Growing up in rural Minnesota, life was simple. Too simple I thought at the time. Summers were spent working on the farm, making hay, helping with the garden. As a kid, I didn’t appreciate the simple life. Going back and visiting my Mom this past weekend made me realize that growing up out in the country was actually pretty cool. We learned how things grow, we saw calves being born, chickens hatching and tadpoles turn into frogs. We harvested peas, beans, carrots and more than a dozen other vegetables from the garden. We picked apples and plums in the fall from our trees. We cut wood for the stove to keep the house warm in the winter. These are the kinds of thing I want my kids to see, understand and appreciate. I know a quick weekend with Grandma won’t do all of this, but it’s a start.
Running WildField Of DreamsJumpOpen Playing FieldOff The Beaten Path
I couldn’t help but post these photos taken today at my Mom’s house. We picked up the kids this afternoon after a weekend with Grandma. I have lots to post about their time with my Mom, our recent summer vacation and a visit with a high school classmate and her children. But for now, just enjoy the flowers, bees, butterflies and caterpillars. There’s also a tiny flying bug in the last photo. See if you can find it. 🙂
Opposites AttractIncomingCleared For Take OffPollinationThe Very Hungry CaterpillarStripesPoppy
A look back at the 2013 Little League Red Sox season offered highs and lows. The year began with practices in a gym amid a snowy April coating the ball park. This year I jumped into the head coaching role after assisting for years. The experience was extremely rewarding. Youth sports have changed tremendously since I was a child with many sports playing year round. In northern Minnesota, baseball is still a summertime sport and a favorite of mine. I instructed the kids at the beginning of the season to play hard, stay positive, have fun and the rewards will come.
Sebastian began his third and final year on the pitching mound leading his team to an opening day victory. After a roller coaster regular season of 18 games the team, now great friends, came together and made a memorable playoff run. The Red Sox played 5 games in 7 nights and finished with a solid 2nd place trophy.
Sebastian finished the year with a batting average over 400 and two unforgettable performances on the pitching mound. The first was 5 innings of shutout ball against the #2 seed Rays before reaching his pitch count limit of 85 pitches. His buddy came in to close the game and the Red Sox won the game 3-0.
In Sebastian’s second playoff appearance, he served up a gem. His first ever complete game – 6 innings, 22 batters, 4 strike outs and no walks. His pitch count when it was over – 63. We won 2-1 in a crazy nail-biter vs. the A’s. It was an elimination game for us and Sebastian stepped up big-time surrounded by a huge crowd of parents, grandparents, neighbors, friends and other coaches watching, including the league president, who personally congratulated him after the game. It was a double-elimination tournament so we needed to beat the A’s twice. This was the first. Unfortunately, the second night the Red Sox fell short, but it was a wonderful journey.
I’m really proud of Sebastian as a player, a teammate, and a leader. Awesome job! It’s been a fun ride in my last stint as head coach. Sebastian will move to the Juniors division next year.
Here are some photos from the playoffs.
Sebastian & Coach SullivanPitch PerfectWinning TeamGoofy TeamTrophy Team
And because playing for one baseball team wasn’t enough for Sebastian this year, here’s a peek at AllStars baseball.
M. Sullivan Photography 