Coach-Pitch

This Saturday, May 21 was a glorious spring day. Well, it barely reached the 60ies but there was no rain, making it different from the last several days. And we celebrated the day watching David's Little League game. His division is called "Coach-Pitch," a learning division just a step above T-Ball. Below is David in his yellow shirt and tan hat. In wise fashion, every inning the boys were rotated to different positions. This was his chance to be pitcher, well, standing behind the coach who is actually pitching to the batters.

Next, he played catcher. Note, he is in the act of throwing the ball back to the pitcher. He had told his coach, "I am a good thrower". And he is.

Of course, getting to bat was the biggest thrill. These boys are learning how to stand in the box, how to swing the bat, and what to do if by a small miracle they hit the ball into fair territory. Which David did a couple of times. In this photo, taken by Gramma from our sideline camp chairs, you can see the ball frozen a few feet in front of the swinging David.

Here is David as a base runner. In this exciting at-bat he hit a hard grounder and ran fast to 1st base, carrying his bat the entire distance with him. The game was filled with excitement and laughter (by the parents) as the young ones learned lessons. For instance, one boy had not yet learned to run from one base to the next. He was standing on second and his coach and team mates hollered to him to run. Trying to be obedient, he took off into left field, with his coach in pursuit.

Among the crowd this day was David's Dad and younger brother.

After the game David ran over to Gramma to thank her for coming. In his hand he held the snack provided to each team member after a game. "And we get to eat!" David told his Grandmother proudly. Life hardly gets any better than this.