Monday, July 16, 2012

A Season in Review

Well, it has been almost two weeks since we concluded the 8u all star season and it has been nice to cook non crock pot meals for dinner on a lot of the nights, catch up visiting some family and all, but our family sure does miss seeing everyone at the ballpark. My flip flop tan mark is slowing fading, too.

Thanks to Stephanie Wheeler...our boys have made it into the local newspapers.

The Cary News: http://www.carynews.com/2012/07/23/61941/cal-ripken-team-wins-regional.html

The Southwest Wake News (Thanks Julie for the heads up!)

Some magazine that Stephanie Varela mentioned that I don't know the name of...haha


Coach Brandon S and his family reflected back on the season and provided some great stats!!! He and Megan started totaling mileage.  Not including driving around at each location we drove 3134 miles this summer!  This is just to and from each tourney site and our home.  Granted that was 8 trips to Wake forest but wow.  To put it in prospective…Miami to Spokane Washington…3036 miles.  Raleigh to the North Pole…3763 miles.  WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't want to be the only one reflecting back on the season, so definitely leave a comment and share your favorite memory or memories about the 2012 West Raleigh Cal Ripken 8U season!!!

It was a fun ride and looking forward to celebrating to officially conclude the season! 

Recap of the Southeast Region Championships

We all need to think back to last week...

The boys played 7 games at States in 4 days! Two days later we were all headed down to Andalusia, AL! Talk about a quick turnaround!!! So that would mean the boys played 14 games in just 11 days!!!

Southeast Region Championships...

20 teams from 6 states (VA, NC, SC, TN, AL, FL)...each team was a state champion in the region or runner up.

VA: 2 teams
NC: 3 teams
SC: 1 team
TN: 4 teams
AL: 4 teams
FL: 6 teams

All 3 NC teams finished in the final four!

We had over 70 parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, cousins and siblings watch our games!

We scored 79 runs in 7 games this tournament and allowed 24.

We did not have to leave a coach back in Suwanee, Georgia (hmmm...Coach Dave!!).

We received numerous compliments on our team (sportsmanship, class act, organized, positive and the list can go on).

We had many team bonding experiences at the restaurants, hotel and ballfields!

We had one of the loudest cheering sections!

There were many text messages going back and forth between families checking on travel routes and the whereabouts!

Everyone who witnessed these boys perform over the 4-tournament and to see them turn on the switch when they needed to...we will always share those memories together and nobody can ever take them away! It's hard to explain to others back home what we did each day, how we felt and what we were a part of...but, we have each other to remind ourselves what it took to be on this journey!

Sweet Home Alabama...

A dance party with the moms and grandmothers! A few short clips of our dancing queens...





Andalusia, Alabama was our "home" away from home for 5 days!!!!! When we filed into the Holiday Inn Express in the small town, we were greeted in the main lobby by our team white board! 


Gotta love 8 year old spelling! 

Before heading out to Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday...players and parents met in the hotel conference room for a meeting with the coaches to set the guidelines and focus on the goal!

Here we are...the park where 47 games happened!

We had over 71 family and friends cheer on our team! Wow!!!

Waiting for Opening Ceremonies to start.

Here are some of the siblings who have been on the ride with us! Kudos to them for hanging out in the heat and finding entertainment while cheering on their brothers!

Roll Blue!!!!!

Our agenda for Thursday!

Pool time!

The team had a scheduled practice since our first game was at 7pm on Thursday!

Go Mike!

Coach Lance observing

All the flags that represented the states in the southeast region!

The Holmes' initiated the plan for an early dinner tailgate before our first game! Good thing for the Super Walmart in Andalusia!

The team RV has arrived!

Lots of memories...

Good friends and good times!

What a class act! Sharp looking, neat, organized, and I can go on and on...

A GREAT fan base for being so far from home!

We're in our whites for Friday...


We had different moms and siblings help decorate the doors each night for the boys!




What a FUN ride for 6 weeks...

We continued to make some more memories and we experienced the ride together!

But...before we leave Andalusia...we need to drench our coach...watch out Coach Lance...here come the boys!!!

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME!!!!!!!!

So here we are...two teams left at Johnson Park and just 2 state flags still flying high! North Carolina for West Raleigh and Florida for Sarasota!

After 6 innings...our very own 8U Blue won the game, 8-1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Luke caught a fly ball at third for out #1
Chris (pitcher) to Luke (third) for out #2
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop for the third out

2nd inning:
Ian had an unassisted play at first for out #1
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #2
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #3

3rd inning:
Kaden (shortstop) to Luke (third) for out #1
A double play...Lawson tagged the runner and then threw the ball to Ian at first!

