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PLAYER REFLECTIONS Below are some thoughts from the players on their week in the Dominican Republic.   JACK LOBB, SOPHOMORE This trip showed me how some players have almost no resources and can still find a deep love for the game. I feel like we as a team can take their spirit about the game and apply it to ours, loving and appreciating every moment we get on the field. SEAN NAM, JUNIOR During my time in the Dominican Republic, I was really surprised at the joy everybody had for baseball, whether it was individually or as a collective. In my conversations in broken Spanish with Dominican coaches and players, I could sense how much baseball meant to everyone in the DR. One young catcher excitedly spoke about how he could already make the throw from home to second base, despite only being 12 years old. Another young player begged me to play catch with him so he could show me his fastball. When our team arrived early at a local field for a morning game, ...
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 THE SUN SETS ON A FANTASTIC WEEK Friday, our final day in the Dominican Republic, was our least busy; a just reward for a group of kids who have worked hard and embraced every experience and opportunity wholeheartedly for the entirety of the trip.  With nothing on the schedule in the morning, the kids were able to sleep in (a bit) and enjoy one last beach and ocean experience before the noon hour. After lunch, we boarded our bus for our final “games” of the week – a pair of situational scrimmages vs. Pembroke Hill Academy of Kansas City, MO.  These games were played at the Royals’ Dominican Academy on a pristine field and it was an opportunity for the kids to engage in a more relaxed game environment.  Those who were not in the lineup got to work with some of the Royals’ coaches so there was lots going on and lots of action throughout the afternoon.  Another strong pitching performance from Freddie Mierke was a highlight from the first game, while Allie Muirhea...
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DAY 5: A CLOSE GAME AND ANOTHER EDUCATIONAL OPPORUNITY Playing probably their stiffest competition of the spring, the Hanover boys held their own, locked in a scoreless game until Club Orozia scored twice on bases-loaded walks in the bottom of the sixth and held on for a 2-0 win, despite the ‘Rauders putting the tying run on second base in the top of the seventh.   The pitching of Alex Boone (4IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 7K) set the tone early as the offense struggled, collecting just three hits against a group of hard throwing and talented Dominican pitchers.   This team clearly had talent that will someday be playing in a professional capacity.   Jackson McBride had two singles and Allie Muirhead had the other hit for Hanover.    Things got interesting in the top of the fifth when a McBride single, walk and infield error loaded the bases but unfortunately, the inning ended on a questionable tag play at the plate 😉, when Sean Nam was gunned down to end the inning....
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 NO HUMP TODAY – EXPERIENCING JOY ON THE ISLAND Today’s activities started with a short drive to a remote part of Boca Chica (where we are staying) that was much different and less vibrant that the beachfront location we have used as our home base since arriving. We were dropped off on a dusty road and walked through a series of narrow walkways into a neighborhood of corrugated metal structures, which served as houses for the families who lived there.   The set-up was dense, with little more than small yards distinguishing the property lines.   We came upon what looked like an elongated shed and realized this is the structure we would be painting – blue as the main color with white trim. The kids – and a few of the parents – went to work and beautified the house, transforming its appearance within 90 minutes.   As the boys painted, curious children from the neighborhood gathered and watched, building up the courage to ask the players for various items – a pair of s...
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