All Good Things...

... must come to an end. The 'AA' Heat dropped their second game of the City Tournament this afternoon. And with that, the 'FiveKelleyBoys' 2011 Baseball season comes to a close. Today's game was another squeaker. The boys went down fighting, 6-5 (the SECOND game of that exact score in about 48 hours). So... as a re-cap...

Cameron & Holden: the 'AA' Heat went 11-4 on the regular season and qualified for the City Tournament. Congratulations, Cameron and Holden! Cameron delivered another solid season manning the plate. And Holden, playing up to 'AA' this year made the transition with ease.

Duncan & Paxton: the 'B2' Heat went 10-7 on the regular season. Duncan had another rock-solid season at 2nd Base. And Paxton, now playing up two full levels, not only fit in like nobody's business but had some excellent moments throughout the season as well.

Griffin: the 'C1' Dodgers... well, they lost more games than they won. BUT!!!... Griffin also played up a level this year. And the G-Man became the go-to guy behind home plate (like biggest brother, like littlest brother). Griffin made the move up with a smile on his face and delivered plenty of awesome stuff.

Boys... as always, it's been an absolute pleasure to watch you guys this season. It's an honor to be your dad. Your mom and I love you all very, very much. Thanks tons for a great season!

'AA' Heat - City Tournament Update

'AA' Heat opened City Tournament play this evening. Cameron & Holden's team took the field against the Goshen Tigers. And after a rocky couple innings (the Heat spotted Goshen a 5-run lead after the first 2 innings), the Heat settled in to knot things up at 5all by the 4th inning. It was a hot evening and tensions were running a bit high. Overall, the Heat played very well. Well enough to keep Goshen in check... right up to the point the Tigers pushed 1 more run across late in the game. Final score... Heat loses, 6-5.

Up next... well, if I could make heads or tails of the bracket, I'd tell you. All I know for sure is it looks like we'll play someone on Saturday.

Headin' to CITY!!!

Cameron & Holden's 'AA' Heat closed their season last night with a hard-fought loss to the Lawrenceburg (IN) Tigers. Putting up only their fourth 'L' of the season, the Heat rolled up 11 WINS... and that's good enough to qualify for the City Tournament!

Recall... this particular Heat team was 'supposed' to be the 'lesser' of two Heat teams this season. However, Cameron & Holden's team started the season by sweeping a doubleheader from the OTHER (supposedly better) Heat team. And things just kind of kept rolling from there. And... as a sidenote... that OTHER Heat team will only know about the City Tournament by means of asking others ABOUT it (lolololol).

Excellent regular season, Cameron & Holden. Looking forward to seeing how the Heat does in this year's City Tournament. Congratulations!

4 MORE WINS!

Several games to catch up on...

Cameron & Holden's 'AA' Heat took care of the Delhi Eagles this past Thursday evening by a score of 3-2. Cameron & Holden were unable to play that evening... since they were busy traveling around Germany (welcome back, boys... I missed you).

Duncan & Paxton's 'B2' Heat team picked up two wins this past Saturday. This time it was ME who was out of town. I'm told I missed two very good games. The first game was a win against the Westside Scotts, 5-4. And the afternoon capper was a 9-6 decision against the Harrison Hawks.

And this evening, Cameron & Holden's Heat once again took on the Delhi Eagles. Pictured here (Cameron #5, Holden #7), the boys look on as the Heat bats. Tonight's win was 5-1.

That's FOUR WINS! Outstanding, Kelley boys!!!

24 hrs. - 2 WINS - and the Reds

Duncan & Paxton's Heat rolled up two more wins in the past 24 hours. Yesterday evening, we travelled to Crosby Elementary school. There, the Heat beat the Harrison Hawks by a score of 6-5. And tonight, the Heat once again topped the Westside Hawks... final score, 5-4. Duncan had an AWESOME game at 2nd Base. Making one 'highlight-reel' over-the-shoulder, running-away inning-ending fly ball... and then several other well-fielded balls to help keep the Hawks in check (including another inning ending bare-handed flip to 1st). Paxton had a terrific evening as well. Keeping in mind Paxton is playing up two full levels... 'Rookie' (his nickname since his very first at bat of the season) has settled in nicely and had quite a few shining moments. Congratulations to Duncan and Paxton... it's been a terrific 24 hrs.

