Spring 2012 - It looks like Ben is
going to take a break from baseball this season as he focuses on basketball with
his Surry Stars AAU team. I can't believe he won't be lacing up his cleats
this Spring.
Fall 2011 Minor League
Mt Airy Bears - Coach Jason Dorsett
7-2 record
Games 8 & 9 - victories in a double-header against the Dobson Cardinals In contrast to Ben's machine pitch season in the Spring, where he finished
with 10
hits, 1 ground-out and 2 strike-outs, scoring 4 times, Ben ended his first Minor League season
with 9 walks and 3 strike-outs, scoring 6 times. I think he really enjoyed the season, his
team won a lot, he learned a lot, he improved. Really, it was about
exactly what we had hoped for out of his step up to kid-pitch baseball.
Games 6 & 7 - victories in a
double-header against the Beulah Royals Ben was really pleased with his first double-header. The Bears won
both games in 3 1/2 innings upping their record to 5-2. Ben played all of the first game, was walked
on all three at bats and scored all three times. He sat on the bench the
second game, but enjoyed watching his team play another good game.
Afterwards, he asked if we could hang out and eat the snacks we brought.
So we enjoyed some more time in Beulah, taking in the beautiful weather, the
scenic background and even threw ball for awhile before heading home.
Game 5 loss to the Yadkin Rangers Record of 3-2 following a loss by 5 in the 6th inning. Ben had his
fourth at bat of the season and was walked, giving him two strike outs and two
walks so far. He made it to third, complete with a great slide, but the
game was tight and he was substituted with a pinch runner a few pitches later.
Ben has both surprised and impressed me with his maturity this season. He
understands game management, the number of players that are on his team and what
his role as one of the youngest players is. And his demeanor in the dugout
has been excellent, which is the thing that I was most concerned about.
(The photos from this game came from Jackson and Deana)
Game 4 victory over the Yadkin Mariners
The most exciting game so far. Ben only played in the 5th inning and
didn't go to the plate, but he was very excited with the close score and how his
team won by slugging the ball.
Game 3 victory over the Schoals Indians 9-4 win behind strong pitching early in the game. Record is 2-1.
Ben had one at-bat. The pitcher that inning happened to be a younger
player that was throwing a lot of balls. Ben met a similar situation last
game, but chased after balls to high for him to hit. This time he
demonstrated better patience and was walked, pushing in a run in the process.
Ben continues to learn and showed a lot of hustle in the outfield, which he was
proud of later. He also thought it was cool that the players lined up on
the field for the Star Spangled Banner before the game.
Game 2 victory over the Yadkin Braves Game 1 - loss to Franklin Cardinals
Ben
had his first practice with the Mt Airy Bears Little League team this week.
His coach this season will be Jason Dorsett. Ben loves baseball. He loves watching it on television, loves playing MLB on the PS3, loves throwing and hitting in the yard and loves playing at the
field. I think he will learn a lot about the sport this fall. He is
one of the youngest players, so this season should be more about learning the
minor league ropes and preparing for the spring than it will be about playing
time, but I think he is going to really enjoy it.
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