4th inning:
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #2
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for the last out

5th inning:
A great 1-2-3 inning!!
Luke (third) to Ian (first) for outs 1 and 2
Isaac caught a fly ball at right centerfield for the last out

6th inning:
Isaac caught a fly ball at right centerfield for out #1
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #2
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) to end the game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OFFENSIVELY...

Kaden: 1-4 with 1 run scored
Lawson: 2-4 with 1 run scored
Lukas: 1-3 with 1 RBI
Luke: 1-3 with a double, 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Riley: 3-3
Isaac: 1-3
Ian: 3-3 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored
Chris: 3-3 with a double and 1 run scored
Ben: 1-2 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Mike: 2-2 with 2 RBI
Logan: 3-3 with a triple and 2 RBI
Jackson: 0-0
Charley: 0-0

2012 CAL RIPKEN 8U SOUTHEAST REGION CHAMPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Semifinals...Game #6

It's now down to just 4 teams...Matthews, NC vs Sarasota, FL and Laurinburg, NC vs West Raleigh, NC! Yes, that would be THREE teams out of four from North Carolina! Sarasota beat Matthews to head into the championship game and we beat our friendly rivals...Laurinburg, 8-1!!!

Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Logan caught three fly balls for all three outs in leftfield!!

2nd inning:
A double play!!!! Lawson tagged the runner going to second and then threw the ball to Ian at first!

3rd inning:
Luke (third) to Ian (first) for out #2
Kaden (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for the last out

4th inning:
Luke caught a fly ball at third for out #1
Kaden ran towards the leftfield line...behind third base and caught the ball while sliding for out #2
Logan caught a fly ball at leftfield for the last out

5th inning:
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #1
Ian caught a line drive at first for out #2
Lawson made a diving catch at second for the last out

6th inning:
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop for out #1
Lawson had an unassisted play at second for out #2
Logan caught a line drive at leftfield for the last out of the game!

OFFENSIVELY...

Kaden: 0-3
Lawson: 3-3 with 2 runs scored
Lukas: 3-3 with a double, RBI and 1 run scored
Luke: 1-3 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Riley: 2-3 with 2 RBI
Isaac: 1-3 with a double, 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Ian: 1-3 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Chris: 1-2 with 1 RBI
Ben: 2-2 with 1 run scored
Mike: 1-2 with a double and 1 RBI
Logan: 1-2 with 1 run scored
Charley: 0-0
Jackson: 0-0

A quick break and then the championship game starts!!!!!!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Woohoo!!!!!!!!

We beat Laurinburg, NC in the semifinals, 8-1 at 9am and then turned around and beat Sarasota, FL in the championship, 8-1!!!

2012 Cal Ripken 8U Southeast Regional Champions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Game info, recaps, videos and photos will be posted this week!!!

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Quarterfinal game...WR 8U Blue 13 Newbern, TN 3

The team headed over to the local movie theater in Andalusia to watch Ice Age 4 for a matinee, then headed back to the hotel for some more down time. People loaded up their cars and headed back over to the field for 5:45pm warm ups before our 7pm first bracket game (quarterfinals) against Newbern, TN. Since Wednesday evening 20 teams have been in the Andalusia area for this tournament. By 5pm (first bracket play quarterfinal games), there were 8 teams left. What an accomplishment! Guess what? The 3 North Carolina teams who were part of this tournament made the top eight!

We won by a score of 13-3 in just 4 innings!!!!!!!

Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Luke caught a fly ball at third for out #1
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #2
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for the last out

2nd inning:
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #1
Chris (pitcher) to Kaden (shortstop) at second for the second out
Kaden (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for the last out

3rd inning:
Logan (second) to Ian (first) for out #1
Ian (first) to Kaden (shortstop) at seceond for out #2
Luke had an  unassisted play at third for the last out

4th inning:
A great 1-2-3 inning!
Luke (third) to Ian  (first) for out #1
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #2
Luke (third) to Ian (first) for out #3

OFFENSIVELY...

Kaden: 2-3 with 2 runs scored
Lawson: 2-2 with 1 run scored
Jackson: 1-1 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Lukas: 2-3 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored
Luke: 2-3 with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored
Riley: 2-2 with a triple, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored
Isaac: 2-2 with a triple, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored
Charley: 0-0
Ian: 2-2 with 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Chris: 2-2 with a double
Ben: 1-2 with 1 RBI
Mike: 0-2
Logan: 2-2 with a double and 1 RBI

Next up for WR 8U Blue...

We play Laurinburg, NC at 9am tomorrow!!!

