I have not had the heart to make updates but that will become apparent if you dare to read further. :-) The game we played on May 28th was awful. By far the worst game of the year. I was so frustrated at our lack of enthusiam and effort. Instead of yelling at the team, I managed to keep it positive.
The interesting thing was the way the game ended and it's affect on our next two games. We were losing 13-1 and it was the bottom of the last inning. The ump for some reason decided to expand the strike zone in the last inning while rushing my kids along. He called two kids out on third strikes that were not even close. At least, three parents and the other coaching staff said I was right to be upset.
Anyhow, the game ends, the kids are dejected and I am furious. I tell the kids to line up and shake hands and I proceed to have an animated discussion with the umpire. The umpire would not even look at my in the eyes. He was trying to leave as quickly as possible. The gist of my unhappiness was that he was being unfair & unprofessional by rushing to finish a game that was pretty much over. 13-1 final score...our record now 0-7. Somehow, I managed to make my points without embarrasing myself or my kids.
Fast forward to this past Saturday, May 31st. - The kids have a lot more energy. They were so lethargic the last game but you know what I understand. It's hard to lose every game. Anyway, we start slow but grag a 6-2 lead. They score two to cut the lead to 6-4 heading into the last inning. Unfortuantely, my kids ran off the field yelling we finally. No, we have one more inning to play kids. Now, I really start to panic. Can we finish this? Should I take out the starting pitcher? He's pitched great though.
Needless to say it all feel apart. We don't score any runs in the top of the last and they came up for last licks. Yikes, it was brutual. The first kid hits a HR, a 6-5 lead and my guys are visibly nervous. The next kid hits it to the pitcher who fields it, sets and throws the ball into the stand. Tieing run now on second. I don't have the heart to re-live the rest but we lost 7-6. The kids come off the field stunned and crying...
What do I do now? I look at the boys and tell them pick your heads up guys, "we have a game tomorrow, let's re-group and try again."
I feel terrible all day and have trouble sleeping that night. 0-8 and Sunday, June 1st is our best chance and most realistic chance to win this season. No pressure though.
I won't keep you in suspense. We won! We won! The kids came ready to play on Sunday. We went up 11-2 then held on for an 11-7 win. We had last licks in case we needed it but luckily we didn't...the victory is a blur in some respects but to see those happy faces was priceless. I put my son to bed last night and the last thing he said was..."Dad, I'm so happy we finally won." Me, too buddy. Me, too!
IrishNY
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