05/13/2024
This is a delayed post, but our 9/10U Smiths Station Diamondbacks team had the privilege and opportunity to meet and greet with Auburn Baseball on their final game hosting Ole Miss.
This year, we have had a very special season as every player showed significant development regardless of training age. All of our rookie players have taken to the sport at differing levels; however, they all found themselves in scenarios where they relied on their training and made major plays. That allowed us to gain or keep the game momentum.
I cannot speak about their subjective prior sports experiences, and I'm not saying this is without faults. Still, I know they all learned or progressed from a loving and positive training perspective that bled over into how they encouraged each other, and the senior leaders. Several of our rookies, not just our team, are leading the league in offensive hits, runs, stolen bases, and RBIs while making defensive forced and putouts. We have one rook who only has one fair hit but is a leader in stealing and gaining runs; consequently, he also gets hit a lot. Our rookie squad is swift, deliberate, and effective whenever they need to be.
Our senior players, three of whom returned this season after winning the 2023 9/10U End-of-Season Championship, have shown remarkable resilience and determination. They have not rested on their laurels, but instead, have continued to strive for personal improvement. Their commitment and drive are truly inspiring and a source of pride for our team and community.
Two of our senior players, who played with me in the last Fall Ball season, have demonstrated a level of resilience and leadership that is beyond their years. Despite the challenging Fall season, they have continued to lead by example, encouraging and guiding their teammates. Their dedication to the team and their sport is truly commendable and deserves our utmost respect and appreciation.
The last senior player I have never coached before, but his dynamic skills allow him to play every position on the field with nearly full autonomy. Since he is strong in every position, he allowed the other players to placate to their strengths.
This team has exceeded all expectations, overcame adversity, adapted to the opposition, and legitimately played this season as if they all had MANY years of experience. They have come together and developed a level of comradery I haven't experienced since I left the Army or in any professional sport or college setting I worked in. While not every plate appearance was ideal, they all contributed to the team's success and recognized that failure is just another learning opportunity.
While I cannot guarantee the next several outcomes, they are holding strong with an 8-3 W/L this season, and no matter the outcome, they support each other and improve.