Our life and stuff

On the road to Victory

 

 (downtown LA)

(and their towering freeways)

 

 

We were on our way...

The Colisuem is HUGE.  

The fact that it is PACKED FULL is amazing. 

There are SO many people at these games.  We walk, walk and walk some more.  Up the stairs and through the crowds.  We arrive at our row...  excuse me, sorry, excuse me, we won't get up at all promise, excuse me, not even to use the bathroom, pardon us.  

Finally, at our seats.

'Albert?'

'Oh hi Kathy'.

 

What are the chances, really. 

About 90,000 people and our seats are right to someone from his work.

  

 

  
 
 (I snuck downstairs and got this picture of Pete during half-time.)

 

(He was busy reviewing notes and such so he wouldn't pose for me.)

 

 

The second half was just as exciting.  The Trojans beat Washington 27-6.  We began our LONG walk through the campus back to the car. 

 

 

 Family Fun night ~ 9.26.09

 

 

-Ok, so I'm not friends with Pete... photo courtesy of this Trojan Blog

-and we went in-and-out of our row a million times.  They hated us.

Cobra Football

 

Within 24 hours we switched from a baseball diamond to a football field.

It was a Tuesday afternoon. We were tired, just coming off our last All-Star game the night before.  We arrived at the field to a ready-made team.  They passed out jersey's, helmets, play books and got right to work. 

That first week was all about getting used to the gear - the helmet especially.  There were tears, frustration, fits and bribery.

Next week came the pads and contact...

That was ALL of August.

Finally it was time to do something with all that practice.

(Before I post any info please understand that I know next to nothing about football.  I think he said he played safety and tight-end... um, ok.  Don't ask where that person goes or what he does.  Because I have NO IDEA.  I will just say, look for #23. OK.)

 

I was really hesitant about Luke playing.  He's my baby and I fear for all 64 lbs of him.  He barely meets the 60 lbs minimum and is the second lightest/smallest kid on the team.  Also, at this level most of the team (like 80%) have been playing together for the last 2-3 years.  I didn't know how he would fit in or more importantly, survive.

It hasn't been easy but he's doing a great job.  From week to week it's amazing to see his progress and how much more comfortable he is. 

From this weekend's game  -  9.19.09

    (Warning:  bad driver)

(Halftime:  We are UP 26-20)

 

 

 

(We WON: 44-38  ~  now 2-0 in League play)

   

We are starting Week 8 of football.  In all that time I haven't learned much more about the sport.  My son though, he has taught me so much. 

I've learned that he doesn't give up.  He pushes himself, sets goals and isn't scared.  He makes new friends easily and overcomes the pressure.  No matter how hot or exhausted or tired he is, he never said he wanted to quit.  

Can you imagine...

• working from 7:30am-2:30 (school)
• go home to do paperwork for an hour (homework)
• train in full pads+helmet, scrimmage, run sprints and do a million up-downs when it's 90* outside (4:45-7:15pm)
• get home, shower, eat dinner (8pm )
• Relax (finally, 8:30-9pm)
• day after day...

I'm tired just looking at that schedule.  I never knew I'd like 'football' so much... or at least what we'll take away from this experience. 

    

A Special Treat

      *Two weeks ago we drove back to San Bernardino...

During our brief stay at the Western Regional Facilites we made an impression.

'What a fine group of boys.  Honestly, if you plan on coming back to watch any of the games be sure to find me so we can announce your accomplishments from the field'.

So we did.

They were prepping everything while we were there.  Anticipating the thousands of people that would be filling this place to watch the games.  Seriously, we had this place all.to.ourselves

 

Here it was during:  Our Stay

( Night view- they would turn the lights on for us so the players and families could enjoy dinner down on the field. )

And here it is during: The Regional Games

 

 

There were vendors, families, teams, Distict reps, etc...

Following the game (Washingon over Wyoming in a 4 inning mercy) and some of that Little League ice cream - it was time for the boys to get lined up and announced.

 

It was short and sweet (and oh so kind of them). 

 

NOW:  it was time to watch the BIG GAME

 

{ the stadium was filling up }

Back then, they were known as PARK VIEW

( Also known as: West or Chula Vista )

 

We sat with the PVLL friends and families.  They shared stories about their 12-year old All Stars and we joined in with them as they cheered.

I'm not sure which was sweeter...

• Having our All-Stars announced during the Regional play-offs
• Witnessing the power of PVLL as they hit 8 bombs in 4 innings

Not like skimming the fence kind of home runs either.

