Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Season in review
Darby's softball team finished their spring season last week, with tonight being trophy night. They went 8-2 in their division to take second place, shy of first by only a game. Their overall record was 12-4-1, with the 2 additional losses going to upper division teams, and the tie going to an older team (14U vs our 12U team). Not a bad season looking back, and probably the most diverse for Darby, who played 1B, 2B, SS, 3B, and C during the season (mostly 1B and SS). The most frustrating aspect had to be our narrow loss to a division team we had beaten handily earlier in the season. Had our offense not slumped that game, we would have tied for first at least, and possibly would have done better depending on the tiebreaker rules.
So all of that was the good news. The bad news is we're aging out of our division, so we'll have to play 14U next Spring. It's always tough moving up, and will be particularly tough this time around because all of our girls will still be in middle school, but we'll be playing teams with girls in high school. Fortunately our recent 14U exhibition game, which resulted in a tie (9-9), boosted our confidence a little. But we can't get overly excited because they were a first year 14U team like we'll be soon.
This Fall we'll only be playing a few tournaments. Hopefully Darby's grades will stay up so we can get into a conditioning routine and resume hitting and pitching lessons to be ready for those 14U teams in the Spring.
More pictures from the season can be found in the album.
See and download the full gallery on posterous
Labels: Darby, pictures, softball
Thursday, April 30, 2009
The Contrasts of an Evening
These two pictures were taken about 45 minutes apart. The oldest daughter had a choir performance at school, followed immediately by a softball game. Actually, the softball game started while we were at the choir show. The coach placed her at the bottom of the lineup, so, due to our hustle (including a creative changing effort in the back seat of a moving vehicle), she didn't miss an at-bat, though did miss a half-inning in the field. She had a great performance at the choir show and a very nice ballgame that included a base hit and a couple nice defensive plays, one involving a diving stop at short.
See and download the full gallery on posterous
Labels: choir, Darby, school, softball
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Last Second Heroics
Caption: Darby on third base just moments before stealing home
on a passed ball to tie the game.
For the majority of the game, we led 4-1 over a superior team (higher class, better record), but a few key mistakes on our part allowed them to catch up and overtake us, 4-5. As the visiting team, and with just a few minutes left in the game, we began what was sure to be our last at bat if we didn't get any runs on the board.
My daughter was lead-off batter that inning, and she was facing a tough pitcher with a killer change-up. Even though I warned her to watch for the change-up, she bit for her second strike of her at-bat, making myself and the rest of the parents quite nervous. Fortunately, the pitcher threw a couple balls to walk my daughter, who then stole second on the walk, taking advantage of the other team's laxness during the walk. Suddenly, there was a little bit of life in our effort.
The next two batters struck out pretty quickly, putting the pressure back on our team, but my daughter managed to steal third on a passed ball during the last at-bat. Things seemed to look up as we were back to the top of the batting order and our number one batter is typically very productive. However, she was recently ill and the last couple games her timing has been off. As such, she was down two strikes in short order. I remember looking at the clock and seeing that there was only 37 seconds left.
My daughter isn't known for her running speed, so when another passed ball came along, and the coach order her to go, I half-covered my eyes as I didn't think she'd make it in. But it was the classic play-at-the-plate moment. Catcher gets the ball at the backstop, throws to the pitcher covering home plate, my daughter arriving at the plate at the same time as the ball with a perfect slide, and the cloud of dust. The dust cleared, and the call from the ump. Safe.
I looked up at the clock again and time had expired. Everybody, parents and children, were jumping up and down at the last second heroic moment. I ran over to the dugout to give my daughter a great big congratulatory hug (though I had to wait for the crowd to clear). What a moment for her. She was glowing (such moments don't come often for her).
Once things calmed down, play resume. Though time had expired, since my daughter had tied the game, we were able to continue playing. Ideally in this situation, our number one batter would continue the momentum, the top of our order would drive her in, maybe a few more would follow, and we'd hold the home team in the bottom of the inning to win the game. Unfortunately that's not quite how it went.
