It's been another year and I must say 9 has been my best year yet!! I LOVE playing baseball--it is the greatest sport, EVER!! This past year I have thrown a gazillion baseballs, hit a gazillion baseballs, and loved every minute of it.
Last fall I started my journey into the realm of travel baseball. I played with the Easton Elites 9AAA team. They were above my experience level but I learned so much and improved my game.
During the spring I played for the Everett Panthers. This team was mostly made up of boys who played on my all star team last summer. I played left field, pitched and sme at first and second. Our team had a tough season as we all learned the ins and outs of travel baseball. We lost almost every game we played but by the end of the regular season we started to figure things out and began winning a few games. We went to Kansas City for the 9A World Series. Who would have thought that we could battle and beat the Kansas State Champs and the number two team in Missouri. We didn't take the title but after a hard fight we took Second Place. Sure it was disappointing to not take first place but taking second place was a huge victory considering the odds were against us. Even Mom didn't think we would last and didn't bring enough clothes for us. I am still waiting for the coach to tell us how good we played--maybe I should stop waiting because if he was going to tell us he was proud of us for putting up a good fight I am sure he would have done so by now.
This fall I played with the Saline County Barons. Coach Justin was awesome and let me play at different positions. I must admit, the Everrett Panthers kind of worked my nerves but Coach Justin's stern but fair encouragement got my baseball sparkle back. I really loved playing with the Saline County Barons---most of all I LOVE catching. I think Coach Justin tried me out there just to shut me up about it but he realized that I could do a good job at home plate. He was really good about rotating us around so we didn't burn out from playing one position.
During the fall I also played league ball in Salem. I had a blast playing on that team. All of the boys were 11, 12 and 13. Mom was kind of uncertain about the age gap but after the first practice she realized I could hold my own plus some! I got to play short stop and catcher. Both positions were fun but I preferred to catch because it kept me busy. I had my first true baseball injury in Salem. Those knuckleheads caused my eyebrow to split open when another player got in my zone and bumped my glove. Oh well, you are not a true ball player unless you have left your blood on the field.
Also this fall I made a new travel team for the Spring--the Arkansas Travelers. I am really excited to see what the spring brings. I may not get to play my favorite position but I know that I am going to get some excellent coaching and training.