I was also fortunate enough to go to the Reds vs Yankees games this afternoon with Duncan, Paxton & Griffin. We had a great time. Bleacher seats, the Reds, the Yankees, time with three of my boys... what more could a guy ask for? Well... it would have been nice if the Reds had won. But that's how it goes sometimes. No biggie. However, upon returning home from this evening's game against the Westside Hawks, we were happy to turn on the night-cap Reds/Yankees game to watch the hometown guys finish MAN-HANDLING the bronx bombers, 10-2. GO REDS! (Just win next time we're there, eh?)

2 Up... 2 Down :(

Thursday evening was not a particularly great evening. Griffin and his Dodgers had to go all the way to Franklin, IN just to get shown the door after a pretty ugly beating. Sorry, Grif. And Duncan & Paxton's Heat fell to Stacey's BBA. A positive note... while this team got 10-runned by Stacey's in only 4 innings earlier this season, they went the full distance and lost by only 6-1. Hey --- ya gotta find the sunshine where it's hiding sometimes, eh?

A Day @ Great American Ball Park!

Today Duncan, Paxton & Griffin got to join a hundred or so other area kids to participate in the 'Cal Ripken Jr. Foundation' Baseball Clinic at Great American Ball Park. Very cool experience. And the weather held off until we were pretty much wrapped-up anyway.

To see a few more pics from today's GABP session... check 'em out at http://fivekelleyboys.com/CS5galleries/1106GABPclinic/content/index.html

Beautiful Evening!

A sunny Monday evening in June, temps hovering right around 80 degrees, blinding-bright-blue sky... and hanging at the park to watch three of the boys play some ball. Hard to imagine it gets any better than this.

Duncan & Paxton's Heat 'tamed' the Covedale Pitbulls this evening. Closing the game early by a final score of 18-8 (and this game was never even THAT close)... the Heat came through with a very good team effort. Duncan had a nice play at 2nd base. And he cracked a nice hit to knock in two runs. Paxton walked and got a hit (that hit came with another RBI), and he then scored on that go-round too.

Griffin's Dodgers.... well, let's just say some of us are still trying to get the number of the truck that ran through our boys this evening. But Griffin caught a great game. And when he got on base, he made it count by contributing to the Dodgers' score. Final... 16-6, Westside Stars. Keep smiling Griffin, and keep playing hard. You're doing great!

Couple of Wins, Couple of Updates!

Let's start with today's games. Cameron & Holden's Heat rolled up two more wins this afternoon. Sweeping today's doubleheader against the Price Hill Red Legs... the first game was no contest, called early by a final score of 10-0. Cameron caught an awesome game... eliminating two potential Red Legs' runs at the plate, and then throwing another runner out at third. At the plate, Cameron struck out and walked --- eventually scoring that second time. The second game was a bit more 'contested'... final score of 9-6. Holden played 2nd base, got a beautiful hit and knocked in a run, struck out and walked. The 'AA' Heat improves their record to 7-3. Outstanding!

Griffin ('C1' Dodgers) and Duncan & Paxton ('B2' Heat) both got rained-out yesterday. And the 'AA' Heat played perhaps (o please, God willing) their ugliest game of the season this past Thursday night.

All in all, it's been another great baseball weather several days (Saturday's rain-outs aside). fkb Baseball continues to entertain!

Dodgers WIN!

Griffin's Dodgers rolled over the Price Hill Phoenix this evening. The Dodgers have had a tough way to go lately, so this one felt mighty good. Griffin (shown in pic) had a great game... going the distance behind the plate (in 90+ degree heat, no less), throwing out two runners down at first base and then knocking in a run to add to the Dodgers' 12-2 victory. Congratulations, Griffin! What a great game!!!

Woo-Hooooo... Heat Takes TWO!!!

Another Sunday. Another doubleheader. Another TWO WINS! Cameron & Holden's Heat squared-off against the North Hill Cougars today. First game was gravy... 10-running the Cougars by a score of 12-2 in 5 innings. Cameron caught another strong game. And he got on base twice... once by getting hit by a pitch (no worries... WE GOT ICE!) and once by walking. He would also be the critical game-ending 10th run when he scored. In the second game, Holden took the field at 2nd Base. Turning a few nice infield plays, Holden also got on base a couple time (once by walking, and once by getting hit by a pitch --- MORE ICE!). Holden got stranded one of those times. And the other time he got himself into some trouble between 3rd and Home (although EVERYONE but the umpire agrees Holden got tagged by a glove while the ball was in the fielders OTHER hand). No worries, Holden. The second game went the distance with the Heat winning by a final score of 10-4. The 'AA' Heat improves their record to 5-2 overall today. Great games, fellas.

