Damp but Determined

By Valerie J. Calderon

Under threat of rain (what a shocker) the Omaha Pacesetter 14s traveled to Lees Summit, MO to play in the 5th Annual Legacy Park World Qualifier April 28 and 29, 2012. Game one of pool play was against the Building Champions Blue team of Overland Park, KS. The Pacesetters racked up a deluge of runs and a 10-2 win as a rainstorm erupted over Lees Summit. Logan L. and Matt A. pitched solidly, even with a strangely tight strike zone.

By evening, the rain had cleared, and the Pacesetters took the field at 6:45 p.m. to play the KC Mets in game two of pool play. The Pacesetters worked hard to earn just 4 runs over 7 innings. Drew H. was on the mound, and Coach Pat was confident he could finish the final inning. The KC Mets weren’t ready to concede, scoring three runs on three hits to deep center. With two outs, the tying run on three and the go-ahead run on 1, the Mets batter held a 2-2 count. A focused Drew threw a fast ball down the middle right at the belt. The batter looked at strike three, and the Omaha Pacesetters won game two in pool play 4-3.

While the rain drenched western Missouri, it failed to dampen the competitive spirit of this team. While no one was satisfied with a second place finish in the tournament after playing only two games, it was clear they came to play and to win. They were looking forward to meeting strong teams with winning records. Congratulations, boys.

For the Players

We parents sometimes get a little excited at your games—in case you hadn’t noticed. You should know it’s because we are proud of you and because we care about what you care about. Please forgive us if we say the wrong thing on the ride home, or if we forget to point out the great contribution and clumsily rush to point out a mistake. We will do better to help you remember—and to remember ourselves—that this game is life practice. It is really FUN life practice. Treasure it. We sure do.