Tonite was Ash's first t-ball game. T-ball is a pretty big deal here in Evansville. I think there are 8 teams for 4-5 year olds. So the park was hopping, the bats were cracking, and the t-ballers were doing their best to learn the game.
First up, a little catch with Dad.
The Kelley Green team was first in the field and Ash was a bit bashful, so he needed Dad to stand with him for support. He didn't do too much fielding as most hits turned into a race for the ball and at least half ended in a pile of green shirts on the ground.
Every child gets to hit and the last batter runs all the way home. So after the last yellow batter, the Kelley Greens were up to bat.
Ash waited patiently for his turn and litttle Liv had to join him. She wanted to play so badly! She almost couldn't bear to sit by me on the sidelines. So while the team was waiting to hit, Liv jumped in and was just like one of the boys!
Ash's first at bat was a little different than he's used to. At home we have a plastic bat and during the game they use a metal bat, so he wasn't used to the weight. He hit the tee many times, but after an adjustment from Dad, he hit a great one. He started to run.....after the ball! Dad grabbed the bat and redirect him and away he went - super fast - to first base. While he waited for the next little boy to hit, he regaled the first base coach (a grown up) with a tale from the t-ball field in our backyard.
The next little boy hit a line drive right between first and second bases so, on his way to second, Ash just scooped up the ball and kept on running. I'm not sure anyone but me even noticed! He stopped at second and the coach came to retrieve the ball.
Second to third went pretty well. I was sitting just off the third base line so when he got to third base, we had a little chat. He said, "Hey mom! I saw a helicopter!" So much for having his head in the game! ;)
The next stop was home and once there, he didn't really know what to do. So he just stood there. For a reeaaaaalllllyyyyy long time. Once again Dad jumped in with the redirect and he was on his way.
The second inning found the Kelley Greens with a new game plan. Instead of everyman for himself (and the ball) now they had to take turns fielding. So rather than space them out around the field, they just stood in a line and the first person in line, got to retrieve the ball. This worked awesome! Everyone got a turn and no one got tackled!
So all in all it was an awesome night. It was warm but breezy and the whole town was out for the games. All of us Lein's are looking forward to the next one!