Sunday practice at Atwater School will be from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. rather than the previously announced 4 to 5:30 p.m.
FYI, hotmail.com and msn.com are bouncing e-mails from my UWM account back to me, so if you know a Braves family that relies on such snooty services (e.g., the families of Connor, Liam, and Alec) please pass the word along.
Thanks,
Dave
Friday, June 26, 2009
Practice added for Sunday (June 28)
Everyone,
The Braves will practice Sunday at the usual 4 to 5:30 p.m. time.
The practice will be at Atwater School in Shorewood (unless you hear differently from us).
We worked mostly on team defense at Thursday's practice. Whenever a player on the other team hits a ball EVERYONE on the Braves needs to be moving either into fielding position or to a spot where he is backing up someone else. We worked on that a lot, with pretty good results.
The other thing we worked on last night was short flies to the outfield. Results weren't so good there, largely because our outfielders were hesitant to call off infielders who were aggressively going for over-the-shoulder catches (none of which they made). We've had way too many catchable balls drop in for hits in the past few games. Outfielders need to take charge on these kinds of plays; the play is in front of them, after all.
Overall, it was a good practice. When he was playing third base, Jack K. did a wonderful job of keeping his body in front of ground balls. A couple of hot smashes slammed into his legs, so I suspect he has a bruise or two today. But he stayed in the game, and hit very well in our traditional end-of-practice scrimmage.
Dave
The Braves will practice Sunday at the usual 4 to 5:30 p.m. time.
The practice will be at Atwater School in Shorewood (unless you hear differently from us).
We worked mostly on team defense at Thursday's practice. Whenever a player on the other team hits a ball EVERYONE on the Braves needs to be moving either into fielding position or to a spot where he is backing up someone else. We worked on that a lot, with pretty good results.
The other thing we worked on last night was short flies to the outfield. Results weren't so good there, largely because our outfielders were hesitant to call off infielders who were aggressively going for over-the-shoulder catches (none of which they made). We've had way too many catchable balls drop in for hits in the past few games. Outfielders need to take charge on these kinds of plays; the play is in front of them, after all.
Overall, it was a good practice. When he was playing third base, Jack K. did a wonderful job of keeping his body in front of ground balls. A couple of hot smashes slammed into his legs, so I suspect he has a bruise or two today. But he stayed in the game, and hit very well in our traditional end-of-practice scrimmage.
Dave
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Practices 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Atwater
The forecast for 4 p.m. Thursday calls for partly cloudy skies, a temp of 77, and a gentle breeze off the lake. Perfect baseball weather!
So we'll have a practice Thursday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Atwater School in Shorewood. And we'll work on team defense.
The forecast for Friday is great, too, so we'll have a practice then as well. Same time, same place.
PRACTICES
Thursday, 4-530 p.m., Atwater School
Friday, 4-530 p.m., Atwater School
Dave
So we'll have a practice Thursday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Atwater School in Shorewood. And we'll work on team defense.
The forecast for Friday is great, too, so we'll have a practice then as well. Same time, same place.
PRACTICES
Thursday, 4-530 p.m., Atwater School
Friday, 4-530 p.m., Atwater School
Dave
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Game Story: Yankees 13, Braves 11
Sometimes the other team makes good plays and beats you.
That's what Coach Dave told the Braves after a 13-11 loss to the Yankees Monday night at Water Tower Park.
The defensively sound Yankees made two double plays in the game, snuffing out potential Braves rallies. One was a typical Little League double play, a combination of alertness and luck: the Yankees first baseman caught a line drive and stepped on first to double off a baserunner.
But the other DP was special. The Braves had the bases loaded with no outs. Scott hit a hard grounder toward third base. The Yanks' third baseman grabbed the ball, stepped on third and threw to second base to get a second Braves out. One batter later the game was over.
The Braves were down 3-0 entering the bottom of the 1st, but responded with a fine team rally. Ryan walked and moved to second on a passed ball. Connor beat out an infield single, with Ryan smartly holding at second. Evan reached on an infield single, loading the bases. On a 2-ball, 2-strike count, Nick ripped a hard single through the infield, driving in Ryan and Connor. Three batters later, Jack smashed a double to center field, bringing Nick and Jason home. ("I thought it was going to go out," Nick said of Jack's mighty jack.) The Braves were up 4-3.
