Las Vegas Piranhas

In January or February 2015 we had gone to watch Xander's friend Adam play in a tournament with his team, the Piranhas. My friend Jason's son played with the team as well. I had heard from Adams dad, and Jason some good things about the coaches. We went to a game, and that game they lost. Art went to listen to the coaches speak to the kids afterwards. He was pleasantly surprised, on the words, and the speech the coaches gave. He has asked Xander if he wanted to maybe go to a few practices and he said ok. He spoke with Holly, who was the "team-mom/team coordinator"  and set it up. I did not go to them. I was just told one day Xander was going to guest play in Utah with them. I was really excited. We never got to travel with the Pumas, so this was great! It was in Saint George. The "March Mayham" tournament.
Art and Xander went up early and I drove up after work, missing most of one of the games. I was told by Art and Jason that Xander was playing amazingly!

Game 2, he was catching, and just giving it his all! 

He got the game ball!!!

                            
Shortly after this video, Xander made a play at home. He had the ball in his glove, the kid was sliding home, he grabbed Xanders glove, and pulled it back. Xander was in extreme pain but held onto that ball, for the out. He took off his glove, and his thumb was in colors it should not have been!!  We took a trip to the ER. (and side note, thank God we were in Utah, cause vegas hospital vs utah hospitals..Utah wins!) He was treated like a king in the ER.

And this is what he got. A broken thumb...... Oh I cried!! He wanted to stay the rest of the weekend (as did we) and support the piranhas. The next day we went swimming (well, not Xander) and had pizza. We hung out with some of the parents, and instantly formed bonds. The kids were just so great with Xander.

Xander was sad to not play, but he really loved cheering the team on.

One thing I loved about this team (there was many) was: these kids right here in the picture. Those boys never tore each other down. If one kid struck out, the boys built him up in the dugout. They supported each other. They showed the coaches respect. They were not mean, they worked hard, and never stopped trying (because "Good enough... never is!" as said by coach Alex and the boys at each talk). I also completely LOVED the parents. They were fun! I really hoped that Xander wanted to go back to club ball. Because after one weekend, I fell in love with this team. It was up to him, and the Piranhas, if they wanted him.

The team won 2nd place! 

The kids that made me fall in love.. 

from the top: Adam ,Collin, Jordan, Trevin, (then unknown kid), and Juan.

Bottom: Aiden, Xander, Mario, Katson

Coaches: Jesse (almost covered), and Alex. (also Alex's brother helped)

 Here is Adam and Xander!

**Trophy!**

After we got the trophies, we went to the side to have a team talk:

 and the video:

He was super excited to become apart of this team!

Came home and placed this guy on our car!!

Silverado Little League Mets Majors 2015

We signed up for Xander's first year of majors. The shortest season in little league for him. He played about 2 games. 

He got to be on the same team with Quest, which was great because they had become the best of friends this school year! They played little league and All stars together the previous year.

We played against Robbie's team. (Robbie from the Pumas, and now Legends!)

Art wasnt able to coach this year due to work, but was home for the start of the season!

His season was cut short due to an injury, when he was guest playing for another club ball team (Piranhas!) Once his broken thumb healed, he chose to dedicate his time to the piranhas, he did not return to little league.

Up next: Start of the Piranhas

Mountain West Vegas Scout Showcase

Xander and Adam went to this scout showcase. Usually for highschool players. They were the youngest there. Pro and college scouts were all there to watch these kids show them their skills.

I have to say, I was so completely nervous. Xander was calm. He geared up and caught for highschool kids! He hit, and played the field, all with a smile just because he was enjoying the experience! Also because he had thought he may be done with baseball until then.

We knew at his age he was not going to get "scouted" so to speak, but wanted him to get used to this experience. (maybe secretly hoped he'd fall back in love with the game)

Up next Silverado Little League Majors

Flag Football 2014/2015

After leaving the Pumas, Xander put down the bat, and picked up a football again.

He joined NYS flag football.

The coach for the team was very serious, and the team did good. Xanders fast feet helped out a lot!

 He got a touchdown!

He enjoyed flag football, but he did miss baseball. We went to this Mountain West college/pro scout showcase and also watched a couple of his friends baseball games, and he just really wanted to get back on the baseball field. He didnt want to just jump into any team though.. so we waited....

up next Mountain West Scout

Our exit from the Pumas

We left mid tournament.. Xander worked so hard to prove himself as a catcher, & as a player. He was always there and put in 100% and more of himself. This team meant everything to him. Proving himself to his coaches seemed to be difficult. Unfortunately, things didnt work out. We had to walk away. 

This entire 11u team fell apart a couple months later. 

Xander made great friends on this team. I still have friends from this team as well. I love the coach's wife, and her son was the sweetest kid. Tonya, and his her son Robbie. Adam of course as well, and his dad. I cant forget Jay. We still are friends with him, and he is doing great things for his teams. The Pumas are huge in Vegas! They are now the "CBA Pumas".

Oh there is a boys Myles that was on this team, who had later joined Xanders team that he joins in the future: (Legends) 

 Here is a video of Xanders time with this team!:

After he left this team, Xander for the first time ever, did not want to play baseball. He did not want to look for another team. He was done. Our hearts broke, but we let him choose what he wants when it comes to sports.  So, he chose Flag football! (but of course, baseball will always draw him back somehow!)

Cranberry Classic 2014 (Pumas)

This tournament is held over Thanksgiving weekend. Our team did good this weekend!

Xander leading the team (again) in a cheer!

 If you look in this pic below.. we are shaking hands with the Piranhas. They were a brand new team. I knew a dad on from the team, through work. Didnt know at the time, but we would later join that team.

Little side note, we beat the piranhas. I did tell Jason (the dad) that I felt bad that we kind of creamed them, 15-1. 

He played hard!

Video of Xander catching.

Up next our last tournament, and recap video with the Pumas