We started a new tradition this year in honor of Grandpa John and his friend Arnie Dowdy that passed-away this year. Each year in January, Grandpa John and his friend would get together to open baseball cards and play catch to kick-off the season ahead. Arnie passed-away a few months ago so we decided to continue his legacy in Long Beach. Grandpa John, Jackson, Doug, Nate, Chris, Cory, Eli and Daddy all came over to our house to celebrate our first official Baseball Day. We played a game of whiffle ball, ate hotdogs and hamburgers, watched the Sandlot, and opened cards. The biggest find was a Derek Jeter commemorative card that had President Bush and Micky Mantle in it. We had a ton of fun and got really excited about the coming season.
After Baseball Day, Grandpa took Chris and I to the Pyramid to see Long Beach State play basketball. It was awesome. The people were going crazy and the 49ers won the game. I had a basketball game in the morning against Aiden, Nick and Ari, so I was pretty pumped up. We (the Cardinal) didn't win our game like 49ers, but seeing the big guys play the night before certainly elevated my energy. Grammy and Great Grandma Betty came over and took care of us so that all the parents could go out to dinner with their friends.
We have also started pitching practice this week. I have been throwing with Daddy just about every other day to strengthen my arm. I am working on slowing-down my delivery, holding my leg up for a three count, and then throwing the pitch. It is hard for me because I like to work so quick but we are trying to limit the number pitches that I have to throw in each inning to only 15. We built a pitching mound in the backyard and measured-out 38 feet (Pony Pinto Division standard), so that I could get a feel for the game situation. This is an exciting year for baseball!
No comments:
Post a Comment