Opening Day

Opening Day of the Half Moon Bay Girls Softball league was a real family event this morning. We all got up early to be at the field for opening ceremonies. It was a wet and gray morning, typical for HMB, but our spirits were still high. 

Helping RR tuck in her jersey properly

During opening ceremony all the teams and players are introduced at the high school varsity field. RR's team is called the Livewires and they are in the mini division. All the teams in the league line up in the outfield and then one by one the managers take the mic to announce the players. When the player's name is called they run from third base to home.

RR running home

After the ceremonious first pitch thrown out by the mayor, team photos are taken. The girls are so cute all dressed up in their uniforms. For many of them it is the first time they are all together as a team, or on any team for that matter, so it was fun to see the pride they took in their uniforms.

The Livewires. RR is first on the left on the bottom row.

It is all about priorities on game day, and of course, hair is a big one. My job was to make sure RR looked fabulous for her first softball game ever. I went for the classic softball look of two French braids with a big bow.

Game Day Hair

Dad and I helped out with the warm ups before the game. We both caught for the team's two pitchers. Dad has kind of become an unofficial coach on the Livewires, something I think he enjoys. The head coach, Stan, had daughters that played in the league when I was playing. The tradition continues.

Pregame team meeting

 RR had an impressive fan club for her first game. Grandma Audrey is in town and our friends Mary Ann, Sanlin, and Greg all made the trip to HMB. Kristin also made her debut as a score keeper. She did a great job and I am going to show her how to use the iPad app tonight.

The Happy Score Keeper

 For RR's first game, she batted lead off and played second base. I don't think she had any idea how big of a job it is to be the lead off batter but she fearlessly went up to bat for the first time. Go RR!

 RR made a great play at second base, cutting off a throw from the outfield. It was an impressive catch.

In the top of the 6th inning the Livewires and the Kittens were tied 2-2. RR was due up third in the inning. Both hitters in front of her got hits and a run scored. The cheering section was happy that a run had already scored before RR came up to bat, taking a little pressure off her. With a full count, and the coach pitching, Ryan got her first hit and an RBI!! She was safe at first and late stole second. The next batter got a hit up the middle and RR scored.

The Livewires ended up winning 5-2 after the important 6th inning rally. It is great to win on Opening Day and especially exciting because the Livewires didn't win a single game last season. Good Job ladies!

Fun morning at the softball field. I think RR really had a good time. While we were driving home she said she had fun and wanted to make herself a trophy for winning. It is too early to tell if she had caught the softball bug, but my hope is that her hit and scoring today will help the cause.

Go Livewires!