Cheyenne Little League: My Positive Experience

Saturday, April 23

Positive Experiences

Don't just be a reader of everyone elses posts, participate by sending a My Positive Experience email to MyPositiveExperience@Cheyennell.com. Keep them coming.... 

 
7/5 - I want to Thank Manager Jeff Lucero for choosing me to help assist with the 2011 9-10yo All Star team. After 12 days of practices and a week of games. The team came up short of winning a D4 title, along the way I was able to be part of a great group of kids. Noah Briggs, Chase Hanners, Kirby Crane, Forrest Grevelis, Ausitn Valdez, Mason Rhiner, Jeffy Lucero, Jacob Stinger, Garrett Baumgarte, Nathan Egbalic, Andrew Mitchell, Ryan Loy and my Son Shelby Richards. Thank You for letting me be a part of this special team. I'm especially proud of my son Shelby Richards. He had a good tournament as a substitute, he played sound defense where he was put. In one of the games vs Peccole, Coach Jeff said put him at 3rd base. I was like are you serious? The situation was runners on 1st and 2nd, and no outs. He got a grounder hit to him, he made the play and stepped on 3rd for the first out of the inning and we got the next two outs and Peccole didn’t score. Thank you Coach jeff in having confidence in him. At the plate he went 3 for 6, with a triple and 4 RBI's and scored all 3 times he got on base and I will not forget the triple he laced to LF. I'm a proud poppa and look forward to him trying to make next years team. Along the way I got many compliments on how well he played. Feels good and so does he.
6/1 - My son has been playing ball for CLL for 8 seasons now and I've always felt this was a positive experience for him. This season though was something special playing for the (Major) Angels. We didn't have a winning record, but the boys played every game as if it was a playoff game and never gave up. As a parent and a coach, I have never enjoyed watching these kids more than this season! What a great group of kids! Their continued growth and positive attitude was a direct reflection of what their Head Coach, Robert Leal, brought to the team. He is truly a great mentor and I would have my son play on one of his teams anytime!

Thanks for a special season!
Don Goodwin
5/25 - Way to go Cheyenne Little leaque...

Not knowing a lot of baseball I decided to run for a spot on the board. I was touched by how helpful everyone on the board was willing to help others, and you don't see much of that anymore.

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Watching the smiles on these kids faces before a game is really something special to me, hearing these little voices come up from behind you and say ."hey coach" That's a great feeling in your heart. Learning all the new stuff I did and all the stuff I plan to learn, also makes me happy. All in all this was a great time,even through the roughest of times and heated discussions we pulled through it. I have enjoyed meeting all the parents of these wonderful kids.

Thanks CLL
Crystal Boman
5/24 - I just want to take a moment and applaud CLL for their on-going efforts to promote the sport of baseball throughout all age groups and their ability to bring in credible umpires, coaches, team moms and board members that made for a memorable 2011 spring season.  I have three boys within the league, and I especially want to express my extreme satisfaction with their coach’s abilities and gratitude in taking their own time to lead a team.
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Coach Robert Leal (Angels—majors)

He drafted my 10-yr old son into his team, normally composed of 11 & 12-yr olds.  Despite my son’s age difference and experience level, Coach Leal was able  to raise my son’s abilities into the next level while making it fun and competitive.  I have definitely witnessed my son and his performance grow and flourish under Coach Leal’s leadership.   In addition, as a coach myself for other sports, I understand the need to have different coaching styles for different occasions.  Coach Leal and his coaches always kept a positive and motivational influence on the team.  Even during adversity and a potential shut out, they were able to balance the need for direct and assertive instruction without being demeaning or derogatory to his players.  I definitely would love for my son to return to his team next year. 
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Coah Al Evans (Owls—AA)

We have been with Coach Al for 3 seasons now.  And that is because he and his other coaches are able to teach and refine fundamentals in my son.  When my son first started, he was very  apprehensive in catching and batting in fear of being hit by the ball.  But now, he is hitting consistently (even off of the opposing team’s pitcher) due to Coach Larry Pfifer’s batting tutelage, and has grown to like playing catcher.  What a transformation!  More importantly, this team is more like a family than just another team.  Awesome!!!

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Coach Mike Spaulding (Raptors—T-ball)

Coaching a bunch of 5 yr olds is a lot like herding bunch of cats—it’s very hard to have all of them focus on the same thing at the same time.  But Coach Mike has been able to instill some baseball discipline and fundamentals within this young team.  I remember at the beginning of the season, EVERYBODY would run for the ball and would fight with each other  to get the ball no matter what position they were playing.  But by the season’s end, they were for the most part, disciplined enough to now determine if they or somebody closer should go for the ball or not, and then throw it to first base or tag the runner.  This was a very good introduction for my son into baseball.

