He's SAAAAFFFFEEE!

Week two is in the books for the T-Birds instructional tee ball league.  This week had some highlights and some lowlights when it came to Chase.  It's something you expect as a parent and it leaves us with things that we can work on as we try to get better and work towards next week. 

Last week while running the bases, Chase would just automatically start running towards the next base when the boy or girl in front of him ran.  So while working with him in the backyard this week, I tried to really emphasize that he had to wait until his coach said "Go!" for him to start running.

Just as they did a week ago, the Orioles started out running the bases while the Blue Jays hit out in the outfield.  Of course, a new coach was instructing them this week and Chase didn't grasp that when this coach said "Go ahead" that meant the same as "Go!"  Chase didn't immediately start running to the next base like last week (that's good), but he also sat there puzzled as to what to do when this week's coach said "Go ahead."  It took a little pat on the back from the coach to get Chase's motor going.  I guess we have something else to work on between this week and next.

After a couple times running the bases, the team spread out into a semi-circle where the coach would roll them ground balls.  Chase was the last one at the end of the line.  He got in his ready position, squatting down with his glove on the ground.  The coach rolled the ball and Chase didn't move fast enough and it went by him.

The second and third times through the groundball line were a lot better, however.  Chase actually moved his body and moved his glove when the ball was not directly rolled to him (proud moment because we haven't really worked on anything to his left or right to date).  That's what I am talking about when I talk about baseball instincts.  Not only did he make a nice stop on the final groundball, he showed off a cannon of an arm when he threw it back to his coach.

We went out to the outfield to hit a few balls off the tee.  Chase hit second and hit a few nice balls to left.  I've been noticing a slight upper-cut as of late and he's been telling me in the backyard he's trying to hit it really far up in the air.  Even when he swings and misses, I am amazed by how nice of a swing he has already.  There is something about a left-handed hitter that I have always thought looks so pretty when they swing (perhaps why Don Mattingly and Robinson Cano are my favorite Yankees of all-time).

When it was time for the game, the Orioles started out in the field.  We have been working on playing first base in the backyard so he stood in his ready position at first base.  Disclaimer: Here comes the biggest lowlight to date.  The Blue Jays player hit one between pitcher and first base and a couple boys ran to get the ball, including Chase.  When Chase was bumped and the other boy got the ball, Chase started to whine and cry.  I guess the one thing you don't get from working with him out back one-on-one is him not getting every ball.  Luckily the crying fest didn't last long as it was the Orioles time to hit shortly after.

When it was Chase's turn to hit, he hit a little dribbler in front of the plate.  The Blue Jays were impressive as they knew to pick up the ball and throw it to first base.  I commented to Uncle Matt, Chase almost made the first out in tee ball history, but he beat the throw luckily. 

I noticed he struggled with running to the next base base during the game.  With all the kids in the infield, he couldn't see the base so he didn't know where to run. I think he sees base, runs to base right now and hopefully I can get him to understand where the base is supposed to be so when he can't see it he knows where to run.  Another thing I want to work on is him watching the hitter when he is on base so he knows when to run.

The highlight of the evening though came while running the bases after his second at-bat.  After a little coaching from Uncle Matt at third base, it was time for Chase to show off.  The Orioles hitter knocked the ball in the infield and Chase ran home to score a run.  Only Uncle Matt told him to go in for a slide.

He's SAFE!  It drew some laughs, but check out the beautiful form on that slide!  I didn't even realize how good of a slide it was until Matt's mom sent me the pictures (Thanks Debbie!).  I've never worked on sliding with him either, he picked that up from watching the Yankees on TV with daddy.

Overall, it was a long week two practice.  Afterwards, the kids lined up and said good game to each other.  After their trip through the line, most of the Orioles went running to their parents instead of coming in as a team for a cheer.  So Aunt Kirsten, Kira, Chase and I put our hands in and did it on our own.

1.. 2.. 3.. ORIOLES!