Christian Park Softball
Another season is over. For me, it was disappointing. I couldn't coach and I was unhappy with the teams, scheduling and practices. When it came down to the all star games, the power and abilities of the players were under utilized. As for the players I got the impression they were spilt right down the middle, one team playing the infield and the other the outfield.
I guess I should consider myself and my kid lucky, because of her talent and connections she got to play infield for one game and pulled the team out of a poor pitching slump during the all-star games. Finally scoring both points, one RBI and one steal to home.
I love watching her play, and I love when they all working together. The first game of the all-stars was great. Everyone pulled together and worked as a team. Melissa was pitching well and the bats were working. Brit was catching and everyone one else, was doing great. We bet IC.
The second game, I mark up to the manager & coach. They left everyone where they were, even the pitcher and catcher. To me, you need someone fresh to play the second game and switch was needed. IC has timed Mel's pitch and hitting well. Then our friend the weather set in, forcing everyone into the dug out. (This was kind of cool, because everywhere around us had flash flood warning and all we got was a little lighting and a few drop, then back on the field.) In the dug out, I could here them arguing, I knew at that point we would loose. After several in & out of the dug out weather stops, we got on with the game.
Mel according to some of the players wanted off the mound, but was told to pitch all 10 innings. Finally, Peyton took the mound. Unfortunately her game was off, pitching the ball high and walk an untold amount of players. I think she gets to much pressure from her older sister. She can do the job, she just needs to relax and gain some independence and confidence in her ability. The game went on and we lost. I really think the manager & coach should have switched it up, done something, oh well.
We came back Sunday to see who would go on, each team had one win under their belt. Peyton started out pitching, which I considered a good choice, she seems to do better if she pitches before Melissa. After two innings, I could tell it just wasn't in it for her this series. They made her stay in a pitch as the runs kept walking in. Finally, in the 4th inning with base loaded and the score 13ish to 2, the put Dena in to pitch (having burned out Mel's edibility to pitch by using all 10 innings the day before). Unfortunately, IC was able to hit the first pitch and scored a few runs. After that it was Dena's game. Her high arc, right across the plate pitch caused the batter to swing late or pop-fly the ball which other players were able to catch. She finished the game out and with the help of everyone else, kept them from scoring. Sadie made an excellent catch on thrid. In the end, our bats just couldn't catch up and we lost in the 5th.
This entry is getting long, I guess I'm making up for the lack of notes.
Well as they say, and I hate this saying, there's always next year. Well lucky, for most there is next year. The Little League has changed the "League Age Date" to Dec. 31 and most of our players will in fact get an extra year to play.
Although I have no idea what may happen between now and next season, I will do what I can to try and coach next year. This year was just too frustrating watching all the talent CP has and it going to waste.
Start practicing early in February for school, and play for school if you can. We'll see you all in May, when we hope for better things.