The Baseball and Softball season is coming to an end but last weekend was full of games. The 11-12 year olds traveled to Plainview on Saturday the 27th. This group from Wausa took the tournament with no losses throughout and brought home first place.
The 9-10 year olds traveled to Randolph to play against several teams at the tournament there. This group did an amazing job after 5 back-to-back games. Their only loss was to the Osmond ball club and they brought home 2nd place.
Category: News
The Plainview Tourney was another example of an excellent display of offense and defense in each game. There were so many plays and players that should be named for their outstanding contributions, however, one play remains in my mind as the highlight.
It all started with a sinking line drive to Wausa’s centerfielder, Nathan Wamberg, whom advanced forward in a couple short steps, bent down and snagged the ball about a foot off the turf. In the same continuous action, he pivoted and threw a strike to third base before the third baseman (Jordan Burns) had recognized their was a possible chance for picking off the runner who needed to tag up.
The third baseman, returned quickly to the base just in time to catch the throw from Wamberg, nailing the returning runner and creating a very rare F8-5 (bang-bang) double play, ending a Plainview threat!
In a post-game Q&A with Nathan, I asked him how he knew exactly what he had to do with the catch after he made it. So calmly and innocently he stated, “This comes from years and years of playing ball and having been coached well.”
After talking with Jason’s brother, Matt, I learned that Jason had played on some state championship teams in Wyoming just a year or two earlier, and is now 11 years old! The two boys have been playing baseball for several years under the tutelage of their very ‘baseball-rich’ Grandfather, Dale Wamberg.
There were so many smashed, timely hits from the Wausa crew, but the four homeruns by catcher, Chris Kleinschmit was a highlight. With those homers, he managed another 10 RBI’s too!
All of this reflects some excellent coaching and those folks need some of the credit. These young Mighty-Vikes went on to dismantle Bloomfield on Monday evening at Gladstone. The season wraps up soon so take some time, get out of the house and support your local teams. You won’t be cheated.
You can tell the wheels are starting to come off, maybe from the Swedish sky-diving incident? Anyway, my apology in the 3rd from last paragraph: The name of ‘Jason’, was mistakenly written instead of ‘Nathan’. Where’s the editing machine, Josh, when I need him?
I would like to thank the coaches, concession stand organizers and the Baseball/Softball committee for a “job well done!” The 9-10′s played 8 games in the last 3 days of the season, and all the coaches were still smiling and encouaraging! I appreciate the time and patience displayed in working with our youth. Luc came home and told me he needs to start practicing his pitching skills and is looking forward to next year! Thanks for a great season! Connie B
This past, youth baseball season was no doubt one that could fill many ‘highlight reels’. Several folks and groups of folks have been given their kudos for making this a year to remember.
I would like to remember at least a couple other groups. The parents have had to juggle a bunch of already, busy schedules to make sure their youngsters were present for each game. They burn the road-time and meet the expenses for this, that and all the other forgotten costs.
The umpires, whom work with the coaches to make sure the game is played fairly and seek to make it a learning experience. I see them discuss with the players why a certain call was made one way or the other. Order is important since we are a nation of rules and these folks provide that ‘extra’ dimension to make it all come together.
As long as we’re all in the ‘athletic mode’ of thoughts, Youth FOOTBALL (Mighty VIKES) will commence near the middle of August. Contact football is available to 4th, 5th and 6th grades. We have had a couple of parents inquire about a 2nd and 3rd grade ‘flag football’ program. If we can get 2-4 coaches, it can easily become a reality. The kids like to play; ‘build it and they will come’ works here as well. We’re still learning how to do it right so any coach can be a contributor.
Parents keep telling me that football has done so much for their son’s growth and development. I personally believe it can do the same for every player that puts on the gear and works within the ‘teamwork’ concepts. If interested as a coach, give me a call soon so we can get together and continue the success for our youngsters.