Blue Jays make Mom Proud!

The Blue Jays made their mothers proud before, during and after their Mothers Day game with the Tigers (black) Sunday, May 13, at Westland Middle School.

Dylan Yoon, Sam Berman, Justin Conner, Charlie Knowles, Jack Raymond, Braden Poon, John Wyatt, Dylan Edwards, George Roggie, Jeremy Robertson, Ryan Groban, Ethan Yu and Gavin Ferguson demonstrated terrific sportsmanship while playing a very competitive game against a good team.

The final score was Tigers 17, Blue Jays 10.

May 13 Game Report

Sam Berman came within a single of hitting for the cycle.  Above, Sam celebrates after clobbering a home run in the bottom of the sixth inning.  Sam also added a double, a triple, three runs scored and 3 RBI in a breakout performance for the ages.

A player who does not need to be reminded to get in ready position, Sam was up to his old tricks in the infield, as well.  Above, he prepares to stop a grounder at shortstop.

Braden Poon was a stopper in the field.  Above, Braden mans the 1st base position, where he caught a great throw from Dylan Yoon to complete an assisted out in the third inning.  Braden made an even bigger play in the fourth inning, nabbing a fly ball down the left field line and throwing to Dylan Edwards at 3rd base to double up the runner who forgot to tag up.  Braden also notched an infield assist in the first inning, scooping up a ground ball at pitcher's helper and throwing to Charlie Knowles at 1st base for the game's first out.

Braden returned to his typically outstanding offensive form in the game with the Tigers.  His RBI single in the first inning capped an early rally for the Blue Jays.

Dylan Yoon is becoming a key cog in the Blue Jays' offensive attack.  He went 2-for-2 with two singles and a run scored in Sunday's game.  He's now hitting .545 with five runs scored and two RBI in his first season of competitive baseball.

Dylan is establishing himself as a consistent out maker for the Blue Jays.  He struck again Sunday, smoothly fielding a grounder at pitcher's helper and delivering an accurate throw to Braden Poon at 1st base for an out in the third inning.

Ethan Yu's work in the outfield was impressive.  He routinely fielded well hit balls and returned them to the infield to hold the runners to singles.  A practice fanatic, it is no surprise that Ethan is playing outstanding fundamental baseball.

Ethan continued his personal attack on the baseball in Sunday's game.  Above, he rounds 1st base on his way to a triple in the first inning. Ethan would later add a single, two runs scored and an RBI.  He is tied for the team lead with seven runs scored this season.

Charlie Knowles had an incredible afternoon at the plate.  Above, he surveys the field from 3rd base in the bottom of the third inning.  Charlie went 3-for-3 with two home runs, a single, two runs scored and three RBI.  He, too, has scored seven runs in his first four games.

Defensively, Charlie collected an infield assist in the top of the first inning when he grabbed a perfect throw from Braden Poon to complete the first out of the game.  It was Charlie's third assisted put out of the year.

Dylan Edwards earned the first put out of his baseball career in the fourth inning.  After Braden Poon made a spectacular catch of a fly ball in left field, Dylan alertly covered 3rd base and caught Braden's throw to finish the double play.

Dylan also continued to make contact at the plate, fouling off pitch after pitch during two quality at bats.

Gavin Ferguson is closing in on a breakout offensive performance.  In Sunday's game, he did a great job staying in the batter's box and attacking the ball.
 

Defensively, Gavin did an excellent job going after ground balls at 3rd base in the fifth inning.  He also took a turn at catcher in the top of the first inning.

Ryan Groban looked like a natural behind the plate in the third inning.  He also made a great stop and tag out at shortstop, a defensive highlight in the fifth inning.

Ryan could have used a little luck.  He made excellent contact in each of his three trips to the plate, grounding out twice and hitting into a fielder's choice.  If he continues to put the ball in play, then good things will happen.

Justin Conner made a lot of good things happen in the game with the Tigers.  Above, Justin rounds 2nd base on his way to one of two extra base hits that he collected on the day.  Justin's 3-for-3 performance included a home run, a triple, a single, one run scored and two RBI.  His season totals now include a .769 batting average and ten runs batted in.

Justin took a moment to pose with his dad, Kevin Conner, before he headed out to play 2nd base in the fourth inning.  Justin's defensive exploits included stops of two difficult ground balls.  Kevin contributed his expertise in helping the catchers put on the gear.

Jeremy Robertson is a tough cookie.  He spent a long time looking out from behind the catcher's mask in the top of the fifth inning.  Jeremy contributed five outstanding plays defensively, fielding three well hit balls at 3rd base and two hits in the outfield.  Jeremy has become one of the more reliable ground ball stoppers on the team.

After dealing with some very low pitches in his first at bat, Jeremy put a hit on the board in his second trip to the plate.  He waited for his pitch and smashed a single to right field in the fourth inning. Jeremy's .667 batting average ranks among the team leaders so far this season.

Jack Raymond continued to rip the ball in the game with the Tigers.  His sharp ground ball in the fourth inning would have been a hit had it not found the glove of the 1st baseman.  Jack is another player who needs nothing more than some good luck.

Jack made an impressive stop of his own at 3rd base in the second inning.  He ranged to his right and backhanded a grounder that appeared to be destined for extra bases.  That's solid defense!

George Roggie contributed a single to the Blue Jays' first inning rally.  In the photo above, George heads for home to score his sixth run of the season, a total that puts him among the team leaders.

There are few things that George enjoys more than catching a baseball.  Unfortunately, the ball never came his way in Sunday's game.  These things tend to average out over time.  When his opportunity comes, George will be ready.

John Wyatt made the most of two opportunities at the pitcher's helper position in the second inning.  He moved his feet, tracked a pop-up near the 3rd base line, and made the catch for the first out of the inning.  Then, one batter later, he did it again!  John has now logged three unassisted put outs this season.

John narrowly missed getting an extra base hit in the bottom of the sixth inning when his ground ball smash down the 3rd base line went foul by no more than two inches.  He straightened it out on his next swing, only to hit a line drive at 'em ball to the 3rd baseman.

Coaches and Mentors

Coach Tom Yu did an excellent job at 1st base.  Above, he provides wisdom and guidance to Jeremy Robertson.

Coach Derrick Raymond was outstanding at 3rd base, reminding runners to go hard on grounders and to wait and tag up on balls in the air.

Bench Coach Trista Robertson once again wielded her Sharpie with aplomb.  The Blue Jays also appreciated the post game snacks and drinks that Trista and Chris Robertson provided.

Susan Poon can keep score amid the most trying circumstances.  In Sunday's game, our opponent was missing a player who had not been removed from the lineup.  For those who have not kept a baseball scorecard, this is akin to driving a car that is missing a wheel.  Susan kept it between the lines.  Thanks, Susan!

Why We Play

As always, the Blue Jays demonstrated great sportsmanship throughout the afternoon.  In the photo above, they congratulate the Tigers, a dedicated and highly skilled baseball team.

For some guys, this game was an occasion for serious reflection and probing conversation.

Some had other ideas.

But we all had fun, did our best, and demonstrated great teamwork and sportsmanship!

Coach Steve