Game 4 Recap: It looks all too familiar

The Pirates faced another to notch team in game four when they met the Tigers. It started like the previous two games with multiple runners reaching base and scoring early in the game. The Pirates showed heart, but still had problems making routine plays and hitting the ball. Although some players were asked to play positions they weren't comfortable with, some of the errors were preventable if we had kept our heads in the game and were ready to make a play when called on. All in all, this continues to be a learning experience for a young team that shows a lot of potential.

Shortstop turns 10!

Happy birthday to our fearless shortstop and co-captain, Matthew Hamilton.

Game 4 MVP: Matthew Hamilton

With 2 hits (single, triple) Matthew ignited a late inning rally that inspired the Pirates and gave them encouragement in knowing they are never out of a game.

Game 3 MVP: Ryan Mitchell

In game 3 against the heavily favored Cardinals, we witnessed the birth of a catcher in Ryan Mitchell. After getting off to a slow start behind the plate, Ryan went on to turn in a terrific defensive performance. Anyone wha has played the catcher position knows its not easy. Ryan has taken on the challenge and answered our question as to who will be our catcher. The defensive highlight of the game was when Ryan threw out a baserunner trying to steal second. The toughness he is developing behind the plate is sure to pay dividends in our future games. Congrats Ryan!

Gaem 3 Recap: Pirates starting to compete

In our first evening game, the Pirates showed great improvement as they challenged the first place Cardinals in a 5 inning game that tested their mental toughness and physical ability. The game started with Brandon Chatman making his first start on the mound. Although he gave up 5 runs in the first inning, he showed composure and poise throughout the game. The fact that the Cardinals were hitting the ball indicates the Brandon was consistently hitting the strike zone. Ryan "Ro" Wimsatt followed Brandon in relief and claimed his spot as a permanent fixture in the starting rotation by posting 5 strikeouts. The Pirates once again dug themselves an early hole by getting off to a slow start both offensively and defensively. A total of 11 strikeouts for the Pirates batters proved that we still need work at the plate. However, with solid hits from Matthew Hamilton, Miles Nosike and Jack Lockhart the Pirates are proving every game that they will be a competitive force. In addition, the Pirates displayed an aggressiveness on the base path we have not seen before. Justin Leone was a terror on the base bath, stealing 3 bases and scoring one run. On defense, the Pirates committed 8 errors, but showed flashes of greatness as evidenced by a successful rundown, multiple put outs, and terrific play behind the plate by Ryan Mitchell. Overall, the Pirates took another step in the right direction. Although the game will still go down in the books as a loss, I hardly think anyone on this team is holding their head down after the effort turned in last night.

Final Score: Cardinals 12, Pirates 2

Number 3 Turns 9!

Our third baseman and co-captain, Brandon Chatman, just turned 9. The team wishes you a Happy Birthday, Brandon!

Pirates Release New Pratice Schedule

In order to accomodate the season schedule and still allow every team field time, the league has reassigned field availabilty. Our new practice times will be as follows:

Mondays & Wednesdays 5:00 - 7:00
On Mondays we will only have the infield from 5:00 - 6:00 so please be prompt
On Wednesdays we will pratice on the grassy knoll or in the outfield

Please mark your schedules.

Game 2 MVP: Ryan "A1" Aubrey

"A1" started today's game by being notified at the last minute that he would be playing shortstop. He immediately jumped in and owned the position. With his confidence beaming, he quickly ignited the Pirates stat book by scoring the first "HIT" of the season. This spark subsequently led to a mild offensive explosion by the Pirates late in the game. Let's hope this is the spark that ignites our season. Thanks "A1" for lighting a spark and getting us going!

Game 2 Recap: Pirates make a game of it

The game started as a close competition between two of the youngest and least experienced teams in the division. The Giants got on the board first as Garrison walked in the first run of the game. From there, the Giants took advantage of the Pirates inability to make routine plays. The more they put the ball in play, the more errors we committed. Although some questioned the calls of the umpire, we dug ourselves a huge hole by not being agressive at the plate. In the fourth inning, the Pirates were able to start a rally thanks to Cole McNeill reaching base after being hit by a pitch. His aggressive baserunning led to a four run rally that was sustained by hits from Matthew Hamilton, Miles Nosike and Ryan "Row" Wimsatt. In the end, we kept the game close but loss by 3.

Final Score: Giants 11, Pirates 8

Game on!

I just received confirmation that the field is dry and the game is on. However, it is expected to be cold and windy, so dress appropriately. See you at 1:15!

Game 1 Stats

Game 1 MVP: Garrison Thornton

Game 1 MVP is awarded to Garrison Thornton. A masterfull outing on the mound coupled with solid defensive play secures the nod. In a game where few things went right, we witnessed the possible birth of a pitcher as Garrison pitched his first game and put up some impressive stat lines.

Innings Pitched: 2

Batters Faced: 12

Balls: 13

Strikes:26

Hits: 2

Strikeouts: 6

Game 1 Recap: It wasn't pretty, but we learned who we are

In the season opener, the Pirates showed great poise early on behind the solid pitching of Garrison Thornton. However, as the game went on, experience won out as the Althletics were able to capitalize on a series of hits that gave them baserunners. With runners in scoring position, the A's methodically put the ball in play and the Pirates were not able to muster any type of offense. There were bright spots in the game for the Pirates. Justin Leone proved why he will be a force in centerfield this year with his physical prowess and mental awareness. Matthew Hamilton displayed a veteran cunning behind the plate and kept baserunners honest. A respectable outing by Ryan "Row" Wimsatt showed mental toughness for a first-time pitcher. All in all, we learned a lot as a team and realize the steps we must take to advance to the next level of competition.