Our number one batter struck out, ending the inning. The home team loaded the bases with no outs. And things looked quite dire. But thanks to some awesome defensive plays by several girls on the team, including a tag-out at the plate, we actually held them. The game ended in a tie, but considering the caliber team we played, it was a win for us. And it felt good, as all the girls were happy.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter Weekend Activities
It was a VERY busy weekend. Here are some partially representative pics. Saturday morning we went to the zoo, and it was amazingly beautiful. Just about the most perfect kind of day for the zoo. Crystal clear. Mid-sixties. Gentle breeze. I miss it already.
We could only stay a few hours at the zoo, though, as we had an Easter Egg Hunt. I was almost a bad parent in that we nearly missed the Egg Hunt, but we did make it in time. Barely. Okay, it started already, but we got some eggs, alright? Gimmie a break. Besides, the oldest decided en route that she was too old for egg hunts. And the youngest was satisfied with her booty. So, mission accomplished as far as I'm concerned.
After the Easter Egg Hunt we had a gathering at a friend's for some good times and an Easter... turkey? Sure, why not. It was very tasty. So much so that the youngest devoured a turkey leg the size of her head. And yes, she did finish it.
While somewhat displeasing on this holiday weekend, we also had softball practice. Daughter #1 was happy to receive her team hoodie. Mostly because it got chilly. Did I mention she hit me in the head with a softball? By accident she says, but I'm not buying it. It happened WAY too soon after I criticized her technique.
After softball we went back to our friend's where the celebrations continued until about midnight. Oh, and all of that was just Saturday.
Sunday was pretty traditional. Mass in the morning. Family meal in the afternoon. Laundry in the evening. Topped off with some Marley and Me. The girls were dying to see that movie and we missed it in the theater. Pretty sad stuff, but does it top the Turner and Hooch of my youth? Tough to say. Probably it does in some ways. But Hooch didn't live a full life. I think maybe that gets more tears. Though I must say, Marley gets points for having scenes in Philadelphia.
That's it for me. I'm exhausted. Happy Easter.
Labels: holiday, movies, opinion, review, softball, zoo
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Windball
What softball practice in 30-50 MPH wind gusts (yes, this is the same wind that's kicking up all the Oklahoma wildfires today) is like.
Labels: softball
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Softball Mayhem Begins
We've been practicing for awhile now, but tonight was the first game, and certain schedule mayhem awaits as the season progresses.
We got off to a great start. For forty-five of the seventy minutes we were in the lead. But a series of "rookie mistakes" allowed the opposing team to run-rule us in an inning, giving them the lead. Even so, we pulled back to within one run with less than ten minutes to play. And with five minutes to play, daughter number one was at bat with the bases loaded. She did get a hit, but a play was made on the force out at home, preventing the tying run from scoring. In the end we lost by that one run, but all the issues we had can be fixed, so there's not too much disappointment for a first game. We're supposed to play in a tournament this weekend, which has a four-game minimum, so we will be all softballed out in less than a week.
The weather was very uncooperative and unspringlike tonight. Somewhere in the upper forties I believe with a 20+ mph wind. Though we were all bundled up, it was still darned cold.
Also of note, we actually had batting practice for an hour before the game. At that time, our ONLY pitcher (eek) was still at a track meet over an hour away. So who was going to pitch in her stead? You guessed it, daughter number one and her six weeks of pitching lessons. Boy did that make her nervous, and boy was she relieved when our pitcher arrived about five minutes before game time. We warmed up her pitching arm between at-bats at practice, and it was promising but spotty, though it would have been interesting to see how it would have gone for her, nerves aside.
Update
2009 softball pictures will be added to the album as the season progresses. In the mean time, there are tons of pics from the 2008 season.
Labels: Darby, pictures, softball
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Great(est) game(?)
Tonight's game was both highly anticipated and somewhat feared, as the girls' were going up against a team that quite handily trounced them in the winter league. However, our team has improved quite a lot since then, so it probably shouldn't have been much of a surprise that we help up decently against them.
They came out of the gate with an early lead, but we tied it back up two-all. Darby drove in the tying run! They went ahead again, but we also tied it back up once again. There were numerous exciting plays to keep things alive, such as a "phantom triple" which started out from a dropped third strike. A single that was stretched into a double with a tag-avoiding slide, and the most exciting play of them all that pretty much ended the game.
