8U Big Blue Recap to Date

This team has played in 6 tournaments together...a total of 23 games! Their record is 23-0!

Tournament #1: Top Gun Winter World Series Champions in Rocky Mount, NC

Tournament #2: Top Gun Coaches Appreciation Tournament Champions in Carthage, NC

Tournament #3: Top Gun Super Regionals Batting Helmet Tournament Champions in Cary, NC

Tournament #4: All American Championship Series Tournament Champions in Charlotte, NC

Tournament #5: Top Gun Spring Nationals Tournament Champions in Erwin, NC

Tournament #6: Triple Crown Sports Border Wars VI Tournament Champions in Rocky Mount, NC

THANK YOU COACHES!
THANK YOU FAMILIES!
THANK YOU PLAYERS!!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Triple Crown Sports Border Wars VI Champions!!!

They did it again! Great job Big Blue!!!

Ian and Luke H received Triple Crown Sportsmanship Awards!

Border Wars Championship Game!!

At 5:10pm on Sunday, May 6th, it was Big Blue up against the Virginia Young Guns! We heard about this time and we were excited to play them in the championship. Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Logan made a great catch in leftfield for the first out!
Kaden (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for out #2
Lukas (rightfield) to Chris (pitcher) to Luke H (third) to end the inning!
The fans were excited, the players were excited and the coaches were very excited! What a way to start off the championship game playing that kind of defense!

2nd inning:
Jacob, once again, made another great catch in leftfield for an out
Luke H (third) to Logan (second) for an out

3rd inning:
Lukas caught a fly ball at third for out #1
Kaden (shortstop) caught a fly ball at shortstop for out #2
Lukas caught another fly ball at third to end the inning!

4th inning:
Logan caught a fly ball, again, at leftfield for out #1
Kaden (shortstop) had an unassisted play at second for out #2
Chris caught a fly ball at pitcher for the last out

OFFENSE...

Kaden: 1-2
Lawson: 2-2
Lukas: 1-2
Luke H: 2-2
Ian: 2-2 with a triple and 3 RBI
Riley: 1-2 with 1 RBI
Isaac: 1-2
Chris: 1-1
Mike: 2-2 with 2 doubles and 1 RBI
Jackson: 2-2 with 1 RBI
Logan: 1-2 with a triple and 2 RBI
Ben: 1-1 with 1 RBI
Jacob: 1-1 with 1 RBI
Luke F: 1-1

Due to the 8-run rule in 4 innings...game over!!!!

BIG BLUE WON THE CHAMPIONSHIP, 10-2 IN JUST 4 INNINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Day 2, Game 2 vs WB Thunder

Since the Thunder and Big Blue won their games we face each other again! Very little time between games, too. Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Lukas made a great catch in rightfield for the first out!
Then, there was a double play...Luke H tagged third base for out #2, threw to Lawson at second for out #3! What a way to start the game!!!

2nd inning:
Mike (pitcher) to Luke H (third) for out #1
Logan caught a fly ball at second base for out #2
Logan (second) to Isaac (first) for the last out

3rd inning:
Jacob had a great catch in leftfield for the first out
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #2
Jacob made a sliding catch in leftfield to end the inning!

4th inning:
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1
Luke H had an unassisted play at third for the second out
The third out when something like this...the ball was hit out to rightfield...Lukas gets it, throws to Kaden (shortstop) at second, then it's a pickle situation, so he throws back and forth with Luke H at third base and Kaden gets the runner out at second! Another great play to end the inning!

5th inning:
Logan caught a line drive at second for out #1
Luke H (third) to Logan (second) for out #2
Kaaaden (shortstop) to Logan (second) to end the inning

6th inning:
Chris (pitcher) to Kaden (shortstop) for out #1
Ben made a great catch in centerfield for out #2
Lukas had an unassisted play at third base for the third out

Now for the OFFENSE...

Kaden: 3-3
Lawson: 2-3
Lukas: 2-3 with a double and 2 RBI
Luke H: 2-3 with 1 RBI
Ian: 3-3 with a double and 3 RBI
Riley: 3-3 with 4 RBI
Isaac: 2-3 with a double and 2 RBI
Chris: 1-2 with 1 RBI
Mike: 2-2 with 2 RBI
Jackson: 1-2 with 1 RBI
Logan: 2-2 with 2 doubles
Ben: 0-2
Jacob: 0-2 with 1 RBI
Luke: 0-2

Big Blue wins, 17-10!!!!!!! Now, it's the Championship Game!!!!!!!!!

Day 2, Game 1 vs VA Wahoos

Due to how the teams ended up after day 1, we ended up facing the VA Wahoos in the first game of the second day. We were at a different field and let's just say we were very spoiled when we played at the sports complex. But, the Big Blue team won the game. It didn't matter what kind of field they were playing on...they had fun!

Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Luke H (third) to Ian (first) for out #1
Chris caught a fly ball at pitcher for out #2
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #3

2nd inning:
Kaden (shortstop) to Isaac (first) for out #1
Mike (pitcher) to Isaac (first) for out #2
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop for out #3

3rd inning:
Ian had an unassisted play at first for out #1
Chris caught an infield fly ball at pitcher for out #2
Kaden (shortstop) had an unassisted play at second for out #3

4th inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #1
Chris caught a fly ball at pitcher for out #2
Kaden (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for out #3

5th inning:
Luke H (third) to Lawson (second) for the first out
Mike (pitcher) to Luke H (third) for out #2
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop for the last out

6th inning:
Ian had an unassisted play at first for out #1
Jacob had a great catch out in leftfield for out #2
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop for the last out

Now for the OFFENSE...

