Brady the Phillie.

In a previous post, I told you all about Payton the Piranha.  Now it's Brady's turn!  This summer, Brady and Rylan signed up to play modified t-ball.  Modified t-ball means that each batter gets 8 real pitches from a coach, and if they haven't made contact after those pitches, they hit off the tee.  Each batter gets to bat each inning, but they boys did try and earn three "real" outs on defense.

This summer, Wes decided to volunteer to be the head coach.  Tim also helped out as an assistant.  We'll get to Brady here soon, but I have to brag a little about Wes.  I was very impressed with the job he did as the coach.  There were ten boys on the team, and they pretty much covered the full spectrum of athleticism, focus, and knowledge of baseball.  Not to mention that one boy might cover the full spectrum of those same things over the course of one practice or game :))  Wes was patient, but he held the boys to a high standard.  He taught them positions on the field, where the next out should be ("plays at first boys!"), and where they should move depending on where the ball was hit.  Of course they weren't perfect by the end of the season, but it was awesome to see them all improve their skills and knowledge of baseball.  He also made sure they had some fun with a water balloon fight, races against the coaches, and a home run derby. 

I was a very proud coach's wife! 

Here they are: The Phillies 2013

We realized on the last game that we had never gotten any info on team pictures, so I snapped an impromptu photo that will have to do!

Brady at the bat.

 Just like his father, Brady seems to have an affinity for first base.  He practiced a ton in the backyard with Wes and has gotten pretty good at both batting and fielding.

 Coach Wes.

 Ready to make the play.  Probably ten times throughout the season, Brady fielded an infield grounder and beat the runner back to first base for the out.  Way to go buddy!

 Focused and ready to go.

 Not super fast (he gets that from his mom and dad) :)  Oh, and if the lighting is right, he has to watch his shadow while he runs.  (he gets that from his uncles :))

 Getting instructions from the first base coach.

 Meanwhile, Landon had to have some fun!

 So did Opa!

 Landon can't wait to be a Phillie.

The boys usually played four innings.  By the fourth, they were typically hot, tired, and losing focus.  Brady decided to put on his rally cap...

...and dance!

 Go Rylan!

 These two had way too much fun running off by themselves.

 Opa wrangled them back in for some snuggles...

 ...and a pretend nap.

 Go Phillies!

  And one last "cool" team shot.

Great season Brady.  I'm so proud of your determination and hard work.  They have really helped you to improve.  You've got a bright baseball future buddy, way to go!