Our opponents were poised to re-take the lead with runners on second and third and no outs. Our girls were tiring and so not making the good pitches or throws or catches. In fact, the coach changed our pitcher (something rarely done) in an effort to hold the line. But we thought it was all over for sure when the opposing batter hit a tower shot to deep center field. I guess, given the situation, we (the parents, the crowd) didn't really imagine the possibility that it would be caught. And given the reaction of the other team, they quite certainly didn't think it would be caught. But it was, in fact, caught. Not only that, but the heads-up center fielder got the ball back to second, and the second baseman had the wherewithal to throw the ball to third (though barely in time to make the out). And just like that, we were saved. Yes, that's right... by a triple play. You heard me. A TRIPLE PLAY. How often does THAT happen at this level? It was awesome to see. Not only that, but even I had trouble believing what I had just seen. I had to check with the coach to make sure. But sure enough, a triple play it was.
Suddenly, and unexpectedly, we were back at bat with an opportunity to take the lead and, as home team, to win the game. But time was no longer on our side. There was only seven minutes left on the clock (which starts at seventy minutes). While we did get runners on base, the hard fought game had taken its toll, and we were unable to drive in those potentially winning runs. The game was called, and ended in a tie. But that must have been the one of the greatest tie games ever played. At least for this team. Certainly for Darby. And though we didn't win, as good as the other team was, a tie with us most certain will be viewed by them as a loss. And thus, a victory for us.
Go team.
They came out of the gate with an early lead, but we tied it back up two-all. Darby drove in the tying run! They went ahead again, but we also tied it back up once again. There were numerous exciting plays to keep things alive, such as a "phantom triple" which started out from a dropped third strike. A single that was stretched into a double with a tag-avoiding slide, and the most exciting play of them all that pretty much ended the game.
Our opponents were poised to re-take the lead with runners on second and third and no outs. Our girls were tiring and so not making the good pitches or throws or catches. In fact, the coach changed our pitcher (something rarely done) in an effort to hold the line. But we thought it was all over for sure when the opposing batter hit a tower shot to deep center field. I guess, given the situation, we (the parents, the crowd) didn't really imagine the possibility that it would be caught. And given the reaction of the other team, they quite certainly didn't think it would be caught. But it was, in fact, caught. Not only that, but the heads-up center fielder got the ball back to second, and the second baseman had the wherewithal to throw the ball to third (though barely in time to make the out). And just like that, we were saved. Yes, that's right... by a triple play. You heard me. A TRIPLE PLAY. How often does THAT happen at this level? It was awesome to see. Not only that, but even I had trouble believing what I had just seen. I had to check with the coach to make sure. But sure enough, a triple play it was.
Suddenly, and unexpectedly, we were back at bat with an opportunity to take the lead and, as home team, to win the game. But time was no longer on our side. There was only seven minutes left on the clock (which starts at seventy minutes). While we did get runners on base, the hard fought game had taken its toll, and we were unable to drive in those potentially winning runs. The game was called, and ended in a tie. But that must have been the one of the greatest tie games ever played. At least for this team. Certainly for Darby. And though we didn't win, as good as the other team was, a tie with us most certain will be viewed by them as a loss. And thus, a victory for us.
Go team.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Queen of Flies
During Saturday practice Darby's softball team does pop fly drills, and they make it into a contest, the winner of which is dubbed the "Queen of Flies". Darby is typically in the top two, and today she was won two out of three times they played (she was second the third time). So, for today at least, she is the Queen of Flies.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
MUCH better
After winning only two of the ten games they had played since the beginning of April (and those were early wins), Darby's softball team had a much needed win tonight, with the difference being that they never lost the lead. With solid defense and better offense than they've had recently, I think this one will be a huge confidence boost. We'll see if it sticks come next week. Darby had a great night defensively, though wasn't as productive behind the plate (not due to lack of trying... good contact, tough time beating out the throws).