They would hit that Stater Bro. truck or the white tent in back right corner.

 

Today... they won the Little League World Series. 

We weren't surprised.

THEY ARE AWESOME ~ CONGRATS!

A Summer to Remember

{ HINT:  If you are tired of reading about baseball - then just skip this post }

For most, All-Stars play about 2-3 weeks.  Hundreds start out in the double elimination tournament.  The numbers dwindle as the competition quickly advances to the next levels. 

When we started back on June 1st we all look at our calendars.  How do we plan anything without knowing...

'The longest we could even play is thru July 20-something.  There will be a few weeks left, you should all be good' - mentions the Coach. 

Sounds about right.  While at the first few practices we think about others starting out their Summer on the beach or camping at the river.  We think to ourselves... 'in just a few weeks'.

Fast Forward - 

it's July 30-something...

 { The boys are still out practicing } 

Word had spread that The Orange Team was playing for the STATE title.  They had already made history for their League.  The first team in it's 51 years to win Sub-Division.  Local businesses extended their congratulations and support -

TAI Sports contacted us.  They graciously gifted each of the boys new rolling bat bags and matching team helmets.  How awesome. 

We could all feel the love. 

Each game the crowds would grow.  The extended families, friends and support from our Little League were there.  Then there were others.  Others from surrounding cities that read about us.  They came out and brought their sons to watch the games. 

Night after night.  

{ Thank you }

Now it's August.

Everyone's Summer Vacation was just decided for them.  No one hesitated.  Every family packed their car and headed out to San Bernardino.

Southern California STATE 9/10 Championship

Orange vs. Rancho San Diego

 

The last two teams standing. 

Both have come a long way.  Both have only suffered 1 loss in two months.  Both were invited to stay at the Western Regional Facilities.  Only we did... and it was awesome.

Win or lose, this was about the experience. 

There is no guarantees they will ever come this far again.  This may be the opportunity of a lifetime and we jumped on it.  Checking into the dorms...

Game 1 ...

 

 

 

      *our awesome fans followed us out there -

At the end of 2 innings - (We were HOME... not pretty)

They held in there and battled back.

Still down by 5 runs in the bottom of the 4th.

Michael is up with the bases loaded.

2 outs:

  

~ See ya

At the top of 6, we were UP 10-9

We held them and WON!

-The STATE Championship is a best of 3 series, we return the next day.

Game 2 ...

 

We scored 2 runs early on but that was it.

Final: 2-8

 

The series was tied. 

We would all return the following night for the winner-take-all ~

 

Game 3 ...

 

The game was scoreless as we started the 4th inning.

We were Visitors...

 

 

They got ahead with a solo run in the 4th.

Then they held us thru the 5th and scored 3 more times. 

 

It was all or nothing in the top of the 6th...

 

 

We had 2 runners on with 1 out.

And guess who's up... remember Shane?

 

 

As soon as we got in the ballgame - it just as quickly ended.

The final was 3-4 Rancho San Diego. 

 

(Being recognized as the 2009 STATE Runner-up)

 

We looked on at our boys, cheering and clapping for all they accomplished.  All of us extremely proud of their hard work. 

 

* * Congrats Boys * *

 

Rewind -

Weeks ago we sat in our folding chairs at practice. 

We thought of our friends off in Hawaii and families on their houseboat.  As is turns out we had an entire Summer to remember.  Eight weeks of the greatest baseball with a weekend together at the La Quinta in San Bernardino. 

I can't think of anything better.

     

All-Stars continued ~

 

 

Big Cheers to the  Orange 9/10 All-Stars ~ District 30 Champs

 

Winning District was our first goal and it wasn't easy.  Well deserved for sure.  All that practice paid off and they made it out on top.  From there, you advance to Sectionals.

[ Sectionals :  There are 41 Districts in Southern CA*, which breaks down into 10 Sections.  Once you win your District you advance to play for your Section.  41 teams battle for 10 spots. ]

We fall within Section 5- represented by Long Beach, Orange, La Mirada and Golden Hill.  We had a new goal as you can imagine.

a look at Sectionals...

 

 

 

{ sweet boy ~ shared his cupcake }

   

They did awesome: still undefeated  

Here they are following the Championship game ~

(with a new banner)

 

   

About 425 9/10 year old All-Stars started this tournament. 

Now-  there are 10 remaining.

It's not over yet.  Yes.  There's more.  

From Sectionals you advance to Sub-Divisions.

