Game On!

After their first game of the season was rained out last week, the Dodgers season officially began on Sunday with a contest against the Athletics. The weather was picture perfect with temperatures in the low 70's and not a cloud in the sky.

Sam and I arrived at the field early to get in some batting practice prior to the start of the game. Sam was very excited about getting the game started and found it very hard to keep from smiling.

The Dodgers got off to a great start by running up the score 6-1 after the first inning. The next few innings saw the Dodgers hold steady by adding a few more runs here and there. Just as it looked like the game was in the bag (14-7) the A's made a surging come back and closed the gap; 14 to 12.

At the top of the 6th (and final) inning, the Dodgers added three more runs, including two that came from Sam's excellent hitting and base running. With a man on second and third, Sam hit a high fly to right field which easily scored the man on third and allowed Sam to be safe on first. But Sam cleverly made his move toward second base, luring the Athletic players into a game of "Pickle" between first and second. Meanwhile, the runner who had advanced to third now quietly made his move to home while everyone else was busy trying to get Sam out somewhere between first and second. Sam was eventually tagged out, but not before adding two RBIs to his total of three for the day.

Final score: Dodgers 17 Athletics 12



Sam uses a very scientific method of turf analysis to determine wind speed and direction in order to help improve his overall "At-Bat" performance.











Sam also prefers to use the "Intuition" method of hitting. This includes closing his eyes while being pitched to, and only using "The Force" to determine just the right time to swing the bat.


Sam hits a monster shot out to right field, setting up the "Pickle" play which scores two runs for the Dodgers.







After hitting his right field "Bomb," Sam innocently floats like a butterfly on his way to first base. The opposing players have no idea of the trap Sam is about to spring on them.









Sam crosses home plate after being walked in one of the early innings. Whenever Sam scores a run, his smile is priceless. You just want to hug the kid.












This is classic Sam trying to smile for the camera. He can be such a goof ball. He looks like he's hurting himself! But he's having fun and that's all that matters.

Jim

Apple Tree EXPLODES!!!

...The apple tree at the foot of our driveway is now in full bloom. We have three other trees just like it around the yard but, so far none have reached this level of bloom.

I cannot even begin to describe the wonderful smell coming from this tree. The weather this past week was a perfect set up for what we are seeing this weekend. It rained for a couple days at the beginning of the week and the last few days temperatures have been in the 70's and 80's. It's amazing how fast this tree pops once the conditions are right. Not that it's all that interesting but, yesterday I cut the lawn for the first time this season; the smell of the fresh cut grass combined with the apple tree is just overwhelming.

Unfortunately, the little white peddles will only be around for a short time. In a few days they will begin to fall and if a strong enough wind comes along it will look like a small snow storm. Then come the tiny crab apples that will attract beez like nobody's business. All good things come to an end. We should stop and enjoy them while we can.

Jim

Let the Games Begin

It was a gorgeous day in Holliston this past Sunday. The perfect setting for one of those small town parades to kick off the 2006 Little League season. All the kids looked great in their new , clean uniforms. By next week they will have endured the abuse of a game or two and appear much different.

This year Sam will be playing for the Dodgers. Like most kids in this region he would have preferred to play for the Red Sox. Oh well, maybe next year. I truly think it doesn't matter to Sam who he plays for. He just likes hitting the ball and playing with his friends.






For the first time we let Sam walk in the parade unaccompanied by Mom or Dad. He did a great job keeping up with his team and never wandered off. We had a chance to see him walk by on two occasions and each time he looked over and gave us that great, crooked smile of his. That's how we knew he was enjoying himself.









One of the best parts of watching the parade is seeing Abby and Hannah cheering on their brother. At home, he drives them crazy. But, when he puts on his uniform and gets into a parade, he becomes a rock star to his sisters. I love standing behind them and seeing how much they scream and yell as he walks past. They are so great about supporting their big brother. Sam is very lucky to have such loving sisters.

Jim