There are 4 teams left in the tournament...3 of them are from NORTH CAROLINA!!!!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Game #4: WR 8U BLUE 11 S. Lakeland, FL 9

Both teams were undefeated in pool play heading into this game at 9am. Our team worked together, supported each other and took the win, 11-9 in 6 innings! This was the last of four pool games for West Raleigh and tonight will start bracket play...single elimination. Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Luke caught a fly ball at shortstop for out #1
Ben caught a fly ball at left centerfield for out #2
Mike (rightfield) to Lawson (second) for the last out

2nd inning:
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1
Isaac (third) to Ian (first) for out #2
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #3

3rd inning:
Luke (third) to Lawson (second) at first for out #1
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #2
Lawson had an unassisted play at second for out #3

4th inning:
A nice 1-2-3 inning!
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1
Ian had an unassisted play at first for out #2
Lawson caught a fly ball at second for out #3

5th inning:
Luke (third) to Ian (first) for out #1
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #2
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #3

6th inning:
Chris (pitcher) to Lawson (second) at first for out #1
Ben (left centerfield) to Lawson (second) at second for out #2
Isaac caught a fly ball at right centerfield to end the game!

OFFENSIVELY...

Lawson: 2-4 with 2 runs scored
Lukas: 2-3 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Luke: 2-3 with a double, 3 RBI and 1 run scored
Riley: 1-3 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Isaac: 3-3 with 2 RBI and 3 runs scored
Ian: 3-3 with a triple and 2 RBI
Chris: 1-3 with 1 RBI
Ben: 1-3 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Mike: 0-1
Kaden: 1-2 with 1 run scored
Logan: 1-3 with 1 run scored

This team came from behind and worked hard to earn the win! With their hard work and dedication...it was time for the moms, sisters and grandmothers to STOP AND BREAK IT DOWN in the parking lot! The video will be posted in a few days! :-)

Next up for 8U Blue...a game tonight, but not sure who we'll play just yet!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday, July 13, 2012

Game #3: WR 8U Blue 15 Mims, AL 2

The boys were back at the field for warm ups and then a 5pm start against a team from Mims, AL on field #3. The game lasted just shy of 1 hour and we won in 5 innings with a final score of 15-2. Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Lukas caught a fly ball to right centerfield for out #1
Kaden (shortstop) to Luke (third) for out #2
Ian had an unassisted play at first to end the inning

2nd inning:
A great 1-2-3 inning!
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop for out #1
Ian (first) caught a foul fly ball near the Mims' dugout for out #2
Ian had an uassisted play at first for out #3

3rd inning:
Another 1-2-3 inning!
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #1
Ian (first) caught another foul fly ball for out #2
Ian caught a fly ball at first for out #3

4th inning:
Another great 1-2-3 inning!
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #1
Luke (third) to Ian (first) for out #2
Isaac caught a fly ball at leftfield after running, diving and then rolling with the ball landing finally in his glove for the last out!

5th inning:
Lawson (second) made a diving catch towards first base for out #1
Lukas (catcher) to Ian (first) for out #2
Kaden (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for the last out of the game

A big shout out to our catchers Riley, Lukas, Ben and Isaac in this tournament as well! Also, great work backing up each other in the outfield Lukas, Charley, Isaac, Ben, Mike, Jackson and Logan!

OFFENSIVELY...

Kaden: 3-4 with a double, 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Lawson: 0-4
Lukas: 3-3 with a double, RBI and 2 runs scored
Luke: 3-3 with a double and 1 run scored
Riley: 1-2
Charley: 1-1 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Isaac: 1-3 with 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Ian: 2-3 with a triple, RBI and 2 runs scored
Chris: 2-3 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Ben: 3-3 with 3 doubles, 2 RBI and 3 runs scored
Mike: 1-2
Jackson: 1-1 with 1 run scored
Logan: 3-3 with a trible, double, 5 RBI and 2 runs scored

Next up for the team is a 9am game against Lakeland, FL!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Game #2: WR 8U Blue 13 Manatee, FL 8

A big thank you to Stephanie, Kim, Layne, Erica and Shelly for staying up past midnight last night and hanging out in the laundry room to do the team's uniforms! :-)

Friday morning the team was up early, ate some breakfast and rolled on out of the hotel parking lot to head to Johnson Park for a 9am game against Manatee, FL! We won 13-8 in 6 innings!

Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #1
Kaden (shortstop) to Lawson (second) at second for the second out
Lawson had an unassisted play at second for the last out

2nd inning:
A great 1-2-3 inning!
Logan caught a fly ball at leftfield for out #1
Ian (first) to Chris (pitcher) at first for out #2
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #3

3rd inning:
Luke (third) to Ian (first) for the first out
Logan caught a fly ball at leftfield for out #2
Ian caught a fly ball at first for the last out

4th inning:
A great 1-2-3 inning!
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #1
Luke caught a fly ball at third for out #2
Jackson (pitcher) to Lawson (second) at first for the last out

5th inning:
Ben caught a fly ball at left centerfield for the first out
Lawson caught a fly ball at second for the second out
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) to end the game!

