There's no crying in baseball...err...no peeing.

In our house with six kids we have to at some point 'just say no' to all these extracurricular activities every season and make our kids choose....We've always said, one instrument and one sport for each to hone in on. But that's tough because there just might be talent in more than one area! So, what are we to do? Right now, life seems to revolve around Brayden and his 'extras.' But he is our overachiever and has been getting straight A's all year (& maybe a B or two snook it's way in there). But he has proven to us that he can balance. I'm not a fan of over-scheduling---because when you schedule a child, you schedule a parent and kids need time to be kids anyway. He's doing Scouts, Baseball, Violin, and almost as soon as baseball ends, football begins. And balance is important especially when the real homework hits him this September in Middle School--YIKES!!!

So this is really a post about baseball. Brayden was never a fan until he played last year and now it's his second love...next to football, of course! So in his second season, he played first base, third base, and was the 3rd string pitcher...with some time in right field too. I was a bit shocked to see him pitch for the first time. He was mainly brought in as a relief pitcher, but I think he did a phenomenal job...his 'Pops' (Grandpa) would be proud. But he does need to improve his batting
to be an All-star. I'm so proud of you, Bray! You improved greatly upon last year. He's gonna kill me, but I have to post this embarrassing moment cause it's funny now that I look back on it.



I know these photos are horrible quality--I apparently don't have the knack for 'action photos.'

About six weeks ago, I was at a game cheering Bray on (It was my turn--Curt was home with the kids). Anyway, I dropped him off at 4:00 for a LONG practice before the 5:30 game. He played the whole game from pitching to first, to third...and it was getting pretty late.

This game was going on f o r e v e r. It was the 5th inning, about 7:30, and he was at 3rd base dancing around on his toes...moving and shaking...just could NOT stand still if his life depended on it. Ants in his pants? I could see the torment on his face-he was in PAIN. And I knew what it was...poor boy! Third out....Diamondbacks were at bat again. And Brayden was first up. No break. The poor guy dances his way to the practice ring. He dances circles while he half-heartedly swings at the air to warm-up. He is struggling BIG TIME!! As he makes his way to home plate, he tries to stand still long enough to accept a pitch. He couldn't even make the stance. He turned to his coach and said, "I can't bat; I have to go to the bathroom." The coach looked at him like he was crazy and demanded that he finish his at-bat. (in a very mean tone with an expression to match) . I, the momma bear, was sitting in the stands just ticked and baffled at the coach's utter disregard for Brayden's honest plea. The score-keeper and team mom was equally ticked at the coach's remarks and the way he handled it. Anyway, I'm a fuming mom...watching Bray miss each pitch as he's more focused on the pee that's dripping down his leg and puddling near home plate. He strikes out because he just can't focus and then makes a run for the bathroom to finish his task...if anything at all was left--I don't think so judging on the puddle:)

I walked over to the coach and asked him if he realized that Bray's dignity just went out the window with how he handled that situation. I asked what the league rules were....and I learned that we would have taken an automatic 'out' if he didn't finish his at-bat. Well, the end result was that it was an 'out' anyway, so what is more important....the dignity of a boy in front of his peers, adults, etc? Or the game?

I understand the rules...if I were the coach I probably would have made him finish his at-bat too in the name of 'teamwork.' But it's all in the coach's tone and approach with no sympathy, and utter disregard for Brayden and his dignity. Poor guy. Good thing his pants weren't skin-tight like some fanny-hugger baseball pants...because man, the flood gates did open that day on home plate....and the flood gates were not tears, but rather, PEE.

And for the record, Brayden was a champ about it--he thought he was being discreet about it all and that no one saw...and he didn't even blame the coach for mishandling the situation. Funny thing, same inning...two outs...his teammate steps to the plate and starts with the same dance...tells the coach he can't bat...coach rambles a snide remark, the boy intentionally strikes out...game over. We still win. That boy didn't add to the puddles that day...he made it to the bathroom just in time.

So great job this season, Bray! Keep on keeping on! And a little pee never hurt home plate. And no, I didn't have my camera on the pee day...otherwise I probably would have snapped a pic or two heehhehe