ANOTHER GREAT OPENING DAY!!!

April 19th.... for the 2008 season of Fruitland Little League! What a day!! Beautiful weather and once again our wonderful friend announcing all the teams. Collin's team was fortunate enough to play at 11:00 and then Austin had a 1:30 game. Collin played a great game (for a 5/6 league)and actually we ended an inning early due to the heat. Austin's game however this year was quite incredible to watch. I was engrossed in the entire game. What a difference it is from 7/8 to 9/10. There are many things that made this game special to me.

One: My parents were there and had never been to Opening Day before.

Two: Austin had a large cheering crowd for him which hardly ever happens... usually it's me and Collin.

Third: Austin is on a very talented team and he earned a starting position. I believe he is the youngest player and he is still hanging in there with the others.

Fourth: THE GAME! Austin was up to bat only twice, but was able to hit a solid single and a great double which knocked in a few RBI's and then he stole home.

Last: With the final score being 14 to 7 the coach had words of encouragement for the team. He handed out two game balls. First game ball went to Austin and the second went to another player who hit a homerun during the game. I had to turn my head away because my eyes were filling up with tears. His coach doesn't know how much his father worked with Austin in baseball (me too). He doesn't realize that etched on Jody's tombstone is a scene of Jody throwing ball to Austin with Collin sitting watching. Why I have always been involved with Austin's team so much and coaching Collin's is because I know Jody would have been right out there doing it also. To top off Opening Day would be the next day in the Daily Times of Austin and a few other players smack dab in the middle of the front page holding American flags during the parade. PROUD and emotional days for mom. I had worried during the week when I pulled Austin early from practice (because he had 2 exams the next day) that it might affect him having a starting position. However, as much as I love and support sports...academics will always come first. I find out today that Austin busted a 97% on his Math and a 95% on his Science exam. Also found out today that Austin again has qualified for magnet placement (but I'm sure he will stay right in the same school with me... which is still a great school).
Great Day for everyone! Austin sat and watched his brother play and even asked if Collin could bat first because his team was getting ready to take pictures. While they might kill each other at times, I know deep down that they are true brothers thru and thru. Attached are some pics of Opening Day! Happy baseball season to everyone! Opps.... looks like I have to buy more space to attach pictures. So pictures will come soon. :)
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