Matthew's Baseball

Matthew asked us if he could play Little League baseball recently, so we signed him up. Due to the fact that the Dodgers have spring training here, baseball is pretty popular in Vero Beach. The Little League is very organized here and is a part of the American Little League system. Part of our local league's philosohpy is to not just focus on making these kids great athletes, but to train them up to be great citizens. They start each game with the national anthem and with their league motto, with begins with their statement of belief in God.

So here are some photos and video clips of Matthew's athletic exploits of late. Go Yankees!

Above are the Yankees on Opening Day, lining up on the fence to be introduced to the crowd. The boy first in line, standing in front of Matthew, is his friend Zane, who was in his 1st grade class last year.

Below is a short video of Matthew's team taking the field on opening day. Then there's a pan shot, showing all of the other teams. Quite a league!

After opening ceremonies we returned to the fields later to take the official team photos. Colson made friends with one of the other siblings who were there to watch. He and the little girl had fun running around together.

At some point during the day, Matthew got whacked in the head with a baseball. There was a HUGE lump and many tears shed. After he had a chance to recover, we found amusement in the fact that the stitches from the baseball made a "baseball stitching tatoo" on his forehead. He was very proud and was sad when the scabs healed later in the week.

The grounds at Thompson field are just amazing. This shot doesn't do it justice-- a few games had been played on it by this point. But during opening ceremonies, it really did look as good as a professional Major League baseball field.

While waiting for their photo shoot, the boys practiced a bit. Here's Matthew tossing to Zane with Coach Mohney behind them.

Matthew poses for his photo shoot.

The official Yankees group photo!

When Matthew came home from Opening Day, Jonathan gave Matthew a special gift: a genuine Louisville Slugger bat, engraved with Matthew's name. He was so excited!

Below is a video clip of Matthew trying the bat out-- he nails the ball right over Jonathan's head and down the street!

This weekend on February 23rd, Matthew had another game. It was the first one I was able to attend. Here he is at the bat. And then following is a video clip of the same at-bat moment. Unfortunately, he struck out, but he's just getting started!