Our MVP

The Braves won their game last night by a big margin (we missed it because we were at Laura Ann's recital) and that put them in the final game of the end of the season tournament tonight.  The game didn't go so well.......the Braves were trailing most of the game.   For the first time this season, they found themselves in the last inning of the game down by 1 run, 9-10.   When it was time for my favorite player to bat, there were 2 outs, with runners on first & second.   Not to worry though, #4 just hit a line drive right down 1st base line to the fence that ended up being a homerun!!!  Not only did his hit save this game & win the tournament, but it also saved their undefeated season.  14-0!!  GO BRAVES!!!  What a way to finish!  Daniel was beyond thrilled to get the game ball & even told Papa on the phone to be watching ESPN....that he just may be on there! Ha! :-) There are some awesome players on this team and they have all worked so hard all season to earn this undefeated status. And the players are led by a group of dedicated coaches who have also worked very hard. Coach Jason told them tonight, "Individually we are all flawed, but together we have been perfect." It was definitely a team effort.
After videoing Laura Ann's recital last night, it occurred to me that I hadn't videoed Daniel playing baseball all season, so I brought the video camera tonight & got his hit on video. It may just be my favorite video yet.....love it all..... Laura Ann with her fingers in her ears, Nanna screaming, the look on his face after he crossed home plate, and most of all, Dan throwing him in the air. It was the sweetest moment for them.   And yes, they were both over the moon!

This season hasn't been without slumps & struggles for Daniel, which is what really made tonight so special.  He has grown so much and learned a lot about sportsmanship, hard work, not to give up when you aren't having your best game, the game of baseball itself, and life in general.  It is just really neat that in the first game of the season, he struck out all 4 bats and was convinced he shouldn't be on the team and in the last game of the season he went 4 for 4, finishing with a game winning homerun.   What a blessing and answer to prayers (improving in baseball has been on his prayer list for the past 2 months).

And, lastly, I want to say how thankful I am that Daniel has a Daddy who remembers on the field that he is dealing with 7 year old LITTLE boys who are NOT in the major league.  He has loved, encouraged & supported Daniel and his teammates throughout the season.  Great job Coach Dan!!!