Monday, April 14, 2008
Regular season
Darby's (non-school) softball regular season started today. We lost the game pretty badly largely on little mistakes, a couple of which Darby made. Another game on Wednesday, so hopefully the girls shake it off and find a groove.
Some pics from the game in the album.
Some pics from the game in the album.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Life goes on while I'm away
Darby had another softball tournament today, while I've been in Texas for a wedding. I talked to her on the phone tonight to see how it went. She says they lost all for games, three by a lot and the fourth by 1. What's nice about that one slight loss is that we play that same team again on Monday during a regular league game, so now we know we can take them with a little more effort. Darby says she got a double (awesome!) and had some good outs, but that the team started to get cranky with all the losses and could have had a better attitude about it. Very good observation, Darby.
I'll have you know these are probably the first games I've missed of Darby's in years, if ever, and she's been playing since she was 4. If I weren't the best man in this wedding (i.e. just a guest), probably I don't miss those games.
Also while I've been away, Shelby got to have a blast at a birthday party at Incredible Pizza tonight.
Be home tomorrow girls...
I'll have you know these are probably the first games I've missed of Darby's in years, if ever, and she's been playing since she was 4. If I weren't the best man in this wedding (i.e. just a guest), probably I don't miss those games.
Also while I've been away, Shelby got to have a blast at a birthday party at Incredible Pizza tonight.
Be home tomorrow girls...
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Softball schedule update
As previously promised, the calendar has been updated with the games from Darby's other team. As usual, let us know if any of you family or friends are interested in attending some games and I'll send you details.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Official softball pic posted
Even though it was just last week that the team took official pictures for this year's softball season, we already got them back tonight. Man, that was quick! And Darby's pic looks great!
Update
The photographer of Darby's very first ball picture suggested a side-by-side comparison with this year's photo. So, here it is. My, where have the years gone?
Update
The photographer of Darby's very first ball picture suggested a side-by-side comparison with this year's photo. So, here it is. My, where have the years gone?
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
She was safe!
I could be wrong about this, but Darby was called out sliding into home tonight. Yes, it's a blurry photo, but I feel there's enough room to cast doubt. REALLY, the root cause of her being called out is a slight hesitation on her part about halfway home. Had she not done that, she would have been safe without question. But I prefer to blame blue. It just feels right.
She got into scoring position to begin with by drawing a walk and stealing twice. She then tried to steal home on a passed ball. No such luck.
However, during her prior at bat, she had an infield hit, and later scored. What was nice about tonight's game was that she was batting 2nd instead of at her previous 6th spot. Not exactly sure why she was moved, but I like it. And I think her value higher in the order was apparent, so hopeful it's a permanent change.
As usual, the traditional photo album update has been made.
She got into scoring position to begin with by drawing a walk and stealing twice. She then tried to steal home on a passed ball. No such luck.
However, during her prior at bat, she had an infield hit, and later scored. What was nice about tonight's game was that she was batting 2nd instead of at her previous 6th spot. Not exactly sure why she was moved, but I like it. And I think her value higher in the order was apparent, so hopeful it's a permanent change.
As usual, the traditional photo album update has been made.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Another first game
While Darby's first independent league softball game was on Tuesday, her first school team game was tonight (technically the school team played their first game on Monday, but Darby was at practice for her other team). She didn't have as many defensive opportunities as at the Tuesday game, but her offense was solid. She did ground out once, but she also had a solid RBI single, drew a walk, and scored a run (from first) on a triple by the following batter. Unlike Tuesday's game, Darby's team won today, though we definitely need some help at pitcher. Thought we might walk-in the tying run for a minute there.
The album has been updated with these pictures.
The album has been updated with these pictures.
Labels: Darby, pictures, softball
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
First game, first out
Darby had her first softball game of the Spring season tonight, and though they lost, they had an excellent game defensively, especially Darby. The coach essentially said she was the defensive player of the game at shortstop, and it started right away. The very first pitch resulted in a grounder straight to her, which she charged, and zinged to first for the first out of the game. It was the most textbook play I've ever seen her make, and it really set the tone for the game.
She had several other good put-outs, including a nicely caught fly that looked for sure like it was going to get by her. Also she had a nice diving stop that saved extra runs from scoring.
