Katy Spring Baseball 2016

It's hard to believe that a year ago, we had to work hard to convince Connor to give baseball a try when we signed him up for his first season to play. Since then, he's come a LONG way. He couldn't wait for the new season to start this spring. And this year was even better, because he was able to join a team with his best buddy, Jayden. Jayden's dad was the coach of their 2016 team, the Washington Nationals, and Jeff signed up as Assistant Coach. Everyone couldn't wait for the season to begin.

Before the first game, I made sure to take a few pictures of Connor in his uniform and pristine white pants. I knew they would never be that white again, ha! (Why do they make white baseball pants anyway?? Ha!)

Ready for his first game.

My little National.

Assistant coach Dad with his boy.

Connor had another great season of baseball with his new team, and he really enjoyed being on the same team as Jayden and Coach Sean. Connor quickly earned the starting catcher spot and learned so much about the position. He loved all the action as catcher, and he really improved throughout the season, making some awesome plays along the way.

Connor in his catcher gear.

Coach tells Connor great job after getting the base runner out at 2nd.

Connor taking a swing as Jeff looks on from 1st base.

Another swing.

Connor pitching. Love his expression!

Another shot of Connor pitching.

 

Connor at catcher. Love how you can see the ball headed toward his glove in this pic.

Connor as catcher going for the out at 2nd base.

 

Connor and his best buddy and teammate, Jayden.

Jeff's best bud Bob visited for one of the games.

Connor waits for his chance to steal while Jeff coaches from 1st base.

The Nationals ended up having a good season, but we lost some close games that kept the team from placing very high. We entered the playoffs as the 10th place team of 15 teams, so our playoff hopes weren't great.

For the first playoff game, Connor and Jayden were excited to be able to play a team with one of their classmates from school. Connor's teacher, Ms. Vivier, had been hearing about the rivalry at school so she made the effort to attend the game to see her students play, and she showed up wearing a custom t-shirt to root for the boys.

Ms. Vivier with her baseball students.

Connor felt so special that his teacher made the effort to attend several of his games. And with the custom t-shirt, too!

Connor gets some instruction before his at-bat in the final game.

I think Ms. Vivier was the team's good luck charm, because the Nationals ended up winning several games unexpectedly to continue moving up in the playoff bracket all the way to the semi-final championship game. It was so exciting to see the boys improve in their skills and come together as a team to beat teams that they weren't expected to beat. As the catcher, Connor was credited with many awesome plays to get opposing players out at home and even several outs at 2nd base (which is tough for kids at this age). When the team lost a close game in the semi-final championship game, it was a tough loss for them but we couldn't have been more proud.

Coach Sean wraps up the final game, congratulating the boys on a great season.

Nasty Nats on 3!

Spring Baseball 2016

The Katy Nationals. What an awesome season!

To wrap up the season, the families attended a team party for one last group celebration. Coach Sean's wife, Louella, made each player a handmade scrapbook and a DVD of photos from the season. Such an awesome gift that the boys will cherish forever! As Coach Sean presented the boys with their books, he said some words about each player and their contribution to the team. Jeff and I were so proud to hear Coach talk about Connor's efforts at catcher and how he was one of the best in the league based on his number of outs made at home plate and 2nd base.

Coach Sean presented Connor with his team scrapbook and had such kind words to say about Connor's awesome season.

It was such a fun season and Connor grew so much as a baseball player. I compiled some pictures and video clips into a video to commemorate Connor's 2016 season with the Katy Nationals. And in case you're wondering about the song in the video, it's Connor's absolute favorite song right now so I just had to use it!