First Tournament is Upon Us!

YAY!!!! The first tournament is finally here!  After MULTIPLE times a week driving to the indoor practice facility and a couple of false starts on outdoor practices, the first tournament is here.  Good news - its here!! Bad news, baseball mom is home with the other sons and dad is on the road this time.  Well, with a questionable weather outlook, Dad decided it would be better for him to take the first trip so that he wouldn't have to worry about me in the middle of nowhere Illinois driving like a crazywoman in some goofy snow or sleet.  I'm ok with that.  I can cheer from 8 hours away!  Its not the first time or the last time.  The little brothers are excited to have some time at home with me, so I should be glad cuz we all know those days won't last forever!  Please send me a photo of your son's opening day!  I want to post them and I can include a name or just a first name and hometown, whatever you choose.  I think its awesome to see them so excited to start the new season and those smiles are the reason we do it!  Send them in and I will do my best to post them. 

Here are some oldies but goodies from past years: (Ignore the years printed on the photos, I never figured out my old camera..loser!)

Little peeps at Miller Park.

Hawks with their nicknames:)

Pals.

Little guys in Merton

You send 'em, I'll post 'em!

Crazy Driving Songs

How appropriate has this song been ALL SUMMER as we hit the road with our baseball player sons!  Everytime I hear this I look in the backseat and watch my 2 1/2 year old do the motions.  The oldest kid thinks its now lame to do this in the car, but I always have the toddler to keep me remembering all the fun we had traveling around to games:)

I am hitting the road today for a bit of a drive so this is definitely on my playlist....keep it coming baseball playahs!

Tips for Planning Your Trip to Cooperstown

 Some of these tips are from my son's team and some from other moms and dads who I spoke with during the competition.  I hope these help you prepare for one of the most memorable baseball adventures your son can experience.

• Food at the park is reasonable so don't worry that you cannot have carry in food or drinks.  There are several healthier choices as well as breakfast all day as options
• When sending water and Gatorade for the team, send the smaller bottles so that the kids don't have dozens of half consumed bottles around
• Send snacks for the barracks in individual portions. These are best for freshness and cleanup plus there is less chance of bug issues if the boys open one serving at a time.
• Parents and guests are not allowed inside the players/coaches village after check in, so get your photos, etc done quickly at the beginning
• No one is allowed to walk into the park from the outside so don't try it. Everyone has to drive in due to park restrictions
• There are not many chain hotels in close proximity to Cooperstown Dreams Park, but best western, country suites, and holiday inn are closest
• There are family owned cottages, inns, bed and breakfasts, resorts available and can be found on water, on farms, in town.  Lots of choices!
• If you are going to order a customized bat for your son, do it early in the week to avoid lines.  The bats come with team name, teammates names, logo of the park.

There are a ton of photographers that work the games however, no photos are taken after 4pm so be prepared to take your own photos. 

There is a jungle gym at dreams park for little brothers and sisters to blow off some steam and you can see one field from that vantage point

Ommegang brewery has brewery tours and kids are allowed

Campers/players will need a top sheet and a blanket for the bunks, a bottom fitted sheet is provided

Shower shoes are necessary for walking to the shower and while showering in community bathrooms

When you see the player and coaches village, its truly barracks with each team staying in their own bunkhouse.

Entrance to Dreams Park

The Kid warming up on the gorgeous fields with festive decorations and flowers.

It's foggy and cool virtually every morning so be prepared with warmer clothes for early morning batting warm ups