Rylan's 1st T-Ball Practice

Last Saturday was Rylan's scheduled first practice but it was rained out. I made the mistake of telling him about the practice earlier that week so then he asked me about it all week. This time I didn't mention it at all. So when we started to get ready to go he was thrilled. As soon as we pulled up another team was finishing up their practice. I don't think I could unhook him fast enough. He wanted his glove on before we walked over there so he could start playing. Once we got up there we obviously had to meet his coach and team and then wait for the other group to finish. Rylan was hanging on the fence saying he was ready to go out there. He did not care who was on his team or who the coach was, he just wanted to play. It was probably about five minutes that we had to wait, but in Ry's world it must have felt like a day. He sprinted out onto the field as soon as it was our turn and said he was ready to pitch.

Since we missed the first week, the coach combined last week's and this week's practices into 45 minutes. They learned the bases. They each ran around them. All the other kids ran as fast as they could, but Rylan was jogging. One thing Nate & I have noticed is he will drag things out so he can play longer, so I think that is what he was doing. When he finally ran to home plate I told him he had to run fast so he could get to base and not get out. The next time he ran he was full speed and determined to score a point. ;)

After the base running was finished they split into two groups, one group caught grounders and threw to first base. Of course, Ry wanted to do this first. After that we hit the ball off the tee. This is the first time that Rylan has used a real bat and ball. We have the plastic bat, foam ball and plastic tee. And he wore a helmet so he informed me he was playing real baseball. To end the practice everyone got to hit the ball and then run the bases. After they hit they went out to the field to catch the balls. Rylan would race the other kids to get the ball and kept getting beat out. The tallest kid in the group (and the only 5 year old) was standing next to him. When the ball was hit, he looked at the kid like it's mine and ran as fast as he could and dove for the ball. He got the ball and threw it back to the coach. I was very proud of him for trying so hard. I think if the other kid would have gotten it, he may have tackled him (we play a lot of football).

When it was all over we had a picnic in the park and he played for a little bit. He is already asking when he goes to play with his team again. This is going to be fun for all of us. Nate will be at the third practice and is looking forward to seeing Ry in action.


Some of Ry's team when they are learning the bases. The group ranges from 3-5 yrs.




Throwing to first. The first basemen is a big brother to one of Ry's teammates, not a huge 5 year old! ;)


Ry in the outfield waiting for the batter to hit the ball.


Had to get a picture of him in his helmet.



Batting practice.


Running to first.


Stopping at second base.


Running the bases.


Scoring a point!


What would t-ball practice be without snacks?