This Joy League season of baseball was the most fun season ever. It was an amazing group of kids that were inclusive and supportive and determined – and don’t even get me started on the head coach. He was amazing – so patient and knowledgeable, and the kids loved him. He told Sheff that if he got into a competitive fall league, that he would do everything he could with Joy League to get him moved up to 3A with him.
Anyway, last Monday, the Yanks had their first playoff game. They had moved it up from Thursday to Monday, and we were playing at the baseball field instead of the softball field where they normally play. The kids looked a little frazzled during the first half inning, so coach pulled them all aside, told them to forget about the score and just go and have fun. And wouldn’t you know, that half inning, Sheffield hit a home run. A grand slam to be exact! His very first home run just happened to be a grand slam. The Yanks fans went crazy, and this mama did too. That was just the boost the kids needed, and they ended up winning the playoff game, so it was off to the championship game for the Yanks! Sheff got the game ball that night, too.
Since we’d had a pretty hot week, they moved the game up from 10am to 8am on Saturday. The Yanks were ready! By the end of the third inning, they were up to the point where the other team couldn’t come back (can only score 5 runs per inning), so coach moved all the kids around. It was sweet to watch Sheff play first and some of the other kids get to play in the infield as well. The 2A Yanks completed their perfect season by winning the championship. The parents had gotten together to have a little party afterward – complete with doughnuts, trophies, and treat bags. We, of course, had to get a picture of all the kids with their trophies and a picture with the head coach.
I’m really glad that Sheff got to be a part of this season – he made so many new friends, and got more confident in his baseball skills. We are already looking forward to next season!