Kaden: 2-2 with a double and 1 RBI
Lawson: 2-2 with a double and 1 RBI
Lukas: 1-2 with 1 RBI
Luke H: 1-2 with 1 RBI
Ian: 0-2
Riley: 1-2 with a double
Isaac: 1-2
Chris: 1-2
Mike: 1-2 with a double and 2 RBI
Jackson: 0-2
Logan: 1-2 with 1 RBI
Ben: 1-2
Jacob: 1-2
Luke F: 0-1

Big Blue wins, 7-2!!!!!!

Next up...we play the West Branch Thunder right after!

Seeded 1st after day #1

Big Blue played their first two games late today in the Border Wars Tournament held in Rocky Mount. The first game was at 4pm, but started a few minutes early and the second game started at 5:35pm instead of 6pm. It was hectic, but the boys held it together and played well!

Game #1 vs the 2016 Wahoos from Virginia...

DEFENSIVE stats...

1st inning:
Luke H (third) to Ian (first) for out #1
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #2
Luke H (third) to Lawson (second) for out #3

2nd inning:
Ian had an unassisted play at first for out #1
Lukas caught a pop fly at catcher for out #2
Ben (centerfield) to Lukas (catcher) to Kaden (shortstop) at second base for out #3!!!!

3rd inning:
Ian caught a fly ball at first for out #1
Jacob caught a fly ball at leftfield for out #2
Luke H (third) to Ian (first) for out #3

4th inning:
Ian caught a fly ball at first for out #1
Logan had an amazing catch out in leftfield for out #2

Due to the score...we played just 4 innings.

Now for the OFFENSE...

Kaden: 4-4 with a triple, 2 RBI and 3 runs scored
Lawson: 4-4 with 1 RBI and 4 runs scored
Lukas: 3-4 with 1 RBI and 3 runs scored
Luke H: 3-4 with 4 RBI and 1 run scored
Ian: 3-4 with a triple, 4 RBI and 1 run scored
Chris: 1-4 with 2 RBI
Ben: 1-3 with 1 run scored
Logan: 3-3 with a triple and 3 runs scored
Jacob: 2-3 with 3 RBI and 1 run scored
Luke F: 1-3 with a triple, 1 RBI and 1 run scored

We won 18-4!!!!!!!!

Game 2...vs the West Branch Thunder of Virginia...

Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Ian (first) to Kaden (short) at second for out #1
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop for out #2
Ben (centerfield) to Kaden (short) to Luke H (third) for out #3

2nd inning:
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop for outs 1 and 2
Ben caught a fly ball at centerfield for the last out

3rd inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #1
Luke H caught a fly ball at third for out #2
Logan caught a fly ball at leftfield for the last out

4th inning:
Lawson caught a fly ball at second for out #1
Jacob caught a fly ball at leftfield for out #2
Lawson caught a fly ball at second to end the game

Due to the 10 run rule...we ended the game in the 4th and we won 12-2!!!!!!

Now for the OFFENSE...

Kaden: 2-3 with a triple, 1 RBI and 2 runs scored
Lawson: 3-3 with a triple, double, single, 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Lukas: 2-3 with 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Luke H: 1-2 with 1 run scored
Ian: 2-2 with a triple, 1 RBI and 2 runs scored
Chris: 2-2 with 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Ben: 1-2 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Logan: 1-2 with 1 run scored
Jacob: 1-2 with 1 run scored
Luke F: 1-2 with 1 RBI
Jackson: 1-2 with 3 RBI
Riley: 1-2 with 1 run scored

Great job Big Blue!!!! Back in Rocky Mount on Sunday with a game at 1:15pm!!!!!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Triple Crown Sports Border Wars VI

Big Blue is headed to Rocky Mount to play in the Triple Crown Sports Border Wars with 10 other teams from NC and VA!

1. VIRGINIA YOUNG GUNS-Chesapeake, VA
2. CHESAPEAKE KNIGHTS- Chesapeake, VA
3. WESTERN BRANCH THUNDER- Chesapeake, VA
4. OLD DOMINION SCRAPPERS- Prince George, VA
5. VIRGINIA STEALTH- Suffolk, VA
6. WAYNE MAVERICKS- Goldsboro, NC
7. CAROLINA TITANS- Aberdeen, NC
8. FVAA BENGALS- Fuquay Varina, NC
9. LYNNHAVEN WAHOOS- Virginia Beach, VA
10. CAROLINA LUMBERJACKS- Battleboro, NC
11. BIG BLUE- Raleigh, NC


Our first game is scheduled for Saturday, May 5th at 4pm and then a second game at 6pm. 


ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Game #3 vs Carolina Titans in Erwin, NC

Many people took a quick break to get some food and drink in them before they started game 3 of the tournament. Both teams were undefeated heading into this game. But, 8U Big Blue won, 13-4!

First pitch was at 8:05pm.

Here's the DEFENSIVE stats...

1st inning:
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Lawson had a double play! He caught a fly ball at second and then threw the ball to Ian, at first, to get the last out. Great job!

2nd inning:
Isaac caught a fly ball at third base for out #1.
Mike, Riley or Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #2. I forgot to put who played that position for this inning. Sorry!
Isaac (third) to Ian (first) for the last out.

3rd inning:
Mike (pitcher) to Chris (first) for out #1.
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop for out #2.
Kaden (shortstop) to Lukas (third) for out #3.

