I just can't put my finger on why they didn't do better. The boys themselves were pretty talented. When they were "on" they played really well. But it seems that they were more off than on. One of the things that I contributed to this was that there were only a couple of guys from the team last year that chose to return. So it was like starting over with a new team. Boys need time to learn to trust each other and learn how they play "together."
I definitely think J grew as a player this year. He is a solid athlete with some growing to do. Not necessarily physical growing but mental and emotional. He was the youngest kid on his team but by far not the smallest. His biggest struggle is his speed (sorry J I think I gave that to you.) I keep thinking if he grows into his feet it will be less like he's running in flippers.
Do I feel bad that J was on this losing team this year... am I angry or upset about it? You all know that I like to win as much as the next person so you are going to be surprised to hear me say.. absolutely not! Despite their losing record, these boys were the nicest most supportive team I have witnessed. They never got down on one another. They encouraged each other to try harder next time. They displayed a maturity that I have not often seen in 11-12 year old boys. The coaches too were a great group of guys.
As do most 12-U teams, they travelled to Cooperstown, the mecca for 12 year old baseball. They didn't fare any better there than they normally do. This is full on...full force baseball. The players and coaches live in bunk houses and take meals in a mess tent. This is team togetherness 24/7 for a week. I did not attend, but my husband is one of the coaches for the team. He says that he has never seen a group of kids that large get along so well for that long a period of time.
My son is not likely to play in MLB (but don't tell him that just yet) but the things he learned from his team are invaluable... teamwork, a positive environment and dealing with diversity. This will take him a lot further in life than just winning. Now if we could combine that with a winning record... I would not complain.
No rest for the wicked.... J went straight from arriving home from Cooperstown to tryouts for the 2017 season. Now that this is over.... he will have a rest until basketball starts... soon!
