After 36 hours of travel, our U16s finally arrived into Miami at midnight. On the bus, check into the hotel, a quick shower and some well needed sleep..... oh yeah, did I mention the bus leaves at 7.30am this morning. sorry guys :)
Day 1
It was up early to board the bus for the Everglades National Park. First we found Dennys, a great breakfast down, back on the bus for Gator Park for an airboat ride across the Everglades. Our tour guide tells us there are 1.5 million alligators in the Everglades................ they must of taken the day off as we only saw 1 !!! He gave the boat a good thrashing and was a lot of fun. After that we sat down for a wildlife show, Conor got up close and personal with the S...corpion. Photos anyone? Next stop was Dicks for some shopping before heading back to the hotel to freshen up then it was off to Marlins Park for a tour of the stadium before the game. We had a special tour guide who took us places the general public can't get access to. We started at the indoor batting cages where the Marlins were taking batting practice, We ended up down near the dugout where the players were walking around before heading to our seats to watch Oakland take live BP. We were sitting in row B right behind the Marlins dugout, a few boys managed to get some game balls, was a great game to watch. Back on the bus for the hotel. Check out tomorrow and head to Disney!
Day 2
We let the team sleep for a while this morning. After breakfast, it was up to finish packing before boarding the bus for the Saw Grass Mills outlet shops. Out with our gloves for a 30 min throw to air out the cobwebs. 4 hours of shopping in the air con was great, outside was stinking hot! Mid afternoon we were back on the bus for our 3 hour drive to Disney. We arrived at the hotel, checked in and had dinner. Nice relaxing evening and an early night. Tournament starts tomorrow. First up, Acabeis Panama Red. Boys are relaxed and ready to go.
Day 3
An early breakfast then on the bus for the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex. What amazing facility. 10 baseball fields, 6 softball fields, 13 soccer / hockey / lacrosse fields, an indoor basketball and wrestling centre. Today we played a team from Panama. After a few hits in the top of the first, the Panama team managed to score a run but excellent defence from our guys got us out of the inning. An RBI single by Conor and an RBI triple to Luke C had us in front at th...e end of the first 2-1. A scoreless second from both teams and we were in the 3rd. A walk, HPB and a hit loaded the bases for Panama with no outs followed by 2 ground balls which should of gotten us out of the inning without giving up a run................ instead, we committed 4 errors and gave them 9 runs. We were unable to add anything in the home half and after 3 the score was 10-2 Panama. We found of form again in the 4th and 5th keeping them scoreless. As time was almost up this was our last chance with the bats and we found another gear. Everyone contributed at the plate and we scored 5 runs but it was too little to late and this game slipped out of our hands. Final score 10-7 Panama. Back on the bus for a relaxing afternoon, Out to Downtown Disney for dinner then back for bed. Early game tomorrow against Puerto Rico, looking to square it up.
Day 4
Was an early start, early breakfast and on the bus by 7. Luke T started and looked to have form early on striking out the first 2 hitters before a couple walks and a double saw Puerto Rico jump out to an early 1-0 lead. We didn't get any runners on base in the first. Top of 2 and again Luke strikes out the first 2 hitters and a ground ball gets us out of the inning. A few hits and a walk puts us in front and at the end of the second it is 2-1 us. 2 doubles a single, 2 w...alks and 2 errors allow PR to score 3 runs in the third, we came back with 2 of our own and after 3 it was 4 all. A lead of walk with the ball going to the back net allowed the hitter to take second base then a single to left scored him to put PR back in front. We came back with one of our own in the 4th to tie it a 5 going into the last inning. Conor shut the gate and gave us a chance to play for a run to win it. Unfortunately we couldn't get it done and we ended up with a 5-5 draw. This PR team was very good, We matched them inning for inning and we are a year younger than everyone here so our guys have been outstanding so far. Tomorrow we play Virgina. Boys are having a great time. After the game we came back to shower before heading over to the Disney Animal Kingdom for the afternoon.
