Okay, so we’re still waiting
for that first test. The cannonade from Statesmen bats sank the Pirate corsair
before it even launched with a 13-run first inning. I’m guessing the field
umpire was, uh, less than experienced because we tried to end the carnage by
having our runner leave early (and calling it to the umpire’s attention – “Blue,
watch her.”). On three successive
pitches our runner was almost halfway home by the time the ball left the
pitcher’s hand – no call. To his credit, young blue showed a willingness to learn
by asking me, as I headed to the dugout, “What was I watching for?” Sigh.
In any case, we put the brakes
on early but kept hammering the lumber (every starter had at least two hits). But
here’s what I just loved about the victory and what it says about this team.
First, the team cheered not just each other throughout the game (an enthusiasm
not dependent on the score but on their support for their teammates) but
applauded good plays by the other team. They didn’t insult Pattonville by
lowering their standard of play; even when the score was a boatload to nothing,
there were the Statesmen players, backing up plays, hitting cuts, moving
without the ball. Check out the last picture below to see the penultimate play of the
game, with every player moving and working.
That is team pride. Our team
has it and we coaches have it for our players. What a great group, fun to
watch, easy to root for (as they do for each other). We play at home after the
varsity game against Parkway North on Monday; we’re hopeful we get to play a
full game, but time and light may not be on our side. Root for the varsity to
win quickly. Wednesday we’re away at Parkway Central before our first “real”
home game against K-wood on Thursday. That one we know will be competitive.
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