RE: Astros

Hi All,

The Astros showed up and played one of their best games of the year, earning them a berth in the Final game against the Royals.

Win, lose or draw I think we had a great season. Thanks to everyone for contributing to the effort.

We are scheduled for practice tonight. If the weather holds up I would like to hold it at the Mead Park batting cages from 6:15-7:30.

If the Fields hotline (203-594-3610) indicates the fields are closed then we will meet tomorrow at 5 pm at the same spot to get some batting practice before the game.

See everybody tomorrow.

Brian

Brian,

Thanks to you and the coaching staff for a great season! Both as a parent and as a long time [soccer] coach, I greatly appreciated how you guys transformed the Astros into a baseball team. Yesterday's game was a testament to the steady, positive coaching philosophy of the Astro's coaches. Although he would have preferred a win, was thrilled to have had the opportunity to play for you guys in the championship game. As his dad, there is no question in my mind that he was on the winning team yesterday.

It was such a fun season to watch. Thank you. Everyone of those boys improved over the course of the season. Each one exhibited thoughtful baseball judgment yesterday. Each boy now goes up to bat believing that he can put the ball in play - we, the fans-parents, saw that confidence last night. In my mind, these are the true signs of a championship season.

Thank you.

GTW

Greg Walters

Greg,

What a kind note. You are correct. Every boy got better over the last three months. Each of them came to practice and games with a great attitude to learn and improve. We saw the results of that by making it to the final game.

Thank you so much for the note it truly makes my day.

Ike

Without going overboard, you guys absolutely distinguished yourselves yesterday. Your coaching has always been positive. No ranting and raving at the kids. Or at the umpires. Such as yesterday.

On a personal level, this is what I loved about yesterday. He went up to hit. I don't think he looked at a strike. In each of the three at bats, he had 2 strikes. That means he made contact with the ball at least 9 times yesterday. I have watched him gain more and more confidence this season at the plate. And in the field.

And these games have been really really fun to watch.

Have a great summer.

GTW

Greg Walters

I have to say I have pitched more batting practice this year than any other year. I saw from the first few games that that was a place we really needed to work. The boys who started off as our weakest hitters all got much better and contributed significantly over the last four or five games. We had no real holes in the lineup that were easy outs. It would have been nice to have these last few games both in the field and at the plate, but clearly we did not need him on Saturday.

really shined in the batting cage the last three times he was with me. Especially at practice on Tuesday night. I was very impressed. When he came in for bp last night he said all I need to do it hit like yesterday with a smile, and he did. As he walked out of the cage I knew he was confident and happy deservingly so.

Thanks again,

You also have a great summer also

Best

Ike