Softball Tournament
Thanks Coach Maggie for the photos!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Softball Photos
Opening Day of Softball Season
Softball Tournament
Thanks Coach Maggie for the photos!
Softball Tournament
Thanks Coach Maggie for the photos!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Mighty Casey
It was a beautiful Saturday for softball. Rake and family eased into the day by sleeping a little later than usual. Our first game wouldn't be until 11:45AM. We packed the cooler with drinks and the sacks full of snacks and lunch.
Candystick was all ready and couldn't get started quick enough. She and I threw the ball for about 20 minutes before we left the house. With her socks pulled high and her hair pulled back, she was looking the part.
What would be normally a 30 minute ride took a little longer. I knew this so we left early. We needed to replace a lost chin strap for her helmet. 2 stops later - we still had no chin strap. All was saved when we arrived at the ballpark. A mom gave us the one she had picked up off the dugout floor at our previous game.
The tournament started out with 2 pool games to decide the tournament brackets. As it turned out, the team we were to play at 11:45AM didn't show up for the tournament. It gave us that time to take some batting practice and do some fielding. One win easy enough.
The 2nd game was a different story. This team had lost their first match and came to our game ready to play. Like normal, it took us a few innings to get the girls warmed up and playing good softball. It was a tug of war with our Mighty Vipers losing in the end 16 to 19. A couple of bright spots were all the girls got hits. They were making good decisions on the bases. A couple of position misplacements by us coaches allowed a few hits to get past the outfield - thus, scoring a couple extra runs that shouldn't have. That team had some hitters. Candystick and coaches oldest daughter both hit in the park home runs. They both were solid hits that rolled to the 198ft left field fence.
We had a long break after the pool games. We ate lunch and watched other teams play. The 13 and up was playing near the pavilion. They are something to watch. I am glad our girls got to see some older girls playing and some of the things they were doing.
Our first tournament game was against the only team we have lost to in our regular season. It was also the team that had beat the team we lost to in pool game #2. I was a little apprehensive going into this game. However, our girls showed they were up to the challenge and defeated them. Our pitcher was the only hitter to get a home run in that game. It was another game where the girls really did a good job of hitting and moving runners around the bases. They played good defense.
Our fourth game of the tournament was disappointing. We lost. 13 to 0. I thought our girls played extremely well. They hit the ball well. They fielded well. However, we were well out skilled.
We left the ballpark after 6:30PM. We were all exhausted and a little sunburned. We had applied sunscreen. But, we could tell the places we had missed. Candystick seemed to really enjoy herself and I think is getting more excited about softball with each passing game.
We stopped off a Mexican restaurant on the way home. We filled up on chips and salsa and cheese dip. We enjoyed our entrees and soon were headed home.
Rake is feeling the burn
Candystick was all ready and couldn't get started quick enough. She and I threw the ball for about 20 minutes before we left the house. With her socks pulled high and her hair pulled back, she was looking the part.
What would be normally a 30 minute ride took a little longer. I knew this so we left early. We needed to replace a lost chin strap for her helmet. 2 stops later - we still had no chin strap. All was saved when we arrived at the ballpark. A mom gave us the one she had picked up off the dugout floor at our previous game.
The tournament started out with 2 pool games to decide the tournament brackets. As it turned out, the team we were to play at 11:45AM didn't show up for the tournament. It gave us that time to take some batting practice and do some fielding. One win easy enough.
The 2nd game was a different story. This team had lost their first match and came to our game ready to play. Like normal, it took us a few innings to get the girls warmed up and playing good softball. It was a tug of war with our Mighty Vipers losing in the end 16 to 19. A couple of bright spots were all the girls got hits. They were making good decisions on the bases. A couple of position misplacements by us coaches allowed a few hits to get past the outfield - thus, scoring a couple extra runs that shouldn't have. That team had some hitters. Candystick and coaches oldest daughter both hit in the park home runs. They both were solid hits that rolled to the 198ft left field fence.
We had a long break after the pool games. We ate lunch and watched other teams play. The 13 and up was playing near the pavilion. They are something to watch. I am glad our girls got to see some older girls playing and some of the things they were doing.
Our first tournament game was against the only team we have lost to in our regular season. It was also the team that had beat the team we lost to in pool game #2. I was a little apprehensive going into this game. However, our girls showed they were up to the challenge and defeated them. Our pitcher was the only hitter to get a home run in that game. It was another game where the girls really did a good job of hitting and moving runners around the bases. They played good defense.
Our fourth game of the tournament was disappointing. We lost. 13 to 0. I thought our girls played extremely well. They hit the ball well. They fielded well. However, we were well out skilled.
We left the ballpark after 6:30PM. We were all exhausted and a little sunburned. We had applied sunscreen. But, we could tell the places we had missed. Candystick seemed to really enjoy herself and I think is getting more excited about softball with each passing game.
We stopped off a Mexican restaurant on the way home. We filled up on chips and salsa and cheese dip. We enjoyed our entrees and soon were headed home.
