Tag Archives: Spokane Indians Youth Baseball

Batter Up! Beau Is Playing T-Ball

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Beau has started his foray into organized sports.

My son now has three practices under his belt for his 6U “Navy” Spokane Indian Youth Baseball (SIYB) t-ball team. His squad met for the first time last week and they are putting in final preparations this week for the first game on Saturday. However, I don’t think he is stressing too much about his upcoming season debut. 😂

Beau is ready for some t-ball. This photo was from his first practice last Monday.

Beau is by far the youngest and smallest player on his team. His division includes kids ranging in age from 4-6 but his rookie status doesn’t seem to be holding him back. My little guy is engaged and attentive (for the most part) at the practices and he is always eager when we jump into the car to go to the field.

His coach was very honest with us from the onset. She said in her welcome email: At this stage of the game, the kids aren’t really that interested in learning strategy, rules, or technique. It is simply fun stuff such as running, jumping, and hitting the ball. LOL. Please keep that in mind this season while you witness firsthand the chaos of 6U t-ball.

Coach Karissa Gurske gives the team direction while Beau is at the bat at a recent practice.

Hey, I can get behind that! Having witnessed Sloan play two seasons of t-ball, I know exactly where the coach is coming from and I appreciate her laid back attitude.

I will write a season recap post in late May. I also might provide an update or two in future Thursday Rundowns. But until then, I am looking forward to Monday and Wednesday nights at the ballpark (aka neglected elementary school fields) as Beau takes his first step to the Major Leagues (😂). Don’t Blink.

Wrapping Up the 2023 T-Ball Season

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Sloan concluded her 2023 Spokane Indians Youth Baseball (SIYB) t-ball season last week. Her second season playing “ball” was a little different than her first so I thought I would chronicle the five themes unique to her time with the Red Pandas. Let’s do it…

“Friendly” Team – Last year was special because Sloan played with her cousin. But to make the arrangement work, we had to drive far up north for every practice and game. This year we decided to stay closer to the Spokane Valley and because of that Sloan landed on a team with a lot of her friends from school. Five of Sloan’s Red Panda teammates are in her Kindergarten class which made things a lot of fun.

Sloan and her teammate/friend/classmate Aminah posed for buddy photos during team pictures.

Fans – Besides Sid, Beau, and I cheering on Sloan each game, she had other special fans show up at the ball field as well. My parents alternated between my nephew’s games and Sloan’s games which allowed them to catch half of her schedule. My brother also came out to support his niece and play a little catch. For the last game, our family friend, Kailey, came out to surprise Sloan. It was great to have so many people cheering our ball player on.

Sloan had special fans come out to watch her play this season.

First Base Coach – I was delighted when Coach Bob asked me to coach first base for the Red Pandas. This opportunity allowed me to get to know each kid on the team pretty well. Trust me, the many conversations I had with the players when they reached first base were priceless. Although the interaction I had with the children was the best part, I also enjoyed offering encouragement, exchanging high fives, and providing base path instruction.

That’s me coaching first as Sloan rounds the base.

Hardware – Playing for the Red Pandas resulted in Sloan earning her first ever trophy. Sure, it was a participation trophy but it definitely made her feel special to receive it. The trophy is currently proudly displayed in a prominent spot in her room.

Sloan holds her t-ball trophy at the Pizza Hut team party as Beau manages to get in the photo.

Fantastic Coaches – We were extremely lucky to have Coach Bob and Coach Shauna lead the team. They approached the season with plenty of organization, enthusiasm, and patience. They did so many special “extras” such as putting the names of the kids on the back of their jerseys, bringing water to every practice/game, buying the team trophies, throwing an end-of-season pizza party, and more. They injected an abundance of positive energy to the Red Pandas!

Coach Bob and Coach Shauna did such a great job with the team!

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Congrats to Sloan for taking her t-ball commitment seriously by making every practice and game. We really enjoyed watching her play but will appreciate having a couple days back in the week 😊 Don’t Blink.