It scares me when I'm right!

 I love seeing Albert Pujols hitting.  He's always been a quality player, so I never doubted that he was going to improve.  In fact, I like to think that maybe this whole idea of a "slump" was just a conspired joke.  A way to get American League pitchers to start pitching to Albert instead of avoiding him.  Whatever is happening... I'm glad the Angels are improving.  And being the superstitious person that I am... I'm knocking on wood as I type.

This weekend, our Travel Ball team, the Tustin Rampage, will be playing in a Memorial Day tournament for USSSA in West Covina.  At the end of our winter season in January, the Rampage was ranked #1 in the nation for Travel Ball teams 11U AAA.  We fell in rankings because we stopped playing, so we're anxious to get more points. 

While we relax this weekend, and enjoy our kids playing baseball while keeping an eye on the Angels, don't forget the reason we Monday off.  Remember all of the young men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country in times of war.  This quote from Ronald Reagan sums up my feelings on Memorial Day the best:

"It is, in a way, an odd thing to honor those who died in defense of our country, in defense of us, in wars afar away. The imagination plays a trick. We see these soldiers in our mind as old and wise. We see them as something like the Founding Fathers, grave and gray-haired. But most of them were boys when they died, and they gave up two lives, the one they were living and the one they would have lived. When they died, they gave up their chance to be husbands and fathers and grandfathers. They gave up their chance to be revered old men. They gave up everything for our country, for us. And all we can do is remember " -Ronald Reagan

Be safe this weekend, and have fun.  Most of all, think about why it is we celebrate Memorial Day.  Go Angels!

Let's talk Little League

I'm very superstitious.  I had a dream the other night that Pujols was hitting again.  Like an RBI at every at bat.  Home runs more frequently.  It was beautiful; and I think it could be happening.  But, that is between you and me.  Because I'm superstitious.  And I really want the Angels to start winning again.

Can we take a moment to talk about Little League?

A few days ago, I added this photo below to my Baseball Board on Pinterest.  As a volunteer and parent of kids that play in Little League, I feel this advice is essential.  I posted a link on Twitter, and a very good friend responded that her daughters weren't signing up for Little League this year because of the "it's all about winning" attitude of their new league.  I hate hearing that, because more often than not, Little League stops being fun when parents get too involved.

However, being a baseball fan, and very competitive in my own life, there does comes a time when Little League does become all about winning.  How else could the Little League organization begin to prepare their players for high school sports and eventually the major leagues?  I think it's fair to condone this attitude at the 11-12 year old Majors level, and during All Stars.  All Stars should be comprised of the best players from every team.  Not for kids who "should get on the All Stars once before they quit" or for kids who's Dads are coaches or on the board of directors, etc.  The goal in Little League All Stars is the World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.  Winning is everything it takes to get there.  And it's not an easy road.

The Little League pledge ends with the words "Win or Lose, I will always do my best."  The best leagues remember that "kids just want to have fun."  Little League has so many wonderful programs; like Challenger, Junior and Senior Leagues for after age 12, and TAD (teaching and development) leagues.  In all that Little League does good, I think it's OK to embrace a "win it all" attitude as well when it come to All Stars.

I think it becomes emotionally difficult to decide when a young baseball player should quit.  If a coach tells you in t-ball that your kid won't cut it - report that coach to the league.  He is not doing his job of teaching fundamentals.  Similarly, if your child starts to be afraid of the ball, can't hit to save his life, and begins to hate the sport as they near the end at age 12, it might be wise to suggest the find something new.  Forcing a child to play baseball because you love the game and you think he's the next Babe Ruth is criminal.

Next year is my son's last official year in Little League.  He's good ballplayer and is keeping up with his best peers.  My husband manages his team, and he's an excellent coach.  We are very fortunate in that respect, and I'm grateful that my son truly loves the game.  Successful brainwashing I suppose.  However, if he were to tell me he didn't want to play anymore, I'd honor his choice at this age.  It would rip my heart out, but I'd do it.  And, I'd still be just as involved with my volunteer work for Little League, because its not just about my son and his future baseball career.

Our Little League season ended last Saturday, and Travel Ball starts up this weekend.  Baseball is our life, and we wouldn't have it any other way.

Pujols Needs a Vacation!

I was just talking to a co-worker (who happens to be a fan of the Evil Empire and loves to rub it in when my Angels lose) and he casually asked me when Albert Pujols was going to hit that first home run.  "He already has!"  I snipped.  "Last night?" Yankee fan replied.  "No, it was a while ago, but it feels like forever ago."  I said.  The Yankee fan just chuckled in agreement.

It's almost painful to watch Pujols at bat these days.  I'm no expert at batting, but I know enough from watching Little League games to know when a batter is trying his hardest to pull the ball.  And Pujols looks almost desperate at the plate.  That same advice you give your son in Little League applies even now; "Relax", "Have Fun", "Stop trying to make every pitch a home run!"

I saw this on Facebook today on the MLB Memes page.  Sadly, there is truth in this!

While I know the season is young and there is still a lot of baseball ahead, the Angels lack of urgency worries me.  Compared to the 2002 World Series Champions, the demeanor the 2012 Angels is almost the same; casual, no worries, no sense of urgency.  The difference?  The 2002 Angels were relaxed and honestly had no idea they'd win it all that year.  The 2012 Angels are defending not only their pay roll, and Albert's signing, but the image now that they are a winning team.  Every successful person will tell you that winning is partly luck, but staying on top takes determination, focus, and drive.  Something the 2012 Angels desperately need to find in themselves... soon.

Short Homestand will Hopefully Light a Spark for the Halos!

Tonight, the Angels start a quick 4 game home stand with two games against the Oakland A's and two games against the Chicago White Sox.  They come home limping after a crucial series loss to Texas, Albert Pujols not gaining any head way out of his slump and with the announcement just a few minutes ago that Torii Hunter has been placed on the restricted list for personal reasons.  It's desperate times folks.  They need to be inspired.  They need a fire lit under their butts.  They need to find passion.  I'm hopeful this quick 4 home stand in Anaheim gives them the boost they need to break out of this slump.  What else can an Angels fan hope for?

It's very clear why the Angels aren't winning - they have simply lost all concentration and they are not mentally in the game.  I'm hoping the local fans give them a boost of confidence tonight.  I hope there are few boos.  Our boys need to know the fans are behind them for better or worse.  We know what they are capable of doing this season, and we fully expect things to turn around.

My son asked me last night if Pujol's career was over.  I laughed and told him that with his career numbers so far, it was crazy to entertain such a thought.  Impossible!  But still, we worry.  Because we are baseball fans, and baseball fans worry.  Things can only go up and improve from here for Albert.  You have to believe it will.

Let's go Halos!  I'll be watching - will you?