WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS!

After our exciting morning victory, it was time for a 20 minutes rest in the shade. With the 90+ degree heat, these boys were burning up.
Zoe spent some time playing with Julianna in the shade too...
After the fields were freshly raked and chalked, it was time to get started. The coaches were ready to go. This is one GREAT group of coaches!
The League President announced each kid's name as they ran out to the field. These boys were pumped up!
The KC Royals...ready to play!
The boys lined up for the National Anthem. It was so touching to see them all in a line with their hats off facing the flag. It brought tears to my eyes and was a great moment to be a part of.
Boys are in the dugout, ready to face off against the Padres, the National League Champions.

Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of the boys playing during the game! I was a nervous wreck...up and down, pacing back and forth, and generally just trying to keep calm. There was a lot of cheering going on too! It was a nail biter, neck and neck through the whole game. Fortunately, we have some amazing kids on our team. Everyone did what they needed to do and we pulled off a win in the last inning of the game! I don't think I've jumped up and down so much in my life. It was truly an exciting moment!!

The boys ran out to hi-five the Padres...they were a tough team to beat.
Cooper was exhausted, but this is one content face...
The coaches gave some great speeches to the boys after their games. They talked about how far all of them have come in the last four months and how proud they were. They also told them to cherish this time and this team for what it is...a once in a lifetime experience.
Instead of dumping gatorade on the coaches, they dumped a bunch of water bottles on them. With the heat, I think they actually appreciated it!
Grandma, Grandpa and Jax also came to cheer Cooper on. They were glad they came to see the "big win!".
Zoe was happy taking care of Denton, while Teri and Matt came to cheer us on too...
After the excitement we walked over to the South Field for the closing ceremonies. The league put on a huge BBQ for all the teams. They had hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks, along with a ton of jumpies and fast pitch games for the kids. I couldn't believe our boys still had energy! I think they were going on pure adrenaline. We finally got them to sit down to take a breather in the shade.

The boys were finally called up to get their trophies for their championship win!
The KC Royals. Pinto-Machine Pitch Division World Series Champions.
Cooper was fortunate enough to have the best coaches ever. Here he is with Coach Matt... we adore this man!
Way to go Cooper! You have worked so hard this season. After 24 games and more practices than we can count, you stuck to it and gave it your all. Win or lose, we are SO PROUD of you!!