Dane's team played their last baseball game last night. The previous night, they played the other team of kids from our school. It is also coached by a parent that we all know.
We were real concerned going into the game on Monday. Our team has only won 1 game, their team has only lost 1 game. We knew it would be a tough game and we prayed on the way to the field that we wouldn't get slaughtered.
As the game began, several of us parents in the stands quietly began a group prayer. One father said, "Let us bring them to their knees!" I prayed for the game to be close. Another father prayed that our boys not be humiliated. We all agreed in prayer that we wanted our boys to play their best and represent their team well. Then we took deep breaths and sat up to watch.
Our boys came on strong. I don't think they've ever played so well. We made 2 runs, then held the opposing team to two. The second inning ended with no additional runs on either side.
Unfortunately, we didn't score during the top of the third inning, either, and they scored 4 runs. The amazing thing was that we were playing the Second-ranked team in the League and, going into the bottom of the 3rd inning (we only play 4 innings), we were tied at 2.
We brought in another run in the top of the 4th, and the game ended with a respectable 6 - 3 score. Although we lost, the opposing coach commented that, at the beginning of the second inning, he thought he was going to lose. Our boys were thrilled.
Last night, for our final game, we played the Third-ranked team and again played well. The game was called after 3 innings because of time, with a final score of 8 - 5. I feel that we might have won if we had played all four innings.
The boys have improved tremendously this season and a bond has really developed between the parents and these children. When you sit in the stands, week after week, rooting and yelling for these children, you begin to really care about them. Each one wins a special place in your heart - their individual strengths and challenges so obvious and yet, we watch them, week after week, battling to do better and overcome those weaknesses. How could you NOT fall in love with these children?
I'm going to miss some of the parents, as well. Several of them have become very special to me and I look forward to seeing them at games. Dane keeps saying that he'll be on the same team again next year, but I'm not sure that's possible. Kids get older and have to change leagues. Next year, Dane will be on a coach-picked team where he's required to try out. The son of our coach this year will be in the same league again next year, so Dane will be moving up and he won't. But, hopefully, some of the parents will still be around in the future.
All-in-all, it was a great season for Dane. He grew tremendously and is becoming quite an accomplished baseball player. He's slept, eat, breathed baseball for the last 5 weeks. But I'm glad to be through it. The evening games can get a little old and wear you down.
We still have the end of Daelyn's season to get through. His last practice is tonight, final game is Friday. Dane's end-of-season party is Saturday night, then we'll be able to reclaim our evenings as a family.
Summer vacation sure has been busy. I'm ready for a little less vacationing and more summering.
Maybe next week.
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