Total Proud Mom Post

I'm just going to warn you ahead of time...this is a total bragging post from a proud mama!  I do not blame you if you close your computer now....but here goes :)

Many of you know that baseball has always been a huge part of our family.  Braden and Cade both inherited the love of baseball from their dad and have worked hard at it since they were little bitty.  Braden is a sophomore now, so the whole high school thing has been an adjustment for us (well...me).  Being the newbie...not quite sure how it all works or what to expect.  Of course, the goal for anyone is to make Varsity, but our school is so large, there are not many sophomores who do that.

Two weeks ago, Braden said he had been working out with varsity and was told that he was pretty much on varsity, but might go play JV if he wasn't getting enough play time. 

Last week, Braden seemed to be frustrated about his hitting performance in practice.  He ended up stopping at Cade's practice after his own practice and asking his dad for help.  Of course, this made Richard's month and he was more than happy to work with him.  Braden doubled up on practices most of the week and worked hard to get his swing back on track.

Saturday was our jamboree!  The first look at JV and Varsity.  To say we were excited was an understatement.  The weather was amazing and we were thrilled to be back at the ballpark.  Braden started at catcher for the JV game and caught for 4 innings.  He threw down to 2nd three times and got the runner out each time (2 steals and 1 pick-off)!  He also caught a foul ball at the fence.  Offensively, he hit a double his first at bat and walked the second.  He scored both times by stealing and taking advantage of passed balls.  By the time he threw that third ball down to second, Richard and I were about to lose it.  We were both biting out lip, making sure not to be obnoxious around the other parents.  It was hard though!!  Even Cade was excited for him, which was so heartwarming to see.

Cade and I had to leave after that game, but honestly, I did not think Braden would get in for the varsity game.  I was wrong!  He was able to play 2nd for two innings and short for two innings.  He made every play that came to him, including one amazing backhand play.  He also hit a very strong double in that game as well!  I don't think any of us have stopped smiling yet.  As a mom, that is what you hope for...that their hard would pay off when it counts.  Boy did it!  I am so proud of him for coming to Richard and asking for help.  I cannot wait to spend the spring in those stands cheering him on!  Next time I will bring my real camera and get some real pics :)