The only scary moment was a missed fly that hit her in the chest. It so barely missed her head that every parent in the crowd gasped because we all thought it hit her face first. But she bounced right back up like it was nothing and got back in the game.
Overall it was a very impressive effort. I think all the extra practice the last month or so has really paid off.
The album has been updated accordingly.
She had several other good put-outs, including a nicely caught fly that looked for sure like it was going to get by her. Also she had a nice diving stop that saved extra runs from scoring.
The only scary moment was a missed fly that hit her in the chest. It so barely missed her head that every parent in the crowd gasped because we all thought it hit her face first. But she bounced right back up like it was nothing and got back in the game.
Overall it was a very impressive effort. I think all the extra practice the last month or so has really paid off.
The album has been updated accordingly.
Labels: Darby, pictures, softball
Saturday, March 01, 2008
So, what's the catch?
We're a few weeks into Spring softball practices, and this week, one of Darby's two teams asked her to be their backup catcher. She's played catcher before, years ago, and then again for one game this past winter/indoor season.
So this morning, following regular softball practice, the team had pitchers and catchers practice, and Darby did pretty well (better than expected). If she can keep with it, it will further improve her value to the team (which has become more competitive for positions this season). Maybe it will also further her options as she develops over the years into high school and college.
Here's a picture from the album.
So this morning, following regular softball practice, the team had pitchers and catchers practice, and Darby did pretty well (better than expected). If she can keep with it, it will further improve her value to the team (which has become more competitive for positions this season). Maybe it will also further her options as she develops over the years into high school and college.
Here's a picture from the album.
Labels: Darby, pictures, softball
Monday, August 20, 2007
What I did on my summer vacation
So I've been gone for awhile. What's it to ya? I'm not even sure I'm back for good yet, so hold your tongue.
I have no good excuses. But the last time I blogged it was at the end of the school year. And tomorrow begins the next school year, so we'll just say I was on summer vacation for lack of a better reason.
I wrote many a blog entry over the summer, but didn't post for various reasons I'll not get into now. I may back-fill some of those blog entries, but I'm not making promises for the time being.
So, here's a brief summary of our summer...
Softball Camps and Clinics
Darby participated in a softball camp in June. Says she learned a thing or two. She also participated in an NCAA softball clinic.
Baseball
Darby played on a co-ed baseball team that experienced a "make-up season" instead of make-up games due to all the rain in June. There are photos in the album in addition to the below sample. She got to pitch quite a bit, and hit a couple homers of the inside-the-park variety.
Kingfisher
The girls spent two separate weeks with their grandmother in Kingfisher. The first week was rainy and indoors. The second was outdoorsy, but Shelby took a nasty spill off her bike. Guess it's good they got all that out of the way before Kingfisher ended up underwater.
New York
We took a trip to New York City in August, which was quite an adventure. We visited four of the five boroughs, took many subways and buses, went to both a Yankees game and a Mets game, and spent a lot of time in Central Park, among other activities. Additional pictures are available in the album.
Philadelphia
After NYC, we went down to Philly to visit family, friends, and landmarks. We went to the nations first zoo, fully experienced Six Flags Great Adventure, BBQed with friends, and spent a good amount of time in the historic district re-visiting Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and other sites. Naturally, we also took in a Phillies game. Additional pictures are available in the album.
Got Hitched
Okay, so this is a complete fabrication. Pick your jaw up off the floor. But in all seriousness, I did meet someone rather unexpectedly, if you can believe that. I'm quite fortunate, and things are going rather splendidly in that regard, but I'll not be going into that much here or now.
Well, that covers most of the highlights. Hopefully this will not be the last you hear from me in awhile. Trying to get back into the swing. Bear with me.
I have no good excuses. But the last time I blogged it was at the end of the school year. And tomorrow begins the next school year, so we'll just say I was on summer vacation for lack of a better reason.
I wrote many a blog entry over the summer, but didn't post for various reasons I'll not get into now. I may back-fill some of those blog entries, but I'm not making promises for the time being.
So, here's a brief summary of our summer...