Duncan and Paxton's Heat AND Griffin's Dodgers each dropped their games yesterday (Saturday). Bummer.

Eagles' Prey

Cameron & Holden's Heat took on the Delhi Eagles this evening. Well... more aptly put, the Eagles pretty much took on the Heat. Cameron (behind the plate, in pic) caught a great game, and Holden got hit in the thumb while at-bat (ouch! even-money says that thumbnail is a goner). Simple game, baseball... you see the ball, you hit the ball, you get 'em around. Well, tonight the Heat struggled at the plate. And when the bats DID finally start coming around, the Heat ended up leaving way too many runners on the bases. Tough to win that way. Bummer.

'ROYAL's Flush

Griffin's Dodgers took on a very (very) good Royals team this evening. And the Dodgers hung with the Royals through two innings... trailing 2-1 after the first inning, and down 3-2 after the second inning. But then... well, I said the Royals are a very good team. And they kind of had a break-out inning. That's all it took this evening. Final score... Dodgers lose to the Royals by a final score of 13-3. Too bad, Griffin.

HEATing UP!

On an evening when the temp was reading 93 (or so) at the first pitch... Duncan & Paxton's Heat decided to dial things up on their own too. Tonight's game was pretty much over after the first inning. The Heat brought their bats... and pounded the Westside Hawks by a score of 20-3.

Duncan (pictured) went 3-for-3, and scored a run. This makes him 4-for-5 in the past two games! And Paxton drew a walk. Simply put, having struggled through their last couple games, the Heat decided to get hot (and get well) this evening. Outstanding, boys!

At Least The Weather Was Great!

Four more games this weekend. And for the first time this entire season... it's been sunny and hot the ENTIRE weekend. As for the ball... well even though there was one bright spot... at least the weather was great.

Duncan & Paxton's Heat: We traveled to Sunman, Indiana yesterday. And let me tell ya... I have personally developed a real dislike for that little 'burb. We've now had four different boys play three different games there in the past 12 months. And it's a loooooong way to drive to have your butts handed to you by a bunch of corn-fed ballers. Oh well... 0-3 in Sunman, Indiana... and the best news I have is NONE of the KelleyBoys have to go back there this season.

Griffin's Dodgers: This one was ugly. Mustering only 2 runs (Griffin scored one of them!), the Dodgers were seemingly helpless but to stand by and watch a Covedale team hang more than 20 runs on them. Head up, Griffin... you'll get 'em. And congratulations on scoring 50% of your team's runs today.

Cameron & Holden's Heat: Hot off the heels of opening the season by sweeping a doubleheader last weekend... this Heat team picked-up right where they left off. Jumping out to a fairly quick start, the Heat scored early and often against the Bridgetown Sparks. Another absolute gem thrown by our ace. And the rest of the boys chipped in to deliver a sound game... great fielding, great hitting, great everything. The Heat ended this one early by a total score 11-1 (that 11th run was scored by Cameron.... woo-hoo!). But the funny thing about doubleheaders... you're expected to play TWO games. And, today, the Heat seemed to be unaware. They were by NO MEANS out-played. But no matter... they busied themselves with wrapping paper and bows (o BOY were there a ton of errors in this second game)... neatly packaging this one up and handing it to the Sparks.

But you know what?... we all had fun and it's been a BEEEEEE-U-TIFUL weekend. Way to go boys. Always a pleasure to watch you guys on the diamond.

Happy Memorial Day!

FANNNNNN-TASTIC!!!

Cameron & Holden (shown here) and their 'AA' Heat opened the season today taking BOTH games of a doubleheader. Pitted against the (supposedly better) other Heat team, our guys jumped out to a fast start, taking the first game 6-1. The second game got off to a very different start. Our guys found themselves down 5-0, and then 6-1... only to STORM back and take the game by a final score of 12-6. Outstanding, fellas!

By the numbers (through both games)... Cameron got on base 5 times, scored 4 runs, knocked in a RBI (and caught an awesome first game --- throwing out a couple would-be base stealers --- as well as a couple innings of the second game). And Holden also got on base three times as well as turning in a few fielding gems.

It's been a great weekend for baseball, weather-wise. And it's the first time all season we've gotten in four games in one weekend. Duncan & Paxton's Heat dropped one to a very good Stacey's BBA team. And Griffin's Dodgers were soundly handled by a team from Indiana. But all in all... GREAT weather, GREAT times, and what a FANNNNNNN-TASTIC way to cap-off the weekend!

