8.7.14

At the Box

Mason spent last week at "the Box," otherwise known as Alex Box Stadium, home of the LSU Baseball team.  Every summer the LSU baseball coaches, staff and players host a baseball camp for kids.  And since Mason didn't get to play baseball this past spring in our local parish recreation program, we promised him that he'd go to baseball camp at LSU this summer.

I really didn't know what to expect.  I knew this camp was well attended, not only by local kids but by many from out of state as well.  And I figured that many of these kids were probably very competitive and very good and had lots of experience playing with traveling and competition teams.  We don't fall into any of the aforementioned categories.  Mason isn't the best baseball player, but he tries his best.  And we certainly don't invest the amount of time and money into it that many others do.  It's just something that Mason loves and has fun playing.  I was hoping there might be some other kids in this category as well.  I was also hoping that he would refine his skills and even learn some new skills at camp.  But I most of all just wanted him to enjoy himself and have a good time. 

I have to say that I was so impressed with this camp!  Yes, Mason did have fun!  And, yes, he did learn some new skills and have the opportunity to work more on the mechanics of the game play.  There were some kids there who will most definitely be playing at the Box as a college baseball player one day.  But there were also plenty of opportunities for kids just like Mason who love the game and simply wanted to have fun.

The coaches and players were so good with the boys (and a couple of girls!).  They were so down to earth and related so well with all the kids.  It really was a great week, and I have a feeling we'll be doing it again next year.

The highlight of the week was autographs by Head Coach Paul Mainieri and a few of the baseball players.  Mason took a ball for them to sign.  Here he is with Coach Mainieri.  I just have to say what a nice guy Coach Mainieri is!  He really is first class! 

He also had his ball signed by Hunter Newman, #55.  Hunter is actually a Georgia boy!  I didn't know that until afterwards.  Because y'all know I so would've asked him how in the world he ended up here!  (Although I will say that I can actually cheer for LSU's baseball team.  I rather like them.  And they do have a great program.)

And then Brady Domangue, #13, signed his ball.

And this is Christian Ibarra, #14. 

And here Mason is with his prized ball.  

This is how he looked at the end of each day . . . sweaty, red faced and that big ole smile.  It was 95+ degrees each day, and those boys were out there in the blazing hot sun and stifling humidity all. day. long.  Mason does not like hot and heat.  He won't even play outside anymore unless it involves water.  And I don't blame him.  But he never complained not once last week.  He had such a great time, and I was so thankful that we had the opportunity for him to participate in the camp.

I truly don't think he'll be an LSU baseball player (oh, but he wants to).  But he can always say he went up to bat at home plate in the Box!