Challenger Baseball-Game # 2

Ready position

Waiting patiently to hit

Hit away!

RUN

In the Field

#3 Nakoma Sours

Celebrating Nakoma

Gathering in remembrance

Emotional moment

Softball reunion

Back where it belongs



Mr. Big Stuff



A proud tribute to a soul lost too soon

Darren: Flirting with the softball players

Nakoma's Family

Challenger Baseball Pictures

A Good Week

What a week! After Spring Break we jumped back into our routine. Trevor had lots of baseball this week. It took the team a tough loss to get refocused and back on track. The Rattlers had a strong win yesterday defeating their opponent 10-1! Our bats finally came alive and the pitching was solid. Trevor started off the week with a superb pitching performance and received a game ball for his efforts. Later in the week he was placed in a high pressure situation with the game tied 3-3. Trevor took the mound and tried his best. A run did score and the Rattlers were not able to answer with a run of their own. This was a great experience for Trevor, I feel that the next time he is in that situation, he will conquer it.
Trevor has really been hitting the ball well this week! Wow, what a difference! He is confident and his timing is on. Trevor is batting second in the order and producing with great consistency.
Darren played in his first Challenger Baseball Game on Saturday. This is a league for children with special needs. They provide wonderful volunteers from some of the older teams to buddy up with the kids. Darren, with his baseball pants and under armour shirt, stood in shock when on the field. It was overwhelming, but cool. Darren's buddy was very patient and kind and encouraged him with high fives. As with every first time experience, Darren tried to fight the process. He told his buddy to shhhh, slapped at him, and spit at him....but when he realized he had done wrong and that he wasn't getting out of it...the tears surfaced and he apologized. This is always a good sign. It seems to be a sign of surrender:) Darren really did a great job considering all the newness of the situation. He got to hit twice, making contact both times and ran the bases well. We look forward to the next game!
Lastly, Darren had some testing done at school and we were very pleased with the results. Now, it didn't show that he was Einstein, but it didn't say that he wasn't either:) It proved to me once again that Darren has great potential. It showed me how much Autism is blocking his true abilities. It showed me how much he has progressed and that the sky is the limit with this kid.
What a week.
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Spring Break

We have had a great time in Calabash. Darren and I started off our days with a 3 mile walk. This seemed to really help him get his body regulated and ready for the day.

Grandpap, Trevor, Darren, and I had a great round of miniature golf. Trevor won, as always! Darren did great and enjoyed himself and completed all 18 holes!

This foursome also took to the links and played 9 holes on two separate occasions. This was a first...and great fun was had by all. Trevor shot a 70 on his first go round. We were amazed that he consistently was driving the ball about 100 yards or so. On his first par 3 he drove it over the water onto the green. Grandpap and I were really impressed. Darren enjoyed riding in the cart with mommy and helping to drive every now and then. The second time out Trevor shot a 67. We allowed him to move his ball if it was in the bunker (which happened twice) but other than that we counted all of his shots...he had a great time but his competitive soul was a little disappointed that he didn't beat Grandpap or Mommy. I have a feeling that he will be doing both in no time!

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Trevor: On the Hill

Opening Day Results

The Rattlers are officially 1-0! They put out a great effort even though battling some tough weather conditions. Trevor had his pitching debut and was fantastic. He pitched 2 innings and struck out 3 batters. He showed great poise and consistency. Other Trevor highlights: Well he actually did a "slide by" at home and was successful...SAFE! I have no idea where he learned that. He went 1-4...still working on his timing. Hitting takes a lot of practice...so we are practicing. Once he feels it....he'll know.

Pre-game chat

Pledge of Allegiance and Little League Pledge

First Strike Out of his career!!!!