1.) These best-buddy-brothers got to be on the same team for the second (and probably last) year! That meant less running around to different practices and games for mom and dad, as well as more memories and bonding moments for our teenage boys--WIN, WIN! I loved watching my sons encourage each other on the field and laugh with each other in the dugout. They were numbers 1 and 2 in the batting order, so it seemed like they were never too far apart :) I don't think they will ever forget their year playing ball together for team Car Wash!
Joseph playing 3rd base and Michael playing short-stop---two brothers racing to the ball
2.) Both boys got to play their favorite positions. Joseph was his team's primary pitcher, but the rules only allow him to play 3 or 4 innings per game, which meant he also got to play his other favorite positions--catcher and 3rd base. He loved every minute of every game and excelled at every position he played. He still dreams of being an MLB pitcher someday, and he sure had a wicked curveball, fastball and knuckle ball...so we shall see (but I told him he better have a plan B) :}
Michael played perpetual short-stop---except for a few times when the coach needed him to pitch when Joseph had already done his maximum innings of pitching. He was often called in as the closing pitcher in high stress situations, like bases loaded with no outs, and somehow he always managed to get his team out of a tight squeeze and come out with a win. Michael is a great pitcher, but anyone who watches him play would agree that he is an impeccable short-stop. His coach aptly nicknamed him "the baseball vacuum." :)
Here is Michael reaching into his pocket for some more dill pickle sunflower seeds.
He never played a game without them! :)
A Catholic mother's dream come true: her son choosing to wear a scapular! :)
3.) Individually, and as a team, these boys played awesome this year... So awesome, in fact, that their team WON THE CITY TOURNAMENT!!! Both boys were big sluggers during the tournament, often crushing the ball far into the outfield and earning many RBIs. Some of the games were real nail-biters, but I was so proud of how the boys handled the tense moments with calm confidence and positive attitudes. Joseph was named the MVP of the championship game, but what warmed this mother's heart most of all though, was seeing Joseph point to heaven at the end of the championship game, giving all the glory to God. Thank you, Jesus, for these talented, holy and humble young men that you have blessed us with! May they always place you first in their lives and give you the glory in all they do.
Indeed, this year was a grand slam season for this great group of boys. May each of them continue to grow as athletes and as young men of virtue. I am so eager to see what next year holds for each of my boys, for I know Who lovingly holds their future! Thank you, Lord, for the gift of this baseball season, the gift of my boys, and all gifts you so generously give (even the ones I don't notice)!
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