Austen Ends Little League Career with Championship

Not too long ago, I was watching Austen run down players and tag them out at first base when he was 4. It was embarrassing at the time because these kids never had a chance. Austen was a great fielder then and he continues to be a top fielder today.

When we were moving to our town, I remember walking around the park (that sold us on the area) complete with an elementary school, middle school, pavilion, playground, soccer fields and baseball fields. Tom and I discussed how cool it will be when Austen was old enough to play at the Little League stadium there under the lights. So how is it possible that he's already there and it's already over? In. The. Blink. Of. An. Eye.

We returned from Alaska just in time for his Little League team championship game (we missed travel baseball playoffs due to the trip). It would be his last game under the lights as he ages out of Little League next season. He played shortstop most of the game and made several key plays/throws to get people out at home, first and second.

Up against a tough, fast ball pitcher, there were not too many hits from his team either. I think only 3 out of 10 of his teammates hit consistently and Austen was one of them. It was certainly a nail biter until the end when they ended up winning with the tying run on 3rd base. Game over. Giants win 4-3.

What a way to end your Little League career - with a great season and some great coaches. I'll miss seeing him play under the lights for sure but I'm hoping Peyton becomes our little slugger in softball so we have years left at the park.