Minor League Baseball

This Spring, Jared got off the bleachers to play baseball on his first team!  Two years ago, I could not see this ever happening.  What a great blessing and what an exciting season!

His team was the Redwings whose home city is Rochester, NY. It was ironic since Uncle Wayne, who is from Rochester, had just sent the boys a bunch of Redwings merchandise, so we the fans were all set.

He played Babe Ruth machine pitch with rubber balls.  This increased the safety level and helped my nerves, but he still wore the best chest protector on the market.  Also his father was one of the assistant coaches (by my demand :-P and Chris' desire).

Throughout the season Jared played many positions.  His first game he played First Base one inning and I had to smile as I watched him play concierge.  He was high-fiving everyone who made it on base and continued to talk to and encourage them while they were on base.  Later in the season he had a number of great plays protecting 3rd Base.

His friendly nature was appreciated by his team as well.  At the year-end celebration another team mom came up to me and told me how thankful she was for Jared always being friendly and encouraging to her son. This too made my heart swell.  That's the kind of thing you want to hear about your boy.  Then his coach topped that compliment when he gave Jared his participation trophy.  Coach Brian said that on the days he was really tired from work, the thought that seeing Jared at baseball with all his smiles and enthusiasm made him excited to go.  He also said that Jared was the most consistent player on the team, he hit the ball nearly every at bat and frequently on the first pitch.  The first compliment was appreciated most by his parents but he later was a great second for all.

Though there was no score keeping by the league, the kids and parents kept track.  His team finished the season with one of the best overall records at 8 wins and 2 losses.  As a bonus the team's last game and party were today on Jared's birthday.  So the season-end party was part birthday celebration as well!

As if the game and party weren't enough baseball for one day we added a bit more.  Lance, Jared and Will (Who is on Jared's team and whose birthday was the next day) went to the College Division Championships at USA Baseball that night.  It turned out to be quite the game going into so many extra innings that Chris called the game at 10pm.  The boys had a great time!