Day 5
Breakfast was scheduled for 7 and we were on the bus at 8. Today we played the 7 cities from Virginia. We came out firing in the first and managed to put an early run on the board. Virginia came right back with 2 of their own and after 1, it was 2-1 them. we loaded the bases in the second with 3 consecutive walks, then a ground ball to second drove in our second run to tie the game at 2. Unfortunately, that's all the damage we could do as we stranded the bases loaded. ...Luke C got out of the second inning without any damage and the score was 2-2. Top of the third we plated another 2 runs with some good hits and a few walks before having another defensive shocker in the third, (all out bad innings have been the third in all 3 games) 3 hits and 3 errors were enough to put 4 runs on the board and at the end of the third it was 6-4 Virginia. Top of the 4th and an RBI double to Josh brings us within 1 but they manage to score 1 in the bottom to keep us 2 runs down. Heading into the 5th and final inning. A lead off walk followed by a fly ball to centre and a strike out had us one out away from a loss but the boys would not lie down. 3 walks in a row and we had tied the game at 7 all. For the second time this game we stranded loaded bases. Frano had the ball to close it down. A lead off walk, then 2 quick outs and 2 more walks had the bases loaded and 2 out for an exciting conclusion to this game. Frano gave way for Conor to get the final out and with a ground ball to second base we finished the game with our second draw in as many days. final score 7-7. We had lunch at the ESPN Grill restaurant at the field before coming home for a swim. Off to downtown Disney for dinner then back to the rooms for bed. No game tomorrow, We have a bye so its off to Disney Hollywood Studios theme park.
Day 6
Today we had a rest day so we took the time to sleep in a little. After breakfast we hopped on the 9am shuttle for Disneys Hollywood Studios theme park. Tomorrow is our last pool play game against Long Island. Game time is 8am at the main stadium. This field is the Atlanta Braves spring training field and also hosted the first round of the World Baseball Classic in 2006. This is a major league stadium.
Day 7
8am game so it was another early start. Conor had the ball and was in control for the first 5 innings. An error in the first cost us 2 runs but we settled down after that. We put 2 runs on the board in our half of the first with a big 2 run double to Luke C to tie the game at 2. Conor was lights out through the second, third, fourth and 5th allowing only 3 base runners with 1 hit and 2 errors. The Long Island pitcher threw the ball well and hit his spots. The first 4 i...nnings took an hour to complete as it was a real pitchers duel. At the end of 5 the score was 2-2. The 6th inning we hit a wall, an error, a HPB, a walk and a base hit scored 2 more runs for Long Island, we came up short in the bottom of the 6th with a double to Josh but we left him out there. After 6 it was 4-2 them. Brandon came in to work the 7th and got out of the inning quickly to give us one last chance, we had runners at first and third but couldn't get the job done and went down 4-2. Tomorrow we play a consolidation quarter final against Black Diamond from Illinois. After the game we had lunch at the ESPN Grill restaurant before heading home for a shower and a relaxing afternoon. Another early night.
Day 8
We had done enough to get into the consolidation quarter finals this morning Against the Black Diamond from Illinois. We jumped out to an early lead with an RBI single to Luke C but Illinois bounced right back with a run of their own. End of the first 1-1. The second inning went scoreless by both teams as the pitchers settled in. We broke out in the third with loaded bases and no out, Conor comes up huge with a bases clearing double and 3 RBIs, Luke C then picks up ano...ther with a hit to right field. Josh was dominating on the mound and the visitors went 3 up 3 down. End of 3, 5-1 us. Top of 4 and Daniel picks up an RBI to make it 6-1. Bottom of 4 and we have seen this before. 3 errors, 2 walks and a few hits and they are back in the game. End of 4 this score is 6-5 us. We couldn't add to our score in the 5th, then 1 strike into the bottom and down comes the rain. With lightning in the distance everyone was called up to the main stadium until we were given the all clear to return to our game. A 2 1/2 hour rain delay and we were back to finish the game. Isaac came in for Josh and a few walks and another error allowed Illinois to take the lead 7-6. We couldn't do any damage in the 6th and with time up, we went down 7-6. The Braves A ball team was playing the Pirates on the field next to us so before the game we went over and found fellow Qlder Nathan Hass who had a chat with the boys about life as a pro baseballer. After the game it was back to the hotel for a shower and then on to the Magic Kingdom to celebrate American Independence Day. With our tournament over, we say goodbye to Disney tomorrow and head to Orlando for a few days.
