In the early innings, we can't hit their (Elk River) starter. The kid's fastest pitch was maybe 30 mph. Our kids constantly challenged to hit in the 60 MPH cage are completely baffled. The Elks peck away each inning and take a commanding lead into the bottom of the 6th ahead 8-2. I tell all 10 kids, we need to bat around in order to win...we've done it before, let's do it again (truly hoping to just get something positive brewing for our next game immediately following).
We start a little party -- couple hits, couple walks and boom just like that it's 8-5. They yank their pitcher, bring in another kid. Couple hits, a wild pitch...it's 8-7, no outs, they bring in their closer. Nobody out runner on 1st and 2nd, nicest kid under the sun (dripping with potential, has had a rough start to the season) drives a ball to the gap, score is tied. As the runner on first is rounding third, the cut off man bobbles the ball. As the third base coach I send him home....the throw.....safe on a wild throw. We win. We come back from 6 down and win in walk off fashion....9-8!
In the photo below you will see our kid sliding into home for the winning run and the umpire. But if you look closely you will see two males, one past his prime living the dream as a coach and one just hitting his prime - jumping for joy.