OFFENSIVELY...

Kaden: 3-3 with a triple, RBI and 2 runs scored
Lawson: 0-3 with 1 RBI
Lukas: 2-3 with 1 run scored
Luke: 1-3 with a triple, 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Riley: 2-3 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored
Isaac: 2-3 with 1 run scored
Ian: 1-3 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Chris: 1-2 with 1 run scored
Charley: 1-1 with 1 run scored
Ben: 3-3 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored
Mike: 1-2 with 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Jackson: 1-1 with 1 RBI
Logan: 1-3 with 2 RBI

NEXT UP FOR 8U BLUE...

5pm game against Mims, AL!!!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Gam #1: WR 8U Blue 11 Stafford, VA 0

Thanks to the Holmes Family, we congregated at the field for an early dinner and had a tailgate with burgers, dogs, side dishes and enough food to feed an army! After, the boys headed off with their coaches to warm up and focus on the first game.

We won in 4 innings with the 10-run rule...11-0. The weather cooled off at the beginning and then the rain started. But, we made it through.

Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Isaac caught a fly ball at right centerfield for an out

2nd inning:
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #1
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop for out #2

3rd inning:
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for an out

4th inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #1
Luke (third) to Ian (first) for out #2
Jackson (pitcher) to Ian (first) for the last out of the game

OFFENSIVELY...

Kaden: 3-3 with 3 runs scored
Lawson: 3-3 with 2 runs scored
Lukas: 2-3 with a triple and 2 runs scored
Luke: 3-3 with 3 RBI and 3 runs scored
Riley: 3-3 with a homerun, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored
Isaac: 3-3 with 2 RBI
Ian: 1-3 with 1 RBI
Chris: 1-2
Charley: 0-0
Ben: 2-2
Mike: 1-2
Jackson: 0-0
Logan: 0-2

Next up for 8U Blue is an early game tomorrow at 9am against Manatee from FL and then a 5pm game against Mims from AL!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Welcome to Andalusia, Alabama...

With lots of text messages and phone calls to each other as we all were heading south, it was great to reunite with our 8U Blue Family at the hotel in Alabama! After everyone arrived, read the West Raleigh agenda on the white board, and were all checked in the hotel, our team headed over to the field to check in for the tournament. The boys had some pizza and drinks and then all 20 teams headed out to the fields. West Raleigh took the long way around the complex and admired all 20 flags. Each team had to bring its state flag. Three NC flags were on there. After a lot of waiting around and the eagerness of Opening Ceremonies...the teams were introduced and escorted onto one main field. Of course, that's when it started to rain! After the mass picture, fireworks were set off.

Then, everyone headed to their cars...got a bite to eat (not much open in the town!) and headed back to the hotel.

The boys were able to sleep in on Thursday, enjoy the breakfast, have a practice in the afternoon and then had to have a long wait for the first game at 7pm.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Pool Play Schedule

We will play Thursday at 7pm against Stafford, Virginia

Friday at 9am against Manatee, Florida

Friday Evening at 5pm against Mims, Alabama

Saturday Morning at 9am against Lakeland, Florida
ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Heading to ANDALUSIA, ALABAMA...

Our team is now going to have a very quick turnaround and head south to Alabama to take part in the Southeast Regional Tournament! A goal that was set at the very beginning of the all star season!

Here's the link for the tournament:
http://brlseregion.com/tournaments/reg_tournaments.php

There will be 20 teams from Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

There will be 2 pools: Rookies American Pool (10 teams...5 in the North and 5 in the West) and then the Rookies National Pool (10 teams...5 in the South...5 in the East).

Since we are the Eastern NC State Champs we'll be in the Rookies National Pool (South).

Laurinburg will also represent Eastern NC with us.

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Recap of the State Championship Weekend...

It is hard to believe that on opening night of the State Tournament there were 22 teams. That would be around 265 players (give or take) and 66 coaches (give or take). Of course, West Raleigh was included.

After the final pool games on Saturday morning, 8 teams remained in the tournament. West Raleigh was included.

After Saturday night, only 4 teams would return on Sunday. That would be around 48 players. Yes, West Raleigh was included.

At 2pm on Sunday afternoon, there would only be around 25 players remaining. Yes, West Raleigh was included.

At approximately 3:33pm...13 players remained. Yes, that would be WEST RALEIGH 8U BLUE!!!

Throughout the entire 4-day baseball weekend...many players, coaches and family members were told by other players, coaches, family members and umpires how West Raleigh 8U Blue is a class act. It is a honor to be part of such a great group!

Now...what is next for this team??? Read the next blog entry!

CHAMPS!!!



2012 8U Cal Ripken Eastern North Carolina State Champions!
Laurinburg and West Raleigh...after championship game!