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My overall experience with CLL has been very positive.  My hats off to you and hope CLL continue a very successful program.
Respectfully,

Mike

5/23 - I would like to take a long few seconds to tell everyone about a great speech I heard Coach Hanshew tell his Major Team.  I was assisting in the All Star voting process and I had gone over the guidelines for the voting with his team.  Before they voted Coach Hanshew gave the boys a few words of advice.  He told them that this team is not just these players but will represent the entire league.  It was a privilege and a honor to be an All Star and that they were given the opportunity to vote for "their" team to represent them.  Not to pick your best friends or team mates (unless deserved) but to remember those players that played exceptional out their on the field, the pitcher or maybe the homerun that was hit.  I will tell you everyone of those boys sat down and took time to fill out their ballots.  His speech was for a few minutes but the over all message was clear to me.

 

Sometimes we as parents, umpires, coaches and BOD get busy and miss the point but I do believe that was a great moment of my day.  My second of that day.  It is amazing how competitive at games parents and coaches can get but after my son's AAA game our team and the team we played spent the next few hours at a BBQ and playing ball in the grass and having a good time.  They don't care win or lose after the game.  It's fun for them and that is what I will try to always remember.  And that is why we as parents, coaches and BOD do what we do.  Not for us but for these great moments.

 To a great end of the season, Vanessa Tillman
5/14 - As a coach we all have times when we say to our self “why do I do this to myself?”. Sometimes the Parents and the kids can get to you. Most of us do it because we love the game and want to pass on our knowledge to the kids. Some of us have our own kids on our team and want to be involved with our kids life. We dedicate a lot of time , money and hair to try to make it the best experience possible. Our season isn’t going as well as we would like it to go but I try to keep the kids to have a positive attitude and to remember that the saying “ It’s not whether you win or lose it’s how you play the game” comes from a Baseball Diamond. It’s all about having fun. At our last game I was reminded why I am here. We all have kids who this might be the first year of playing and are just learning the game. In my case I have a player who tries his best but had yet to make contact with a ball. Two games ago he did it twice then last game he hit the ball to drive in our tying run . When he came into the dugout I said to him “great job! Where did you learn to hit the ball like that?”  He looked at me and said “from you”. That was it. It hit me like a ton of bricks. That’s why I’m here. That’s why all the coaches are here. I will never forget the feeling that ran through me when he said that. If you believe you have a good coach, let them know. We all hear the comments made during the games about how we could do things better. Believe it or not it can hurt. We try our best to do the best we can with your kids. Tell your coach “thank you” and have your kids do the same. Even if you don’t like your coach, he still was there and tried his best. Let them know that the time and dedication they give is appreciated.

That little guy who said that to me meant more to me than anything said to me in a long time.

Be positive with your kids. Remember what it felt like to be yelled at when you were that young. No one wanted to make that play or hit the ball more than they did.All I can say is “Thank you little buddy. I needed that.”

Michael Cianci

5/14 - We have a kid on our team who has never played baseball before this season. He started asking me to pitch at our first practice and I told him he has to show me he can throw strikes and be patient. At our 2nd game, Coach Andrew was a guest coach and challenged him if he hit a homerun he can pitch. Poor kid, surely in his first year he couldn't possibly hit one out could he? Game 3, he comes up and hits a solo homerun over the left field fence to all of our surprise. He had a smile on his face so big he actually didn't touch 1st or 3rd base while he circled the bases. The umpire looked over at me and winked. I put him on the mound, he pitched ok and had a big smile on his face. Our kids grow up so fast, we should enjoy every minute.  

Brian Stevens - Manager- Major Tigers

5/9 - My positive experience has been the coaches that have coached my son Forrest. They have all dedicated themselves to baseball and the kids.  I appreciate all that they do for Forrest and for the league.
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Here's to you: Sergio, Ralph, Shelby, Fernando, Jeff and Mike!!

 

5/9 - My son started playing baseball when he was 12. He was asked to play by Tim Johnson. My son told Tim that he was too old and that all the kids would be better than he was. Tim told him to go for it!!
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My son did.  He had a pretty good season.  He played center field and third base.  His hitting was either really good or really off.  So to motivate him I told him, If you hit a homerun I will pay you $100. The last game of the season, my son gets up and his first pitch he hit it over the fence!! The look on his face as he ran by me was PRICELESS!

5/8 - I would love to share this special moment with the CLL as this story is very special to me and this is what makes me want to coach and be part of the Little League experience.

