The time has come. The boys have practiced all they can practice. Now is the time to put their hard work to good use. But first, the jerseys. The boys arrived clad in white undershirts, UnderArmor, Nike Undergear and the like because they hadn’t received their jerseys yet. One by one the players arrived and donned their new navy blue jerseys with white lettering bordered in red stating Deer Valley All Stars on the front and their name and number on back. The boys looked sharp. If nothing else, they’ve got great uniforms. I was able to get a team picture of the boys in uniform. I’ll try to get this posted by Saturday game time.
Warm ups began with the boys playing catch in the outfield. Then, for effect Coach Anthony had Tyler (our boy) start warming up pitching. He threw only about 15 to 20 pitches. The boys from
Game time, 5:30 PM. Game time temperature, 106. A bit humid with the sun still blazing on the field. It was hot.
That being said,
Brian Linhart pitched a great three innings handing the ball over to Tiler Sadowski in the fourth. Tiler struggled a bit on the mound giving up a couple runs in the fourth. His last two innings were scoreless but not easy at all with
One game down and three more to go in pool play. Our next game is tonight at 5:30 against Sidewinder with
It’s tournament time. The District 2 Little League All Star games begin tonight but our Deer Valley All Star teams don’t play until tomorrow night. The minors are scheduled to face the West End All Stars to start the tournament while the Major boys take on Village Meadows immediately following our game. Our minor division All Star team looks solid. This is a strong team where most of the players can hit the ball and then turn around and field it cleanly making solid plays for the outs.
This team is made up of a couple of kids that play club ball who also played up in the Majors this year. They are our Tyler Abrego and Tiler Sadowski. The other players that round out this strong team are definitely all stars of the Minor division and include Vincent Dempsey, Bart Diehl, Matt Hodgson, Gage Leighty, Brian Linhardt, Devin McCarville, Austin Mette, Keith Nowak, Ryan Romayo, Collin Russell and Ryan Sorenson (I must apologize for any name miss spellings - I’ve done my best here).
I like what I have seen in practice. They have come together quickly and gelled as a team. They already are cheering for each other and supporting each other which is great to see. The team chemistry seems to be really strong too. We have solid pitching with
It’s early yet and as I always say, “You have to play the game to determine a winner. Any team can win on any given day.” I’m ready for the games to begin. In fact, I’m going to miss
If we seed in the top two spots of our pool, the Deer Valley All Stars will advance to the single elimination tournament that begins Saturday July 8. But we have to wait and see. Thanks for stopping by our corner of the web. I’ll try to keep this page updated with daily scores and highlights time permitting. I wish I could take a leave of absence for the next month and just go play baseball, update this site and write. But I haven’t won the lottery yet. So our days are filled with work and our nights are filled with baseball and softball. So until next time, stay safe, get lots of rest and I’ll be typing at you later.
Yesterday the world of the driving welcomed (well, I don’t know about that) or maybe greeted its newest member. Tracey Abrego took her driving test and passed it the first time so now she has her permit.
So if you’re on the road in our neck of the woods - you had better watch out for a white Chevy Silverado with an O’Connor Lady Eagles Basketball window sticker. You just might run into her (and I hope that’s not literally).
The run came to an end for the Giants Monday night. They came up against a tough, tough pitcher in Glendale/Ironwoods Zack Rodgers. He struck most everyone out that night including big John and then he connected for a home run scoring three runs of his own with three RBI’s to his credit. This kid was good.
We were able to score 5 runs on the team but we couldn’t match the 9 spot they put on the board. It was a tough loss. But this allows the six Giant All Stars to focus on that daunting task ahead. It was a fantastic year for the Giants and we’re all proud of the boys. Good luck on all your runs through All Stars and we’ll see you all soon.
Deer Valley Little League held their closing ceremonies last night. They first announced the Minor division league winners and then the minor division Tournament winners. In both cases the team finishing up in first place was the Nationals with Anthony Romayo managing the team. Then they announced the Major division league winners and then the tournament winners. In this case it was our own Giants accepting both of these awards.
Then came the announcement of All Stars. The first division to be named was the Minor division All Stars. They named all 32 players nominated to the All Star pool plus two Minor division players that played up in the Major division this year. All 34 players lined up on the third base line including our
Next they announced the nominees for the 11 year old All Stars and Major division All Stars. The eleven year olds lined up on the third base line and the twelve year olds lined up on the first base line. From our Giants, David Fitzgerald, Harley Bliss and Brandon (Brando) Le Bueff were announced as eleven year old nominees and Daniel Pelton, John Patinella and Wesley Sutton were announced as the twelve year old nominees. They too were awarded the t-shirts for being nominated to the All Star pool. The first team they announced was the 11 year old All Stars. This team included the Giants Harley Bliss and David Fitzgerald. Congratulations boys on a great achievement and year so far. Keep up the great work in the 11 All Stars and we hope for a long run for you.
