Little League Baseball

My two grandsons love baseball.  Both have completed their regular season games.  Both have been selected to the Allstar team representing Cherry Creek Little League, based here in Aurora, Colorado.

The younger grandson is 11, and plays on the 10/11-year-old team. The team began double elimination tournament play last weekend.  After winning the first two games, they were feeling good, and proud of what they had accomplished.  Then a loss put them in the losers bracket.  That meant they would play a game every day until they lost their second game eliminating the team from the tournament.  Or they could win out their remaining games and win the tournament.

A walk, two stolen bases and safe at home on a passed ball.

 For the past week, my wife and I have watched baseball every day, because after the first loss, they kept winning.  Today, the team was matched against the last team remaining in the winners bracket.  If they win today they play the same team tomorrow for the Colorado Region 5 Little League championship.

Could it be a young Yankee Hall of Fame Catcher, Yogi Berra watching a fly ball soar high above.

It would not be a good day for Cherry Creek.  They missed a number of opportunities, including the fifth inning when they had bases loaded and could not score.  It would be their second loss of the tournament.  Their season is over.

I remember playing in Allstar tournaments when I was 10 and 11.  I remember the total joy of winning tournament games and I remember the agonizing, tearful moments after losing games at that age.  There is no feeling better than winning a big game.  When you lose, it is a harsh and tough reality to accept.

This competitor never lacks enthusiasm.  It spreads throughout the team.

Telling my grandson, you played hard.  You had a great bunt.  You hustled when on base.  You are always focused on the game and what to do if you get to make the next play, and I'm proud of you, would do nothing to erase the disappointment he felt at that moment.  Only time will put it in perspective.    

The coaches were proud of what the team had accomplished.  Parents, grandparents, and friends cheered, gave them a round of applause, and expressed pride in their kids.  Still the hurt could be seen in their eyes.

Hustle on the bases means another run scored.

There will be more ball games.  There will be more wins and losses.  The important thing for the kids to remember is that they played the game.  I trust each one of them would say they played their best each time they ran on the field.  Sometimes their best will prove to be good enough to win.  There will always be times when their best is not quite good enough.  That is life. 

Go Dylan Go!

In four days I leave Aurora and will travel across Colorado to Grand Junction. for at least four days, for the Colorado State Baseball Little League Tournament.  My 13-year-old grandson will be playing for the newly created Little League Intermediate Division, age 12/13.  The Cherry Creek team has qualified for the Southwest Regional Tournament by winning both the Cherry Creek League and Colorado, District 5 championship.

 Follow the team.  Their first game is Friday, July 20th.

Go to: littleleague.org/worldseries

Click on:  intermediate 50/70 League Baseball Tournament Schedule

Click on: Southwest Division...Grand Junction, Colorado

Look for the article on the competition on this blog.