Day 9
We checked out of the Disney Resort at 10am and headed back to the field to watch the final, have lunch at the Grill and sit in the air con for a while. After lunch we went back to the Resort and played in the arcade before the bus picked us up at 4. We checked in to our next hotel in Orlando, freshened up before heading to the Typhoon Lagoon Party. This was a pretty good water park. We called it a night at 10 and headed back to the hotel. NASA tomorrow.
Day 10
Today we spent the day at NASA. What an amazing place. We had a guided bus tour around the NASA compound including the launch complex. We arrived at the Apollo/ Saturn V building which housed a rocket from one of the missions. This had to be seen as words can't do it justice. We also saw the space shuttle Atlantis which is housed at the visitor centre. A buffet dinner and a quick swim at the hotel then up to bed.
Day 11
Today we went to Universal Studios Orlando. We got there at 9am when the gates opened. The boys had a lot of fun on the rides and attractions but come 1pm they were ready to go. We had a relaxing afternoon back at the hotel, some went shopping with parents and we met up at 5 in the hotel reception for dinner. A nice steakhouse, 5 people decided to give the 32oz steak challenge a go. It was a great effort, that meal was massive. Back to the hotel to pack and sleep, Very early start in the morning as we depart for Honolulu.
Day 12
Up at 4am to be gone by 5, the airport was still busy. We checked our bags and headed for the gate for our flight to Dallas then on to Honolulu. Another long day in the air but well worth it. We arrived in Hawaii at 5pm,on the bus and to the hotel. Check in, a quick shower then dinner before retiring for the night.
Day 13
Today we had a free day to explore Hawaii or relax by the pool. Some went to the beach, some went shopping and some stayed in the hotel. We met up at 4.30 to catch the bus for our Luau. There was 500 people at the Luau, the pig has been roasting underground for 12 hours. Dinner was cooked to perfection, all the flavour and the tender, moist meat. you really can't describe it. After dinner we watched a Polynesian dance show. Our own Sharon Laverty got up on stage to learn the hula (photos and video to follow) and some of our boys got up on stage also. Was a really good night.
Day 14
Another free day today. Some hired out surf boards and paddle boards and spent the day on Waikiki beach, some went shopping, some went to Pearl Harbour and some lay around the pool in the hotel. This was our last day in Hawaii as tomorrow morning we board the plane to come home, We have had our ups and downs both on the field and off but have had an amazing time. I hope you all have been able to share our journey with us. See you in Brisbane.
Day 1
It was up early to board the bus for the Everglades National Park. First we found Dennys, a great breakfast down, back on the bus for Gator Park for an airboat ride across the Everglades. Our tour guide tells us there are 1.5 million alligators in the Everglades................ they must of taken the day off as we only saw 1 !!! He gave the boat a good thrashing and was a lot of fun. After that we sat down for a wildlife show, Conor got up close and personal with the S...corpion. Photos anyone? Next stop was Dicks for some shopping before heading back to the hotel to freshen up then it was off to Marlins Park for a tour of the stadium before the game. We had a special tour guide who took us places the general public can't get access to. We started at the indoor batting cages where the Marlins were taking batting practice, We ended up down near the dugout where the players were walking around before heading to our seats to watch Oakland take live BP. We were sitting in row B right behind the Marlins dugout, a few boys managed to get some game balls, was a great game to watch. Back on the bus for the hotel. Check out tomorrow and head to Disney!
Day 2
We let the team sleep for a while this morning. After breakfast, it was up to finish packing before boarding the bus for the Saw Grass Mills outlet shops. Out with our gloves for a 30 min throw to air out the cobwebs. 4 hours of shopping in the air con was great, outside was stinking hot! Mid afternoon we were back on the bus for our 3 hour drive to Disney. We arrived at the hotel, checked in and had dinner. Nice relaxing evening and an early night. Tournament starts tomorrow. First up, Acabeis Panama Red. Boys are relaxed and ready to go.