In the bottom of the third, the Braves lit up the scoreboard again. Chris singled to right, then stole second and third. Ryan walked and stole second. Connor singled, driving in Chris. Ryan scored on a passed ball. Evan was plunked on the helmet by a pitch: it wasn't thrown that hard, and Ev was OK. See for yourself in this video clip, courtesy of Joe Kimple. Nick then lifted a towering sacrifice fly to center field, bringing Connor home and giving the Braves a temporary 7-5 lead.
Unfortunately for Braves fans, the Yankees scored 8 runs in the 4th through a combination of timely hitting, well-executed bunting, heads-up baserunning and Braves miscues. The Braves battled back with 3 runs in the fourth and one in the sixth, but couldn't close the gap.
One bright spot was the return of Connor from the disabled list. Connor singled twice, scored twice and pitched two flawless innings, striking out 5 Yankees. It appears all of our flu victims have recovered, and the Braves are healthy and ready to close the season strong. (Sigh. I hate writing the words "close the season.")
More highlights and notes:
Defense: As he habitually does (though we never take it for granted), Jason made several fine plays at shortstop, including two straight bang-bang throws to Tyler to nab consecutive batters in the second inning. Connor made two strong, accurate throws from center field to home plate to prevent runners at third from scoring. Ryan stuck with a tricky grounder to throw out a runner, and also caught a hard liner to end an inning.
Batting: Ryan, Connor, Evan, Nick and Jack all reached through hits/walks/HBP twice. Tyler, continuing his recent improvement, singled sharply up the middle.
NEXT GAME: 11 a.m. Saturday June 27 is our rematch against the Rays. The coaches will expect to see players about 10:15 a.m. at Water Tower.
That's what Coach Dave told the Braves after a 13-11 loss to the Yankees Monday night at Water Tower Park.
The defensively sound Yankees made two double plays in the game, snuffing out potential Braves rallies. One was a typical Little League double play, a combination of alertness and luck: the Yankees first baseman caught a line drive and stepped on first to double off a baserunner.
But the other DP was special. The Braves had the bases loaded with no outs. Scott hit a hard grounder toward third base. The Yanks' third baseman grabbed the ball, stepped on third and threw to second base to get a second Braves out. One batter later the game was over.
The Braves were down 3-0 entering the bottom of the 1st, but responded with a fine team rally. Ryan walked and moved to second on a passed ball. Connor beat out an infield single, with Ryan smartly holding at second. Evan reached on an infield single, loading the bases. On a 2-ball, 2-strike count, Nick ripped a hard single through the infield, driving in Ryan and Connor. Three batters later, Jack smashed a double to center field, bringing Nick and Jason home. ("I thought it was going to go out," Nick said of Jack's mighty jack.) The Braves were up 4-3.
In the bottom of the third, the Braves lit up the scoreboard again. Chris singled to right, then stole second and third. Ryan walked and stole second. Connor singled, driving in Chris. Ryan scored on a passed ball. Evan was plunked on the helmet by a pitch: it wasn't thrown that hard, and Ev was OK. See for yourself in this video clip, courtesy of Joe Kimple. Nick then lifted a towering sacrifice fly to center field, bringing Connor home and giving the Braves a temporary 7-5 lead.
Unfortunately for Braves fans, the Yankees scored 8 runs in the 4th through a combination of timely hitting, well-executed bunting, heads-up baserunning and Braves miscues. The Braves battled back with 3 runs in the fourth and one in the sixth, but couldn't close the gap.
One bright spot was the return of Connor from the disabled list. Connor singled twice, scored twice and pitched two flawless innings, striking out 5 Yankees. It appears all of our flu victims have recovered, and the Braves are healthy and ready to close the season strong. (Sigh. I hate writing the words "close the season.")
