Fitzroy Junior becomes a pitcher
Last night in WC Minor Softball Mites division action, the Fitzroy mites lost their first game of the year 9-5. But that's not the important part of the story.
Historically, the Caveman is the competitor in the family. He's the one that always has his game face on no matter what the sport and has that 'edge' in any sport he plays, whether it's ball, hockey, or wrasslin' with his brother.
His older brother Fitzroy Junior is more laid back and easy-going. It makes him a great kid, but less of an athlete despite a reasonable set of skills.
Fitzroy Junior took the Softball Ontario pitching course this spring. "Coach Jamey" did a good job teaching the fundamentals of pitching and the kids learned a lot. And despite his lack of confidence (which is not justified - he's pretty good for a nine year old) Junior has been practicing and has had a chance to use his newfound skill in league games.
Last night we played Kinburn and they have one of the top athletes in Fitzroy Junior's school - we'll call him Jay. He's the kid that won the 100 metre dash at the recent track meet for Grade Four. Junior finished third - in his heat. Jay is the kid that plays AA hockey. Fitzroy Jr plays house league. Jay is the kid that gets picked first at everything, Fitzroy Junior not so much. They are friends somewhat, but I think Fitzroy Junior would like to be better at him in something. Anything.
In the first inning last night, Fitzroy Junior pounded out a beautiful drive to go well over the heads of the outfielders and almost to the fence, resulting in a two run homer. In the top of the second, Jay hit one in almost the exact same spot in his first at bat for a two-run homer of his own.
Later in the game, Jay came in to pitch for Kinburn. When Fitzroy Junior was at bat he stroked out a nice single up the middle, which I am sure felt good.
But even better was the inning when Fitzroy Junior was pitching. For the first kid that hit in the inning, one of their weaker players, Junior was going through his routine and throwing strikes, and got a "K" for the first out of the inning. Then up came Jay. For the first time, I could see Junior getting really into pitching. The first two pitches were swinging strikes - and I have never seen Fitzroy Junior throw that hard and that accurate. The best athlete in his grade literally could not catch up to him for the first time. After wasting a pitch (did he do that on purpose with an 0-2 count?) the next was another hard fastball up the middle of the plate. Jay just caught a piece of it offhand and popped it up to second to a player who fortunately is our best infielder who made the out.
Fist pump. Runs over to the second baseman for a high five. Look of elation.
I think last night was when Fitzroy Junior a) decided that pitching was for him and b) gained some confidence that with a little hard work and practice he can be as good as or better than the natural athletes.
It felt good. For both of us.
Historically, the Caveman is the competitor in the family. He's the one that always has his game face on no matter what the sport and has that 'edge' in any sport he plays, whether it's ball, hockey, or wrasslin' with his brother.
His older brother Fitzroy Junior is more laid back and easy-going. It makes him a great kid, but less of an athlete despite a reasonable set of skills.
Fitzroy Junior took the Softball Ontario pitching course this spring. "Coach Jamey" did a good job teaching the fundamentals of pitching and the kids learned a lot. And despite his lack of confidence (which is not justified - he's pretty good for a nine year old) Junior has been practicing and has had a chance to use his newfound skill in league games.
Last night we played Kinburn and they have one of the top athletes in Fitzroy Junior's school - we'll call him Jay. He's the kid that won the 100 metre dash at the recent track meet for Grade Four. Junior finished third - in his heat. Jay is the kid that plays AA hockey. Fitzroy Jr plays house league. Jay is the kid that gets picked first at everything, Fitzroy Junior not so much. They are friends somewhat, but I think Fitzroy Junior would like to be better at him in something. Anything.
In the first inning last night, Fitzroy Junior pounded out a beautiful drive to go well over the heads of the outfielders and almost to the fence, resulting in a two run homer. In the top of the second, Jay hit one in almost the exact same spot in his first at bat for a two-run homer of his own.
Later in the game, Jay came in to pitch for Kinburn. When Fitzroy Junior was at bat he stroked out a nice single up the middle, which I am sure felt good.
But even better was the inning when Fitzroy Junior was pitching. For the first kid that hit in the inning, one of their weaker players, Junior was going through his routine and throwing strikes, and got a "K" for the first out of the inning. Then up came Jay. For the first time, I could see Junior getting really into pitching. The first two pitches were swinging strikes - and I have never seen Fitzroy Junior throw that hard and that accurate. The best athlete in his grade literally could not catch up to him for the first time. After wasting a pitch (did he do that on purpose with an 0-2 count?) the next was another hard fastball up the middle of the plate. Jay just caught a piece of it offhand and popped it up to second to a player who fortunately is our best infielder who made the out.
Fist pump. Runs over to the second baseman for a high five. Look of elation.
I think last night was when Fitzroy Junior a) decided that pitching was for him and b) gained some confidence that with a little hard work and practice he can be as good as or better than the natural athletes.
It felt good. For both of us.
Labels: Fitzroy Junior
posted by fitzroyfastball | 5/22/2012 02:18:00 pm
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