Day 3
An early breakfast then on the bus for the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex. What amazing facility. 10 baseball fields, 6 softball fields, 13 soccer / hockey / lacrosse fields, an indoor basketball and wrestling centre. Today we played a team from Panama. After a few hits in the top of the first, the Panama team managed to score a run but excellent defence from our guys got us out of the inning. An RBI single by Conor and an RBI triple to Luke C had us in front at th...e end of the first 2-1. A scoreless second from both teams and we were in the 3rd. A walk, HPB and a hit loaded the bases for Panama with no outs followed by 2 ground balls which should of gotten us out of the inning without giving up a run................ instead, we committed 4 errors and gave them 9 runs. We were unable to add anything in the home half and after 3 the score was 10-2 Panama. We found of form again in the 4th and 5th keeping them scoreless. As time was almost up this was our last chance with the bats and we found another gear. Everyone contributed at the plate and we scored 5 runs but it was too little to late and this game slipped out of our hands. Final score 10-7 Panama. Back on the bus for a relaxing afternoon, Out to Downtown Disney for dinner then back for bed. Early game tomorrow against Puerto Rico, looking to square it up.
Day 4
Was an early start, early breakfast and on the bus by 7. Luke T started and looked to have form early on striking out the first 2 hitters before a couple walks and a double saw Puerto Rico jump out to an early 1-0 lead. We didn't get any runners on base in the first. Top of 2 and again Luke strikes out the first 2 hitters and a ground ball gets us out of the inning. A few hits and a walk puts us in front and at the end of the second it is 2-1 us. 2 doubles a single, 2 w...alks and 2 errors allow PR to score 3 runs in the third, we came back with 2 of our own and after 3 it was 4 all. A lead of walk with the ball going to the back net allowed the hitter to take second base then a single to left scored him to put PR back in front. We came back with one of our own in the 4th to tie it a 5 going into the last inning. Conor shut the gate and gave us a chance to play for a run to win it. Unfortunately we couldn't get it done and we ended up with a 5-5 draw. This PR team was very good, We matched them inning for inning and we are a year younger than everyone here so our guys have been outstanding so far. Tomorrow we play Virgina. Boys are having a great time. After the game we came back to shower before heading over to the Disney Animal Kingdom for the afternoon.
Day 5
Breakfast was scheduled for 7 and we were on the bus at 8. Today we played the 7 cities from Virginia. We came out firing in the first and managed to put an early run on the board. Virginia came right back with 2 of their own and after 1, it was 2-1 them. we loaded the bases in the second with 3 consecutive walks, then a ground ball to second drove in our second run to tie the game at 2. Unfortunately, that's all the damage we could do as we stranded the bases loaded. ...Luke C got out of the second inning without any damage and the score was 2-2. Top of the third we plated another 2 runs with some good hits and a few walks before having another defensive shocker in the third, (all out bad innings have been the third in all 3 games) 3 hits and 3 errors were enough to put 4 runs on the board and at the end of the third it was 6-4 Virginia. Top of the 4th and an RBI double to Josh brings us within 1 but they manage to score 1 in the bottom to keep us 2 runs down. Heading into the 5th and final inning. A lead off walk followed by a fly ball to centre and a strike out had us one out away from a loss but the boys would not lie down. 3 walks in a row and we had tied the game at 7 all. For the second time this game we stranded loaded bases. Frano had the ball to close it down. A lead off walk, then 2 quick outs and 2 more walks had the bases loaded and 2 out for an exciting conclusion to this game. Frano gave way for Conor to get the final out and with a ground ball to second base we finished the game with our second draw in as many days. final score 7-7. We had lunch at the ESPN Grill restaurant at the field before coming home for a swim. Off to downtown Disney for dinner then back to the rooms for bed. No game tomorrow, We have a bye so its off to Disney Hollywood Studios theme park.
Day 6
Today we had a rest day so we took the time to sleep in a little. After breakfast we hopped on the 9am shuttle for Disneys Hollywood Studios theme park. Tomorrow is our last pool play game against Long Island. Game time is 8am at the main stadium. This field is the Atlanta Braves spring training field and also hosted the first round of the World Baseball Classic in 2006. This is a major league stadium.
Day 7
8am game so it was another early start. Conor had the ball and was in control for the first 5 innings. An error in the first cost us 2 runs but we settled down after that. We put 2 runs on the board in our half of the first with a big 2 run double to Luke C to tie the game at 2. Conor was lights out through the second, third, fourth and 5th allowing only 3 base runners with 1 hit and 2 errors. The Long Island pitcher threw the ball well and hit his spots. The first 4 i...nnings took an hour to complete as it was a real pitchers duel. At the end of 5 the score was 2-2. The 6th inning we hit a wall, an error, a HPB, a walk and a base hit scored 2 more runs for Long Island, we came up short in the bottom of the 6th with a double to Josh but we left him out there. After 6 it was 4-2 them. Brandon came in to work the 7th and got out of the inning quickly to give us one last chance, we had runners at first and third but couldn't get the job done and went down 4-2. Tomorrow we play a consolidation quarter final against Black Diamond from Illinois. After the game we had lunch at the ESPN Grill restaurant before heading home for a shower and a relaxing afternoon. Another early night.