Rake is feeling the burn
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Mudville
This seasons softball schedule has been beaten by both the weather and spring break. It has made for a slow start. The girls practiced well before the season started. Most teams don't practice too much once the season starts. Usually a game during the week and one on the weekend is enough to keep them going.
Georgia has experienced on and off again rain. We have just completed spring break where no games were scheduled. So, we started off with a BANG! Then off a week for rain. A late Friday night make-up game where you could tell the girls were really tired and didn't want to be there. More rain and spring break - no games.
We arrived at the ballpark around 6:30 for our 7:15 scheduled game. Side stepping all the mud holes and underwater grassy areas - we make our way to the field. It was cold. The wind was blowing and I had on a short sleeve shirt - what was I thinking? The field was in better condition than the area outside of the diamond. However, it had areas that you wanted to avoid. Not the best game conditions - but if we don't start playing games soon, we will have a 4 game season!
Last night was our first time back on the diamond since the April 3rd makeup game. The girls seemed excited. However, they had a very slow start. 1 run in the first two innings.
The game started to slip away by the 4th inning. We were the home team batting in the bottom of the 4th with 2 outs and losing 9 to 4. It was about 50 minutes into an hour scheduled game. Hope was all but gone for the mighty Vipers. That's when our bats came alive and their gloves went away. We ended up scoring 7 runs before they could record the 3rd out.
We headed into the top of the 5th inning ahead 11 to 9. Their best 2 batters coming up to bat first. We hold both of them to singles. We then record 3 outs in the next 4 batters. Unfortunately, we couldn't keep the first two from scoring. The score was tied 11 to 11 heading into the bottom of the 5th.
Knowing time had basically expired and we were on extended time, we needed to score.
Candystick was first up to bat. I had coached her to swing away as she approached the batters box. I had told her to attack the ball in front of the plate and hit towards 3rd base. Their pitcher (circle player) was a wall. She didn't let anything pass her and she was throwing everyone out at first. Candystick was soon in the hole with an 0-2 count. I called to her to soften her swing and and just make contact. She watched the next two pitches go by. She was down to her 5th and final pitch. CONTACT! The softball traveled straight to 3rd base. The player scooped up the ball and threw to first. Candystick lollygagging down the baseline was almost thrown out. She was safe.
The next batter quickly went down on strikes.
Then comes Sizzle up to bat. She's the coaches youngest daughter playing up 1 level. She is good! I told Candystick to run on any hit. Only coming back if the ball was caught in the air - but to run like the wind. Sizzle made good contact sending the bright yellow ball into the outfield. Candystick took off running. She caught sight of the 3rd base coach signaling keep running. She headed towards 3rd. The coach was giving her the green light to go home. Candystick rounded third base as the throw was coming in to the pitcher. Before the pitcher could gather the ball and hold it into the air to call time - Candystick crossed home plate and the ump called the game over! Vipers Win! Vipers Win!
It was a roller coaster of emotions. It was depressing - it was exciting - it was fun! I am not sure who enjoys this little league softball more Rake or Candystick.
Georgia has experienced on and off again rain. We have just completed spring break where no games were scheduled. So, we started off with a BANG! Then off a week for rain. A late Friday night make-up game where you could tell the girls were really tired and didn't want to be there. More rain and spring break - no games.
We arrived at the ballpark around 6:30 for our 7:15 scheduled game. Side stepping all the mud holes and underwater grassy areas - we make our way to the field. It was cold. The wind was blowing and I had on a short sleeve shirt - what was I thinking? The field was in better condition than the area outside of the diamond. However, it had areas that you wanted to avoid. Not the best game conditions - but if we don't start playing games soon, we will have a 4 game season!
Last night was our first time back on the diamond since the April 3rd makeup game. The girls seemed excited. However, they had a very slow start. 1 run in the first two innings.
The game started to slip away by the 4th inning. We were the home team batting in the bottom of the 4th with 2 outs and losing 9 to 4. It was about 50 minutes into an hour scheduled game. Hope was all but gone for the mighty Vipers. That's when our bats came alive and their gloves went away. We ended up scoring 7 runs before they could record the 3rd out.
We headed into the top of the 5th inning ahead 11 to 9. Their best 2 batters coming up to bat first. We hold both of them to singles. We then record 3 outs in the next 4 batters. Unfortunately, we couldn't keep the first two from scoring. The score was tied 11 to 11 heading into the bottom of the 5th.
Knowing time had basically expired and we were on extended time, we needed to score.
Candystick was first up to bat. I had coached her to swing away as she approached the batters box. I had told her to attack the ball in front of the plate and hit towards 3rd base. Their pitcher (circle player) was a wall. She didn't let anything pass her and she was throwing everyone out at first. Candystick was soon in the hole with an 0-2 count. I called to her to soften her swing and and just make contact. She watched the next two pitches go by. She was down to her 5th and final pitch. CONTACT! The softball traveled straight to 3rd base. The player scooped up the ball and threw to first. Candystick lollygagging down the baseline was almost thrown out. She was safe.
