Boys of Summer

If you are looking for our family these days, it is a safe bet to check the baseball diamonds at Leonard Park.  We spend, on average, 2-3 nights a week and most of Saturday at the ball field watching one of our little men in action. Actually, I should say I spend time watching them.  Dean spends time coaching. 

I have been really proud of both the boys this season.  Joey is really coming into his own, learning the rules of the game and gaining confidence in his batting and fielding skills. Most of Joey's best friends are on his team, The Astros, which is definitely an added bonus for him! 

Brett, Joey, Drewby and Zoey

Trey, Macy, Brett, Joey, Drew, Zoey, Malaya and Alex

I just love his little stance. 

Ben is on the Phillies and it has been awesome to watch him grow this year.  He is so confident (shocking, I know) and is really impressing me with his knowledge of the game, when to tag the runner vs. the base, where the play is, etc.  He has gone back and forth between third base and short stop this season with a little bit of second base and pitcher's helper thrown in the mix from time to time.  I think he likes playing short best.  Ben is a great teammate. He is always cheering for his teammates and offering them encouragement.  Confidence oozes out of Ben and I think he is able to share some of this with his friends and brings out their confidence as well.  This is, perhaps, one of Benny's best traits.

Jackson, Ben and Nathan

A few of my favorite boys:  Ben, Nathan, Joey and Drew

I have also been really proud of how Ben has handled both wins and losses.  Now, they have only had one loss so there is not much experience to draw from, but I have been proud of how even-keel Ben is after games.  He is glad to have won, but not TOO high and he was dissapointed to lose, but not overly so.  He definitely doesn't get this levelheadedness from his mom.

Dean continues to be the world's best coach. His kids love him and play hard for him, his fellow coaches trust him and have fun with him and the other coaches respect him and enjoy playing our team. 

I have really struggled with the nasty side of sports this year.  There has been some "drama" with parents suggesting teams are stacked and saying some nasty things on the sidelines.  I read an article on-line several weeks ago about the importance of being a "silent supporter" when parenting a little leaguer.  I have adopted this strategy the past two weeks and have to say, I have enjoyed the experience of attending games much, much more.  I still cheer for Ben but just in a more subdued manner.  I clap but don't yell (not that I really raised my voice much before anyway).  I have also tried moving my seat around so that I am far from the other team and, thus, away from any negativity that might be directed my way.  So far, so good.