June 13, 2009 - Once again this summer, Connor has been playing baseball for Northern Lights Little League. He had been with the same coach for 4 years prior to last year when he went through the "draft" and landed on another team. This year, Randy had the opportunity to be the assistant coach with Connor's previous coach which brought him back to the team he really wanted to play for, the Bulls.
Connor plays in the AA division which is comprised of 7-9 year old boys. This is the same division he was in last year. There were six AA teams in the league and Northern Lights also plays several other leagues throughout the season (over 20 game in all). Connor's team went an amazing 19-2 in regular season play. Even the two losses were "questionable" at best. One loss was against a AAA team from another league and the second loss happened on a game called for darkness when Connor's team was actually winning. Because of a loophole, the entire game rolled back to the last completed inning and several runs came off the board for Connor's team essentially handing the victory to our opponent. But 19-2 isn't bad for a bunch of 8 and 9 year old boys.
Connor played every position this year and had fair number of opportunities to pitch as well. His season was highlighted by a complete game 2 hit shutout that he pitched against Shaw Heights. Connor also started and pitched 3 solid innings for the Bulls in their semi-final game allowing only 2 runs in a 13-2 victory.
The championship game was played last Saturday against the team that "beat" us when our runs came off the board. The boys were more than anxious to set the record straight. Connor was fortunate to have his own private cheering section at the game. Among those in attendance were Grandma Judy and cousin Collin, Grandpa Jack and Grandma Sharon, Uncle Jared and Aunt Jenna and Meadow, Aunt Edie and Uncle Steve, Mom, Ryan, Hollyn, and even some friends and neighbors from our street turned out to cheer him on. The Bulls came out strong and never trailed. It was a close game throughout the day with several nail biting moments, but a late inning rally put the game out of reach. The Bulls won 10-3 and secured the title of AA Northern Lights Champs. What a terrific season and a great bunch of boys.
Most of the boys came over to our house after the game for a backyard movie night and slumber party to blow off a little steam after a hard fought victory.
As an added bonus after the season, Connor learned that his play had earned him an invitation to try out for the 9 year old All Star Team. Tryouts are this week. Keep your fingers crossed!
Congrats to the Bulls and Connor on a fine season!
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