Texas Sheetz: Opening Day

We have been playing ball with Sy in our backyard since he was two. G&G Sheetz got him a t-ball set and we taught him how to hit and throw. He can catch but it has to be the size of a soccer ball - not a baseball - and he has to catch it with both hands, not just one.

Anyway, around 3 1/2 - 4 time frame, Sy decided he would rather we pitched the ball to him. So we did, and he did great. He actually hit the ball better when you pitched to him than he did off the t. So we stopped using the t and just pitched. He loved it. He would want to be out there for hours. And if he could get both parents and Jim - man - that was even better. One to pitch, one to catch, and one to fetch the balls. What more could a boy ask for? We even started teaching him how to hit the ball, drop the bat and run to first base (the small oak tree). We didn't really talk to him about 2nd or 3rd base or how you have to go around all of them and get to home in order to score points.

Since he enjoyed playing ball in the backyard, when the flyer came home for t-ball, we decided to sign him up. He was apprehensive. He didn't want to have to hit off the t. I didn't realize it was mandatory that they hit this way. - Nonetheless, we moved forward.

We got the pants, socks, cleats, glove, bat, practice balls, shirt, hat. This kid is set. Before today, we have had three practices as a team. Sy missed practice #2 due to the "fever with unknown origin".

He has done well throwing; he's accurate if he take the time to look before he throws. His catching is coming along. Jim told him to not worry about catching it right now but smacking it with the glove to stop it from going any further. He showed him the backyard last weekend and Sy really liked that. His hitting, he is doing okay off the t - still not as good as when you pitch to him. I pitched to him over the weekend and he did awesome. He can hit the ball about 40 feet, much better than off the t. But off the t is it for now.

Today was opening day. We went to the ball fields for the opening day ceremonies and then our game followed. The game took about an hour. I honestly cannot tell you who won - or if they even kept score. Each player was able to bat twice but they switched at bats every five kids or so to mix it up for the kids.

Sy was put at 2nd base. Roy and some other parents helped coach out on the field. It was really needed and I was glad to see Roy helping the kids learn how to play the game.

I was glad the sun stayed behind the clouds for the entire time we were at the field. We could have done without Hells Bells playing at the end the opening ceremony. I wasn't impressed with the guy who showed up with the pit bull (on a chain). But the kids had a ball and are looking forward to our next game on Thursday.

Here are the highlights: