Play Ball!

The Little League  baseball season in Berlin kicked off April 14, and we are 2-0!  The league teams are all named after MLB teams, and we are the "Twins." I would like to add that our little man has pitched for a few innings these last two games, starting the last game.   Since he has never pitched before this season, this is a huge deal, and I am pretty impressed how he has handled the pressure of a new skill and new role.  I cannot say the same for myself.  Being the mom of a pitcher is a new type semi-agony. One of the team moms is also one our coaches, and she has warned me it only gets worse!  Oh dear...

The little league scene in Berlin is pretty impressive. We have 10 teams in the "Majors" (there is also the minor league and tee-ball) and each team has at least 2 coaches (we have four). There is also a "team Mom and Dad," who make sure parent volunteers bring snacks for the players and man the concession stand during the game. The concession stand is a German-American cultural mash-up - burgers and hot dogs, but also pretzels and Gummi bears.  Our German fans ask if there is beer in addition to the cokes and water for sale....because why wouldn't there be beer available on a Saturday afternoon?!  (indeed there is no beer at little league games).  Our coaches are German-Americans, fluent in both languages. They yell out instructions in both languages depending on the player's mother tongue is, so you can hear: "Schönes Pitching!" as well as "Keep your eye on the ball!" Bilingual baseball is pretty awesome. The boys and their one plucky girl teammate seem to be bonding well and there are a couple boys who are super positive and constantly yelling encouragement (again, in German or English), which is especially sweet. 

Hope you enjoy the pictures from the Twins' last two victories!

Leaving the field with a victory!

Go Twins!

Wind up ....

Swinging for the fence