4th inning:
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for an out.
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for the last out.

5th inning:
Logan (second) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Luke H had a beautiful catch at shortstop for out #2! It was impressive!
Isaac (third) to Logan (second) for out #3.

6th inning:
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop for out #1.
Lawson (second) to Chris (first) for out #2.
Chris caught a fly ball at first base to end the game!

Now for the OFFENSE...

Mike: 1-3
Lawson: 2-3
Lukas: 1-3 with a double and 1 RBI
Luke H: 0-2
Riley: 1-2 with a double and 2 RBI
Isaac: 1-2 with a double
Ian: 1-2 with a double and 2 RBI
Chris: 2-2
Jackson: 2-2 with 1 RBI
Logan: 2-2 with 1 RBI
Luke F: 2-2 with 1 RBI
Kaden: 1-2
Ben: 2-2 with 1 RBI
Jacob: 2-2 with 1 RBI
Charley: 1-2 with 3 RBI

A HUGE thank you to Coach Dave for pitching all 3 games to Big Blue! Also, a HUGE thanks goes to our coaching staff, Head Coach Lance and Assistant Coaches Brandon and Cailean. Great work!!!

8U Big Blue became the 2012 Top Gun Spring Nationals Champs! With this, the team received a plaque, trophies, championship rings and a free paid berth to the Summer World Series and Winter World Series!

THANK YOU TOP GUN SPORTS!!!!!!

Pictures will be posted later.

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Game #2 in Erwin vs the Riptide

We didn't have much time between the games. We went from one field to the next. This was the first time we've ever faced the Riptide team. So, we were not sure what to expect. We had a great game and won, 23-3 (according to Top Gun umpires!). Our team was excited to see the rest of the boys when they arrived...Kaden, Jacob and Ben! Charley and his family were a great addition to Big Blue yesterday.

First pitch was at 6:20pm!

Here's how we looked on the DEFENSIVE side of things...

1st inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Luke H (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #2.
Ben (rightfield) to Ian (first) for out #3.
What a great way to start the game...1-2-3 inning!

2nd inning:
Isaac (third) to Logan (second) for out #1.
Jacob (right centerfield) to Isaac (third) for out #2. What a great play!
Mike caught an infield fly ball at pitcher for the last out.

3rd inning:
Logan or Lawson had an unassisted play at second base (forgot to write down who played 2nd this inning) for out #1.
Chris (pitcher) to Kaden (shortstop) at second base for out #2.
Luke H had an unassisted play at first base for out #3.

4th inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Lawson caught a fly ball at second for out #2.
Luke F (catcher) tagged the runner who was trying to score to end the inning. Nice!

5th inning:
Mike (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Hayes (shortstop) to Isaac (third) for out #2.
Mike (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #3.

6th inning:
Luke F caught a fly ball at rightfield for out #1.
Chris had an unassisted play at first base for out #2.
Lawson (second) to Chris (first) for the last out.

Now for the OFFENSE...

We had 3 innings with the 5 run rule!

Mike: 3-3
Lawson: 3-3 with 3 RBI
Lukas: 1-3 with a double and 2 RBI
Luke H: 3-3 with a double and 3 RBI
Riley: 2-3 with a double and 2 RBI
Isaac: 1-3
Ian: 1-3 with a double and 1 RBI
Chris: 2-3
Jackson: 3-3
Logan: 3-3 with 2 RBI
Luke F: 3-3 with a triple, double and 5 RBI
Kaden: 3-3 with 1 RBI
Ben: 3-3 with 3 RBI
Jacob: 1-3
Charley: 2-2

Great work BIG BLUE!!!!!!!

Just a quick break before they play the final game of the tournament!

Top Gun "Spring Nationals" Tournament: Game #1 vs Wilson Baseball

It was great weather in Erwin, NC compared to the Raleigh area! We were down a few players during this first game of the tournament that was scheduled to start at 4pm, but didn't actually start until 4:35pm. They were playing some ball games with their West Raleigh teams. Big Blue won the first game, 13-2! Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Luke H (shortstop) threw the ball to Ian at first base for the out...but the first out happened on a tag by Ian.
Lawson caught a fly ball at second for the next 2 outs.

2nd inning:
Chris (third) to Isaac (first) for out #1.
Ian caught a fly ball at leftfield for the second out.
Riley (pitcher) to Isaac (first) for the last out.

3rd inning:
Luke H caught a fly ball at shortstop for outs 1 and 2.
Luke H caught a hard line drive at shortstop for out #3.

4th inning:
Luke F caught a foul fly ball at rightfield for the first out.
Logan caught a fly ball at second base for out #2.
Ian had an unassisted play at first base for out #3.

5th inning:
Lukas caught a fly ball at leftfield for out #1.
Lawson caught a fly ball at second base for outs 2 and 3.

6th inning:
Luke H caught a fly balls at shortstop for outs 1 and 2.
Isaac (third) to Lawson (second) at second for out #3.

It's a lot of fun watching this team work together on the field! Isaac, Riley and Luke F did a great job behind the plate for Big Blue!

Now for the OFFENSE...

