Astros' Preseason Game

Last night was the Astros' second pre-season game.  The game started as expected with Collin on the bench the first inning.  For the second inning, he played left field which was not too much of a surprise either.  He is one of the younger, less experienced boys on the team...and that's just were they play.  While out there, he did all he could to look "baseball ready" but that lasted about 5 minutes.  He started to play with his hat, put his glove over his face and even did some leg stretching moves.  I had the camera zoom lens to on him at this moment and could see that he was singing and really trying hard not to dance.  Hard to blame him for doing this really.  It was about 7pm at this time, long day already with no action, so far, in the outfield.


Baseball glove behind the back does not equal "baseball ready"

He turned his cap a little sideways and was making noises with his mouth.  At least his glove is up front.

He is in mid-dance in this picture.  He was lucky the coach did not see him doing this.

Oh look!  "Baseball ready" position!

For the third inning, I was surprised, as I am sure he was, that Collin was headed to the pitcher's mound.  The coach had been really good so far to test the boys out in different positions to see what they could do.  After all, that's one of the things a pre-season game is good for.  There he was, my little man, pitching for the first time in his life.  He had not practiced this during any of the practices the team had so far.  I was amazed to see that he knew how to hold the ball, bend over to aim, and then throw.  Later that night, he said that he had been watching the other pitchers on the team doing that so he was just copying what they were doing.  It took a few batters to plate for him to warm up.  The pitches were barely making it to the plate.  The coach was patient with him and giving instructions every few pitches.  He did finally warm up and ended up throwing several strikes.  Some batters did get some hits, but he also struck out two batters.  Dad and I were so proud at that moment.  Who knows if he will pitch during a regular game or not.  We liked seeing him out there on the mound and not complaining or wanting to quit.



What I did not notice until I looked later at the pictures I took was that he had a serious concentration look.  He curled his lips inward and bit on the every time he made a throw.  Whatever it takes!

For the next inning, he played 3rd base which was also a new position for him.  He did not have any hits or balls thrown towards him, but I did notice he kept covering the plate in case he was needed there.

When he up to bat both times (yes, it's a MUCH slower game with kid pitch), he got a hit and made it on base.  The first time, he got an RBI.  The second time, he stole the bases enough to make it to home and score. 

Stealing to 3rd base

Attempting to steal 3rd again...and made it this time

Close call at 1st base but he made it to 2nd because of an overthrow

That night, he said that pitching was his favorite.  I was happy to hear that.  He turned the challenge into a learning experience and did not have a negative attitude about it.