Take Me out to the Ball GameS

Now that my Dad's "retired", we decided to give him Spring Training Tickets for his Birthday.

Boy, did he get his money's worth of Ball Games!

Saturday morning started with Barik's Baseball game...

Drake showing his D-Backs Pride.

Barik playing 3rd Base

I love the post game Parent Tunnel!

Barik had one of THE best Baseball coaches this season!  Coach Nick has the patience of Job.  He understands that at this age (6-8), the MOST important thing about baseball is NOT winning, but having a good experience.  With that as his goal, Coach Nick taught The Bandits the fundamentals of baseball in a patient, kind way.  Barik may not remember every fundamental thing he was taught, but he will remember THE WAY he was taught, which was excellent all the way around.

At the end of last season, Barik had an amazing swing!  He was hitting doubles (the max number of bases the kids can run at this level) almost every time he was up to bat.  At the beginning of this season, Coach Nick told Barik to swing down to hit the ball.  With that in mind, and trying to please his Coach, Barik's swing went from an excellent, powerful, smooth swing to hacking. 

Barik and Paul spent several hours correcting Barik's swing.  Before every game, Barik and Paul could be found down in the field 30 minutes before every game hitting.  Most evenings Barik and Paul could be found in the backyard...hitting.  Their hard work paid off!  By the middle of the season, Barik had his old swing back and was hitting doubles again.

Straight from Barik's game, we went to Cooper's game.

Paying attention...

Examining the booger he just picked...

Hitting is Cooper's FAVORITE part of T-Ball.

And he does it well.

Goofing off "tripping" over home plate.

You know what they say about a dirty uniform...
That player had F.U.N.

Cooper had the BEST T-Ball coach this season!  Coach Paul was amazing!  It's really too bad that Cooper had to be dragged to EVERY T-Ball practice and game.  That made Coach Dad a little lot frustrated.  Good thing there were a lot of other players that wanted to be there.  Cooper could OFTEN be found in the outfield with his mitt on his face.  Ugh.  I guess Baseball isn't Cooper's sport right now.  We'll try something else in the Fall.

From Cooper's game, Paul and my Dad went to the DiambonBack's vs. Royals Spring Training Game.  (This is Game #3, in case you were counting.)  Dad was sportin' his custom D-Back's TELFORD #44 jersey.  Unfortunately, Paul Goldschmidt, who coincidentally wears #44 and ALSO plays 1st Base (the position my Dad played in School) wasn't playing that game...

Paul loves talking baseball with my Dad.  Dad was drafted by the WhiteSox out of High School, but declined their offer because he'd already committed to himself to serve a mission.  I later asked him if he would have enticed by a HUGE signing bonus.  He didn't hesitate..."No."  His commitment astounds me.

Saturday evening, Paul had a double header (bringing their tally to 5 Ball games in one day). 

Check out those muscles!  Man, he is HOT!

I haven't taken advantage of watching Paul play softball enough.  It was SO fun to watch him play.  He is so athletic.  And HOT! (did I mention that yet?)  He LOVES playing ball!  I'll make going to his games higher on my priority list. 

I'm trying to talk Dad into joining one of these leagues.  I think he would LOVE it!