Mike: 2-4 with great hits to left centerfield
Lawson: 3-4 with a nice hit to leftfield and 1 RBI
Lukas: 1-3 with a double to left centerfield
Luke H: 2-3 with a triple to leftfield and 4 RBI
Riley: 2-3 with infield hits and 1 RBI
Isaac: 3-3 with a nice hit to left centerfield
Ian: 2-3 with a double down the rightfield line and 1RBI
Chris: 2-3 with a nice hit to centerfield and 1 RBI
Jackson: 3-3 with great hits to right centerfield and 1 RBI
Logan: 2-3 with a triple to right centerfield and 1 RBI
Luke F: 1-3 with a hit to rightfield and 3 RBI

Just a few minutes and then we face the Riptide for the first time!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!

Change of Plans for Erwin

The 2 day tournament this weekend has now turned into a 1 day tournament. So...we'll play at 3:45pm, 5:15pm and then at 6:45pm.

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Heading to Erwin this weekend!!!

There are 6 teams playing in the 8U Division of the Top Gun Spring Nationals this weekend. Our lucky location is down in Erwin, NC. The tournament starts on Saturday at 2:30pm and the last games on Saturday start at 5:30pm. Then, bracket play begins Sunday. Let's hope the weather holds off and it's great baseball weather!

Big Blue will play Wilson Baseball on Field #2 at 4pm.
Then, Big Blue faces the Carolina Lumberjacks on Field #2 at 5:30pm.

The 6 teams:
Big Blue
Carolina Lumberjacks
Carolina Titans
On Deck Riptide
Wayne Mavericks
Wilson Baseball

Don't forget practice tonight at 5:30pm at Ephesus!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Top Gun Spring Nationals Tournament: April 21-22

We can't wait to get Big Blue back together and play in another tournament! One more week until that happens. We'll find out more mid-week, but as of now there are 8 teams in the Spring Nationals Tournament (including us) and hopefully we'll be on a Cary field. Cross your fingers!

But, we'll look forward to a Big Blue practice on Friday at 5:30pm...Ephesus Church!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Charlotte Tournament Weekend Recap

We all had quite a weekend with the group! It was our third tournament weekend in a row this spring and it was nice to go to a new area of North Carolina to see how our team can play against some Charlotte teams and we can definitely say we made an impact in this tournament!

We had a 20 minute weather delay due to lightening during our second game on Saturday vs the South Charlotte Thunder. The boys were hanging out together and so we took this picture of them.

After our games on Saturday we headed straight to dinner before checking in at our hotel. Coach Lance knows the area well, so we ended up at Hickory Tavern...all 42 of us (give or take a few)! We were able to get a room area to ourselves, which was perfect. It was nice to sit back, talk and relax!

Here's another shot at dinner!

The boys got up in front of the families and rubbed their bellies just for COACH DAVE! LOVE it!

and some of the dads thought it was pretty funny, too!

A little sign welcoming our Big Blue Baseball team at the hotel!

Warming up for Sunday's first game.

and another shot of warm ups.

Great lookin' bags and they work hard at keeping them white!

That's an out at first!

Accepting the championship plaque at Nevin Park in Charlotte!




Champions!

We had a great weekend together! The last three weekends we've spent at the ball park watching this team play in three different tournaments. Last week they added some practices, so they could hit off a pitching machine for the Charlotte tournament. This team has supportive families...we made it work!

Big Blue will continue to play in tournaments, but the next one has not been set yet. This week is the first week of games for West Raleigh, so Big Blue will take a short break. Although most will be playing against each other in the league, I'm sure you will see and hear the Big Blue players and families cheer each other on!

So proud of the Big Blue players and coaches! We definitely let them know who 8U Big Blue is down in Mama T's Country!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Championship Game in Charlotte...CHAMPIONS!

It was time to face the Dallas Bandits in the championship game and Big Blue was ready to go! First pitch was at 3:45pm on Sunday afternoon. No rain delays, the sun came out and it was nice weather for a game.

Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Chris (pitcher) to Kaden (shortstop) at second base for out #1.
Chris called it and caught a fly ball at the pitcher's mound area for out #2.
Logan caught a fly ball out in left centerfield for the third out.

2nd inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for outs 1 and 2.
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for the third out.

3rd inning:
Lawson (second) to Isaac (first) for the first 2 outs.
Kaden (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for the last out.

4th inning:
Chris (pitcher) to Kaden (shortstop) at second base for out #1.
Lawson (second) to Kaden (shortstop) at second for out #2.
Kaden caught an unbelieveable fly ball at shortstop to end the game. This catch was amazing...he slide on his left side towards second base and caught the ball!

A huge shout out to our catchers for the tournament! Great job behind the plate and being ready back there. Way to go Riley, Ben, Isaac and Luke F!

Now for the OFFENSE...

Kaden: 2-2 with 1 RBI
Lawson: 2-2 with a double, single and 1 RBI
Lukas: 1-2 with a double and 2 RBI
Riley: 2-2 with 1 RBI
Luke H: 2-2 with a double and single
Isaac: 2-2 with 2 RBI
Ian: 1-2 with a double and 1 RBI
Chris: 2-2 with 1 RBI
Ben: 2-2 with a triple, single and 2 RBI
Jackson: 1-1 with a triple
Logan: 1-1 with 1 RBI
Jacob: 0-1
Luke F: 0-1

Big Blue wins the championship game with a score of 12-1!!!

Day #2...vs Havoc in Charlotte

It was the 2nd seed (Havoc) vs the 3rd seed (Big Blue) at noon in the Gold Bracket of the tournament. This team hails from Coach Lance's hometown! So...here's how our team did...

DEFENSE...

1st inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for an out.
Luke H (third) to Ian (first) for the last out.

