First hit

We've had a busy start to the fall season!  Luke is playing coach pitch baseball and has about 2 games per week.  The first few weeks were a little rough.  In t-ball, no one ever struck out.  You were pretty much guaranteed a hit.  But since Luke is 6 now, there's no more t-ball.  And there's no more guaranteed hits.  Although not as stringent as regular baseball, there is a "5 pitch" rule.  If you don't get a hit in 5 pitches, then you strike out.

In the first few weeks, Luke struck out a lot.  Nate is assistant coaching the team, so I have been watching and listening from the sidelines as Luke cries his way off of the field.  After a few zoomed in photos of Luke at the plate, we figured out why he was missing the ball.

So over the next couple of games and with the help of some kind parents with kids on the team, Luke worked on keeping his eye open when the ball was headed his way. 

Luke seemed calm going into this past Saturday's game.  He was happy to take the field and practice his swings in the on-deck circle.  Then it was his turn at the plate.  He stepped up confidently.  Like a kid who was going to keep his eyes open.

The first pitch went past him.  He swung and missed at the second.  And then on the third - the 'ting' of the metal bat!!  There aren't any photos of Luke getting his first hit because I was too excited to take any!  Luke's hit was a blooper back towards the pitchers mound that didn't go very quickly.  For what seemed like an eternity, he stood there and stared at the ball.  He didn't run to first base.  I think he was in disbelief that he actually hit it to its resting spot. 

Suddenly he realized that he should go (perhaps it was all of us yelling to RUN!).  He ran as quick as possible to first base, and thankfully wasn't tagged out!  Then he stood there at first base whooping and hollering and throwing his fists excitedly up in the air.  I know you think I am biased and making it up, but the whole bleacher section was also whooping and clapping with him - celebrating his first hit!  It was very exciting!!  We were all so happy for him, and he was genuinely thrilled with what he had done.

And also, being that this was the first time he'd made it onto base this season, and because there were some good hitters behind him, Luke also got to run home for the first time this season as well.

Luke ended up going 2 for 3 in the game - he got a second hit!  And was just as excited to get to first base the second time around.  In the last inning of the game, Luke got to play catcher.  Is there anything quite so adorable as a little kid in full catcher's gear?

Especially when they try and look tough!

At the end of the game, Luke was awarded the game ball from his coach for his break out performance and his great attitude and sportsmanship.  He was very happy and we were so proud of him!