Go BCC Blue Jays!: Opening Day Fun

The Blue Jays opened the Spring 2017 BCC Baseball National League season with an outstanding effort versus the Yankees. In many respects, onlookers must have been surprised to learn that this was their very first baseball game!

April 2 Game Report

Throughout the lengthy contest, everyone consistently demonstrated sound, fundamental "ready positions." Being ready when the ball comes near you is the most difficult task in all of baseball, no matter your age or level of experience.

Jacob Carle deserved this moment to admire one of the three fantastic hits he delivered on Sunday afternoon. At Saturday's practice, Jacob learned to take a little step - called a "load" - when the pitcher begins his motion. Jacob needed little time to execute the technique and generate impressive results.

In the field, Jacob was a ball hawk, snagging grounders at pitcher's helper and at right shortstop. He contributed one of the Blue Jays' four put-outs on the day, an unassisted play on a grounder at 1st base.

Milen Hukmani took to batting like a duck to water. He followed up a promising start at practice on Saturday with three well hit balls in the game on Sunday. Milen's at-bats tend not to last very long thanks to his keen batting eye and smooth swing.

Milen recorded the Blue Jays' first put-out of the season, an unassisted ground ball at 1st base in the first inning. In the third inning, Milen fielded at grounder at 3rd base and stepped on the bag for a force out.

Niara Gupta ripped the second pitch she saw in pregame batting practice and picked up where she left off as soon as the game began. Her base hit up the middle in the bottom of the first inning was quite a shot!

Here, Niara returns to the bench after scoring a run for the Blue Jays. She crossed the plate in each offensive inning. Defensively, Niara played well at right shortstop, left shortstop, and in the outfield.

Jacob Wilson improved his swing with each at-bat. Focusing on his mechanics and remembering to swing hard, Jacob saved his best hit for the final stanza. In all, he collected three solid knocks.

Jacob learned to be aggressive in the field, chasing down well hit balls in left field and at 2nd base. Above, Jake wears the look of satisfaction as he returns to the bench for another trip to the plate.

Dominic Delgado established himself as a clutch early-season hitter for the Blue Jays. After an impressive turn at the plate in pregame batting practice, Dominic proceeded to hit the ball hard in all three at-bats.

A fearless fielder, Dominic moved to the ball on every play. Above, he delivers a throw to 1st base after fielding a grounder at pitcher's helper.

Lila Schruefer impressed the coaching staff in batting practice, listening attentively and quickly executing a near-perfect batting stance. After knocking hits in her first two at-bats, Lila delivered a fantastic grounder to the left side of the infield in her final trip to the dish.

Lila was ever-ready in the field. Above, she prepares for action in "ready position" in right field. Lila also played well at 2nd base and at right shortstop.

Luke Kavounas packs impressive natural power. Above, he waits on deck for his next chance to hit. One of the Blue Jays' two lefty batters, Luke slammed three grounders through the infield in Sunday's game.

After getting some fatherly advice, Luke made several nice plays on grounders at pitcher's helper. He also contributed an out on a spectacular play at 1st base, corralling a high-bouncer and stepping on the bag to complete the put-out.

Clark Roggie served notice that he can hit to all fields. Above, he prepares to crush a grounder up the middle in the second inning. He also pulled a grounder to 1st base in his first at-bat and went the other way with a grounder down the 3rd base line in his final trip to the plate.

Here, Clark shows off his "ready position," focusing on the batter with his hands up, ready to go. Clark stopped a grounder at 3rd base on the first play of the game and later knocked down a bouncer at 2nd base.

Great Start!

These Blue Jays hustled to the ball, paid attention, listened, and improved in each inning.

They had fun, began to know each other as teammates, and demonstrated great sportsmanship!

And of course they enjoyed the post game snacks that were provided by Niara's parents. Thanks, Gupta Family! And thanks to all parents who helped out at our first game!