1... 2... 3!!!!!

Duncan & Paxton's Heat rolled on to three in a row last night. The entire team has been on quite a roll this week. While having started the season sluggishly (1-3), the Heat has run off three straight wins this week to move their overall record to 4-3. Over these past three games, the Heat has exhibited amazing fielding, hitting AND pitching. They have racked-up three wins, in only TWELVE innings, by a total score of 33-3. It's all about focus, boys. When this team focuses itself, the sky's the limit. Keep up the outstanding work!

The Heat is ON!

That's Duncan & Paxton... basking in the glow of another 'W'. This evening's game was against the Delhi Bulldogs. And, for the second game in a row, the Heat 10-runned their opponent. Paxton went 2-for-2, and Duncan had several really sweet fielding plays. The Heat has now won its last two games in ONLY 7&1/2 innings and by a total score of 23-2 (trotting out only 2 pitchers to the mound the entire time). Well done, Heat! Keep it up!!!

Griffin's Dodgers also had a game tonight. Unfortunately, the Delhi Demons would have their way with the Dodgers. Griffin played a tough game behind the plate (he even tagged-out a would-be Demon run). Chin up Grif. There's always next time.

A 2-fer!!!

A great day in fkb baseball! Two games, two wins... fantastic!!!

The day started with Duncan & Paxton's Heat doin' a little two-step all over the Covedale Pitbulls. Hard to pick the lone shining moment in this one. Everyone chipped-in for an all-around sound thumping of today's opponent. Paxton scored the 10th and deciding run in this 10-0 rout. Congratulations, boys!

Moving on to Griffin's Dodgers... going into the third inning against the Dater Gators, the Dodgers found themselves down 3-0. But they decided to mount a comeback and claw their way back in. Griffin (at bat in pic) scored the first of six Dodgers' runs, and the boys in blue walked away winners, 6-4. Way to go!!!

What?!? No Rain???

What beautiful evening to play baseball. Duncan & Paxton's Heat took the field this evening to go up against the Sunman (IN) Indians. Duncan continued his 'error-free' streak at 2nd Base (now, through the first 4 games of the season, D's fielding percentage is a sparkling 1.000), and Paxton drove one into left field to get on base. He then stole second. Advanced to third on a really nice piece of base running. And ultimately scored the Heat's lone run of the evening... spoiling Sunman's shut-out bid. Way to go Duncan & Paxton!

National Pride

Cameron & Holden, along with the Elder High School Honor Guard, were invited to present Colors at the Cincinnati Reds game this week (05.03.11). Shown in pic, Cameron's 2nd from the right holding the American flag and Holden's on the far right holding one of the rifles. Excellent job, fellas. Gives me chills. Proud to be an American and blessed to be your dad.

Splitsville

Two games today (which is amazing in and of itself given the rain we've had for the past month)...

Griffin's Dodgers had to travel to Sunman, IN today to be on the receiving end of a pretty sound beating administered by the Sunman Indians. 'Nuff said. Sorry, Griff. You'll get 'em next time.

Duncan and Paxton's Heat clawed-back to win in come-from-behind fashion (see, in pic, Paxton holding down the fort at shortstop). This was an absolute thriller. Down 9-2 in the third inning to the Delhi Bulldogs, the Heat came to life. And between some outstanding hitting, great fielding and lock-down pitching, the Heat prevailed... 12-9. Great job, fellas!

.500

Griffin (shown in the pic, manning homeplate) and his Dodgers saw their record drop to .500 on the season. After clobbering their first opponent, the Dodgers dropped this one to the Bridgetown Cardinals. Griffin had a great game... caught two outstanding innings, delivered a strong couple of innings at 2nd base, and did his job with the bat in his hands as well as on the base paths. Tough to do too much when you get stranded of third base though. Get 'em next time, Griffin.

A First...

There's a first time for everything. Right? Well, for the first time in four or five years... our Heat 'B2' team has been swept by the Covedale Storm. Typically splitting the season series in games that are usually hard-fought (and often nail-biting to observe), these two teams have established a long-standing rivalry that is known far and wide.

Shown in the picture here, Duncan & Paxton's Heat prepare for this evening's match-up with the Storm. Heads up high, fellas... things are going to click. And when they do, everybody else better watch out.

Cameron's Turn!

Today was Cameron's first day of the season donning the gear. He and Holden, along with the rest of the 'AA' Heat, got in a couple hours of catching, pitching and batting practice. Great to have you back, Cameron.
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Rain, Rain, Go Away!