Next they announced the Major division All Stars. This is the team that could go all the way to the Little League World Series if they perform well together. From the team they announced, it looks like a tough, really tough team and we hope them all the best and can’t wait to go out and see them play too in our spare time. This team included the announcements of the Giants very own, Brando, Wesley Sutton and long ball hitter with eight home runs on the season, John Patinella. Along with these three were many others that we have grown to know as exceptional ball players and friends including Steven Myers, Tommy Ley, Gian Mendoza, Nick Giannini, Tyler Thomas, Ross Brown, Hunter Young, Josh Fogerlie, Taylor Hart and Brook Weathersby.
We’re all kind of stunned at a couple of choices to this team and one very large omission. Daniel Pelton played extremely well this year and we truly believe he has better skills than one of the chosen thirteen. We don’t know how this error has occurred but you are an All Star Daniel, you are definitely an All Star.
Congratulations to all of the kids that were chosen and good luck to you all on a long run in the tournaments and new experiences of a lifetime. Enjoy and have fun.
After all of this last night,
The Giants came back from a two run error up four to three going into the 6th inning. That’s when John did it again and lined a two run shot over the right center fence to give us a three run buffer to win the DVLL Championship. 6 to 3 was the final score.
Congratulations to the Never Say Die kids. These kids came through the losers bracket playing seven games in the tournament, the most of anyone to win this Championship. Hard fought games. Close games that came down to the wire but they never gave up. You deserve this Championship boys.
Now lets go to the District Tournament of Champions and do it again. Starting next Monday, these same Giants will face the winners of all the other leagues in District 2 to crown the Tournament of Champions champion. The best of the best. Good luck boys and lets play Giant Baseball!!!
Wanted to take a moment to wish a very happy birthday to Dominic Romano my nephew. He turns the big 2 today. Along with Dominic is little Mickey Goetz. He’s turning 1 today. Happy Birthday you two and we’ll be celebrating Tyler’s birthday today. It’s a couple weeks past his birthday but it was the first time we could fit it in to all of our schedules.
I hope everyone has a wonderful birthday and celebration and a terrific year ahead. Take care all and I’ll be typing at you later.
Giants won the game last night against the Diamondbacks forcing a second and deciding Championship game Monday night at 7:00 PM. The bats came alive early with John hitting a three run blast over the right field fence in the bottom of the first. Never looking back the Giants won rather easily with an 8 to 3 final score.
Wes pitched a solid four innings and then the talk of the night was David entering the game never pitching before allowing only two runs and getting us out of the fifth inning. Coach decided to split the pressure up among the non-pitchers and sent Walter to the mound in the top of the sixth. Allowing no runs on no hits Walter ended the game himself taking a grounder back to the mound and tossing it to Gary at first.
One more game for these never say die kids. Congratulations boys on making it through one tough week of play. You deserve the game on Monday so lets go out and play some Giants baseball.
The Giants have advanced to the Championship game tonight but it wasn’t an easy win. The Giants were down 5 to 3 after allowing another run in the top of the 6th and final inning of the game. I don’t know why it is, but this team likes drama and they wait until the 5th or 6th innings before getting their hits in. A single by Wes and an intentional walk to John plus a wild pitch puts runners on second and third with Daniel at bat and no outs. Daniel hits the ball sharply to the pitcher who looks Wes back at third then turns and throws to first. Wes brakes for home and John heads to third. The out is recorded at 1st then they throw home. Wes is safe as the ball rolls away from the catcher. John sees this and heads for home. The pitcher heads for home to cover and John slides in safe to tie the game at 5 in the bottom of the 6th.
Extra innings saw little action on the bases but what it allowed was for the Giants to get to the top of their order in the bottom of the 8th and Brando walked. He then stole second, stole third and finally stole home on wild pitches winning the game in dramatic fashion. The Giants never give up and never quit. They live to see another day.
That day is today and the first of what we hope will be two Championship games. The Giants have to face a fresh Diamondbacks squad who coming through the winners bracket have only played one game this week and have no real pitching issues. Due to little league rules, playing three games already including the extra innings we played last night, we have the use of Wes or Daniel for four innings and then we will be forced to use a player that has never pitched before. This will be a tough game for the Giants but that’s why you play the game. You never know what will happen on any given day. If the Giants win tonight then we will have a rematch of tonight’s game Monday night as the Diamondbacks have not lost a game yet and you must lose two to be eliminated. If the Giants lose tonight then the tournament ends with the Diamondbacks winning the Championship and the Giants taking second.
Let’s play the game and see what happens. 7:00 PM is first pitch. Let’s Go Giants!!!
Just a brief note for Carol.
We don’t get to spend much time together anymore.
The kids keep us running in different directions almost every day.
When we are together, we’re usually running our own errands and performing our own chores.
Alone time? This is usually bed time.
With all of this, I want you to never forget how I feel about you.