[ Sub Divisions :  The remaining 10 Sectional winners from So Cal will compete for the final two spots.  5 from the North and 5 from the South for a winner from each for the TWO Sub-Division III Champs.  ]

We fall within the NORTH Sections 1-5 represented by: Goleta Valley South, El Segundo, Orange, Encino and Temple City American.   

Here we go again...

a look at Sub-Division North

 

(That was game.  It ended early)

 

(Opposed to this next one a few days later... game time was 5:30)

(there was LOTS of game in between - see that score)

 

It's also getting very late and DARK.  We are at a field with no lights.  So they made the decision at the end of 6 innings to CHANGE FIELDS.

Off we all went.  Packing up our gear, EZ-ups and dirty little children.  Heading 3 miles down the road to a new ballpark. 

They are in a hurry to prep the fields and warm up the lights.  Dads, coaches and even the umpires help out to get the game back on-

  

 

It's the middle of the 8th ~  now we are up 13-11. 

But we are visitors and need to hold them.

They have runners on 1st and 2nd. 

2 outs with a 2-2 count...

  

 (2 fields, 8 innings, 9:20pm - WOW)

 

Just like that, we were heading to the Championship Game.  Things were looking good.  That is, until the game ended and we came up short.

p.s. We were Guests - 

Those are some sad, exhausted boys. 

This was our first loss.  We had one more chance since it was double elimination.  Prepared to face the same team... and they wanted us to go down ~

(yikes)

Two days later.

The final Championship game in this round.  Prior to the game, the tournament director gave a great speech to both teams... 

He mentioned how they were both undefeated coming into this - each teams only loss had come at the hands of the other.  They were commended for being such great kids with exemplary sportsmanship.  It was pretty awesome.

 

We were in for a battle, that's for sure.  And- we were visitors AGAIN. 

Here it was, the top of the 6th and final inning. 

We are down 4-5...

with 2 runners on, 2 outs and a 2-2 count (Shane at bat)

Next pitch - crushed over the right field fence!

It was like a movie.   

We were up 7-5, but they had their last at bats.

They got runners on and they scored, it's 7-6.  But that was it.

Finally... the third out.

Introducing:  the 9/10 Sub Division II NORTH Champions

 

Now- there are just two teams remaining in all of Southern California: 

Orange (North)

Rancho San Diego (South)

They will play first to 2 in a 3 games series out in San Bernardino. When they gave us our new banner they also delivered an incredible offer.  The players and coaches were invited to stay at the Western Regional facilities during their State Championship tournament play. 

An exciting weekend awaits. 

More baseball to play and thousands of photos to take... details to follow

 

 

*California is HUGE when it comes to baseball.  Consider the # of Districts per State:  CA=71, AZ=14, UT=1, MT=2, NV=4.

Back in 1958 they divided CA into Northern (30 Districts) and Southern (41 Districts).  Even though it is divided-  So Cal (at 41) still has the most Districts from any State.

On our way ~

 

 

A ways back, I talked about baseball - again

 

The Orange All-Stars had just won the 'big bad Tustin Western' and were on our way to be District Champions. 

('bad' as in good if you know what I'm sayin')

There was one last team that stood in our way.  It was of course, the other big bad team - Tustin Eastern.  The game was 11 days away so we got to rest. 

(Not 'rest' like you would think.  Here 'rest' is equal to lots and lots of baseball and tournaments to prepare the team but don't count -  kind of 'rest').

This practice tournament we signed up for was held at Big League Dreams...

It was SO.DANG.HOT.

Here are 3-things worth mentioning from that weekend (with photos): 

    #1- The boys got to play on a special field - it was was their first time.

    

#2-  Ever heard of Troy Percival ? 

 

Well, he coached and his son played on this team (Yes, he too was a closer and wore #40), we faced them in the tournament, twice. 

He was very complementary of our boys.  In turn, I think they are the toughest competition we've seen yet. 

I won't lie... the kids (and some of the Dads) were a little star-struck.  I had no idea why following the 'high-five good-game' line-up that the kids walked away clutching their little wrists. 

"We're never washing our hands again... Troy gave me a high-five."

During a break after our game he generously signed baseballs for all the kids and again let them know what a good job they did.

It was a good time.  

 

    #3- We won the whole enchilada. 

(This was 2 days after Luke went into urgent care and put on anti-biotics.  He definately wasn't 100% but there was no stopping him from being there.)  

 

FINALLY, 3 days later... It Is Time ~

The California District 30 Championship

The kids are pumped. 

Finished with their pregame and I&O they are SO ready to play.