Thank you to all the parents, grandparents, friends and family who came out to watch the boys play 1 game on Thursday, 2 games on Friday, 2 games on Saturday and 2 games on Sunday! It was very neat to have some surprise fans show up on Sunday for the semifinal game and championship game...we had the head coach and several players and their families from the West Raleigh 7U Cal Ripken State Champs team cheer on our team! I know there were some other coaches and families from other West Raleigh teams supporting us today as well! A HUGE thank you! :-)

Also, a huge thank you to Shelly Holmes and Kelli Jackson for leading the cheers! Many of us will be singing the cheers in our sleep! 

Game #7...CHAMPIONSHIP GAME!

It's deja vu from last July...championship game once again...West Raleigh vs Laurinburg...one difference...the boys are a whole year older! Once again...West Raleigh claims the Eastern NC State Championship title!!!! The score was 14-4 and we won in 4 innings with the 10-run rule. A great game against a tough Laurinburg team!

Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Ben caught a fly ball at left centerfield for the first two outs
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for the third out

2nd inning:
A nice 1-2-3 inning!
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #1
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #2
Lawson caught a fly ball at second for out #3

3rd inning:
Another 1-2-3 inning!
Lukas caught a foul fly ball at catcher for out #1
Luke (third) made a hard, backhanded stop and then threw the ball over to Ian (first) for out #2
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #3

4th inning:
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for outs 1 and 2
Ian had an unassisted play at first for the last out of the game!

OFFENSIVELY...

Kaden: 3-3 with 1 RBI and 3 runs scored
Lawson: 3-3 with 3 runs scored
Lukas: 2-3 with 2 doubles, 7 RBI and 2 runs scored
Luke: 3-3 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Riley: 3-3 with 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Isaac: 2-3 with a double and 1 run scored
Ian: 1-3 with a double and 2 RBI
Chris: 2-3 with 1 RBI
Ben: 1-3 with a double and 1 run scored
Mike: 1-3
Logan; 2-2 with 2 runs scored

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

State Semis...Game #6

The parking lot was not as crowded today when we arrived to The Factory. With single elimination...teams go home if they don't win. The tournament started Thursday night with 22 teams and by Sunday there were the 4 teams left...West Raleigh vs North Wake and Laurinburg vs Wayne County! Both games were scheduled to start at noon.

We won 14-11 in 6 innings to move into the championship game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Lukas caught a foul fly ball at catcher for out #1
Kaden (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for out #2
Isaac (right centerfield) came running towards second...slid and caught the ball before it could touch the ground for the last out. What a great catch!!!

2nd inning:
Mike caught a fly ball at rightfield for an out
Kaden (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for the last out

3rd inning:
A 1-2-3 inning!
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #1
Luke (third) to Ian (first) for out #2
Luke caught a foul fly ball at third for the last out

4th inning:
Ian (first) to Lawson (second) for out #1
Ian had an unassisted play at first for out #2
Logan (leftfield) to Luke (third) at third for the last out

5th inning:
Ben (left centerfield) to Kaden (shortstop) to Luke (third) at third for out #1
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop for out #2
Luke had an unassisted play at third for the last out

6th inning:
Isaac caught a fly ball at right centerfield for the first out
Ben caught a fly ball at left centerfield for the second out
Lawson caught a fly ball at second to end the game!

OFFENSIVELY...

Kaden: 3-4 with 2 runs scored
Lawson: 4-4 with 1 RBI and 3 runs scored
Lukas: 2-4 with 2 triples, 4 RBI and 2 runs scored
Luke: 4-4 with 2 doubles, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored
Riley: 3-4 with a double, 3 RBI and 2 runs scored
Isaac: 3-4 with a double and 1 run scored
Ian: 2-4 with a double and 2 RBI
Chris: 1-3 and 1 run scored
Charley: 0-1
Ben: 2-3
Mike: 1-2
Jackson: 1-1
Logan: 2-3 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored

It's time to switch fields and face Laurinburg in the CHAMPIONSHIP GAME!!!!

Saturday, July 7, 2012

3rd seed in bracket play...

There were 22 teams in the tournament. Each team played 4 games. Based on the outcomes of the pool play games...the top 2 teams from each of 4 pools were seeded for bracket play. Saturday afternoon at 4:30pm the 8 teams played. Since it's now single elimination...whoever wins...moves on. We're the 3rd seed in the tournament and we faced Northview. We won in 4 innings...15-5! Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #1
Ben caught a fly ball in left centerfield for out #2
Kaden (shorstop) to Lawson (second) for the last out

2nd inning:
Kaden (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for outs 1 and 2
Logan caught a fly ball at leftfield for the last out

3rd inning:
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop for the first out
Kaden (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for an out

4th inning:
Jackson caught a fly ball at pitcher for an out
Luke (third) to Ian (first) for the last out

OFFENSIVELY...

