Parker's Allstar Baseball Season

Based on his performance in rec ball this Spring, Parker was selected to play on an Allstar team this summer.  His team practiced/played 6 days a week from mid-May to the end of June and played in 3 all start tournaments plus the local Little League district tournament.  His team was made up of several boys Parker played with in the past and several that were new friends. Colin was selected as an assistant coach.  

Parker mainly played catcher but also spent a few innings in the outfield and pitched as well.  He has developed into quite the competent catcher and really enjoyed the position.  But Parker excelled with his batting.  He led the team in every batting category - average, OBP, OPS, slugging, hits, RBIs and runs. Baseball has been a huge confidence builder for him which is great to see.

Overall this was a wonderful team of boys and families to hang out with! The boys all got along great, played hard and improved tremendously over the six weeks.  The won 2 of their 3 tournaments only losing to the eventual winner in the 3rd one.  It was such a fun team to watch with every boy performing and a team that picked each other up when needed.  Their coach also taught the boys a lot of nutrition and mental toughness and it was so funny to see them willingly forgoing sweets and sugary drinks for their time together.

Their first tournament was the 42 Classic (after Jackie Robinson's number).  The team started  0-2 on Saturday but battled back and won their bracket on Sunday.  They were all so excited for their champion rings.  Parker declared that he had accomplished on of his life goals which was to win this tournament.

Parker catching

Parker wore his ring on a necklace for a few days

Their next tournament involved two very early games so Parker enjoyed Waffle House to go in the car.  On Saturday, the team lost a close game and then won the next one 21-0 earning themselves a pot in the Gold bracket.  Unfortunately they lost their first game Sunday to the same team from Saturday but on the bright side that team ended up winning the tournament and their two games against our team were their closest ones of the weekend.

Up next we played against the other 10u Smyrna Little All Star team in a few games at our home field.  It was fun to see friends and their families from our community and while we didn't win we will be cheering on Smyrna Blue in the State Tournament!

We finished the season with one more tournament and the boys were unstoppable.  They run-ruled both pool games and earned the number 1 seat in the Gold bracket.  After a convincing win in the semi-final game, they were ready to bring home the championship in their final game together but unfortunately mother nature had other plans.  Based on their performance they were declared the overall tournament winner earning themselves more rings, an amazing team jumbo ring and a fun team dinner to celebrate.

Boys and dads with matching socks

Coach surprising the boys with their jumbo ring

Supportive siblings posing with the ring

Moms and the ring

Overall this was such a fun team and experience.  We had a great time hanging out with these families and watching Parker shine.  Hopefully we see everyone on the field again soon!