Jake played for baseball for North Reading’s Triple-A league Durham Bulls this spring.
On defense, Jake usually played catcher. He likes that position because he’s involved in every pitch. His team liked him playing there because he’s very good at blocking errant pitches, keeping the infield aware, and making the throw to second base in case of a steal.
On offense, Jake usually batted near the cleanup spot. He was a very strong hitter this year and maintained a batting average above .500 throughout the season. His speed on the base paths meant he had a number of doubles, triples, and stolen bases.
At the last regular season game, Jake’s team played a night game under the lights and Grams came along to watch. Before the game, Jake told grams that he’d be hitting a homerun for her! Jake came up to bat in the top of the first inning with one out and runners on first and second. When the first pitch was thrown to him, he smacked a long fly ball over the left-fielder’s head and into the corner. Using his tremendous speed, he legged out a three-run homer - even waving to Grams as he crossed home plate!!
Jake’s team finished mid-pack but good enough to advance into the playoffs. After dropping the first game, they had a tremendous come-from-behind victory in their second game to stay alive in the first first round. Their third game was hard-fought back and forth match. Jake led off one inning with a triple to left but it wasn’t enough to lift them to victory and their 12-8 loss would be their last of the season. Still, it was a great season and a lot of fun! Thanks coaches!!
Great season, Jake. Aside from the games I attended, your dad has kept me up to date. I LOVE how you have started “calling” your shots. Homerun power slugger, that’s Jake, calling where he’ll hit it, like a true Professional ball player. Congrats to you and the team for going so deep into the playoffs.
I miss the days of Little League (I never played, but I loved watching my sibs on their teams.) Jake looks good in those proverbial “tools of ignorance”, and he seems to have some speed to burn to boot. Congrats to him and to his team on a fine season