Kaden: 3-3 with a HR, 3 RBI and 2 runs scored
Lawson: 2-3 with 1 run scored
Lukas: 3-3 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Luke: 2-3 with a triple, 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Riley: 1-3 with a triple, 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Isaac: 3-3 with a triple, double, 1 RBI and 2 runs scored
Ian: 1-3 with 1 run scored
Chris: 2-2 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored
Charley: 0-1
Ben: 3-3 with a double and 2 runs scored
Mike: 2-2 with 3 RBI and 1 run scored
Jackson: 1-1 with 1 RBI
Logan: 2-2 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored

We'll face North Wake in the semifinals tomorrow at NOON!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Nice Celebration to Break Up the Day...

After our last pool play game, we all headed over to Kaden's house for some lunch and a big birthday celebration! A HUGE thank you to the Varela family for an incredible spread of food, air conditioning, drinks and good times. Thank you!!!! Happy Birthday to a very special kid...#24...Kaden or KK! :-)



End of pool play and start of bracket play...

The team was back at it this morning with the final pool play game at 10am against Winter Park-National. Yes, it was another hot day with it reaching over 100 degrees. I'm not sure how the boys made it through, but they did! We won 20-5 in 4 innings. Great work Blue!

Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Kaden (shortstop) to Lawson (second) at second for out #1
Ben (left centerfield) to Lawson (second) for out #2
Lawson grabbed a fly ball before the ball it the ground for the last out!

2nd inning:
A great 1-2-3 inning...
Ian caught a foul fly ball near first base for the first out
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #2
Ben made a GREAT catch in left centerfield...he went running towards rightfield, slid and caught the ball before it could touch the ground! GREAT!

3rd inning:
Logan had a double play...he caught a fly ball at left centerfield and then threw the ball to Lawson at second!

4th inning:
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for outs 1 and 2
Luke had an unassisted play at third for the last out

OFFENSIVELY...

Kaden: 4-4 with 1 RBI and 4 runs scored
Lawson: 4-4 with 1 RBI and 4 runs scored
Lukas: 3-3 with a homerun, 5 RBI and 3 runs scored
Charley: SAC
Luke: 4-4 with 2 doubles, 4 RBI and 3 runs scored
Riley: 3-4 with a triple, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored
Isaac: 4-4 with 4 RBI and 1 run scored
Ian: 1-3 with 1 RBI
Chris: 2-3 with 1 RBI
Ben: 0-3
Mike: 1-2
Jackson: 1-1 with 1 run scored
Logan: 3-3 with 2 runs scored

Next up...birthday party at Kaden's before we find out if we're in the bracket play this afternoon!

Friday, July 6, 2012

Games 2 and 3 at States on Friday

A huge thank you to all the family and friends who took time off from work or rearranged their work schedules to cheer on the boys today! With temps over 100 degrees...the boys played well. It was HOT!HOT!HOT!

Game 2: WR 8U BLUE 12  Sandhills 11

We won our 11am game in the bottom of the sixth! Wow! Way to fight back boys!

Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Ben caught a fly ball at left centerfield for the first out
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #2
Logan caught a fly ball at leftfield for the last out

2nd inning:
A nice 1-2-3 inning...
Logan caught another fly ball at leftfield for out #1
Ben caught a fly ball at left centerfield for the second out
Chris caught an infield fly ball at pitcher to end the inning

3rd inning:
Another 1-2-3 inning...
Luke caught foul fly balls at third for outs 1 and 2
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for the last out

4th inning:
Luke caught a fly ball at third for out #1
Lawson caught a fly ball at second for out #2
Luke (third) to Ian (first) for the last out

5th inning:
Luke (third) to Isaac (catcher) for out #1 at home plate
Ian caught a foul fly ball at first for out #2
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for the last out

6th inning:
Isaac caught a fly ball at right centerfield for the first out
Logan (leftfield) to Luke (third) at third for out #2
Lawson had an unassisted play at second for the last out

OFFENSIVELY...

Kaden: 4-4 with 1 RBI
Lawson: 3-4
Lukas: 2-4 with 1 RBI
Luke: 2-3 with 1 RBI
Riley: 3-3 with a double and 1 RBI
Isaac: 2-3 with a double and 1 RBI
Ian: 0-2 with 1 RBI
Chris: 2-3
Ben: 3-3 with a triple, double and 1 RBI
Mike: 0-1
Jackson: 0-1
Charley: 1-1
Logan: 1-3 with a triple and 4 RBI

After the game, the team headed out to the players' lounge (a.k.a. Coach's RV) for a break in some air conditioning and to have a bite to eat!