Final Score: Athletics 12, Pirates 0

Game Time Posted

Date: March 21, 2009
Opponent: Althletics
Location: Minor Field (first field)
Player Arrival: 2:45 pm
First Pitch: 3:30 pm

We are the tome team (3rd base side)

GO PIRATES!!!

Game time Decision for Brandon Chatman

One of our captains, Brandon Chatman, fell ill yesterday as he claimed of flu-like symptoms. He will likely be out for today's game. While we would enjoy Brandon's contributions to the game, we wish him a speedy recovery so he main join us in our future battles.

Pirates Release Lineup for Season Opener

With the season opener just hours away, I have been working tirelessly on a lineup that will be beneficial to both our team and each player respectively. Well, here it is. I hope everyone enjoys the game.

Jordan Lee 1B/OF

Cole McNeill 2B/P

Garrison Thornton P/1B

Matthew Hamilton SS/C

Miles Nosike OF

"Row" Wimsatt OF/P

"Ai" Aubrey 3B/2B/OF

Justin Leone OF/3B

Ryan Mitchell C/ss/2B

Jack Lockhart 2B/SS/C

Perrin Williams OF

Kyle Cropper OF

SCHEDULED PITCHERS:

Garrison Thornton

"Row" Wimsatt

Matthew Hamilton

"A1" Aubrey

Cole McNeill

David McNeill Infield/First Base Coach

Larry Chatman Outfield/Third Base Coach

Omar Wimsatt Pitchers/Bench Coach

Mike Thornton Manager/Scorekeeper

Scouting Report: Red Sox vs Giants

I had a chance to catch the Red Sox/Giants game last night and was surprised to see that both teams played a competitive game. The Red Sox are a veteran team with agressive play while the Giants are a start up team like us. Here's a breakdown of what I saw.

Giants

Defense: Solid play. They made the plays they should have. Vulnerable to stealing. Weak at the catcher position as far as awareness.

Offense: Disciplined at the plate, however not very agressive. They rely mostly on walks. I cant remember any hits by this team.

Pitching: Consistent, yet threw too many balls for an experienced team like the Red Sox.

Strength: 3rd baseman

Overall Grade: C

Red Sox

Defense: This is one of the better fielding and throwing teams in the division. Experienced and they know what to do with the ball. They can break down if runners get on and cause distractions.

Offense: Aggressive at the plate. First six hitters swing bat very well and will put it in play. After the sixth hitter, they will try to bunt because these hitters are not disciplined att he plate.

Pitching: Solid pitching. Accurate with velocity.

Strength: Great at the catcher position.

Overall Grade: B+

Player Profile (1 of 13): Ryan Mitchell

Name: Ryan Mitchell

Nickname: Ryan the Lion

Age: 8

D.O.B: August 6, 2000

Height: 4 ft. 6 in.

Weight: 74 lbs.

Uniform #: 4

Ryan is a California native and was born in our state's capitol, Sacramento. He loves to read (current favs are comic books by Captain Underpants), bike ride at the beach and travel (especially by airplane). He collects model airplanes and hates to clean his room.

After Game Snack Rotation Released

This post will serve as follow up to the email sent on Tuesday regarding the after game snack rotation. Each parent will be required to bring snacks for the players after the game on their respective date. While I recommend that snacks should not be extravagant or expensive, the following is a list of items that are frequently provided for snacks: drinks, chips/crackers, Subway sandwiches/hot dogs, cookies, energy bars, pizza, etc.

Ryan Aubrey Saturday, March 21
Brandon Chatman Sunday, March 22
Kyle Cropper Thursday, March, 26
Matthew Hamilton Sunday, March 29
Jordan Lee Thursday, April 2
Justin Leone Sunday, April 5
Jack Lockhart Saturday, April 11
Cole McNeill Thursday, April 16
Ryan Mitchell Saturday, April 18
Miles Nosike Friday, April 24
Garrison Thornton Sunday, April 26
Perrin Williams Saturday, May 2
Ryan Wimsatt Saturday, May 9
Ryan Aubrey Thursday, May 14
Brandon Chatman Saturday, May 16
Kyle Cropper Tuesday, May 26
Matthew Hamilton Friday, May 29
Garrison Thornton Saturday, May 30

Player Profiles Coming...

In an effort to get to know one another, we will be posting player profiles with a brief bio one at a time. Look for the first one coming later today. Enjoy...

Pirates Name Team Captains

As the season opener draws near, the Pirates announce their team captains. Please join me in recognizing (inset picture left to right) Garrison Thornton, Matthew Hamilton & Brandon Chatman. We will look to them for leadership on and off the field. Their responsibilities include leading the team in the Little League Pledge before the game and leading by example. When you see them, please congratulate them.

Opening Day 2009

Opening day was a blast! It was great to see all our players in uniform for the first time. I'm really excited about the upcoming season. We have a lot of talented players who are eager to learn how to play the game of baseball. Thanks to Dick's Sporting Goods for supplying the managers with an equipment bag full of useful items. For those who stayed to watch the minor division games (escpecially the Cardinals vs Red Sox), you know what level of competition we will be facing this year. However, I am confident our boys will compete for a playoff spot.

Ladera Pirates Go Live!

The Ladera Pirates have officially launched their very own blog! With all that's going on in the league this year, I feel this is a great tool for us to rally around our kids and keep everyone informed of the latest news and updates on our team. Please feel free to add your comments whenever you feel by going to laderapirates.blogspot.com.