March Madness

 March Madness is a tournament that won't be forgotten, not just because the Sliderzz won a 35 team tournament, but because of the experience that happened after all the games were over.

This is probably the biggest club baseball tournament in St. George during the whole year. Last year the Sliderzz didn't even make it to the Championship day. The boys knew going into it they had to be on their A game, and that they were! The boys played awesome in the four pool play games. The first two were in Hurricane in the wind and cold. I hardly got out of the car the first day. Thank goodness the warm sun came out for day two.

The "fans" had a great time in their short sleeves playing at the park. It finally felt like spring! The Sliderzz played great baseball in Toquerville and set themselves up to be the #2 seed in the playoffs.

Carlee had fun too! 

Glad we took a few pictures on Friday, because Saturday I was so nervous I hardly got out the camera. I have a tenancy to forget when I get wrapped up in the game. 

Saturday came, we beat the Edge in the first game and then moved on to play the Marshals. The Marshals jumped up on us quick scoring 6 in the first inning. The boys looked deflated, Gavin and Shane gave them the big pep talk as they were coming off the field. They picked it up and ended up beating the Marshals 14 to 8. Then it was time for the Championship game. Wow there was electricity in the air. Lots of people watching and the boys were pumped to win. It was a tough battle back and forth. In the bottom of the 7th we were up by two. Three outs and we win! Our closer Logan was on the mound, he had pitched great throughout the day and everyone was getting excited because we were so close. Right off the bat he had the batter in a hole with two strikes, then the next thing I knew he was hurt. He grabbed his arm and said there was a burning feeling in it. Everyone was sick. 

After evaluating the situation, the coaches put in Kyler to finish the game. Ky did awesome, he looked so confident out there on the mound. The Sliderzz got three outs and won the tournament! It was a beautiful victory.

Everyone was excited, but mostly sick because of Logan's arm. The coaches gathered the team together after all the trophies were given, and pictures were taken. The boys were nervous for their friend and teammate. Bishop Brad suggested that the team say a prayer. That helped calm their nerves. Then they decided Logan needed a blessing. Right there on a bucket of baseball's those 10 boys got to witness something a lot more important than baseball. They saw the power of the Priesthood at work. They watched their Coaches along with Dads administer to their friend in need. It was a powerful moment. One I know I will never forget. This helped me realize what is really important, baseball is secondary. Our Father has a beautiful plan, a plan that allows the Priesthood to be on the earth. I am so thankful for it, and for the power I felt on March 19, 2011 on a baseball field, and I know those little boys felt it too.

On a lighter note... Look the Sliderzz made The Spectrum!! Pretty cool! :)