As 9U Blue prepares for their first tournament this weekend, which was listed on the website as "Cary" but will actually take place in "Smithfield," which is most definitely not Cary, they've had the first four practices of the summer. After three of those practices, they've hauled in some new gear.
The first came Monday night, when everyone received the new team shoes. The shoes are pretty cool, but it's the laces that have special meaning. Last summer, as 8Us, the Blue team met Creed Sellers, a very impressive youngster from Laurinburg. The original blog story is here and the eventual WRAL video on the relationship is here:
The bracelets Creed's friends and family wear to support him are neon green. So it seemed only appropriate for 9U Blue to find some shoes with a hint of neon green on the bottom, and some neon green laces to go with them. Coach Sean reminded the players that every time they see their shoelaces--and they can be seen from the moon--they should remember that they are playing for Creed, and that they're taking him out on the field with them in every inning.
The shoes are very cool but also prompted some regrettable singing:
The shoes are very cool but also prompted some regrettable singing:
New bags and bag tags were handed out Wednesday, but since Ben didn't get into his bag this year, no video is available of that event.
Then, on Thursday, after practice at West Raleigh, it was time for t-shirts and helmets. By "t-shirts," I mean what is likely to have to pass as jerseys this weekend, since the real jerseys are evidently being produced just outside Outer Mongolia. The real highlight, though, are the helmets. Be forewarned: there is some shrieking.
Coach Kevin correctly pointed out that the best part about the helmets is the fact that he can now check his hair whenever a West Raleigh hitter reaches first base, so it's possible that he might now be even more pretty than before.
The summer tournament season begins tomorrow in Cary Raleigh Apex Thomas Brooks Middle Creek Smithfield, with games at 1 and 3.
The day new gear is handed out may be the most monumental occasion for the players, but for the adults, I think it's the day the first blog post goes up! What better way to waste time at work?
ReplyDeleteWelcome back blog, my old friend.