2nd inning:
Riley (pitcher) caught a hard line drive for an out, but turned it into a double play by throwing the ball to Luke H (first) because the runner didn't tag up before heading to second base.
Kayden (shortstop) to Logan (second) for the last out.

3rd inning:
Luke H (shortstop) to Isaac (first) for outs 1 and 2.
Isaac had an unassisted play at first for the last out.

Now for our OFFENSIVE...

Kaden: 3-3 with 1 RBI
Lawson: 1-3
Lukas: 3-3 with a ground rule double and 1 RBI
Riley: 3-3 with 3 RBI
Luke H: 2-3 with 2 doubles and 3 RBI
Isaac: 3-3 with a triple, 2 singles and 3 RBI
Ian: 2-3 with a homerun, single and 3 RBI
Chris: 1-2
Ben: 2-2
Jackson: 2-2 with a double and 1 RBI
Logan: 1-2 with 1 RBI
Jacob: 1-2 with a triple and 1 RBI
Luke F: 1-2

We won 19-1, so now we're in the championship game!!!! After some lunch and watching other ball games...we were ready to go at 3:45pm for the first pitch!

Game #2 vs South Charlotte Thunder

We had a break between the first and second game on Saturday. We kept looking at the skies wondering what was going to happen. Would it be a terrential downpour or some showers and then sunny? Only time would tell!

We were scheduled to start at 3pm against the Thunder, but the first "machine pitch" was at 3:57pm.

Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Kaden caught a fly ball as he fell backwards at shortstop for an out.
Ian had an unassisted play at first base for the last out.

2nd inning:
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #2.
Luke H caught a hard hit line drive at third base to end the inning.

3rd inning:
Lawson (second) to Isaac (first) for out #1.
Ian (leftfield) to Luke H (third) for out #2.
Jacob (pitcher) to Isaac (first) for another 1-2-3 inning.


Now for our OFFENSE...

Kaden: 3-3 with 1 RBI
Lawson: 3-3 with 2 RBI
Lukas: 3-3 with 3 RBI
Riley: 2-3 with 1 RBI
Luke H: 3-3 with 2 doubles, single and 3 RBI
Isaac: 3-3
Ian: 1-3 with 1 RBI
Chris: 2-3 with 1 RBI
Ben: 2-2 with a triple, single and 2 RBI
Jackson: 2-2 with 1 RBI
Logan: 1-2 with 1 RBI
Jacob: 1-2
Luke F: 2-2 with 1 RBI

We won the game, 17-0! Due to the runs allowed in the first game of the day...that put us in 3rd place for the Gold Bracket on Sunday. Stay tuned...

All American Championship Series Tournament in Charlotte, NC

It was an early start Saturday morning to make the trek down to Charlotte to play in a tournament with different rules, new teams we haven't seen before and we were curious as to how our team compared to teams in a different area. Saturday was pool play and then Sunday would be bracket play. Our first game was scheduled for noon, but there was a bit of a delay due to the rain. Our team took to the warm up area with the coaches and worked on the fundamentals before facing the Kings Mountain Storm.

Here's how we looked defensively...

1st inning:
Isaac (leftfield) to Lawson (second) for out #1.
Chris (pitcher) to Lawson (second) for out #2.
Isaac caught a fly ball at leftfield for the last out.

2nd inning:
Kaden (shortstop) to Chris (third) for an out.

3rd inning:
Jacob (pitcher) to Isaac (first) for the first out.
Jacob (pitcher) to Lawson (second) for the second out.
Isaac had an unassisted play at first for the last out.

4th inning:
Kaden (shortstop) had an unassisted play at second for out #1.
Jackson (pitcher) to Logan (second) for the second out.
Ian caught a fly ball in left centerfield for out #3.

Our OFFENSE...

Kaden: 3-3 with a homerun out to centerfield, 2 singles and 3 RBI
Lawson: 3-3 with a double and 2 singles
Lukas: 3-3 with a triple, 2 doubles and 4 RBI
Riley: 3-3 with 2 RBI
Luke H: 3-3 with 2 RBI
Isaac: 3-3 with a triple, 2 singles and 1 RBI
Ian: 2-3 with a double, single and 3 RBI
Chris: 2-2 with a double, single and 2 RBI
Ben: 1-2 with 1 RBI
Jackson: 0-2
Logan: 2-2
Jacob: 2-2 with a triple, single and 1 RBI
Luke F: 1-2 with 2 RBI

We won the game, 21-9!!

Next up...South Charlotte Thunder after a short break!

Rollin' Down to Mama T's Country...

Who's Mama T? Coach Lance's mom! 8U Big Blue is looking forward to heading to the Charlotte/Gastonia/Mooresville area to play some games against new teams! It's pool play on Saturday and then bracket play on Sunday. This tournament includes machine pitch and the boys have been able to hit off the machine a few times this week. Thanks for making that work, Coach!

 

We'll face Kings Mountain Storm at NOON on Saturday, then at 3pm we'll face South Charlotte Thunder!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TOP GUN SUPER REGIONAL BATTING HELMET TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS!

They won all 4 games in the tournament and won the championship! Great job!

Homerun Club from the tournament: (L-R): Lukas, Luke F, Jacob, Logan

pre-game on Day 1

Game #4: vs Wilson at 3pm

After a short break, Big Blue faced Wilson Baseball at 3pm! Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Mike caught a fly ball out in leftfield for the 1st out.
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop for the 2nd out.
Kaden (shortstop) to Isaac (first) for the 3rd out.
A great 1-2-3 inning for Big Blue!

