Jackson has wanted to pitch all year. Every game he gets to the field eagerly anticipating that his coach will put him in that coveted (and pressure filled) spot.
Last night was the night. The final game of the regular season against a team from the other division. It didn't count in the standings. This would be Jackson's one and only chance to pitch this year.
I don't say this with any animosity towards his manager - he's been extraordinary. In fact, at this level in our league, the manager drafts the players he wants on his team. I found out a few weeks ago that this wonderful man drafted two players with Aspergers (including Jackson) and two with significant ADHD. For that - he is a saint!
Back to pitching - Jackson came into a tight game the middle of the 2nd inning. All the coach wanted him to do was throw strikes and let his team-mates do the rest.
He threw nothing but strikes...beautiful lobs right across the plate. ("Lobs" mean very slow)
You'd think if you're not throwing hard, the ball wouldn't go far. Wrong. They hit two beautiful shots into the gap in right field. Jackson's team-mates didn't have a chance. Fortunately, Jackson was able to make a play to first on a little grounder to get an out.
By the time he was finished midway through the third inning the score was 3-0. They scored one run on him. We ended the game with a final score of 5-2.
Jackson was philosophical about the experience. He told me he wanted to use this game to nail down his accuracy. The heat will come next year...
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Jackson's Last Stand...
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I was just reading through your blog and saw the little back and forth with your anonymous commenter. I always find it odd that when someone feels they have something important to say, they feel better doing it in a veil of secrecy. What's up with the anonymous thing?
Anyway, just wanted to say I completely got your tongue-in-cheek humor. I think you've given me a glimpse into my future. I have a son who is four, and I have a lot to learn about sports jargon!
Way to go Jackson.. sounds like he did just was he was to do.. I like his take on the speed will come with time..
Princess, my oldest is a pitcher.. Fastpitch softball.. here in our town she is one of the best.. she played 10U last year and this year was to be her 1st year in 12U but they pulled her up into 14U because they needed a pitcher.. she is more of a junk pitcher then a speed pitcher she thows on average about 50 mph. but she has 5 different pitches she likes to use.. Now the girls who pitch before her on her travel tournaments teams they pitch in the high 60's all the time.. So she says she will keep working on her junk and maybe speed will come later.
Post a Comment