Kaitlin has always loved baseball. She will regularly watch a few innings of the Rangers game with me before going to bed (her favorite part is when they set off the fire-works after a Rangers home-run). She has also been able to go to several Rangers games in person and enjoys them, as well. So, it wasn't much of a surprise to us that she expressed an interest in playing blast-ball this spring. For those that do not know, blast-ball is a watered down version of tee-ball (which is not offered near as prevalently as it was when I was growing up). She is a proud member of the Coppell Astros (she was admittedly disappointed to know that she would not be on the Rangers, but got over it quickly when we brought up the fact that the Astro's are Nana and Pop's favorite baseball team). I was very thankful that her coach was primarily focusing on teaching the kids how to play and having fun. He did a great job of teaching the kids the fundamentals of baseball. We did not keep score and I honestly think the kids had a better time because of it. I will admit I was caught off guard when we showed up at the first practice and she was the only girl (and the biggest kid there by a considerable margin) on the team, but it didn't bother her in the least. All in all it was a great season and I am very proud of her! Here are a few pictures from her games:
She was initially displeased to learn that she would have to hit off a tee in blast-ball (my fault for teaching her to hit a pitched ball 1st vs. off of a tee).
One must always remember that a well kept pitchers mound is considerably more important than pre-game warm-up drills.
Thankfully she was blessed with her daddy's throwing arm (and not her mama's)!
Still working on the proper way to face when waiting no the ball to be hit.
But she's got her ground ball fielding position NAILED!
Very proud of my baby girl.
Love,
Dad
