The Million Dollar Question

Can you have too much baseball? According to the Little Prince, the answer is no.

After constant All-Star baseball, we thought he would like a break. But he was excited for camp with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. They all had a great time, as usual, even though it did rain the last day.



Autograph time with IronPigs players



Then a Coal Crackers Tournament yesterday and today. He had the choice to skip the tournament, but he said, "More reps. Why would I say no?". So here we are. Play ball!



Warming up before the game



Game 1 was a win 1-0. Game 2 was a win 9-5. Game 3 was a win 5-4. They lost the Championship Game 12-4 to a team from New York. Second out of 7 is not bad. Good job boys!



2nd place champions



What a ride!!



Waiting for game time



Today, SPN lost to Lehigh 9-4. But it wasn't really a loss. They gained so much experience and made new friends. They are a great group of boys who played awesome on and off the field. Not once did we hear any of them blame each other for a bad play or a missed ball or a strike out. The coaches and parents were great to hang with as well. What an awesome and fun time we had. One that will never be forgotten.



The Little Prince gets a courtsey runner



Thanks for the super fun journey, SPN! You boys were great and played your hearts out through everything. They ended the season with a record of 12-1. Not bad for 9-10 year olds! They rule in my book!!



A 12-1 season is exhausting



PA State Semi-Finals

Here we come! The boys have played hard in the rain and mud since Wednesday and won Pool A, making it to the Semi-Finals. They were supposed to play yesterday, but it rained Friday evening and the rained out games were moved to Saturday.

It was an exciting game against Lionville on Friday night. The rain caused the game to be moved from 2:30 to 4:30 and they ended up playing under the lights. Both teams were running out of pitchers* so the Little Prince got his turn on the mound. He did great, especially since he has not had much chance to pitch this year.



The Little Prince up to bat



Between scoring (the final score was 17-12) and waiting for pitching changes, it was a 3 hour game. The boys, and fans, were soaked from the misting rain and very glad to see that last out in the 6th inning.



Now it's on to the next game today at 2:30. SPN is 12-0. Let's make it a baker's dozen!!

* once a pitcher goes over 20 pitches, he is not available to pitch the following day

SPN is 2 for 2

They made it to States and are holding their own. SPN is 2 for 2 in the PA State Tourney. The Little Prince was like a vacuum, scooping up balls hit to 3rd base and firing them to 1st.

Game 1 they won 6-5, Game 2 they won 7-2. Both games had a long rain delay. This is what the grounds looked like before the game resumed tonight.

But even the rain couldn't keep our boys down. It's been such a fun time for them!

Next game is tomorrow at 2:30.

2012 9-10 year old Pennsylvania Section 3 Champions

Way to go team! You pulled it out in the end. The Little Prince played awesome at third and had the game tying RBI in the 6th inning. Still hoarse from cheering.

Game 2 is a win!!

No rain today for the game. Only hot sun. And a win against Potter-McKean, 7-6. What a nail-biter! One more game to go. Time to sleep. It's a long drive home. Section 3 Championship Game is Friday.

Off to Sectionals!!

Cleaned the uniform one more time and packed up the truck for the 2 hour drive to Williamsport, PA, to play the Newberry All-Stars in our first game.

Warming up under beautiful skies.

Then came the clouds about the middle of the 5th inning. Will it hold off until we get the game in?

It didn't! After the massive downpour we saw a beautiful double rainbow.

The grounds crew worked hard to dry the field and the game continued. SPN won 15-5. Great job guys! Keep it up for Game 2 on Wednesday!!

2012 9-10 year old Pennsylvania District 24 Champions!!

Yes they are! Our boys played hard and beat Haven by a score of 10-7 to win the 9-10 year old Pennsylvania District 24 Championship. Smiles all around, fireworks exploding, and an hour long firetruck ride. They paraded through all 3 towns: Port Carbon/Palo Alto, St Clair, and New Philadelphia.

There is a new banner to hang at the field and carry in the Memorial Day and 4th of July parades.

Great season boys and great job coaches! Off we go to Sectionals next week!!

1-2-3 SPN!!!

District 24 Semi-Final Champs

We won 12-6 over Millersburg. Tomorrow night is the Finals. The coach gives a post win pep talk then it's a mad rush for free hot dogs and drinks then some cooling off in the pool. It was a hot, hot game. See The Little Prince? He is #27.

9-10 SPN All-Star Champs!!

They did it! They beat Pottsville Rotary 6-3 to win the Pool 2 Title. Next is the Semi-Finals on Thursday. 1-2-3 SPN!!! Gooooo team!

(SPN stands for St Clair, Port Carbon, New Philadelphia)