More highlights and notes:
Defense: As he habitually does (though we never take it for granted), Jason made several fine plays at shortstop, including two straight bang-bang throws to Tyler to nab consecutive batters in the second inning. Connor made two strong, accurate throws from center field to home plate to prevent runners at third from scoring. Ryan stuck with a tricky grounder to throw out a runner, and also caught a hard liner to end an inning.
Batting: Ryan, Connor, Evan, Nick and Jack all reached through hits/walks/HBP twice. Tyler, continuing his recent improvement, singled sharply up the middle.
NEXT GAME: 11 a.m. Saturday June 27 is our rematch against the Rays. The coaches will expect to see players about 10:15 a.m. at Water Tower.
Evan takes one for the team
If Evan ever gets tired of baseball, I think he has a career in show biz waiting.
Thanks to videographer extraordinaire Joe Kimple for the clip.
Game Night: Scoresheet
[Click to enlarge.
Thanks, as always, to Coach Rick for the scoresheet scans.]
Monday, June 22, 2009
Game Night: Yankees 13, Braves 11
The Braves battled hard, but good defense by the scrappy Yankees scuttled potential comebacks as the Yanks prevailed, 13-11 Monday night at Water Tower Park.
I'll post a game story on Tuesday. But here's a hint about one of the more unusual events Monday night: if you seen Evan Howell in the meantime, ask him how his head feels.
Jim Higgins
I'll post a game story on Tuesday. But here's a hint about one of the more unusual events Monday night: if you seen Evan Howell in the meantime, ask him how his head feels.
Jim Higgins
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Updates from Coach Dave: Sick Bay, Yankees game, Little League Night at Miller Park
Everyone,
First of all, a happy Father's Day to all of the dads out there in Braveland! No practice today in honor of the occasion.
Second, we may have all of our swine-flu guys at the game Monday! If your Brave will miss the game (because of illness or any other reason) please let me know.
Third, we look forward to seeing players at 5:45 p.m. Monday for warm-ups before our game with the Yankees.
Fourth, I will pick up tickets for Brewers night today, and will distribute them Monday evening to the families who signed up.
Dave
First of all, a happy Father's Day to all of the dads out there in Braveland! No practice today in honor of the occasion.
Second, we may have all of our swine-flu guys at the game Monday! If your Brave will miss the game (because of illness or any other reason) please let me know.
Third, we look forward to seeing players at 5:45 p.m. Monday for warm-ups before our game with the Yankees.
Fourth, I will pick up tickets for Brewers night today, and will distribute them Monday evening to the families who signed up.
Dave
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Game Report: Pirates 14, Braves 7
The Braves fell behind big early, then battled their way back into the game, but ultimately lost to the Pirates 14-7 on a warm Saturday evening at Water Tower Park.
Pirates slugger Kyle Rogers homered twice, and the slick-fielding Pirates snuffed out potential Braves rallies in the 5th and 6th innings with strong defense.
Pirates coach Dave Arnold told me that Rogers has hit about a dozen homers this season.
While the Braves were disappointed with losing, many bright spots are worth noting from this exciting game.
Matt, our last available pitcher in uniform tonight, took the ball in the top of the 5th inning with nobody out and Pirate runners on 1st and 2nd. He struck out a batter. Then, after a walk loaded the bases, Matt induced a pop-up that Alec grabbed, and a ground-out that ended the inning.
Entering the bottom of the third inning, the Braves were down 10-1, but woke up with a furious rally that was fueled as much by aggressive baserunning as by hitting. With 1 out, Tyler started the excitement by drawing a walk. Nick ripped a hard single to center field. Matt singled up the middle, loading the bases. Scott's infield single scored Tyler. Jason blasted a pitch down the left-field line that became a ground rule double when the ball bounded out of play, bringing Nick and Matt home. Then, with Chris batting, both Scott and Jason (from second base) scored on a passed ball. Chris walked, stole second, went to third on Alec's groundout and stole home.
This all happened so quickly I'm not sure I got all the names right. The outcome was a 6-run inning, and a credit to the Braves' resiliency.