2nd inning:
Mike (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Lawson caught an infield fly ball at second for out #2.
Chris caught a fly ball at third to end the inning.

3rd inning:
Luke H (third) to Lawson (second) for out #1.
Mike (right centerfield) to Kaden (shortstop) at second base for out #2.
Mike caught a fly ball at right centerfield for the last out.

4th inning:
Riley (third) to Chris (first) for the first out.
Mike (pitcher) to Chris (first) for the second out.
Kaden (shortstop) to Chris (first) for the third out.
A great 1-2-3 inning!

5th inning:
Luke H (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Isaac caught a fly ball at leftfield for the second out.
Chris had an unassisted play at third base for the last out.

6th inning:
Riley (right centerfield) to Kaden (shortstop) at second base for out #1.
Kaden (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for out #2.
Luke H had an unassisted play at third base for the last out.

Now for our OFFENSE...

Kaden: 2-3 with 2 runs scored
Luke F: 2-2 with a triple, 3 RBI and 1 run scored
Jacob: 2-3 with 2 RBI
Logan: 1-3
Jackson: 1-2
Ben: 2-2
Chris: 0-2
Ian: 1-2 with 1 run scored
Isaac: 2-2 with a double, 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Luke H: 2-2 with 1 run scored
Riley: 1-2 with 1 run scored
Lukas: 2-2 with a grand slam homerun, 4 RBI and 2 runs scored
Lawson: 1-2 with 1 run scored
Mike: 2-2 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored

8U Big Blue won the game, 11-5!

UNDEFEATED in this tournament!!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!

Next up...awards ceremony!

Game #3: vs Wayne Co Mavericks 3.18.12

The 8U Big Blue team was back in action at the Top Gun Tournament at Middle Creek Park on Sunday afternoon facing the Wayne County Mavericks at 1:30pm! The weather wasn't as nice as it was yesterday, but at least it didn't rain during the day!

The Mavericks came ready to play and it was a close game with Big Blue!

Here's how the team looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Chris caught an infield fly ball at the pitcher's mound for out #1.
Lukas caught a fly ball out in right centerfield for out #2.
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for the last out.

2nd inning:
Logan caught a fly ball at second base for the first out.
The batter bunted, it ended up in a fly ball and Ben, our catcher for the inning, caught the ball for out #2.
Kaden (shortstop) had an unassisted out at second base for the last out.

3rd inning:
Jacob (pitcher) to Luke H (first) for out #1.
Ian caught a fly ball at leftfield for the second out.
Lawson caught a fly ball at second base for out #3.

4th inning:
Logan (second) to Chris (first) for out #1.
Riley (third) to Chris (first) for out #2.
Riley caught a fly ball at third base to end the inning.

5th inning:
Kayden caught a fly ball at shortstop for out #1.
Lawson caught a fly ball at second base for out #2.
Jackson (pitcher) to Ian (first) for the last out.

6th inning:
Kaden caught an unbelieveable fly ball at shortstop for out #1.
Ian had an unassisted play at first for the second out.
Luke F caught a fly ball in rightfield for the last out.

Now for the OFFENSE...

Mike: 2-3 with a double, 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Lawson: 3-3 with 1 RBI and 3 runs scored
Lukas: 3-3 with a triple, 1 RBI and 3 runs scored
Riley: 2-3 with 2 doubles, 5 RBI and 1 run scored
Luke H: 1-2
Isaac: 1-2 with 1 RBI
Ian: 0-2
Chris: 2-2 with a double and 1 run scored
Ben: 2-2 with 1 run scored
Jackson: 1-2 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Logan: 1-2 with 3 RBI and 1 run scored
Jacob: 1-2 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Luke F: 2-2 with 2 runs scored
Kaden: 2-2 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored

8U Big Blue won the game, 16-11!

A short break and then we face Wilson Baseball!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Game #2 vs Clayton Falcons at Middle Creek

After a short break, Big Blue took the field to play the Falcons from Clayton at Noon! Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Logan (second) to Kaden (shortstop) at second base for the first out.
Then, Mike took care of a double play...he caught a fly ball at left field and then threw the ball to Isaac at first base. Great work!

2nd inning:
Mike caught an infield fly ball at the pitcher's mound for an out.

3rd inning:
Lawson (second) to Isaac (first) for the first two outs.

4th inning:
Logan (second) to Chris (first) for out #1.
Jacob (pitcher) to Isaac (catcher) for an out at home plate.
Riley (third) to Logan (second) for the last out.

5th inning:
Jackson (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1.

6th inning:
Mike (second) to Ben (first) for the last out to end the game.

Now for our OFFENSE...

Kaden: 1-3 with a triple to center field, 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Luke F: 3-3 with a homerun to right center field, a double, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored
Jacob: 2-3 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored
Logan: 3-3 with a triple to right center field, double, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored
Jackson: 3-3 with a triple to left center field, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored
Ben: 2-3 with 1 RBI
Chris: 2-3 with a double and 1 run scored
Ian: 2-3 with a tri;ple down the right field line, 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Isaac: 1-3 with 2 RBI
Luke H: 2-2 with a triple to left field and 2 runs scored
Riley: 2-2 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored
Lukas: 2-2 with a triple to right center field, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored
Lawson: 1-2 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Mike: 1-2 with a triple to right center field and 1 RBI

Big Blue won the game...18-1!!!!

