Mark played for two teams this year, a super-league team and a city league team. His super-league team, the Diamond Thieves, played in a very difficult division. Mark had a lot of great friends on this team, and he really enjoyed the high level of competition. Pitches came in fast, and fielders didn't make errors. Mark's strength has always been fielding, and he didn't disappoint, playing primarily middle-infield, but moving to the outfield when the other team was showing a lot of power. Mark proved to be an on-base guy, batting second for most of the season, even though he saw curves, changeups, and a lot of fastballs.
Mark doesn't like when mom videos him. He thinks it is bad luck.
Mark made some great friends on the Diamond Thieves.
The team went out for ice cream one night after winning.
Mark became confident at the plate!
Mark's city league team, the Mariners, were a band of misfits. His coach didn't know much about the game, but he got a lot of help from Dad. Dad even coached three games, all of which the Mariners won. Though Mark started out in the outfield, he quickly moved to middle infield, and eventually became the team's go-to pitcher. He carried them on his back for most of the season. In the city tournament, they played the number one team, comprised almost entirely of super league players. Mark pitched four innings and kept his team ahead until the last at-bat. They lost by a single run in extra innings. This leadership role was really great for Mark, and he learned to love playing with the Mariners as well.
Mark pitched a lot for the Mariners.
Mark is a great baserunner on both teams.
We loved watching Mark lead his Mariners team!
Mark often came in to close the end of the game.
The team ended on a great game. Even though they lost, they scored 9 runs in the last inning to bring it close.
After taking fourth in the Lehi City Tournament, Mark's team advanced to State. They played well and made it out of pool play, and Mark still had a lot of innings remaining. Unfortunately, his team ran into the eventual winner of the tournament in the next round. They lost a close one and ended up tied for fifth place.
He also played in tournaments in Cedar City, Logan, St. George, and Heber City with the Diamondbacks. They would play four games over Friday and Saturday, usually winning one or two against the top teams in the State. This level of competition really helped Mark to improve his game, and he had a lot of fun.
Mark and Mom spent a lot of evenings together!
They took 3rd in their league for Diamond Thieves.
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