Inaugural baseball season

Lincoln had always watched the girls play softball. Initially, dragging his toys from field to field, eventually upgrading to bringing his bike around to all of the fields. During these years, his feelings never waivered as he would exclaim "never sign me up for this game". He had zero interest in playing ball (baseball or softball). 

Then one day this winter, while we were dog-sitting and he was playing fetch, he had an "aha!" moment. 

He realized he could throw a ball pretty well and declared he was going to play baseball. 

I had no idea how we were going to manage getting the girls to their respective practices and tournaments, simultaneously getting Lincoln to his weekly games and practices. 

Thank goodness for great friends! We somehow made it work....until the final tournament. 

Lincoln's team was heading into playoffs just as we were leaving for the girls' National tournament. We had no choice but to skip Lincoln's tournament (and frankly it didn't bother any of us because his team was like watching Bad News Bears). 

Throughout our trip out of state, we were getting updates from Lincoln's team. They somehow were suddenly winning games!, and as luck would have it, we were going to make it home just in time for Lincoln to join his team for the 3rd place game!

Regan was lucky enough to help first base coach, for what turned out to be the longest baseball game in history! He was so excited to play catcher for a inning, and have his big sister help him suit up. 

Ok, it probably wasn't THE longest game in history, but it sure felt like it. A normal little kid (coach pitch) game lasts 6 innings, or roughly 2 hours. That's a very long time. 

Our team was up 7-1 heading into the 6th inning and unfortunately, the other team tied it up. We ended up going 3 more innings before it ended. Another full hour of ball! 

After 9 innings, our boys pulled off the win (even the scoreboard couldn't keep up with all those innings)! It was such an exciting game! 

Lincoln struggled this season with his hitting. He couldn't seem to make contact early on, and then figured it out, only to go back into a slump mid-season. We worked hard outside of practice time and he was able to pull out of it again just at the right time. 
We are so proud of his hard work and constant effort to get better! 

He made new friendships this summer and had a good group of boys cheering him on as he tried a new sport. I think he's hooked too, but he admits hockey is still his #1.