Fall Ball Palyoffs

Today were the play off games for the Clinic Division. Since there were only four teams(1 from Hazlet, 1 from Marlboro and 2 from Aberdeen/Matawan) all the teams made it. We wound up being the 3rd seed so we played at 11 AM. We played the Belles team from Aberdeen/Matawan.

We started off strong and had 8 runs in the first 2 innings. The Belles came back strong in the third and scored 4 runs. That would turn out to be the only runs they scored. We won in the 5th inning under the mercy rule.

All our girls played great. They all had at least one hit and scored a run. We even had our 2nd double play of the year!! At the risk of bragging, I would like to say the Baileigh, my daughter, had the game wining RBI single!!

Our next game, the Championship game, is this Sunday. Wish us luck!

Thompson Park Day

Yesterday, My wife, daughter and I went to Thompson Park day. Thompson Park is the Monmouth County park in Lincroft, NJ where I do most of my kayak fishing.We have also been to the off leash dog area and rode our bikes on the paved trails. Although I have been to the park numerous times, there is so much of the park I never knew existed.

I was expecting a small exhibit with a few things for kids. I was blown away by what they offered.  There were 2 inflatable slides, one for bigger kids and one for little kids. There were a couple of rides, a video game trailer, face painting, pumpkin painting, scarecrow building contest (although i thought the $15 fee was a little high) and a small mini golf set up.

If you got hungry walking around with the kids, there were many food vendors selling the usual carnival fare; cotton candy, pretzels, sausage sandwiches, cheese fries etc. And the prices weren't too bad.

Marlu lake, the park lake, was a little too far to walk to so they provided a shuttle bus for anyone wanting to go canoeing. We jumped aboard and took the ride. I fully expected to pay, as they rent canoes for an hourly rate. When we got to the lake I found out it was free. My nephew was with us and I knew that he wanted to go and wasn't sure about my daughter, but at the last second she said yes. They handed us each a life vest and paddle, loaded us into the canoe and off we went. As I have been out on the water many time in my kayak, it was a different experience in a canoe. Although we had a blast canoeing the lake, I do prefer a kayak. But, my daughter really enjoyed it so purchasing a canoe down the road will always be an option.

After we took the shuttle back to the main area, we did the corn maze. I must admit, this wasn't one of the better corn mazes I have done. It was geared more toward younger kids, not 71/2 year olds. once finished with the corn maze we had to pick up the pumpkins my daughter and nephew painted. Then it was time to call it a day.

We all had a great time and were glad we went. I forgot my camera and I was looking forward to taking  lot of pictures while walking around. It looks like I will have another chance next year as we decided to make it a tradition and go every year. My only regret, that we didn't start this new tradition a few years ago.

Softball

Our 2012 HYAL Fall Ball season is winding down. We only have a few games left. I must say, as much as I enjoyed coaching a team, I also like being an assistant coach. It gives me more time to focus on Baileigh as well as coach the other girls.

I have noticed improvements with every girl. They are getting hits and making great plays in the field. In fact, in our game Friday night we had a double play! The bases were loaded a pop up was hit to our pitcher and she caught it! Meanwhile, the girl on third crossed the plate and the girl on second was on third. I was coaching from the third base side so I started yelling to Anna, the pitcher, to 'throw the ball to third'. She did and Jenna, third base girl, caught the ball but didn't do anything. I had to yell to her to 'step on the base', which she did.

After the inning, Jenna asks me 'Did I get that girl out?' I replied, 'Yes! It was a double play!' She said, 'oh'. Then headed to the dugout. LOL

We still need to work on a few things but all in all they are doing great! I am proud of all the girls, especially Baileigh! She is getting better every game and she always tells me how much she loves softball. I hope she keeps playing.