Softball Camps and Clinics
Darby participated in a softball camp in June. Says she learned a thing or two. She also participated in an NCAA softball clinic.
Baseball
Darby played on a co-ed baseball team that experienced a "make-up season" instead of make-up games due to all the rain in June. There are photos in the album in addition to the below sample. She got to pitch quite a bit, and hit a couple homers of the inside-the-park variety.
Kingfisher
The girls spent two separate weeks with their grandmother in Kingfisher. The first week was rainy and indoors. The second was outdoorsy, but Shelby took a nasty spill off her bike. Guess it's good they got all that out of the way before Kingfisher ended up underwater.
New York
We took a trip to New York City in August, which was quite an adventure. We visited four of the five boroughs, took many subways and buses, went to both a Yankees game and a Mets game, and spent a lot of time in Central Park, among other activities. Additional pictures are available in the album.
Philadelphia
After NYC, we went down to Philly to visit family, friends, and landmarks. We went to the nations first zoo, fully experienced Six Flags Great Adventure, BBQed with friends, and spent a good amount of time in the historic district re-visiting Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and other sites. Naturally, we also took in a Phillies game. Additional pictures are available in the album.
Got Hitched
Okay, so this is a complete fabrication. Pick your jaw up off the floor. But in all seriousness, I did meet someone rather unexpectedly, if you can believe that. I'm quite fortunate, and things are going rather splendidly in that regard, but I'll not be going into that much here or now.
Well, that covers most of the highlights. Hopefully this will not be the last you hear from me in awhile. Trying to get back into the swing. Bear with me.
Labels: baseball, Darby, New York, Philadelphia, Phillies, pictures, softball, trip
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Eating chalk
Darby had an excellent game tonight, and the team had what I would call their first quality win of the season (i.e. we won it vs. the other team losing it). Darby had two singles and a run scored, and she had a couple good plays in the field. I can't really think of any glaring mistakes she made.
Well, maybe just one. I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to eat the chalk that marks the foul line, but Darby got herself a nice taste of it. She would have had two singles and two runs scored, but after her first hit (which was really a single that Darby stretched into a triple due to bad throws), as she rounded third for home, the ball came in and she had to turn back for third. In doing so, she lost her footing and did a face-plant into the chalk-line. Below is a video clip. I stopped recording right after she fell, but she basically came into the dugout crying and the ENTIRE front of her uniform was covered with dirt and chalk (she later said she had dirt in her throat). I gave her a big hug for doing so well out there and coaxed her through walking it off while I reminded her of my similar dirt-eating experience during the Fall season, which got her smiling a bit.
We have another game tomorrow, our first of the weekend tournament games, but it's going to keep us away from the Oklahoma RedHawks home opener. If we can get out of there at a decent time, we may still try to catch part of the RedHawks game, especially since there are fireworks afterwards and Shelby can't get enough of the fireworks.
Well, maybe just one. I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to eat the chalk that marks the foul line, but Darby got herself a nice taste of it. She would have had two singles and two runs scored, but after her first hit (which was really a single that Darby stretched into a triple due to bad throws), as she rounded third for home, the ball came in and she had to turn back for third. In doing so, she lost her footing and did a face-plant into the chalk-line. Below is a video clip. I stopped recording right after she fell, but she basically came into the dugout crying and the ENTIRE front of her uniform was covered with dirt and chalk (she later said she had dirt in her throat). I gave her a big hug for doing so well out there and coaxed her through walking it off while I reminded her of my similar dirt-eating experience during the Fall season, which got her smiling a bit.
We have another game tomorrow, our first of the weekend tournament games, but it's going to keep us away from the Oklahoma RedHawks home opener. If we can get out of there at a decent time, we may still try to catch part of the RedHawks game, especially since there are fireworks afterwards and Shelby can't get enough of the fireworks.
Labels: Darby, softball, video
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Principally intended for use by our friends and families, our news blog is sometimes a record of our memorable family moments, sometimes a place for me to rant about something or other (usually inconsequential), and periodically I simply wax satirical for no apparent reason. By reading these accounts, you agree not to be offended, and not to use this information against us in any way, including for legal prosecution, because for all you know, it could all be made up. :-)
