What a Beautiful Day

Good Afternoon,

I was so glad to see so many new and old faces this week. Although it was a little cold for an hour or so today went off pretty well. I was able to speak with many of you and hope that this blog will help us all.

As many of you know I along with Kathleen (My Wife) Dave, Bunny (Dave's Wife), arrived at the park around 8:30am. Usually on the first day of ball we all arrive early to get things set up. While Dave and myself get the equipment down to the field, Bunny and Kathleen get set up for the distribution on the players bags.

As we waited for the players to start arriving the excitement grew, off in the distance we saw one big cloud that wasn't going to dampen my spirit. We were going to play and we did. The coaches did there jobs and were down on the field. A special Thanks to Janine who went out and talked with the Airdrie Little League who were our buddies today. As the games went on the weather started to turn a little and and by 10:30 I was willing to admit that it was cold. The wind picked up and that nasty cloud was over head looking down on us, but it didn't appear to dampen the mood or the play of the game. The players were still out there happy that baseball was finally there.

At 11:00 it was still cold as the game started, most of these players are old hands at this time and they were out ready to play have fun and be with friends. I was even fortunate enough to talk with Darby and there was excitement in him, as there always is. He talked about how disappointed he was with missing that first game and that he was concerned about the weather as "baseball can't be played in the rain" I assured him that we would hoping hard that the clouds would pass quickly and with the help of mother nature I didn't lie. The weather pasted by quickly and by 11:30 it was overcast and cloudy but the temperature had improved and the wind died down. We were a little short on coaches but with the help of Airdrie Little League and a few Volunteers and Aids that came out to see what we were about this time was also a success.

12:00 our last time of the day and mother nature was ready for these players. It was sunny and bright the field had dried up pretty much since that early time and the games were on it looked like all the players had a good time. It's always a good time when you see Richard out there. He's always ready for ball and has a great attitude towards the game and the other players around him always there to help out or lend a helping hand. Thanks Richard. As always there is lots of the from the parents as most of players are or wanting to be very independent and even those in chairs have an experience that really can't be found everywhere. Around 1:00 the games ended the equipment was put away and the park was empty ans it was when I first arrived. Another successful opening day of Challenger Little League.

I would like to thank Airdrie Little League for coming out again this year, you always put you best foot forward and your players are always great around the Challenger players. I can't wait to see you again next year at the park, don't be strangers we would love to see you again.

To finish of this first weeks blog. There were many suggestions that you have asked me about and comments. I will be talking with Dave about these and get their thoughts, I will try to have something on this blog sometime this week and for sure before we play on May 24 when I see you next.

Only 5 more weeks to go lets all be hoping for great weather and continued success. Its not only about the players but the parents, coaches, volunteers and Little League buddies.

OK OK it's all about the players and they looked like they were having a great time lets keep it up. 1 day complete 5 to go and then almost 10 months to wait again.