Walker FallBALL

Back on the Rangers for Fall Ball 2012!!!

We had the option for Walker to play

up or down this year for fall ball. 

Meaning he could play with kids his

age and younger OR kids his age

and older.  We decided he would

get the best experience playing UP...

even though most all of his friends

decided to play down.  I pretty much

figured it would be a great experience

OR it would be awful!!!

Thankfully an awesome coach

picked up Walker for his team!!!

Walker and another boy were the only

4th graders on the team.  The rest were

5th all the way to 8th grade!!!!!!!!!

I was so worried over this age gap;(

I didn't want Walker to get hurt

OR for the older boys to not treat him nicely.

I couldn't believe my eyes when I

saw Walker on the mound pitching

at the first practice I attended!!!

When it came time for the first game,

Troy HAD to be out of town on a business

trip.  He was SO bummed, but he had no

choice.  Coach Mama had to be in charge;)

Walker was really pumped all day long

UNTIL we were walking up to the field

and we noticed the other team.  They were

HUGE!!!  I mean seriously HUGE!

All of the sudden, Walker had a

"stomach ache"!  I was like ohhhhhh

no you arrrrrennnnnn't doing that!!!

I sent him in the dug out and never

looked over at him again.  I knew I'd

break down if I did!!!;(

And I didn't blame Walker for

being nervous...the other team's

pitcher was AT LEAST six feet tall

and was pitching 55 to 65 miles per hour!!!

Even the umpire questioned the kid's age;)))

Walker was 5th in the batting line-up

which was another shocker.

His first at-bat, he WALKED!!!

This was perfect as he was so nervous

facing that huge guy pitching!

Then I was even more blown away

when Walker came out the first inning

playing THIRD base and wearing

sunglasses like the real Rangers do

during sunny games!!!  We had just

assumed Walker would be playing outfield

(or bench!) with him being so young. 

He did AWESOME at third base!!!
Made a great stop right at the start of the game:)

Such a stud;)

The opposing team's pitcher also hit

the ball over the fence his very first bat!

But none of that ended up scaring

#6!  He was so relieved after the first

inning because he knew he could do it!

At Bat!!!

Against the 8th grade speed pitcher;)

We had games twice a week,

and the ball park kinda became our

home away from home...

burgers and snow cones twice a week!

and ALWAYS fun friends:)))

Short Stop!

I had been a little worried because Walker looks

older and was actually as big as many of

the 7th and 8th graders.  I didn't want the older

boys to think Walker was older.  My worries

were all in vain.  Our team was awesome!
The older guys were truly good kids

and did nothing but encourage

and set a great example for Walker!!!

I love watching this kid bat!!!

That particular at-bat he hit a

TRIPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ball Park Buddies!  We love Kannon Miller:)

Hudson was kinda the live entertainment

for everyone at the ball park.

Here he is playing football with Cade Carr!

Walker's favorite position is probably second base. 

It was cool because the coach eventually

started putting Walker there without us

even suggesting it.  Walker also likes outfield
IF the team is hitting out there!

Seriously!!!

Cannon & Hadlee Carr ;)

Walker just wants on BASE!!! 

He loves to run the bases and he loves to score!

It was too cool that we ended up

on the same team as Kullen.

The Millers have become such dear friends to us!

These two are quite the match;)

Huds thinks he IS one of them! ;)))

Princess Pie just might have been the

cutest thing at the ball park all season long;)

The Markings stayed with us one day
when their mama was out of town

and joined us for Walker's game...

Playing the field;)

The way Walker stands when he's playing

outfield reminds me SO much of

Josh Hamilton!!!  His stance, his movements,

his sunglasses...but this Hambone is my #1!!!

Thinking about stealing home...

Makes mama nervous;)

SCORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Somebody is a little bit obsessed with his Bubba!

How about that stance!!!!!

He and Daddy love to go to the batting

cages (they BOTH hit there!  ha!).

Walker is definitely learning that it

takes hard work to succeed, but

that hard work also pays off!  

Heading to Bubba's game and

suited up just in case he's needed...

So cute!!!

Still hoping he makes it into the line-up;)

Brother & Sister watching Bubba bat!!!

One night Coach Pierce;) let

Hudson and Hadlee run the bases!

They LOVED it!!!

Look at my boy!!!

He's so big and handsome:)

Coach Burns even let him pitch

one night and he did AWESOME!!!

That's REALLY when mama gets nervous!!!

I was so impressed with the older boys

on this team.  They were really good kids

and so good to the younger boys. 

We are thankful for a great season playing "up"!

And yet another season where Sweet Pea &

Hudson thought they were also on the team!  ;)

LAST game...and it was FREEEEEZING outside!  ;(

Hudson, Haddie & I just couldn't

hang so we went to the car to watch...

Sweetness fell asleep...

THAT game Walker got the

best HIT of his season!!!

It was a perfect end:)

 

I'm thankful for my baseball lovin' boys...

Congratulations on an awesome

season, Walker!!!

You stepped out of your comfort

zone and did so well. 

You make Coach Pierce and

your Mommy so very, very proud!

 

"I can do all things through

Christ who gives me strength."

Philippians 4:13