You know this one. Say it with me... "Sorry folks, parks closed (the moose out front should have told you so)". Mother Nature decided to re-schedule a Saturday's slate of ballgames. Oh well, whattya gonna do, right?

Cameron & Holden have practice tomorrow. Holden will get in some more time throwing from the mound. And Cameron will dust-off the catcher's gear --- back at it for another season of catching for the Heat. And both will get some time in @ the cages. Looking forward to it.

PLAY BALL!!!

Christmas. A birthday. That 'new car' smell. And... Opening Day!!! Some things are just special. Ya know?

fkb Sports, version '2011baseball', got under way today. With two games slated for this morning, Duncan and Paxton's 'Heat' as well as Griffin's 'Dodgers' suited-up and were ready for action.

Kudos to Griffin's 'Dodgers'... blazing out to a laffer of a stomping. The Dodgers crushed RightNow Recycling BBA, 24-2. Griffin caught, manning homeplate and managing the onslaught. The G-man also made it to first base 3 times in 3 at-bats (2 walks, 1 hit-by-pitch), ultimately scoring on each of those trips. Congratulations, Griffin... what a great start to the season!

Duncan & Paxton's 'Heat' found themselves embroiled in a grudge-match with their arch enemies... the Covedale Storm. These two teams have been at it for the past 4 years now, and more times than not --- it's anyone's guess as to who's gonna go home the victor. The Storm jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first 2 innings. And then the Heat clawed back to go up 6-5. Unfortunately, the dreaded 'Error Beast' then paid a visit. And in the blink of an eye, the Heat found themselves packing-up and heading home at the wrong end of a final score, 16-6. There were a couple things to feel very good about this morning, and these 2 teams will face-off again this season. But for today, the Storm drew first blood in one of the greatest rivalries around.

Spring Training - Movie Trailer

Another '1st' of the Season

Griffin and the D.A.A. Dodgers took to the field this evening for their first outdoor practice of the season. It was a beautiful evening --- temps in the upper 70s --- and it was great to see some more outdoor action. Check out the video.

'ZONE's!!!

Paxton swims at Ohio State University today. The Great Lakes Zone Chamoionships pull the best swimmers from Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia and Michigan. Swimming with his 200yd Freestyle Relay team, Paxton's is one of only 37 teams from ALL 5 states to qualify for this event in today's Championship competition.

This is as far as you can get before moving on to National Championships. CONGRATS to Paxton for making it so far this year! We're all very proud of you, buddy. Good luck this afternoon!!!
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The Great Outdoors!

On this beautiful evening... you could almost (ALMOST) believe Spring has officially arrived. The sun was shining, temps reached the lower 70s today, and this evening two of the boys got in their first outdoor practice of the season. Duncan & Paxton's 'Heat' took the field, and it was a GREAT thing. The sights, the sounds... even the smells. Felt like home... ya know? We know we're not out of the woods yet, still wishing for consistently warmer temps (although, that wouldn't be unreasonable to ask for, would it?!?)... but this evening was fantastic. Check out the video.

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The Ol' IN & OUT

Holden spent some time this afternoon pitching and batting. The pitching was done indoors. And the batting --- it was a gorgeous afternoon, so we moved to the outdoor cages. His pitching looks fantastic. As for his batting... well, it's clearly the 'knock-some-rust-off' part of the early season. Check out the video.

'AA' Championships

And here we go again. Paxton is a member of two 4-man Relay Teams that have qualified for 'AA' Championships this weekend. The event is being held at Miami University (Oxford, OH). One of Paxton's relay events goes today (200yd Freestle), and the other event goes tomorrow (Sunday).

The plan is... Pax will swim later this morning, and then we'll run back home so Holden can get to Pitching practice mid-afternoon (remember?... this is supposed to be about baseball... right?)

Good luck, Paxton!
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Griffin's Turn

Tonight is the season's first batting pratice for Griffin and the D.A.A. Dodgers. Number 3 of the KelleyBoys to get in some swings (Duncan and Paxton hit the cages for their third time tonight as well).

Griffin got in several rounds in the cage and was really crankin' the ball. Good job, buddy! We're all looking forward to another season. Let"s play some ball!!!
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Congratulations, Paxton!

