There's Holden (see pic) in the batting cage this morning. As the 2010 baseball season rolls into motion, a few of the boys' teams have already gotten in some batting practice (BP). Paxton has had a couple sessions over the past 2 weeks. Today was Holden's first of the year. Duncan has BP this coming week. Nothing like seeing everyone in the cages trying to knock off the rust from the off-season. As the season looms, some changes have taken place. Our District (14) and District 6 have agreed to play 'cross-district' schedules. This will mean more games (among other changes such as playing teams we've never played before, playing in places we've never played before). It's looking as though each team's schedule will be expanded to 24 games. Do the math... that's (minimum?) 120 games to be played (not to mention the typical 8 - 10 practices per week) this year for the fivekelleyboys. Here's a quick look at each boy.
Griffin (Delhi Athletic Association, 'D1') --- After having logged 2 yrs in t-ball, and 2 more yrs in Coach Pitch, Griffin (FINALLY) moves into 'real' baseball this season. He and his teammates will, for the first time ever, face-off against kids pitching from other teams. Having gone through 'D'-level ball 4x with the other boys, I can attest to the fact this can (at least occasionally) be some fairly painful ball to watch. Did I say 'painful'? Among changes stemming from District 14 & 6 'merging', one of the new rules this season will be 'no time limits' on games --- o Lord, help us. But it's also VERY exciting to see another one of our boys progressing. Griffin has been an outstanding catcher and infielder in the past. We'll see what comes of this season.
Paxton (Delhi Athletic Association, 'C2' Rockets) --- Paxton has been with the Rockets for 3 years now. They've made some pretty tremendous progress and enjoy the stability that comes from having the same coach and playing with virtually the same teammates over the last 2 seasons. Paxton is also a great catcher. He's his coach's 'little general' behind the plate and does a great job of running the game. On occasion, Paxton will also be put in left or centerfield because of his arm-strength.
Duncan (Cincinnati Heat, 'B1') --- Coming into his third season with the same coaches and teammates, Duncan is looking forward to trying to match / exceed last year's success. This team made it to the City Tournament last season, and I know they have the 'unfinished business' mentality going on. Duncan spends his time changing positions from catcher and 2nd baseman. He loves them both, but he REALLY excels at 2nd Base. Duncan had a broken arm for part of last season, and I know he's looking forward to getting a full (uninterrupted) season underway.
Holden (Delhi Athletic Association, 'A1' Highlanders) --- Holden will be playing for the same coach as Cameron last year. At BP this morning I got to see Holden's team for the first time this season. It's a LOT of the same boys from his team last year, and a handful of boys Holden has played with in years past (and I'm cautiously optimistic about this group's chances... we'll see how things go). Holden has always been a phenomenal 3rd baseman. And over the last 2 seasons, he has become an excellent pitcher. He even threw a no-hitter last season (unfortunately, while Cameron & I were out of the country --- so I'm hoping to 'atone' for that absence this year).
Cameron (Cincinnati Heat, 'AA1') --- This will be Cameron's first year at this level. It's truly amazing to watch the ability of some of these young men as they play. Cameron has ALWAYS been an exceptional catcher (one of my favorite things over the years is to observe the look of frustration on the many opposing players that try to steal 2nd or 3rd while Cameron is behind the plate --- he's an assassin!). And it looks as though he'll carry-on as such this season. This will also be his first season with the 'Heat'. Having played all his seasons in the past with DAA, this will be a bit of a change for him. But, a change he is more than a little excited about.
So there ya have it. A glimpse of the fivekelleyboys and their upcoming baseball season. Things will be more hectic this season than ever before (120 or more games, etc). But we're up for it, and more importantly we're up TO it (though it will be no small feat, I'm sure). I'll be updating this blog as the season unfolds and moves on, so if you think to --- check out how things are going with the boys.
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