End of the Summer of Baseball

It's been hot here lately, like Africa hot. North of 100 degrees on most days. Jake just finished up baseball in this heat, playing for his fourth team of the summer as they finished up Summer Ball, after All-Stars, after travel ball. His last game was on Thursday the 2nd (his team didn't make the finals), which was good because football started on Monday.

The first three practices are mandated by the league to be in shorts/helmets, but no pads. Those days were hot enough, but the last couple of nights the boys have been in full pads and it has been smoking. During water breaks, they are pouring as much water on themselves as they are drinking. It's a lot of agility work, getting them used to moving in pads and helmets (this is their first year with full gear). The last two nights were the first full contact practices. It is a big change to get them used to hitting and doing it correctly. Some of the kids have been dragging almost as soon as we start.

Jake has been doing really well. He complains about his helmet hurting his head (they all do), but he seems to like to contact so far. He has impressed his new coaches with his throwing ability and his attitude. He also knows a ton about football that most of the boys don't. He really loves football, and so far, shows no sign of letting up. 

Next week is another full week in the heat. Then we are out of town for a full week of practice. We also miss the jamboree and the 1st game this year. We'll see how next week goes, but if the same holds true, we'll be busy on Saturdays this fall.