Next up for the group is a 1:30pm game followed by a 3pm game Sunday afternoon on Field #3!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Game #1 vs FVAA Bengals at Middle Creek

The team arrived to the park by 8am and first pitch was at 9am...8U Big Blue vs FVAA Bengals and the Bengals came ready to play, but couldn't hold off the Big Blue. Here's how we were DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Lawson caught an infield fly ball at second for the first out.
Ben (right field) to Lawson (second) to Luke H (third base) for the second out.
Lukas (left center field) to Lawson (second) to Luke H (third base) for the last out.

2nd inning:
Chris (third) to Logan (second) for out #1.
Logan (second) to Kaden (shortstop) for the second out.
Mike caught an infield fly at pitcher for the 3rd out.

3rd inning:
Lawson (second) to Isaac (first) for out #1.
Then, a beautiful double play...Lukas caught a line drive at third base for the second out and then tagged the base for the last out. Nice!

4th inning:
Logan (second) to Kaden (shortstop) at second for the first out.
Unassisted play at first base by Chris for the 2nd out.
Lawson (left field) to Riley (third) for the last out.

5th inning:
Luke H (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #2.
Ian had an unassisted out at first base to end the inning.

6th inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Mike caught a fly ball at right center field for the second out.
Ian caught an infield fly ball at first base to end the game.

For the OFFENSE...

Mike: 0-3 with 1 RBI
Lawson: 0-2
Lukas: 2-2 with a triple to left centerfield and 1 RBI
Riley: 0-2
Luke H: 2-2 with 2 runs scored
Isaac: 2-2 with 2 runs scored
Ian: 1-2
Chris: 2-2 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored
Ben: 1-2 with a triple to center field, 3 RBI and 1 run scored
Jackson: 1-2 with 1 RBI
Logan: 1-2
Jacob: 1-2 with 1 run scored
Luke F: 2-2 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Kaden: 2-2 with 1 run scored

Big Blue won...9-4!

Break time before returning back to the field to play the Clayton Falcons at Noon!

Super Regional Batting Helmet Tournament

Big Blue will be playing locally at Middle Creek in Cary in the Super Regional Batting Helmet Tournament with 4 other teams this weekend!

We'll be on Field #4 and here's the schedule:

Saturday, March 17:
9am: vs FVAA Bengals (be ready to go in all whites by 8am)

Noon: vs Clayton Falcons

Sunday, March 18:
1:30pm: vs Wayne Mavericks (be ready to go in blue/white like last weekend by Noon)

3pm: vs Wilson Baseball

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pictures from the March 10 Tournament

Before the game with clean, white pants...in front of the team RV!

Nice lookin' bags!

Coach Lance always leads the team with a prayer before each game and after. The Falcons joined 8U Big Blue at the mound for a prayer at the end of the game.

Playing a little football between games!

Taking a break

A great facility in Carthage!

This is how we roll...

Waiting for our turn to play

Part of our fan club for the last game

and the other part of our fan club for the last game of the day

An organized and sharp looking dugout!

We had many compliments on how professional we looked! :-)

Waiting to receive the championship trophies

TOURNAMENT CHAMPS!!!

Heading into the third and final game of the day...8U Big Blue had to face the Tornado Express! The tournament was ahead of schedule, so the game started one hour early! Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1
Lawson made a double play here...unassisted out at 2nd base, turned it to Ian at first for the two outs!

2nd inning:
Logan (second) to Luke H (first) for out #1
Lukas (leftfield) to Logan (second) for out #2

3rd inning:
Lawson (second) to Isaac (first) for out #1
Isaac caught an infield fly ball at first for out #2
Jacob (pitcher) to Isaac (first) to get out of the inning

4th inning:
Logan (second) to Chris (first) for an out
Lukas caught a fly ball at left field to end the inning

5th inning:
Kaden (third) to Ian (first) for out #1
Chris (leftfield) to Lawson (second) for out #2
Luke H (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for out #3

6th inning:
Jacob (pitcher) to Kaden (shortstop) at second base for an out
Jacob (pitcher) to Ian (first) for the last out

OFFENSIVE SIDE...

Mike: 3-3 with a double and 2 RBI
Lawson: 2-3
Lukas: 1-3 with 2 RBI
Riley: 3-3 with a triple and 2 RBI
Luke H: 3-3 with 2 RBI
Isaac: 2-3
Ian: 1-3 with 2 RBI
Chris: 2-2 with a double
Ben: 2-2
Jackson: 2-2
Logan: 1-2 with 1 RBI
Jacob: 0-2 with 1 RBI
Luke F: 1-2
Kaden: 1-2

We won the game, 13-1!!!!!

8U Big Blue was the only team who won all three games, so they took home the championship!!

It was such a great day!!!! ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Carthage, NC...Game #2 vs Clayton Falcons

After a quick lunch break, 8U Big Blue took the field to face the Falcons from Clayton. Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Logan (second) to Isaac (first) for outs 1 and 2
Kaden (shortstop) to Isaac (first) for the 3rd out

2nd inning:
Jacob (left centerfield) to Lawson (second) for an out at 2nd base
Chris (third) to Lawson (second) for the second out

3rd inning:
Isaac caught a foul fly ball at first for out #1, but then he turned it into a double play because he dove to first base to get the lead runner out!
Kaden (third) to Isaac (first) for the last out

4th inning:
Logan (second) to Riley (first) for an out

5th inning:
Logan (second) to Ian (first) for out #1
Logan caught a fly ball at second for out #2
Jackson (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #3

6th inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #1
Jacob caught an infield fly ball at pitcher for the second out

Here's how we looked OFFENSIVELY...

