We had a big opening weekend for fall sports.
First, we’re back on the soccer pitch—this time on a bigger field with bigger goals, playing 7v7. We added a few new players to the roster and named the team the Savage Squirrels. Pretty good, right?
Because of Labor Day and end-of-summer plans, we only squeezed in a couple practices, but you all came out strong in your first game, beating University Place 8–1. You played goalie in the first half and midfield in the second, where you scored with that big left foot. The one goal against us came from an unusual but fair call: one of our defenders passed the ball back to you while you were in goal, and you picked it up with your hands. That’s not allowed, and the other team scored off the indirect kick. That one’s on me—I hadn’t thought to coach you all on that rule yet. Honestly, I’m glad they scored because you were so dominant otherwise. I’m looking forward to tougher competition and bringing some new ideas to practice to help with spacing. (It’s tough when our advanced group of 8-year-olds is still working on knowing left from right!)
Eliza also had her first game with the Fireflies. It’s her first season back after taking a year off for dance, and it’s great to see her on the field again. She looks like she’s really enjoying it and learning the game the right way. Her team lost big in the opener after some first-half breakdowns, but the second half was much more competitive. I was surprised by just how fast your sister is—easily one of the five fastest girls out there. She’s smaller than many of the taller players, but that speed gives her a real edge. I think she’ll find her place as a forward and put those quick feet to good use.
After your two soccer games on Saturday, you had your first “Fall Ball” baseball game with Gig Harbor Little League. As I’ve written before, you’re all about baseball these days—Pit Viper glasses, mullet, the whole look. The style is there, but what about the substance?
It’s coming. You’re on an 8–10 team, which means you’re one of the younger players, and some of your teammates have been at it for years. You’ve got a strong arm and good catching ability, and in that first game you rotated through center, left field, third, and first base. What Mom and I realized, though, is how many baseball rituals you’re just learning—like how the first baseman carries a ball out between innings, or how bat pickup works after a hit. Those little details are part of the game, and you’ll pick them up with experience.
When you walked up for your first at bat, your mom and I were a bundle of nerves. We just wanted you to have fun and a little success—meaning: put the bat on the ball. In soccer, you don’t look for us, but in baseball you always give us that firm stare before batting, which is basically your way of saying “oh no.” You stepped up stiff and stoic, bat on your shoulder, no practice swings. You let a lot of pitches go by, hoping for the easy walk, but the count ran full. Your coach told you to “let it ride,” and on the next pitch—too high—you swung and struck out. Honestly, I think you were relieved just to have it over.
Your second at bat went better. You made contact for a short hit, beat the throw to first with your speed, stole a base with a perfect slide (your favorite move), and eventually scored off a teammate’s big hit.
We’re heading into a busy season with so many practices and games, and it’s an adjustment for all of us. But your mom and I are just happy to see you having fun, learning, and growing in the sports you love—not just as a fan, but now as an athlete worth watching yourself.
Love,
Dad