Lafayette Life vs. Lafayette Life

Today at practice, the boys played a scrimmage game.  Coach Tom and Coach Mac divided them up onto two teams and gave them the opportunity to play a 'game.'  Of course, we didn't keep score, so there were no winners or losers today.  Just a bunch a great boys putting out great effort to play America's favorite past time.  

Today, when the teams had their turn in the dugout, I took a few minutes to talk about the 'dugout rules.'  These are important rules for each boy to understand, so, just like the league rules, it would be great if you could go over them with your son.  This helps to reinforce what we are telling them on the field.  Here's what I went over with them:

1.  All boys will be asked to sit on the bench and watch the game while in the dugout.  Coach Mac and Coach Tom want the boys to have Team Spirit, watching the game and cheering on their teammates.  This means no wandering around, no wrestling, and absolutely no climbing on the fence.  

2.  It is important for the boys to have their 'head in the game' both on the field and in the dugout.  Take some time to talk to your son about what this means.  How many outs before you switch sides?  How many strikes before you are out?  How many players does your team have on base?  How many batters before it's your turn?

2.  When you are the next batter, you should have a helmet on and a bat in your hand.  You get to stand in the 'batter's box' (it really isn't a box, but a special area for the next batter). You should be taking a few practice swings while in the batter's box.  They should be good swings, with good form!  

3.  If you are the batter after the one in the batter's box, you should be getting your helmet on (and batting gloves if you use them).  Then you should stand at the wall of the dugout. You should not have a bat in your hand yet.  It is critical for this player's safety that he does not go beyond the edge of the dugout wall because the other player will be taking practice swings.

4.  Out of respect for their teammates, boys should not assume it is ok to use another boy's equipment.  Please ask before grabbing someone else's helmet, gloves, or bat.  

I mentioned earlier that I was going to pass around a snack schedule.  I haven't done this yet.  If anyone wants to email me the date you are interested in, I can start filling it out.  I will also try to remember to bring it to the practices next week.  (I won't be at tomorrow's practice.)

Now for something a little different . . . .

This week I had the pleasure of hearing some wonderful presentations from some first graders. I was at school to see our daughter's presentation, and I was able to see two members of the Lafayette Life baseball team do theirs, too!

Here's a picture of Carson doing his report on World War II.  Yes, you read correctly - World War II!!!  I also heard one about astronauts from another team member.  Playing sports is fun, but school is important stuff.  Great job boys!