Day 8
We had done enough to get into the consolidation quarter finals this morning Against the Black Diamond from Illinois. We jumped out to an early lead with an RBI single to Luke C but Illinois bounced right back with a run of their own. End of the first 1-1. The second inning went scoreless by both teams as the pitchers settled in. We broke out in the third with loaded bases and no out, Conor comes up huge with a bases clearing double and 3 RBIs, Luke C then picks up ano...ther with a hit to right field. Josh was dominating on the mound and the visitors went 3 up 3 down. End of 3, 5-1 us. Top of 4 and Daniel picks up an RBI to make it 6-1. Bottom of 4 and we have seen this before. 3 errors, 2 walks and a few hits and they are back in the game. End of 4 this score is 6-5 us. We couldn't add to our score in the 5th, then 1 strike into the bottom and down comes the rain. With lightning in the distance everyone was called up to the main stadium until we were given the all clear to return to our game. A 2 1/2 hour rain delay and we were back to finish the game. Isaac came in for Josh and a few walks and another error allowed Illinois to take the lead 7-6. We couldn't do any damage in the 6th and with time up, we went down 7-6. The Braves A ball team was playing the Pirates on the field next to us so before the game we went over and found fellow Qlder Nathan Hass who had a chat with the boys about life as a pro baseballer. After the game it was back to the hotel for a shower and then on to the Magic Kingdom to celebrate American Independence Day. With our tournament over, we say goodbye to Disney tomorrow and head to Orlando for a few days.
Day 9
We checked out of the Disney Resort at 10am and headed back to the field to watch the final, have lunch at the Grill and sit in the air con for a while. After lunch we went back to the Resort and played in the arcade before the bus picked us up at 4. We checked in to our next hotel in Orlando, freshened up before heading to the Typhoon Lagoon Party. This was a pretty good water park. We called it a night at 10 and headed back to the hotel. NASA tomorrow.
Day 10
Today we spent the day at NASA. What an amazing place. We had a guided bus tour around the NASA compound including the launch complex. We arrived at the Apollo/ Saturn V building which housed a rocket from one of the missions. This had to be seen as words can't do it justice. We also saw the space shuttle Atlantis which is housed at the visitor centre. A buffet dinner and a quick swim at the hotel then up to bed.
Day 11
Today we went to Universal Studios Orlando. We got there at 9am when the gates opened. The boys had a lot of fun on the rides and attractions but come 1pm they were ready to go. We had a relaxing afternoon back at the hotel, some went shopping with parents and we met up at 5 in the hotel reception for dinner. A nice steakhouse, 5 people decided to give the 32oz steak challenge a go. It was a great effort, that meal was massive. Back to the hotel to pack and sleep, Very early start in the morning as we depart for Honolulu.
Day 12
Up at 4am to be gone by 5, the airport was still busy. We checked our bags and headed for the gate for our flight to Dallas then on to Honolulu. Another long day in the air but well worth it. We arrived in Hawaii at 5pm,on the bus and to the hotel. Check in, a quick shower then dinner before retiring for the night.
Day 13
Today we had a free day to explore Hawaii or relax by the pool. Some went to the beach, some went shopping and some stayed in the hotel. We met up at 4.30 to catch the bus for our Luau. There was 500 people at the Luau, the pig has been roasting underground for 12 hours. Dinner was cooked to perfection, all the flavour and the tender, moist meat. you really can't describe it. After dinner we watched a Polynesian dance show. Our own Sharon Laverty got up on stage to learn the hula (photos and video to follow) and some of our boys got up on stage also. Was a really good night.
Day 14
Another free day today. Some hired out surf boards and paddle boards and spent the day on Waikiki beach, some went shopping, some went to Pearl Harbour and some lay around the pool in the hotel. This was our last day in Hawaii as tomorrow morning we board the plane to come home, We have had our ups and downs both on the field and off but have had an amazing time. I hope you all have been able to share our journey with us. See you in Brisbane.
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