Here's my attempt to recap Michael's incredible baseball season without using too many words (that's hard for a recovering English major to do, but I'll try) :)
I could truly write a mini novel (or an entertaining short story at least) about the sensational season the Senators had this year. There were so many quality players on the team that the coach certainly had high hopes for winning State this year, but they still were very much the underdogs in the tournament, and they knew they would have to beat the virtually undefeated Billings Royals, who seriously obliterated the Senators in every game of the regular season. The Senators finished the regular season with a record of 53 wins 21 losses and were ranked 3rd going into the State tournament. The Billings Royals only had 1 loss and were ranked number 1. The Senators sure had a great regular season, but they knew winning State would be a long shot...but in baseball, anything can happen, and with God, all things are possible! :)
The State tournament was an emotional rollercoaster of highs and lows. The Senators won the first two games; they were on a roll and really started to believe they could win this thing. However, game three was a nail-biting loss, along with a collision injury, which caused us to lose our team captain (Matt Burton) for all remaining games. The boys somehow turned that devastation into motivation and won every game after that---beating the top-ranked Billings team for the Championship AA Title! The Helena Senators have not won State since 2003, so this was a REALLY BIG DEAL! And to top it all off, Michael was awarded the "Batting Champion" of the tournament! I think winning State was the happiest day of Michael's life so far...and one of the proudest moments in his parents' lives too. At the end of the season, he was also awarded the "All State Utility Player"---a huge testament to his tenacity and ability to play EVERY infield position---which the coaches around the state noticed because they are the ones who voted for Michael to receive that award. To God be the glory! Our family will certainly never forget the 2021 baseball season.
Lastly, I want to share what Coach Burnett said about Michael on Senior Night because I think it says a lot about who Michael is:
"Mike is tenacious and he likes to win. He has worked hard this season and has seen a
lot of success on the field. A true
utility player, he can play any position well and competes at everything he
does. My memories of Mike will be the dive and hustle plays that
he makes on a routine basis. He is one
of those players that will go all out regardless of the impact it may have on
his body. He works his tail off on the
field and we all appreciate the effort he has given to this program."
Now I'll try to let the photos do the rest of the talking...
Senators winning the Bozeman Tournament
Senators winning the Helena Keith Sell Tournament
Senators winning the Missoula Tournament...
Yes, that's right, they won the Bozeman, Helena, Missoula, AND State tournaments!
These boys were BEASTS!!! :)
The Senators winning the State AA Tournament!!!
By the way, I forgot to mention that they went on to get 2nd place at the Regional Tournament in Wyoming! And the team that won Regionals (the Idaho Falls Bandits) ended up winning the National World Series...our boys should certainly be proud!!!
Michael being named the "Batting Champion" at the State Tournament
Michael proudly holding his "Batting Champion" award.
He grew a mustache and a mullet for this tournament...they must have helped :)
Michael did not pitch very much this season, but when he did, he did great.
The Senators had many great pitchers this year, so the coach mostly played Michael in the infield.
Michael is a fearless vacuum in the infield! So fun to watch!
The coach liked to call him "tenacious" and a "spider monkey" :)
He was awesome at bat this year too...always finding a way to get on base.
The comradery of these boys was beautiful beyond words.
Love this look of intensity.
Also love this look of confidence.
Bunting was definitely one of Michael's specialties,
and he was usually speedy enough to get safely to first base on a bunt.
Chillin' at 1st base. On any baseball field is his favorite place to be.
Michael makes fielding hard-hit grounders look so easy.
Pure joy!
This picture makes my heart glad every time I see it.
This is one of my favorite pictures.
I love seeing my son so happy.
His glove is like a magnet!
A foiled pick-off attempt.
Another highlight of Michael's season was being the closing pitcher for an intense game against Yakima, Washington. In a previous inning, one of the Yakima players got ejected for throwing a punch at our catcher, which certainly amped up the emotions (as you can clearly see).
I would say this photo captures Michael's "LET'S GO" personality to the tee. :)
Our family at our second home: Kindrick Legion Field.
So many memories.
So proud of my baseball boys.
Totus Tuus,
~Maria
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