Fall Ball

Cole is a natural athlete - he did NOT get those genes from me! He loves playing soccer and basketball but has always wanted to try baseball. So we signed him up for Fall Ball. It's a good time to teach him the fundamentals where it's not too competitive yet. Here he is at registration:

Very excited!!

As the first practice drew near, he began to get a little nervous. He knew he'd be one of the youngest on the team and probably the only one who hadn't played before. The coach knew this too and was very encouraging. They started out catching balls that the coach batted to the infield. A grounder rolled to Cole and as he scooped it up, it bounced up right into his eye! He recoiled immediately and the tears started. Great! My nervous, intimidated little boy got popped in the eye during the first exercise of his first practice ever!!

Ladies and gentlemen, Cole's first black eye:

He sat out with an icepack for about half an hour. I was debating on what to do. Should I make him get back out there or not push him on his first day? Brice arrived as the boys began batting and encouraged Cole into getting out there and hitting a few balls. The coach was glad to see him return. After batting, pitching, and running, the coach said that if he had had Cole when he was little, he'd be a super star! He said he was impressed with his abilities having never played before. I'm so proud of him!!

So he made it through the first night and isn't scared to go back on Thursday!

And he can't wait to go to school tomorrow and show off his shiner!