Kaden: 2-3
Luke F: 2-3
Jacob: 2-3 with 1 RBI
Logan: 2-3 with 1 RBI
Jackson: 3-3 with a double and 1 RBI
Ben: 1-2
Chris: 2-2 with 1 RBI
Ian: 2-2 with 1 RBI
Isaac: 2-2 with 2 RBI
Luke H: 1-2
Riley: 2-2 with 2 RBI
Lukas: 2-2 with a triple and 1 RBI
Lawson: 1-2 with 1 RBI
Mike: 2-2 with 1 RBI

8U Big Blue won the second game of the day, 16-0!

Top Gun Sports Coaches Appreciation Tournament: Carthage, NC One day tournament

Our team looked GOOD! We are so very fortunate to have sponsors who are willing to cover so much for our team. Everything just looked first class with 8U Big Blue! Since there were four teams in our age group, the coaches and organizers agreed to a one day tournament...round robin. The team with the best record wins the tournament in the age division.

We faced the Carolina Titans at 11:15am. Here's what we did DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Lawson (2nd base) to Ian (1st base) for out #1
Kaden made an unbelieveable backhanded stop at shortstop to keep him to a single
Chris caught an infield fly ball at pitcher for out #2
Luke H (3rd base) to Riley (catcher) for out #3

2nd inning:
Mike (pitcher) to Luke H (first) for out #1
Ben caught a foul tip behind the plate for out #2

3rd inning:
Luke H caught a fly ball at shortstop for the first out
Jacob (pitcher) to Lukas (third) for the second out
Mike (right centerfield) to Luke H (shortstop) at second base for the last out

4th inning:
Chris had an unassisted play at first for out #1
Ben (rightfield) to Chris (first) for out #2
Logan (second) to Luke H (shortstop) in a fielder's choice for the last out

5th inning:
Luke H (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #1
Lawson had an unassisted play at second for out #2
Jackson caught an infield fly ball at pitcher for out #3

6th inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for the first out
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #2
Jacob caught an infield fly ball at the pitcher's mound for the last out

OUR OFFENSE...

Mike: 2-3 with a double, triple and 2 RBI
Lawson: 1-2 with 1 RBI
Lukas: 0-2
Riley: 1-2 with 1 RBI
Luke H: 2-2 with a double
Isaac: 1-2 with 2 RBI
Ian: 1-2
Chris: 0-2
Ben: 0-2
Jackson: 1-2
Logan: 2-2
Jacob: 1-2 with 1 RBI
Luke F: 2-2
Kaden: 2-2 with 1 RBI

We won the game, 8-5 and will face the Clayton Falcons next!

Tournament #1: Rollin' Down to Carthage

“Coaches Appreciation Tournament "
March 10, 2012
8U Division:
One-Day Super Saver
Hillcrest Park
Hillcrest Park Lane
Carthage, NC

Round Robin Best Record Wins!

(1) Sat, 3/10/12 9:30am Carth #1 Carolina Titans vs Clayton Falcons
(2) Sat, 3/10/12 11:15am Carth #1 Big Blue vs Carolina Titans
(3) Sat, 3/10/12 1:00pm Carth #1 Clayton Falcons vs Tornado Express
(4) Sat, 3/10/12 2:45pm Carth #1 Clayton Falcons vs Big Blue
(5) Sat, 3/10/12 4:30pm Carth #1 Tornado Express vs Carolina Titans
(6) Sat, 3/10/12 6:15pm Carth #1  Big Blue vs Tornado Express

ROLL BLUE!!!!!

Practice This Week!!

Can't wait to see the boys in action this weekend!!!! To gear up for the first tournament, Coach Lance will have practice Tuesday night, 7:30-8:30pm at Grand Slam USA in Raleigh. Then, we'll practice at Ephesus this Friday night at 5-7pm!!

First tournament...this weekend in Carthage!!!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our Sponsors

8U Big Blue would like to give special thanks to Lance Wheeler, Brandon Liles and John Whittenberg with their three companies for sponsoring our travel baseball team...






All Around Sports, LLC

Pictures of their team bat bags, uniforms, cleats, helmet and practice gear will be up later!

THANK YOU!

Weekend Fun

They've been having fun and working hard at practice on Saturdays and Sundays! They are gearing up for some March tournaments. Locations will be announced in the next week or so! Stay tuned!! It is so fun watching this team practice. They play so well together and they all want to work hard and improve.

Hopefully the weather will cooperate and 8U Big Blue will host a scrimmage Saturday morning!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!

Playing Baseball in January!

Coach Lance started a travel team called 8U Big Blue for the spring season by gathering up some great boys and their families! He kicked off the season on Saturday with a full two hour practice followed by another two hour practice on Sunday afternoon! The boys looked eager to get back on the field as well as the coaches. Here are a few pictures from Sunday...

Ben, Chris and Kaden

 Logan, Mike and Chris

 Lukas up to the plate

 Mike and Luke F

 Jackson

 Kaden running to first

 Jacob

 Luke H and Jackson

 Logan

 Even the siblings of 8U Blue players have fun at practice! Thanks Tony for entertaining Gavin and Elijah!

 Coach Lance and his assistant coaches put in a lot of time and hard work into keeping the Ephesus Church baseball field and batting cage in playing conditions. After practice, the boys helped clean up!

Looking forward to playing in some great tournaments and watching the boys continue to develop their baseball skills this spring!

ROLL 8U BIG BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!