More highlights and notes:
Pitching: Evan put up a goose egg in the 4th inning, striking out a batter and helping himself by grabbing a ball in play and throwing to Tyler for the 3rd out.
Fielding: Jack, with a phalanx of family and friends watching in the stands, grabbed a flyout in right field, and made several smooth pickups at third base. Matt helped himself grabbing a pop-up on the mound, and Alec made a fine running catch of a flyball in center field.
Batting: Nick was 2 for 2, his other hit a booming double to center field. Ryan doubled, also to center field. Chris started our potential last-inning rally with a single up the middle.
NEXT GAME: 6:30 p.m. Monday June 22 against the Yankees; players should be there at 5:45 p.m., per the Braves coaches.
Pirates slugger Kyle Rogers homered twice, and the slick-fielding Pirates snuffed out potential Braves rallies in the 5th and 6th innings with strong defense.
Pirates coach Dave Arnold told me that Rogers has hit about a dozen homers this season.
While the Braves were disappointed with losing, many bright spots are worth noting from this exciting game.
Matt, our last available pitcher in uniform tonight, took the ball in the top of the 5th inning with nobody out and Pirate runners on 1st and 2nd. He struck out a batter. Then, after a walk loaded the bases, Matt induced a pop-up that Alec grabbed, and a ground-out that ended the inning.
Entering the bottom of the third inning, the Braves were down 10-1, but woke up with a furious rally that was fueled as much by aggressive baserunning as by hitting. With 1 out, Tyler started the excitement by drawing a walk. Nick ripped a hard single to center field. Matt singled up the middle, loading the bases. Scott's infield single scored Tyler. Jason blasted a pitch down the left-field line that became a ground rule double when the ball bounded out of play, bringing Nick and Matt home. Then, with Chris batting, both Scott and Jason (from second base) scored on a passed ball. Chris walked, stole second, went to third on Alec's groundout and stole home.
This all happened so quickly I'm not sure I got all the names right. The outcome was a 6-run inning, and a credit to the Braves' resiliency.
More highlights and notes:
Pitching: Evan put up a goose egg in the 4th inning, striking out a batter and helping himself by grabbing a ball in play and throwing to Tyler for the 3rd out.
Fielding: Jack, with a phalanx of family and friends watching in the stands, grabbed a flyout in right field, and made several smooth pickups at third base. Matt helped himself grabbing a pop-up on the mound, and Alec made a fine running catch of a flyball in center field.
Batting: Nick was 2 for 2, his other hit a booming double to center field. Ryan doubled, also to center field. Chris started our potential last-inning rally with a single up the middle.
NEXT GAME: 6:30 p.m. Monday June 22 against the Yankees; players should be there at 5:45 p.m., per the Braves coaches.
Schedule issues
After this evening's game (Sat June 20), the Braves will have four regular-season games remaining. Here is the schedule:
Monday, June 22, at 6:30 p.m. against the Yankees
Saturday, June 27, at 11 a.m. against the Rays
Monday, June 29, at 6:30 p.m. against the Cubs
Our June 16 game against the Orioles was rained out. Initially we were told that it would be made up Thursday, June 25, but that turns out NOT to be the case. Both teams would like the game to be made up on Thursday, July 2, at 6:30 p.m. But of course nothing is official until it appears on the Little League web site.
Dave
Monday, June 22, at 6:30 p.m. against the Yankees
Saturday, June 27, at 11 a.m. against the Rays
Monday, June 29, at 6:30 p.m. against the Cubs
Our June 16 game against the Orioles was rained out. Initially we were told that it would be made up Thursday, June 25, but that turns out NOT to be the case. Both teams would like the game to be made up on Thursday, July 2, at 6:30 p.m. But of course nothing is official until it appears on the Little League web site.
Dave
Beautiful Day for Baseball
Braves,
What a beautiful day for a ball game! Look forward to seeing everyone up at Water Tower by 4:15 p.m.
Sounds as if Chris and I missed a great game against the Phillies Thursday. They are an excellent team -- everyone should feel good about our two games against them.
