North West Little League Action at Defoe Park

Bay City Little League Right on Track

May 20, 2008       2 Comments
By: Kevin Leahy

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Northwest Little League at Defoe Park next to the Infinity Skate Park is bustling with action this time of year.

Encouragement is what they preach at NWLL as this hitter gets the fist pump from his coach for a great base hit.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Leahy)

If the weather would just cooperate and warm up a bit more, there would be even more people lining the fields.

Although the sun was shining Tuesday afternoon, the crisp breeze coming out of the North kept things a little brisk for the players and the fans. It's pretty obvious that the kids playing were not effected by the low temps, but their fans in hoods, hats and blankets were showing their dedication, just a bit subdued on account of the extra layers and blankets they were wrapped in.

SWLL has a nice facility with two Little League fields, one major league field (with lights), two batting cages and a bull pen on the major's field. "The kids really like to play under the lights, even the minor leaguers get one game under them and it's a real big deal for them," said Dean Cooley, President of North West Little League. All fields were in action Tuesday night with majors, minors and coach-pitch games going on.

Emily Reid prepares to crush a line shot into the gap. She was robbed of a extra base hit on this at bat as the left fielder made a running, diving catch for the last out to secure his teams 3-0 win. (Notice her pony-tail helmet.)
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Leahy)

Although the crowds have not been very large on account of the colder temps, it's amazing how many familiar faces you see at any of the Little League fields any night of the week.

If your the type that would enjoy emotional, entertaining, thrilling competitive action, stop into any one of the Little League fields during games and take in a few innings. There's no better sports entertainment for the price.

Although Reid was robbed of her big hit, its all about sportsmanship at NWLL as the two teams exchange the "good game," high fives and look forward to their next chance to play.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Leahy)

Its also pretty amazing how young and small the little stars are down at the fields.

North West Little League baseball is a family affair as four year old Jayden Husen and his sister, six year old Adrien look like they're ready to play some ball. Little League meets high fashion for Adrien as she sports the hottest animal print gear bag.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Leahy)



The action on the real young one's fields may not be as focused as the Majors but there is definitely an entertainment value to watching their games.

Jayden and Adrien were watching their brother, Austin Thomas, pitch his game before getting in their coach-pitch game.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Leahy)

"Next up Jacob Dornhag," billowed onto the field from the public address system when I was preparing to take another action shot. That's when the catcher turned around to the umpire and proclaimed proudly, "My name is Jacob too, we have a lot of Jacobs on our team," and then turned back around and resumed catching. Such is the attention span on the littlest Little League fields.

The coach-pitch game at NWLL Tuesday night allows the kids to get good pitches, the chance to get some hits and real feel for the game.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Leahy)

The nice thing is they are there anyway learning the game, and it's all about the kids, it's their time, for them and for fun.

NWLL starts them young in their coach-pitch league teaching the basics. Unfortunately for the batter, sometimes coach's have a hard time throwing strikes too.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Leahy)

It's funny how getting old allows one to reminisce about the carefree days of learning simple baseball fundamentals before life became ultra competitive on every level. The old adage comes to mind, "If I only knew then what I know now."

Participation is the objective, Little League is a metaphor for life, learn the fundamentals, move up, become more competitive, move up again and the ranks thin out and the competition tightens, ultimately the best players then play fierce competition until there are just a few left playing, but they are the best.

Jody Braymen and her son Kabe were enjoying the action at Defoe before his game.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Leahy)

But for now it's Little League, it's about participation, it's about getting in the game.

By the looks of determination on many of the Little Leaguer's faces, Bay City is raising some pretty fierce competitors and Bay City can be proud of our Little Leagues for helping out.

Austin Thomas displays great starting position form in his wind up as he prepares to fire a strike during action at NWLL Tuesday night.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Leahy)

This batter is ready but Austin Thomas caught him looking with this pitch as it dropped in for a strike.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Leahy)

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"The BUZZ" - Read Feedback From Readers!

jodilb23 Says:       On July 15, 2008 at 11:25 PM Hey Kev, Thanks for the awesome pic of Kade and I...but just so you know our names are spelled wrong! lol But I LOVE the pic!!! Thanks again, Jodi

scoll Says:       On July 29, 2008 at 01:45 PM Awesome pictures and captions. Can't spell all the names right(lol) that is OK.. Beautiful article..not a single complaint from us. Great coverage for NWLL and the great sport of baseball. That is what the article is about. I personally would be elated to see myself and my kids featured in this. Honored actually. Thank you so much!

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Kevin Leahy
Kevin Leahy has an interest in all sports-related activities at the Local, State and National levels. Looking for the inside story? Leahy's got it . . . More from Kevin Leahy

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