Game 1: Yankees 3, Iron Pigs 0

The Westdale Iron Pigs played on Opening Day for the Westale Broncos division. It was sunny, beautiful and warm. Unfortunately, I can't show you any pictures of this game, because my camera decided to format away 150 pictures in the 7th inning. Also unfortunataely, the Pigs lost, 3-0 in a strong pitcher's duel that didn't end until the 8th inning, which is extra innings in this division. The Yankees threatened early with two men on in scoring position the top of the 1st, but couldn't pull the trigger. Neither team had more than one baserunner per inning for the next six innings, including one Iron Pig whose triple was negated by the fact that he'd neglected to step on first. The Yankees scored three on questionable fielding choices in the top of the 8th, and no Pig made sufficient contact in the bottom of the 8th, thus ending the game.

Max played right field, and made two defensive plays. He struck out three times.

Game 2: Iron Pigs 2, Vipers 0

Last year, the Vipers were a force to be reckoned with. However, this year they are in a rebuilding mode. They're actually in a different league, and they're the only team in their age bracket, so every game is against a different league.

Max takes notes from the first base coach before his at bat.

The Pigs ate Viper pitching like a truffle (and that's the last time I'm making THAT comparison), getting several hits. They scored two runs in the bottom of the third inning, and the game was called in the top of the sixth due to darkness.

Max steals second base.

Max played right field all game. He walked twice, stole a base, advanced on a bunt, scored the first Iron Pig run of the season... and made a TOOTBLAN (ran from third base on a pop-up without tagging) to end the fifth inning. He actually had a really good line on a deep drive to right-center, but he just couldn't quite catch up with it.

Max scores the first Iron Pig run.

Max advances to third on the bunt in the fifth.

Max prepares to run like Ryan Theriot... badly.

It's too early in the season for real stats, but Max has two walks in five PAs. He's working on his fundamentals, including hearing/seeing the steal sign and bunt sign.

Coach Greg talks to the team after the game. It was so dark, I had to use the flash. The ump called the game when two pitches he says he never saw went over his left shoulder about three inches from his head.

Like last year, I'm an assistant coach. So far, I've played right field, second base, been the designated runner in pick-off play practice. I've made probably three errors, two mis-throws, and sprained my ankle once. And I'm having a great time. I love baseball.