Another 'non-baseball' entry. Paxton wraps the regular season of swimming today. Just a quick 'how it works'... similar to other sports, there are regular meets thru-out the season. And, being a member of a team (Powell Crosley YMCA Tigersharks), Paxton competes for personal bests (finishes, times) as well as a contributor to the team's overall success. Paxton has had an outstanding season --- all kinds of top finishes in meets and setting personal bests time-wise. This weekend's meet is a big one. There are 3 separate sites throughout the city, and all sites (serving as prelims) then 'feed-into' finals held in Lebanon, OH. Paxton qualified yesterday in 1 event for last night's finals. 76 boys across all 3 sites began the day hoping to move on (the combined top 16 swimmers from all 3 prelims sites in each event) to the finals in the 50yd Freestyle. And at the end of the day, Paxton finished 12th overall. Way to go, buddy! And as of today, having competed in 4 more events this morning, Paxton's heading back to Lebanon this evening for finals in TWO more events.

One last note... as with all other sports, swimmers compete throughout the regular season with their eyes on a bigger prize. In swimming, one of those post-season prizes is 'AA Championships'. 'AA's is a big deal... held at Miami University (Oxford, OH), and pulls the best of the best from across the south- and mid-west regions. Paxton learned today that BOTH of the relay teams he's on have qualified for 'AA's. Outstanding news! We're all very proud of you, Paxton.
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Another Night @ the Cages

Duncan and Paxton were knocking off some more rust this evening. Check out of the video. Outdoor practice looms. Amen to that... because this particular cage facility is pretty tiny. It gets mighty 'fragrant' when you cram a baseball team of teenage boys in for a work-out.

Headin' To The Cages

It's been raining all day. And we're thinking about needing to build an arc. Thank God for indoor batting cages! Duncan and Paxton (shown in pic) are ready to go with the 'Heat'. Can practically hear that familiar 'PING' sound now. Looking forward to it.
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NQB.02

Having started the day swimming with Paxton (he's swimming again right now... he qualified for championships in the 200yd Freestyle), the pic shows now we're closing the day with Duncan's basketball team playing in the St. Lawrence Tourney Championship. Good luck, Duncan!

Like I said below... it can't ALL be about baseball. It will be soon! But not quite yet. We hit the cages in just a couple days. Can't wait.
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Not QUITE Baseball

Well, even tho this is supposed to be all about baseball... fact is, a couple of the boys are still wrapping up their winter sports.

Paxton's weekend is filled with Regional Qualifier prelims and finals for swimming. Shown in the pic, a LOT of time getting logged at Keating Natatorium this weekend.
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Ready? Set? GO!!!!!

Even as February still dwindles by, the Five Kelley Boys are gearing up for another baseball season. There have been several changes this past off-season, and here's the run-down as of now.

Griffin - having played D1 ball last season, Griffin found himself looking at a unique opportunity this year. The D.A.A. Dodgers (his team, last year) are moving up to C1. By age, Griffin should play another year of 'D' ball ('D2'). However, his coach contacted us, and expressed how much he'd love to have Griffin come along and move up with the team. So as of this spring, Griffin will be playing 'C' ball with the Dodgers.

Paxton - we were terribly disappointed to learn that Paxton's team, the D.A.A. Rockets, would be dissolved this season. Paxton had grown quite close with that coach and those teammates (they've played together for 4 years now). After much thought and consideration, Paxton has decided to accept an invitation to move up to Duncan's 'B2' Heat team. This is a challenge (playing up yet another year, on top of having already been playing up a year for the past 3 seasons) Paxton is more than up to.

Duncan - the 'Big D' is chomping at the bit to get back out there with the Heat. This is a pretty terrific team that's now played together for three seasons. They're ready to get out there and pick up from where things left off last season. Duncan is thrilled to already have the first batting practice slated to happen next week. He and Paxton, as well as the rest of the Heat, are very much looking forward to getting back into the swing of things.

Holden - after one year of 'A' ball last season, Holden has chosen to move up to 'AA' and play beside Cameron on the 'AA' Heat team. They don't get going until late May, so there might not be too much to report on Holden and Cameron for a while. However, Holden may or may not have something up his sleeve for the interim. More on that to come over the next couple weeks. And in the meantime, we'll be sure to log some time at the cages, and get Holden and Cameron some 'pitchers' and 'catchers' practice.

Cameron - last year's 'AA' Heat was a fantastic experience for Cameron. He really came into his own as a field general, managing games from behind the plate with stellar performances as the catcher. Similar to Duncan and Paxton, Cameron and Holden are pretty excited to be playing together this season. And no matter how busy Cameron stays with all of his studies and activities, he's BUSTIN' at the seams for baseball to get here.

Hooray for baseball!!! Let's get it on!!!