those. He did get a chance to score the team's first run of the season, when he stole home.

Though I missed the game today because I went to a homeschool mom meeting, I hear that they won their first game.  Malachy said he had three hits and scored two runs.

So far, he has been able to make contact with the ball most every time he has been up at bat.  Looking forward to the rest of his season! 

Oh!  And one more thing:  one of Malachy's dearest wishes has come true...his dad is volunteering as an assistant coach!  With Garrett also working as a volunteer to assist Malachy's team.......the three boys are spending a lot of time at the ball field together. 

Enjoy this photo essay of Malachy's first experience on the mound......

...if you scroll the pictures fast, you can actualy "see" him throw.  :)

There were more pics.....but I cannot convince blogger to load them for me.....grrrrr.






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Did you know Malachy has an uncle who used to coach Babe Ruth and the local high school team here?  Well, all of those kids have grown and now have children the same age as Malachy and those grown boys are doing the coaching now.  They are doing a wonderful job....and I have heard them say they have definitely been influenced in their coaching style by Uncle David.  They do not put up with goofy kids and actually teach baseball.  Lovin' it!

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Malachy also has two cousins who have pitched professionally.......they are actually second cousins, of some sort.......and they both still play.  The two are first cousins, but about 20 years apart in age.  Keepin' an eye on their careers.  The older of the two won 2 games in a College World Series, including the final game of the series.  The younger one has just started his career.......

Baseball & spring blessings to all of you!

Love, Chari



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