Today the Tigers were up against the Padres for a late afternoon game. I love that the boys were questioning this team name on our drive home– “Kind of a weird name for a team, isn’t it?” Well, yeah. The San Diego Dads? Good point.
Nate started at first base and had a good out and a strong throw to second. The weather was brisk and windy with a lot of dust clouds to the face. These pandemic masks just continue to prove themselves useful.
A few innings later, Nate caught himself a pop fly at short stop. He made it on base during every at bat. He’s also risen to the ranks of closing pitcher, finishing off our last two innings today. He got two outs at first base plus a strike out or two. The game ended when the final batter hit a fly ball way out to left field and Daxton caught it– you could see his grin from a mile away, even through the dust cloud.
Even with all that, Nate’s biggest thrill today was a huge hit straight over second base and into center field. He ran like he can run– rounding third and only stopping because his coach told him to. It was a big confidence booster leading into his last inning as pitcher. After the game, Coach Gillett awarded him one of the game balls, which has become a Saturday tradition. Tigers had our second win with a score of 7 to 5.
As we’re walking back to the car reliving the highlights, Nate asks me, “I could’ve made it home, don’t you think? Could’ve been a homer.”
That’s what fourth grade is all about. Go big and go home.