This year Baileigh played softball with the HYAL (Hazlet Youth Athletic League). She played in the clinic which is a teaching league. Coach Brian 'Beef', asked at the first practice if any parent wanted to assist him in coaching the team. I was the first parent onto the field. I helped coach her T-ball team last year and had fun as did Baileigh. At this practice, only one other parent helped.
By the first game game, we had two more parents helping, one of the dads on the field and one of the moms in the dugout. While the team is playing the field, the coach and assistants go in the field as well to help the girls know where to throw the ball, when not to throw it etc. When the team is at bat, the coach pitches to the batters. During the last 5 or so games, I was the pitcher and the girls were hitting me left and right. I guess this is the only time a pitcher doesn't mind having a high ERA. LOL
Baileigh's team was supposed to be the Mets but Coach Beef doesn't like the Mets so we became the Orange Crush. Due to the coaches work schedule, we were only able to have 2 practices. By the last few games you would have thought we practiced a few times a week. The girls improved so much. In fact, Baileigh has improved the most (of course I'm going to say that but I really think she did). She was really hitting the ball and made a few awesome plays in the field. On the last day of the season they had the all star game. Baileigh didn't make it this time but with practice who knows, she may make the next one.
For the first time the HYAL is offering a fall ball season and Baileigh wants to play. I am also going to look into coaching one of the teams. If they have enough coaches then I will definitely be an assistant again!