Our first three batters of the game get on base.  Next batter sends it deep, easily clearing the fence into the opposite field for a grand slam - it was awesome!

It was a quick game. 

Lots of friends and family came out to cheer both teams on.

The score was 6-2 (us) in the bottom of the 6th (last inning). 

Our new pitcher came in and it was lights out. 

He finished the game with 3 strike-outs!

~ they WON ~  

 

It's not over just yet. 

There are 41 Districts in Southern California. 

We represent District #30.  

Each District representative will now compete head-to-head in Sectionals. 

Only 10 teams will advance...

Stay tuned! 

     

... Go Go Go

Really?? 

Next weekend is August? 

When did that happen? 

Let's see...

We had special guests in town :

 

So we went here :

 

Became BFF with a Princess :

 

The adults had a CRAZY night out :

 

She learned how to swim (with no swimmies) :

 

 

and how to ride with no training wheels :

 

and yes....

the *All-Stars* are STILL playing baseball :

 

Much to cover... I will try to catch up.

Soon ~ very soon.

They did it!

Let me start by saying- 

          it's not over yet but we've made it through the first round.  However, we are the only team to go undefeated in the 9/10 State All Star team for District 30 this year. 

They will pick up play after the July 4th holiday but for now we can celebrate how well they've done...   

Gearing up for the start of the tournament

- we showed our support -

 

- and so did the boys - 

 

- First time Home Runs -

 

(this one from the Manager's son)

We won on Friday (6/26) against Villa Park... 

 

( a nice lookin' strike )

 

- We won 10-2 -

 

 

So we advanced to the Semi-Final game on Saturday (6/27) against a big power-house team.  I think we all had a mild case of butterflies.  

 

- The boys played great and we won 9-4! -

 

 

( I don't think they are used to losing... )

Congrats Orange All Stars!

 

Play Ball...

Way back in the first week of May... we signed away our Summer. 

Before you are even considered for an All-Star team you have to COMMIT, in writing.  When you throw down your signature you approve to six days a week / 3 hours a day + games. 

The commitment is no joke. 

It's a real honor to be chosen... in his case, voted in by his division.  I was nervous for him, I couldn't help it.  He's one of the youngest with only 1 year of AAA experience.

Wouldn't you know... he's doing just fine:

::  We are now into week 4 of All-Stars  ::

During practice, we watch and lots of Dads help.  It's like the summer baseball camp I failed to sign him up for - only better.  Daily practices are planned out with stations, charts, schedules and timelines. 

There are seriously about 17 assistant coaches.  When the sun is shining and Sydney isn't whining about how hungry she constantly is, the 3 hours goes by rather quickly (well-oiled even).

Practice is different from a game situation.  So two weeks ago the Manager signed them up for a tournament at Big League Dreams.  They won 4 straight games and came in 1st place...

 

It's hard to believe these boys are just 9 and 10 years old.  The way they throw the ball around, pitch and hit SO hard and keep going day after day, it's impressive.  

They genuinely all get along too... I love that.

 

They have played 2 games in the All-Star brackets so far - winning both.  They face their toughest competition this weekend.  I'm excited, anxious, nervous... 

But what do we tell the kids???

'Go out there - Do your best - and have fun.'

I know they will.

We are so proud of you Luke.

 

He's missing out

 

It is a beautiful weekend...

 

February 28th has been circled on the calendar.  It was Opening Day, the official kick-off for the season.  Hundreds of people emerged upon the ballpark.  

The weather PERFECT

The kids EXCITED

The parents SUPPORTIVE

The siblings BORED

 

 

 (and stuffing their face with chocolate sprinkle doughnuts)

 

   

One by one - the teams made their way out. 

They appeared with their banner and an introduction-

"The AAA Yankees"

 

 

It was about this time that I bailed...

My favorite player wasn't able to make it.

He was burning up at home.

The thermometer has been averaging 101-105 all weekend.

Nurse Sydney has been on duty

(she delivers fresh cold washcloths for our sick patient)

 

He is sleeping now, again- still warm, still no appetite.

 

Get well my son...

I miss him begging to play outside in his socks, running through the house and asking for another meal even though we just ate 2 hours ago. 

I miss hearing his belly laughs, playing Rockband and having to wash a filthy, sweaty uniform from the game he had to skip. 

I want you back.  

Right now the sun is shining  

There is a bright blue sky and refreshing breeze.  Like I said, it's a beautiful weekend.  But, there is a cloud over our house and I can't wait for it to pass.