From the day we turned the corner in our relationship my feelings and emotions have only grown stronger.
I love you more today then yesterday, last week or last year.
For all the times we are apart, know in your heart that my thoughts and heart is with you.
For you are the one who stole my heart.
I love you Carol.
Thank you for letting me say my piece.
I know I haven’t gotten you all caught up on what’s been going on over the last few months yet, but I hope to soon. But tonights Giant game (Tyler’s little league team) against the Orioles was one for the ages and I must let it out.
The Giants were facing their second test of elimination going up against the big and tough Orioles squad this time. It’s win or go home for these kids. The Giants are the home team and
The top of our order is one of the best in the league. Brando 11, is a speedster on the bases with quick hands at bat and is our lead-off hitter hitting somewhere in the high 400’s for the season. David 11, is our number two hitter and is probably the weakest hitter in the top of our order hitting just .333 for the season. Wesley, 12 and our catcher extraordinaire is our leading hitter in the third spot followed up by John 12, the power in the four hole. John has five home runs to his credit this season with a beautiful Walk Off Home Run to end the first game in the tournament. Daniel 12, is our number five hitter with a great on base percentage in the 500’s. Following Daniel is Nolan 12, another solid hitter batting about 400 now. Behind him is Gary 12, who’s hitting of late has come on at the right time to help us win some needed games. They say speed kills and in
That’s the line-up that won us the Season scoring 117 runs on their way to a 15 and 3 record (with a forfeit included). This is the team that held their opponents to just 30 runs all season. A powerhouse of a team. The top of our order comes up with the Orioles throwing a big kid that surprisingly doesn’t throw hard. This could be trouble for us. We seem to struggle against mediocre or average pitching. We get out in front of the pitches failing to hold up for the ball to travel to the plate. The bottom of the first saw this come to thruition. Brando was thrown out at first while David struck out. Wes got on with a hard hit single to left but was stranded there when John grounded out to Second base. Bottom of 1 score tied at 0.
The Giants come up to bat in the bottom of the second inning going three up, three down quickly.
The bottom of three has
Top of the order coming up for the Giants. Brando grounds out to second for the first out. David gets on with a single to left bringing Wes up to bat. Wes looks for his pitch and finds it crushing the ball to the fence in right. David takes off from first heading round second to third. As David’s approaching third Wes is already rounding second and the ball is being received by the second baseman in right. It looks like the third base coach has to send David as Wes will surely be out at second if he holds the runners. So he sends David home. The second baseman throws home on a line to the catcher. David slides as the catcher receives the ball and lays the tag on. “Out!” cries blue. No one will know for sure why the coach sent the runner but that’s how I saw it. Two out bottom of four and John grounds out to second to end the inning. Orioles 2, Giants 0 after four.
Top of five and
Bottom of 5 with Daniel coming up to bat. The Orioles have replaced their pitcher with one of their top pitchers, Jake Nicholas. I guess with the two run lead their taking no chances now. Jake throws to Daniel who hits a single past short. Nolan stands in and takes strike one looking. Jake sends the next pitch in the dirt moving Daniel to second on the wild pitch. Nolan takes the next pitch and hits the ball hard to right for a single scoring Daniel. Nolan moves to second on the throw home to the plate. Never say die.
Top of six and their number two, three and four hitters coming up to bat. The Giants take the field and
Blue (the umpire) took the ball from
The Giants now face the Nationals in the finale of the loser’s bracket. The Nationals are the team that put us into the Losers bracket. The Nationals are the team that wouldn’t postpone a game where we only had eight players show for a game forcing a forfeit in the regular season. The Nationals are a team we want to beat and I think we can do that Thursday night. But you have to play the game. Thanks for tuning in and listening to my ramble. Until next time, take care and I’ll be typing at you later.
This weekend was pretty special. I was reminded that my mom officially retired from the government on June 3rd after 39 years or so of service and now my folks are packing up and moving to Valentine. Nebraska that is. Beautiful country from what I hear.
They have been looking forward to this for several months now as they had started to pack up and move back in January but they were delayed for a short period of time.
Finally the time has come and they’re finally going to move on up to their new residence. I’ve seen pictures and I’m so happy for them that they are finally able to complete the process.
Happy retirement to you both and I hope Valentine brings you everything that you desire. But most of all, just enjoy yourselves. It’s about time to relax and take it easy.
Love you Mom and Dad
Welcome to the newest feature at bitbybit24.com.
I thought I would try this blogging thing out as a way to quickly put a few blurbs out without having to go through the process of updating and posting the web page.
That’s not to say that I’m done updating the website but it has been hectic with Tracey and Tyler’s sport schedules.
It looks like we should be pretty busy through July at this point.
So lets see if this blog will work as a quick way to let you all know what’s happening.
I’ll have to update you soon as to where we are now so you all can try to keep up.
So buckle in and sit back because it’s sure to be a fast and frenzied ride.
Enjoy!