The next batter quickly went down on strikes.
Then comes Sizzle up to bat. She's the coaches youngest daughter playing up 1 level. She is good! I told Candystick to run on any hit. Only coming back if the ball was caught in the air - but to run like the wind. Sizzle made good contact sending the bright yellow ball into the outfield. Candystick took off running. She caught sight of the 3rd base coach signaling keep running. She headed towards 3rd. The coach was giving her the green light to go home. Candystick rounded third base as the throw was coming in to the pitcher. Before the pitcher could gather the ball and hold it into the air to call time - Candystick crossed home plate and the ump called the game over! Vipers Win! Vipers Win!
It was a roller coaster of emotions. It was depressing - it was exciting - it was fun! I am not sure who enjoys this little league softball more Rake or Candystick.
Monday, April 13, 2009
A long weekend away
Our family only travelled about 40 miles from home. It was a weekend away from home just to get away. We travelled to the quiet town of Villa Rica, GA. I know - not exactly the travellers destination getaway. None the less - we enjoyed our stay at Wyndham at Fairfield Plantation.
If you are around the Atlanta area, I would suggest a weekend away here. It's quiet and relaxing.
Unfortunately, I do not have any photos of my own to share with you. We didn't take a camera. Some say "What happens in Villa Rica - Stays in Villa Rica." GrumpsandGranna does though. Scoot on over there to see the write up with photos. They took in the place Thursday night and Friday with us.
A stolen photo from Grumps:
Grumps even got to go fishing with his granddaughter. Too bad it was cold and windy. The fish weren't biting either. Therefore, Candystick wasn't into fishing for very long. Maybe next time Grumps we can hit an active fishing hole and keep her interested.
We did seem to be a little more active than a getaway weekend normally would have been. I know Cinderella wishes she could have spent more time reading out on the screened porch off the master bedroom. It was a bit cool though.
The run down of activities for a weekender:
Thursday - drive the 45 minutes, check-in, drive another 30 minutes to eat at Golden Corral. Finish the night off playing Yahtzee.
Friday - Fish while the ladies (Cinderella and Granna) goes shopping, Eat lunch and nap before the ladies even get back, travel to Carrolton to eat dinner at the Lazy Donkey.
Saturday - Sleep in, travel 45 minutes to downtown Atlanta to watch the Georgia Yellow Jacket softball team blank the North Carolina State Wolfpack 5 to 0, travel to Douglasville to go shopping at Arbor Place mall, eat at Tokyo Steak and Seafood house.
Sunday - pack up and get back to attend Easter services (I was the substitute teacher for the teen Sunday school class - It went really well).
Whew! I need to go back to work to rest!
Rake has picked up his toys and headed home.
If you are around the Atlanta area, I would suggest a weekend away here. It's quiet and relaxing.
Unfortunately, I do not have any photos of my own to share with you. We didn't take a camera. Some say "What happens in Villa Rica - Stays in Villa Rica." GrumpsandGranna does though. Scoot on over there to see the write up with photos. They took in the place Thursday night and Friday with us.
A stolen photo from Grumps:
Grumps even got to go fishing with his granddaughter. Too bad it was cold and windy. The fish weren't biting either. Therefore, Candystick wasn't into fishing for very long. Maybe next time Grumps we can hit an active fishing hole and keep her interested.
We did seem to be a little more active than a getaway weekend normally would have been. I know Cinderella wishes she could have spent more time reading out on the screened porch off the master bedroom. It was a bit cool though.
The run down of activities for a weekender:
Thursday - drive the 45 minutes, check-in, drive another 30 minutes to eat at Golden Corral. Finish the night off playing Yahtzee.
Friday - Fish while the ladies (Cinderella and Granna) goes shopping, Eat lunch and nap before the ladies even get back, travel to Carrolton to eat dinner at the Lazy Donkey.
Saturday - Sleep in, travel 45 minutes to downtown Atlanta to watch the Georgia Yellow Jacket softball team blank the North Carolina State Wolfpack 5 to 0, travel to Douglasville to go shopping at Arbor Place mall, eat at Tokyo Steak and Seafood house.
Sunday - pack up and get back to attend Easter services (I was the substitute teacher for the teen Sunday school class - It went really well).
Whew! I need to go back to work to rest!
Rake has picked up his toys and headed home.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Fishing at Papa's lake
Candystick enjoyed out visit with Gigi and Papa.
He took her fishing in his pond Saturday night.
I think she was still scared of it.
Rake and Cinderella enjoyed our peaceful time at Gigi's bed and breakfast at Papa's pond.
Rake is planning another visit soon to try and get in on the action!
He took her fishing in his pond Saturday night.
I think she was still scared of it.
Rake and Cinderella enjoyed our peaceful time at Gigi's bed and breakfast at Papa's pond.
Rake is planning another visit soon to try and get in on the action!
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