At around 2pm, the coaches and players headed back out to the field area to get situated on field #3...our home away from home for the weekend. First pitch was on time at 3pm. We won the game against Southern Pitt in 4 innings...22-2! Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Luke caught a fly ball at third for out #1
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #2
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for the last out

2nd inning:
A 1-2-3 inning...
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #1
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #2
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #3

3rd inning:
Another 1-2-3 inning...
Mike (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1
Mike caught a line drive at pitcher for out #2
Mike (pitcher) to Ian (first) for the last out

4th inning:
Lawson (second) to Kaden (shortstop) at second for out #1
Kaden had an incredible play...he did a sideways dive towards third base and caught the ball backhanded for an out! Another amazing play by Kaden!

OFFENSIVELY...

Kaden: 3-4 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored
Lawson: 3-4 with a double and 3 runs scored
Lukas: 2-3 with a grand slam homerun, 6 RBI and 2 runs scored
Luke: 3-3 with a triple, double, 2 RBI and 3 runs scored
Riley: 2-3 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Isaac: 3-3 with 2 triples, 3 RBI and 3 runs scored
Ian: 2-3 with a triple, RBI and 1 run scored
Chris: 2-2 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored
Mike: 0-1
Ben: 3-3 with a double, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored
Charley: 1-2 with a double, 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Jackson: 1-1
Logan: 3-3 with 2 RBI and 1 run scored

Next up will be a 10am game tomorrow for our final pool play game against Winter Park!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, July 5, 2012

States...Game #1...8U Blue 21 Washington 3

Our team was sporting their pink West Raleigh All-Star uniforms on opening night of the 2012 8U Eastern NC State Championships. The tournament started at 2pm with games at 2pm, 4pm and 6pm. We were in the 6pm group against Washington. There was a thunderstorm delay, so first pitch for our game was at 7:40pm! A bit behind on the first night, but at least our team was able to play. We won in 4 innings...21-3.

Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Luke (third) to Lawson (second) for out #1
Double play...Chris caught a fly ball at pitcher and then threw the ball to Ian (first) since the runner couldn't get back in time to tag up! Great work Chris and Ian!

2nd inning:
Isaac (catcher) to Ian (first) after a bunt attempt for outs 1 and 2
Luke (third) to Ian (first) for the last out

3rd inning:
Kaden had an unbelieveable catch! Playing shortstop...he dove towards second base and slid while stopping the ball...Kaden jumped up and threw the ball to Ian at first base for the out. A-maz-ing!
Lukas caught a beautiful fly ball at right centerfield for the second out.
Kaden (shortstop) had an unassisted play at second base for the last out.

4th inning:
A double play to start the inning...Lawson caught a line drive at second, then threw the ball to Ian (at first) since the runner couldn't get back to first in time! Great work Lawson and Ian!
Mike (pitcher) to Ian (first) for the last out.

Now for the OFFENSE...

Kaden: 4-4 with a double and 1 RBI
Lawson: 4-4 with 3 RBI
Lukas: 1-4 with 1 RBI
Luke: 2-4 with a double and 3 RBI
Riley: 3-3 with 2 triples, 1 double and 3 RBI
Isaac: 3-4 with 3 RBI
Ian: 3-3 with a triple, double and 2 RBI
Chris: 1-2 with a double and 1 RBI
Mike: 1-1 with 1 RBI
Ben: 1-3 with a double and 2 RBI
Jackson: 1-2
Charley: 1-1 with a double
Logan: 2-3 with a triple and double

Next up for the 8U Blue...

11am game against the Sandhills and then a 3pm game against Southern Pitt!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

State Tournament!!!

That's right...the state tournament starts this Thursday!!! All 22 8U teams will meet in Wake Forest at The Factory. Here's the link: http://www.northwakebaseballcomplex.com/ and the bracket information: http://northwakebaseballcomplex.com/app/download/6914359404/State+Tournament+Schedule.pdf

We'll play Thursday night at 6pm against Washington on Field #3.

Friday's schedule:

11am vs Sandhills, 3pm vs Southern Pitt

Saturday's schedule:
10am vs Winter Park

Saturday afternoon will be the start of bracket play...single elimination!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday, July 1, 2012

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME IN MYRTLE BEACH, SC!

After playing in a quick 45 minute game this morning, we're headed into the championship game against the Coastal Scrappers. We won in 4 innings...10-2!

DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #1
Luke had an unassisted play at third for the second out
Kaden (shortstop) to Luke (third) for the last out

2nd inning:
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #1
Ben caught a ball in left centerfield for out #2
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for the last out

3rd inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #1
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #2

4th inning:
Lukas caught a fly ball at left centerfield for out #1
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #2
Lukas caught a fly ball to end the game at left centerfield for the last out

OFFENSIVELY...

