I am also excited fot Xander to be apart of the Toros/Bulls.
They had try-outs for SLAM/Toros. Xander was there, as well as Cesar. Adam came with Aiden. I hadnt realized that Aiden was going to SLAM. I wasnt sure I was ready to deal with his parents. I did see his mom, Kim. But did not speak to her. It was funny to see Alex and Jesse with clip boards, and looking very professional. It was good to see them again.
A guy name Chris Stevers, he was the Toros head coach, came over to speak to Xander, Cesar and Adam. Told them they were picked to be on the 14u team. Of course they did not have to think about it, and said yes they wanted to join! I was so happy :) I didnt know what number Xander was going to get. We filled out a form, which had 3 slots for your top 3 numbers. obviously #5 was top of the list. I just had to sit and wait until he got his jerseys!
During the summer, Xander did a lot of practices with CBA, He and Art decided to go back to where Xander started(PUMAS), we knew this day would come, as we love Jay Matos and know that this will help develop Xander skills, and help get him to his next step.
We drove across town to practice every Sunday. They were mostly 16 year olds. Many times I was the only parent there. It was good for Xander to practice with these older players. His coach instantly took to Xander.
Most of those boys hustled. No goofing off.
The drive was just too much for me. So Jay moved Xander over to the Henderson area. We went to a few practices, and I have to say, I just wasnt sure this was a good move. I wasnt sure who his coach would be, and there was just so many younger kids, who just werent out there taking it seriously. Xander would stay for the next practice, which was also another 16u team, and he would practice with them. They were all very good players. They were out there to work.
Xander is at that weird age, that there is no "15U" teams. its 14u, which is partly 14, and part 13. Xander usually was one of the few who just wanted to go to practice, and put serious work in, then go. Younger kids werent as serious (though there were a couple, and Xander instantly bonded with them). The 16U teams were much older, while Xander really loved being with them, he couldnt play with them. Then we had a scrimmage game.. or it was some sort of tournament. That this guy (coach) Chris made up"arranged". It was a confusing mess of a tournament to me
We went, the field was far, 2 very long days there.
One game we had a coach. Then the next game we had a different coach. The games were pretty terrible, But Xander did get to pitch, and he played short stop! So he liked that. He developed friendships with a couple of the boys. One of the boys (he was 13u age) was going to SLAM too. And was going to be on Alex and Jesse's team.
After the tournament there was a meeting for all the parents, at the batting cages. There we were informed on how CBA was going to work, and the coaching staff. I was happy after that meeting, knowing that the confusion in the summer was just because it was summer.
Xander was going to be with Marc McClain. He has been apart of the Puma/CBA for awhile. Xander really likes him. We were also happy that Ashton was also joining! Having him on his team and his family apart of it made me feel more at home. His CBA team has been helping him develop his skills in other positions. Coach Marc has help build a lot of confidence in Xander. Xander has only really been a "catcher" and an "outfielder" in most previous teams. He has done some in fielding here and there. But not until recently has been mainly only played infield. CBA has helped develop those skills.
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