We knew it was going to be a significant moment--a memory to be imprinted in our minds forever--so we packed up the big rig and headed north. Never mind the boxes and the unending job that loomed in front of us.
We had us some baseball to play.
We knew without a doubt that this weekend was needed for our family. Amidst the chaos and craziness we needed this time away together...a little road trip to escape the move. And we knew that this was not just going to be any baseball game. This was going to be a tribute forever etched in our minds.
Saturday morning we arrived at the ballpark bright and early, 7:00 AM for our 10-year-old's 8:00 game. We couldn't have ordered a better day. After days of record heat, the humidity had decided to give us a break. It was in the low 70's--and dare I say almost chilly?
After the warm up, the boys had a last minute briefing in the dug
out:
They were looking at playing three games of baseball for sure. Four if they made it to the championship. And so the baseball marathon began...
The first game took awhile to loosen up. For awhile the game was a close one. Then we began to pull away.
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| Nicholas pitched the entire game |
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| Wes sliding into third |
...and they won the first game, beating the Noblesville Heat 13-10.
Next up was a 10 AM game against the Gillespie Sting. They owned this game immediately, jumping to a lead right away...so I took this opportunity to go and watch my 8 year old's game.
When I got there, somebody was hurt and Jerry and the team was taking a knee:
Here is the J-man going for a catch in the outfield:
...and playing second base:
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| All the sisters |
Meanwhile, the 10 year old Patriots had dominated the Sting, resulting in a 16-1 win.
We had a mid-day break so we went back to the hotel and let the other kids swim for awhile.
Then, back to the ball park for the 6:00 game:
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A pensive look  
Rounding third
Winning the 6:00 game against Nobleville 11-3!
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The older sisters
the younger sisters
Blue shoe, blue shoe...
Beating Noblesville 13-3, it's onto the 8:00 game
for the championship!
Trent's triple
Greatest fans ever
Helping daddy
His last up to bat ever for the Patriots...A stand up triple
Celebrating with his buddies!
Teamwork in the field
Safe at third...I think Brandon went on to score the winning run off of Alex's hit (or something like that!)
Winning 13-5 against the Gillespie Sting...winning the tournament...but it was more than a win...it was the LAST win.
The boys awaiting their trophy presentation...Coach Matt--hard on the field--but always a big softy in the aftermath. Always. It's one of the things we love about him. He spoke to each boy individually about their contribution to our team this year.
Here he is unable to get the words out about his own son, choking up all the parents in the audience.
Hugging Coach Matt
Hugging Coach Dave
Dog pile on Coach Dave!
Serious Trophy pic
Goofy Trophy Pic!
We are proud!
A family picture with Coach Matt. To think it all began on the Lyndon field with the Pirates three plus years ago.
Coaches for a season, friends for life
This picture is taken passed 11:00 pm at night...clearly it's time to leave...the game is over, the bags are packed up...it's time to go back to the hotel and get some shut eye before coming back to the ballpark at 7:15 am for the 8u 8:00 am game...
But we didn't want to leave. This is that picture...the picture that you take when you are lingering, not wanting to go. Not wanting the moment to stop. Not wanting the perfect baseball day with perfect weather with near perfect play to come to an end. Not wanting it to be the END end. Not wanting to say good-bye to these friendships that came together over boys and baseball. Laughing, cheering, talking together in the stands, on the field.
Hearing a faint whistling of music from the Rookie in my head...
But the music was muffled...Knowing that we were coming back the next morning, I suppose, softened it a little.
******************************************************
The morning came faster than we would have liked and before we knew it, we were once again standing for the National Anthem:
Pinstripes don't get any cuter than this.
Love this half smile on his face during a play. Doing what he loves.
Tony throwing ball to Nate to make a play at first
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| So proud of Jeremiah. He went 2 for 2. And scored the first run for his team. |
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| Going to second |
Rounding third
Scoring the first run!
Luca on base
Cooper on base
Sammy at bat
Devoted fans
In the end, we came up short against the Cobras. It just wasn't in the cards that day.
...but they still are cute as pie in those pinstripes.
Coach Andy spent a good amount of time talking about our record and our year. The boys listened intently.
Then Coach Andy talked about the J-man's brother's jersey being retired for his team...and said they were officially retiring #32 as well.
Oh me. More mama tears.
And he went on to say more things that brought more tears. And presented the J-man with a signed wooden bat, which brought more tears.
The cutest group of 8 year olds I've ever seen.
Coach Andy and the J-man
All a good friendship really needs is a baseball and a couple of gloves...
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And just like the snap of your fingers it was over. Not only is our baseball season coming to an end, but our Louisville season.
We walked away with the 'Rookie whistle' playing strong in my ears.
We might be moving on....
We might be moving on....
....but we will never forget you.
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