Cameron gets his big break

Toward the end of our Mud Hens season, Cameron got the chance he had been waiting for ALL season: to be a Mud Hen himself.

We were short three players on our team, which meant we could "pull up" a player from a lower level to sub for us. Our coach had told Cameron all season that, if this should happen, he was the man for the job.  And on this particular game, he got the opportunity!

He was so excited, but very nervous. Coach Ryan gave him some advice before going on deck.

Colden, giving him a high five and telling him he was going to do great!

On deck!

*My big, grown up ball player*

Cameron had a great swing, but this was the first time he had ever been up against a real pitching machine.  As hard as he tried, he struck out! You can imagine he was pretty discouraged, but all of his teammates and coaches were very supportive and told him he would get that ball the next time!

Next up? Playing some outfield! He didn't get much action, but the couple of times the ball came to him, he got it and threw it in to the infield right away. He knew just what to do!

And then came one of my favorite pictures from the entire season. 

One Merritt batting, one Merritt on deck.

And, this time, Cameron's swing connected! He ran like the wind....

....concentrating very hard....

....and he made it to first base in plenty of time! 

Getting some congratulations from Coach Nate.

Next up was Colin, who got a great hit and sent Cameron all the way home!

There he goes, heading to second....

....Colin coming to first....

....Cameron heading around to third....

....and Cameron running right across home plate....

....followed closely by his brother, who had in fact hit an in the park home run! Woooo-hoooo!

Love this shot of two Merritts in the same huddle. :)

Cameron's third and fourth hits also resulted in getting on base. We were so excited, and so was he!

Colin did a little warm up pitching with Daddy....

....and pitched us right out of the game! A great win for the Mud Hens! 

It was such a great opportunity for Cameron to play with the big boys, and as you can see,

he was all smiles.  The coolest thing of all was that the ump knew what was going on the 

whole game, and how Cameron was obviously a younger player who had been pulled up.  

Apparently, the ump thought he did so well....

....that he gave him the game ball.

A treasure for a very special little boy who got an awesome opportunity--

and definitely rose to the occasion!