Orioles Win!

The Orioles played game 7 of the season last night ... and they won 13-11 after a 7 run final inning. That brings their record to 3-3 (remember, game 5 was rained out and will be played again later). Andrew got solid bat on the ball his first two at-bats, but flew out in both trips. He walked his third at-bat. He also pitched the second inning. He started off strong, throwing hard and accurate, but then gave up 5 consecutive walks and was yanked. Probably the best part of his game was in the field where he made three nice fielding plays that turned into outs.

Irish Dancing at the Scottish Festival

Today Abby and the O'Hare Irish Dancers performed at the Celtic Beltane Festival presented by the Scottish American Society & Maize Valley Market and Winery. There were a lot of men skirts and plenty of bagpipes as well. Here is a short highlight reel of the Irish dancers.

Andrew Earns 3rd Game Ball

Last night the Orioles took on the Tigers in their 5th game of the season. Unfortunately, rain delays caused the game to end short after 2 innings (they say it will be made up later). Captured below is Andrew's only at bat of that game - a swinging bunt single that scored a run.

Today the Orioles took on the Mets for their 6th game of the season (in a close 12-14 loss). Despite a few sprinkles and muggy conditions, the game was completed. Andrew pitched the first inning of the game. Some shaky defense behind him and one walk led to 2 runs for the other team. However, with bases loaded, Andrew hunkered down and struck out the next three hitters to end the side. He played OF, SS and 3B the rest of the game (and made a nice out on a Met trying to steal third base). On offense, Andrew had three hits, including a triple in the 5th inning. He also had a stolen base, scored two runs and had 3 RBI. In fact, he was awarded the Coach's Game Ball once again - the third time out the four games he has played! Unfortunately Dad was too busy score-keeping that we have no video of game 6 (Mom and Abby were at a Scottish Festival for Irish Dance).

5th Grade Rock and Roll Concert

Andrew and his fellow 5th graders delivered the first ever, Waite Elementary School musical concert this evening. Andrew was one of the stars of the show performing in a quintet and a duet in addition to the other group songs. He really showed his artistic talents tonight - nice job Andrew!

Orioles - Game 4

Andrew missed the Orioles game 3 (they lost 6-7) due to our Cincinnati trip, but he came back to game 4 today and was ready to play. He had an awesome hit (line drive into right-center) in his first at bat, stole two bases and then scored the Orioles first run of the game. In his second at-bat, he hit an infield grounder that he tried to beat out with a nasty slide into first base. Unfortunately, he was narrowly called out. He also contributed with a nice put-out playing second base today. In fact, his solid play earned him the Coach's game ball once again (second time in the three games he has played). Unfortunately, the rest of the Oriole's bats were silent and the team ended up losing 6-9.

Teddy Roosevelt

We got to see Teddy Roosevelt alive again tonight at the 5th Grade Living Museum as part of Andrew's elementary school Open Art & Crafts Night. It was a very realistic kiosk ... all we had to do is press a button and Teddy would come to life and talk about himself.

Orioles Game 2

Last night Andrew and his Orioles team played their second game of the year. It was another thrilling game. Andrew played 2nd base and outfield in the early innings. He had a walk, two hits, a stolen base, and a run scored (i.e., 2 for 2 bringing his season average back up to .500). Going into the bottom of the last inning, the Orioles were up 10-8. Andrew was brought in to pitch and save the game. Needless to say, he was very erratic, serving up four walks along with two strikeouts. The real drama came with the Orioles leading 10-9, two outs and bases loaded for the other team. Strike one. Strike two. Ball. Ball. Ball. So now we are at a full count with a do-or-die pitch. Would Andrew walk the batter to tie the game? Would he give up a game losing hit? Nope. Andrew reached down and threw him a dead solid heater ... strike three! Orioles Win! Andrew even received the Coach's Game Ball after the game for his spirited performance.