The Division Champion Cardinals

I mean come on!! This picture is just too much.  I appreciate his cheesy grin and cute little booty popping pose more than I can say.  It is perfection.

The cardinals had a incredible season.  They went 9-1 and ended up being the division champions.  They came so far over the course of the season.  It ended up being the uncanny ability of nearly every player to get a hit that put us on top.  Hank and Hunter shared in the pitching and catching responsibilities.  I was so impressed with Hank's ability to make plays and always have his head in the game.  Although our tournament play was a little brutal, we still managed to make it to the state tournament in July.

Hank really battled on the mound this year.  He had some ups and downs but never gave up.  It takes some real courage to put yourself in the most intense position in baseball.  He handled it like a pro and made some ESPN worthy plays sliding and diving for foul balls.  

When Hank was playing catcher, I feared for the poor kid running home from third.  Hank would sacrifice his body to stop a runner from scoring and had some pretty amazing success.  No one was getting past Hank!

Perhaps the most improved aspect of his game was his hitting.  He was our lead off hitter all season and for good reason.  I'll have to ask his stat taking grandpa, but I'm pretty sure he had a 9 game hitting streak.  His confidence at bat was awesome to see.  He walked up and got a hit on the first pitch most games.  

I can't discuss the season without mentioning his most devoted fans.  His little brothers came to every game this season.  Sam and Max love to watch Hank play.  They look up to him so much.  I couldn't believe how Sam just sat on the bleachers with me and really watched the game.  He's going to be a ball player for sure.  Max watched about half of the game and then had to resume his responsibilities as the master of the playground!

These two win the prize.  The last game of the season was not for the fair weather fan.  It was freezing, and windy, and we ended up blowing a 6 run lead and losing in extra innings.  Oh and it didn't get over until 10:30!  They stayed through it all which is not surprising since they came to almost every game this season.  Having them there meant the world to me and Hank.  

Of course Hank had many other fans throughout the season.  Lucy and Isabel managed to take a break from their rigorous dance schedules and catch a few games.

Of course Jeri, Scott and Griff came to many games as well.  I can't say it enough, Hank's grandparents are the best EVER!  The Jones', and the Royster's were also cheering Hank on anytime they could.  I know how hard it is to get to these games when it's your own kid, let alone your nephew.  I appreciate it so much. I'm so sad the season is over.  I look forward to these games and can't get enough of watching my boy play.  Something tells me I'm not going to have a shortage of games to attend over the course of his life!  I'm so proud of my Hank-man!!