spring has sprung

So thankful for Spring.

We are back on the diamond. Two players, two teams.

NOT what we signed up and paid for.

But, it's what happened so, we will make the best of it.

Elijah is 10 and was moved up to the Midgets league.  Apparently, they didn't have enough players to fulfill rosters.  We asked to keep him back, but were vetoed.

Shawn wanted him to have a strong year as an athlete and leader on his Red team from last year.  It was to be his last year in the Pony League.

Apparently, when you pay for a product, you don't always get what you pay for.

So, this appears to be a year of character building for Elijah, who is 10yrs old playing against some 12 year olds.  Elijah is small for his age.  But has a natural knack for athletics.  It's hard to watch his tiny frame pitch against boys who, I swear were late to the game because they had to shave and then drive their infield to the game in their parents' car.  Seriously.

I have noticed growth.  Not so much physical, but more in the way of Elijah's character.

Yes, he still struggles to keep his chin up when he doesn't perform to his own satisfaction.  However, I don't see a defeated boy.  I see a kid who is playing the cards that he was dealt this season.

He pitches and plays shortstop, 2B and occasionally center field.

His team has yet to win a game.  It's hard to lose.  I continue to tell him that there is so much more to learn in losing than winning.  Probably not what he wants to hear right now.
Shawn is so good with him and was able to secure a coaching spot on the team working with the pitchers.

Saturday night we played a good team.  A big team. A team with a strong desire to beat us.  The STBA Midget Team had beaten them in the championship game last year.  They were hungry.

Elijah's hitting has suffered a bit this season.  Change of teams, bigger and older kids pitching, nerves, and other variables.  But he continues to persevere.

Saturday he was the starting pitcher.  First pitch of the game, the batter got a home run.

ouch.

Elijah looked over at Shawn in the dugout.  Shawn nodded and gave him an encouraging look.  But inwardly I know Shawn struggled.  To see his boy on the mound facing giants that can hit was hard.  This was why we didn't want to move Elijah up.  But sometimes in life, you don't get want you want.  I know that this is just a game, just a sport.  But this is where character training takes place.

I trust that God allowed Elijah to be pulled up to the midgets for a reason.  This season could be one of those pivotal times in life where he looks back later and distinctly remembers the character development.

 It can be lonely on the mound.

He hung in there despite the batters getting hits off of him.

 So thankful for coaches who always encourage.

LOVE the coach on the left.

 Elijah can look back and remember his character being defined.

I love my boy.  I love the way his father coaches him.  He will be fine.  He is a fighter.

Earlier in the day, Titus played on the same field, but against Penbrook's Pony league.

Big time celebration for Titus when he got his first home run on his birthday weekend!

 His buddy, Drew, was laughing and smiling the whole way home!

 GO Titus!!

 And the crowd goes wild!!

 Look at his buddy, Drew, welcoming him home.  Love it!

 He had a great pitching game too.

Aside from the sports side of things, we are so, so blessed and amazed that, here in PA, we have friends who desire to come out and watch the boys play.

A big shout out to Tiara, Jordan, Julian, Baileys, Grays, Ruckers, Lexi and Tone for taking time out of your weekend to come love and support our boys on the field.

We are grateful for each one of you.