Tee Ball Opening Day

Nolan and his manager, Coach Davenport.

Tee ball season kicked off this morning for the Niskayuna Baseball program.

Nolan is playing on the Price Chopper team, aka "The Choppers." He had a great time -- to the point where he was almost ready to cry when the game was over because he didn't want to stop. (Of course, as Tom Hanks taught us, there's no crying in baseball).


Nolan heads for home.

Nolan "Slugger" Rooney is the only lefty on his team. When he went up for his first turn at bat, the manager automatically put him on the left side of the plate and had him right handed. He hit a couple foul balls before hitting a weak grounder. On his next turn, I reminded the manager to have bat from the other side, and he smacked it on the first try. So perhaps he has a future as a switch hitter.


Nolan plays left field under the watchful eye of Coach Rooney.

I'm an assistant coach on the team. Today I coached third base when the Choppers were up to bat and stood in the outfield when they were fielding. Nolan played left field in the first inning and quickly grew frustrated since hardly anyone in tee ball hits anyting to left field. Fortunately, in the next inning he was moved to first base where he saw plenty of action.