Dave
What a beautiful day for a ball game! Look forward to seeing everyone up at Water Tower by 4:15 p.m.
Sounds as if Chris and I missed a great game against the Phillies Thursday. They are an excellent team -- everyone should feel good about our two games against them.
Dave
Friday, June 19, 2009
Game Report: Phillies 10, Braves 7
Team,
The Braves were able to beat the flu and field a team to face the Phillies. However, the Phillies were able to erase a 4-0 deficit and hold on to beat the flu-weakened Braves 10-7. Behind the solid pitching of both Alec and Evan, the Braves held the Phillies to three scoreless innings. The Phillies did all their damage in two innings … scoring 4 runs in the second and 6 runs in the fourth. But the Braves did not give up and scored 3 runs in the final inning only to come up short.
The Braves are now tied for second with the Phillies at 8-3 trailing the Dodger at 10-0-1. Our next game is at 5pm on Saturday, June 20th vs. the Pirates who tied the powerful Dodgers this past Wednesday. The Pirates are a very good team and will come into our game with a lot of confidence. This should make for another exciting game so don’t miss it!
Lastly, I want share a compliment we received from one of the Phillies coaches following tonight’s game … he approached me unsolicited and said “you have a really nice team” and had nice things to say about every player. So, parents and players, keep up the good work. We’ll see you on Saturday.
Ross
The Braves were able to beat the flu and field a team to face the Phillies. However, the Phillies were able to erase a 4-0 deficit and hold on to beat the flu-weakened Braves 10-7. Behind the solid pitching of both Alec and Evan, the Braves held the Phillies to three scoreless innings. The Phillies did all their damage in two innings … scoring 4 runs in the second and 6 runs in the fourth. But the Braves did not give up and scored 3 runs in the final inning only to come up short.
The Braves are now tied for second with the Phillies at 8-3 trailing the Dodger at 10-0-1. Our next game is at 5pm on Saturday, June 20th vs. the Pirates who tied the powerful Dodgers this past Wednesday. The Pirates are a very good team and will come into our game with a lot of confidence. This should make for another exciting game so don’t miss it!
Lastly, I want share a compliment we received from one of the Phillies coaches following tonight’s game … he approached me unsolicited and said “you have a really nice team” and had nice things to say about every player. So, parents and players, keep up the good work. We’ll see you on Saturday.
Ross
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Thursday's game (June 18)
Everyone,
Players should meet at Water Tower Thursday (June 18) at 3:45 p.m. to get ready for the 4:30 rematch against the Phillies.
Chris, Kathy, and I leave for a few days in Door County Wednesday morning, so we will miss the game. Please contact Ross with info about your son's availability and anything else that relates to Thursday's game.
The best way to get in touch with him is via e-mail, which he seems to check several times each minute. His e-mail address is ross.harmsen@pkware.com.
You have Ross' phone numbers on the laminated card you received at the beginning of the season.
Thanks, everyone. We'll be back for Saturday's game (June 20) (players should be at Water Tower by 4:15 p.m. for that one).
I look forward to hearing about a seventh victory in a row when I check e-mail Friday morning!
Dave
Players should meet at Water Tower Thursday (June 18) at 3:45 p.m. to get ready for the 4:30 rematch against the Phillies.
Chris, Kathy, and I leave for a few days in Door County Wednesday morning, so we will miss the game. Please contact Ross with info about your son's availability and anything else that relates to Thursday's game.
The best way to get in touch with him is via e-mail, which he seems to check several times each minute. His e-mail address is ross.harmsen@pkware.com.
You have Ross' phone numbers on the laminated card you received at the beginning of the season.
Thanks, everyone. We'll be back for Saturday's game (June 20) (players should be at Water Tower by 4:15 p.m. for that one).
I look forward to hearing about a seventh victory in a row when I check e-mail Friday morning!
Dave
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Braves Rainout Theater: Bloopers Edition
With an assist from Mother Nature, we are proud to once again bring you an online edition of Braves Rainout Theater.
Braves players, please note: Don't do any of this in our games. Thanks.
Braves players, please note: Don't do any of this in our games. Thanks.
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