Kaden: 1-2
Lawson: 1-2
Lukas: 2-2 with a triple, double and 1 RBI
Luke: 2-2 with a double and 2 RBI
Riley: 2-2 with a triple and 3 RBI
Isaac: 1-2 with 1 RBI
Ian: 1-2 with a double and 1 RBI
Chris: 2-2 with 1 RBI
Mike: 1-2
Jackson: 1-2
Logan: 0-1
Ben: 1-1 with a double
Charley: 0-1 with 1 RBI

Congratulations West Raleigh for making a great first impression in Myrtle Beach, with USSSA and with these three other teams! It was hot and you fought through it!

A huge thanks to the coaches and to the parents who helped in the dugout to make sure everyone stayed hydrated!

The last words from Sunday's umpire was, "I hate to see y'all leave!"

Now...let's ROLL BLUE AT THE ENC STATE TOURNAMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Game #3: WR 8U Blue 15 Coastal Crush 0

After a full breakfast at the hotel, the team headed over in the heat to the turf field for practice and then a game against the Coastal Crush. We won 15-0 in 3 innings!! Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Luke (third) to Ian (first) for out #1
Ian had an unassisted play at first for an out

2nd inning:
Lawson caught a fly ball at second for out #1
Mike caught an infield fly ball at pitcher for out #2
Kaden (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for the last out

3rd inning:
Isaac made a diving catch at first for an out
Logan (second) to Isaac (first) for the last out

OFFENSIVELY...

Kaden: 3-3
Lawson: 3-3 with a double and 1 RBI
Lukas: 2-2 with a triple, double and 4 RBI
Luke: 2-2 with a double and 3 RBI
Riley: 0-2
Isaac: 2-2 with a double and 1 RBI
Ian: 0-2
Chris: 2-2 with a double and 3 RBI
Mike: 1-2
Jackson: 2-2 with 1 RBI
Logan: 2-2
Ben: 2-2 with a double and 1 RBI
Charley: 2-2 with 1 RBI

Now we're headed into the CHAMPIONSHIP GAME!!!

Game #2: WR 8U Blue 10 GP Angels 0

We played the Angels from Atlanta, Georgia and won 18-0 in just 3 1/2 innings. Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #1
Logan caught a fly ball at leftfield for the last out

2nd inning:
Mike (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1
Ian caught a fly ball at first for out #2

3rd inning:
Riley (pitcher) to Isaac (first) for an out

OFFENSIVELY...

Kaden: 3-3 with 1 RBI
Lawson: 3-3 with a double and 1 RBI
Lukas: 3-3 with a double and 2 RBI
Luke: 3-3 with a triple and 4 RBI
Riley: 3-3 with 3 RBI
Isaac: 1-2 with a double and 1 RBI
Ian: 1-1 with a double and 3 RBI
Chris: 2-2
Mike: 1-2 with a double and 1 RBI
Jackson: 1-2 with 1 RBI
Logan: 2-2 with a triple
Ben: 2-2 with 1 RBI
Charley: 1-2

Now the team is headed to the hotel, then pool and dinner by the pool!!! Good times!!!!!

Game #1...WR 8U Blue 11 Coastal Scrappers 3

Our first game ended up starting earlier than expected...at 1:42 and ended 58 minutes later. We won in 4 innings! Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Ian had an unassisted play at first for an out
Ben caught a fly ball at left centerfield for the last out

2nd inning:
Ben caught a fly ball at left centerfield for out #1
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #2
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #3

3rd inning:
Ian had an unassisted play at first for out #1
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for the last out

4th inning:
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for the second out
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for the last out

OFFENSIVELY...

Kaden: 2-3 with 1 RBI
Lawson: 3-3 with 2 RBI
Lukas: 2-2 with a homerun and 3 RBI
Luke: 2-2
Riley: 1-1 with 1RBI
Isaac: 2-2 with 1 RBI
Ian: 2-2
Chris: 1-2 with 1 RBI
Mike: 1-2 with a triple
Jackson: 2-2 with 1 RBI
Logan: 1-2
Ben: 2-2
Charley: 2-2 with 1 RBI

With a quick break...we're ready for our second and last game on the day!

We Were on FIRE!

It was HOT! HOT! HOT! West Raleigh 8U Blue was on FIRE and were HOT! What a weekend and more memories were made on the trip. Definitely proud of all 13 boys for playing through the above 100 degree temps and hats off to the coaches for leading the team in the heat and for being right there with them!

We took home the championship title going 4-0 in the tournament!


First time we played on a turf field!

Sporting the pink jerseys on day #1 at a beautiful turf ballpark!

Post game prayer

Taking down the tents...one of the ways our families try to stay cool.

Thanks Comfort Suites! :-) What a nice greeting in the main lobby!