All Star

Braden is playing baseball on the All-Star team this summer. What a privelege that he was asked to be a part of it. He is having so much fun and getting better everyday. It's a great group of kids and parents to be involved with.
This is the machine pitch league & the ball comes out of the machine 5 mph faster for all-stars than it does for our regular season. After being a pretty consistent base-hitter all season (except for a 1 or 2 game hitting slump about mid-season) he has had a heck of a time getting the hang of that 40 mph ball. Being someone who is naturally athletic, and it always comes pretty easy to him, this has really taken the wind out of this sails. He got to where he didn't even want to go to practice because he just already knew he wasn't going to hit the ball.
Jason and I (always trying our best to seize any opportunity for a teaching moment) kept encouraging him but never let him miss one practice or batting opportunity. We practiced form in the yard and in the living room and Jason even bought a new MLB Wii game over the weekend so they could "practice". I laughed it off and thought it was just good father/son fun, but you know what... I think it might have helped! Jason modeled the perfect form for him as he held the Wii controller in his hand and I laid on the floor behind him so that he had to step straight towards the tv (the pitcher) as he hit. Plus he's listening to the announcers on the game as he's playing and learning more about the game; stealing bases, strategy, etc. Pretty cool! I love technology. Especially when it brings our family together.
In another effort to help him mentally, his MeMe Lisa decided to offer him $1 for every hit. Even foul balls. For a boy who's all about saving money to buy things he wants that Mamma and Daddy won't buy him, this was music to his ears. He replied to the offer with his natural response, "Sweet!" So cute!
Tonight they had a scrimmage game and Braden got a foul tip on his first time up to bat. We were so proud that he even got a piece of it! $1.
Second time up to bat, base hit! $2.
Third and final time up, base hit! $3. He even got to steal 2nd base on this one. And it was a perfect looking slide too, for someone who was a little apprehensive about the whole sliding thing.
Jason made it home in time to come to the game. We had a nice cool shady spot right outside of our team's dugout to watch the game. MeMe was there to help entertain Gracie, and Rhett was off playing in the dirt with some of his buddies. What a great evening at the ball park!!
Today was day 4 of 10 straight days of baseball. Tomorrow night's practice is promised to be shorter than the usual 3- 3 1/2 hours and non-strenuous. So that will be a nice break for the boys (and their parents!) before their District Tournament in Springdale starts with a double-header on Thursday evening.
I'll keep ya posted!!