The Cardinal Ball

On Friday night, Brayden's team played a make up game against the Angels.  Sadly, they continued on their losing streak.  I wish I could find the words to describe our team....they are just...different.  They have only won 2 games all season - and those were over-the-top celebrations - but even when they aren't winning, they are winning.  They are definitely a spirited bunch.  They do not give up, even when they are down by a pretty good margin.  They play hard (most of them, anyway) and they do not come out of the dugout after the game with their heads down. 

A few games ago, the head coach, Chris, started a new tradition of awarding a "Cardinal Ball" after each game.  This ball is different from the game ball.  Game balls are reserved for the player making extraordinary plays.  The Cardinal Ball is an award of spirit and sportsmanship. 

Coach Chris started by describing the Cardinal ball winner for the evening:  "He doesn't always play the glamorous positions, he plays wherever I ask him to go.  He has improved over the course of the season..."  He said a lot of other things, but I was distracted by the coach's wife standing next to me saying, "He's talking about Brayden."  Sure enough, Brayden was awarded the Cardinal Ball for the game last night.

I couldn't be more proud of Brayden.  As this season has progressed, I have seen a change in him.  He wants to improve.  He practices at home, throwing with his Dad and his brother.  He sets up the pitching net and throws countless balls into it.  I am proud to see his commitment.

Last night, he also got to pitch.  He did a pretty good job.  He didn't have any K's, but he only walked 1 batter.  He had several hits on him, one of which was a big fat home run.  Even though he had a HR hit off of him, he never gave up.  He just kept throwing and facing each batter one at a time.  I know I said this just the other day, but he's a pretty amazing kid.  :)