This story is about one of the boys on the team, who always comes out to practice and gives it 100% and never complains no matter what happens on the outfield.
 
This game is one grand roller coaster ride of emotions that even though it might seem super slow to watch it is extremely fast when you’re playing it.  Kids come out to play and during the game they go through so many highs and lows that it’s very hard for them to stay focused the whole game.  I want to share with you a game where we we’re winning by 2 points, and the kids were as happy as they could be.  The next inning we were struggling and no matter what we tried, the plays were just not being made and nothing was working out right.  In that inning the kids were just not swinging the bats, we ended that inning down by 3 points and by now as you can imagine the kids motivation level was extremely low.  We (Coaches) got the whole team in a circle to pump them up and told them... “you cannot be afraid of swinging the bats.... go out there and if you see a strike coming your way....just swing away and give it your  all....it’s your last inning you have to want it and go for it...right here right now it’s your moment.....let’s do it!!!”.   That was an amazing inning, our first batter scored and everyone after that who went to bat got on base....with bases loaded..... Campbell Willhite who had been struggling with his batting a few games before comes out to bat with such a determination and full of mixed emotions, I'm sure....but not afraid...comes out swinging and hits his first GRAND SLAM, taking us to our 10th Victory of the season.
 
WOW!!! We all said......”today’s shining moment belongs to Campbell......Awesome Job Campbell!!”. We’re all extremely proud of you.  Moments like these is what makes coaching worthwhile.
 
Jorge Alvarez AAA Pirates
4/30 - A positive note on the volunteers:
First I would like to applaud Mike Mullis for returning to the League and the entire board...for their hard work this season.  I know it is a difficult and often thankless job.
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A positive note on my coaching experience this season:
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I have a brand new first year player.  I find it very gratifying to see him learning the game, being the biggest "cheerleader and motivator" on my bench.  He gives his 100 % every game and was even willing to play hurt today so he "wouldn't let his team down"...  It reminds me why I enjoy coaching and baseball so much.  It is easy to take the little things forgranted and just assume everyone knows all about the sport.  I have fun teaching him the rules, batting and fielding drills.  You absolutely can't contain him when he hits the ball (safe or not).  Thank you Trent for reminding me what coaching is all about...you are a ROCKSTAR!
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Thanks!
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Shannon S.
4/30 - last night we played the cardinals ( majors ) a very tough game for us. we were losing the game 21 to 2 bottom of the 6th , our last at bat. as coaches all we can tell our kids is " never give up ", guys- something positive can come out of this! our kids looked at us like we were crazy. we got bases loaded and my son ricky( junior) guzman was up to bat as i was coaching first base.  coach marino from the cardinals went up to the bump to talk to his pitcher and i called my son over to first, i said you remember what we talked about not giving up, he said yes sir. i said here is your chance for a grand slam kiddo! he looked at me and i said go for it. he went up to bat and took a first swing missing the first pitch, he looked at me and i said take it easy your trying to hard, he took a deep breath and got back in the box. the pitch was a perfect fast ball down the middle - pow! home run! what? it's a grand slam!!!!!!! wow, looking at his face as he was running towards me and first base was absolutely priceless! he had the biggest smile in the world. his face was just glowing. coach marino said duuude! that must of been about 280 ft homer. ricky has not stop smiling since!  another special moment in cll between another father and son. we ended up scoring 8 runs that inning but we still lost. but we never gave up! we told our kids - see a grand slam and a triple in one inning to bring in 8 runs, you can always do great things by staying positive and not giving up.  a great life experience for the kids......"stay positive, never give up"                         thank you, rick guzman sr.

4/29 - Last night was a battle for 1st place in the AAA division. My Son Shelby Richards plays for the Angels he was excited and geared up to play. I unfortunately had class and was unable to attend this game. So I'm getting updates via text and Coach Fernando sends me, "we are up 6-3 and Shelby going to the mound." I was sitting in class and I was like here we go. I didn’t get another text til the game was over, that the Angels Won! I than got a call from Shelby, so I stepped out of class to talk to him. He was so elated on what he did for his team. It was bases loaded and 2 outs and he just threw 3 balls to take the count to 3-0, than he told me "Dad I threw 3 strikes in row to strike him out and win the game". This was a growing expierence for him as it helped him with the pressure being put on him and coming out on top. There are moments like this that Cheyenne Little League and Little League in General make special moments in a kids life and a Proud Dad.  

Thank you, Shelby Richards
4/29 - I first came to Cheyenne in 2007. I did not know anyone in the league. This was my first time with little league in the Nevada area. I have no kids in the league.

There are many positives that have come out of Cheyenne Little League.  One of the most important is the chance to grow as a person and mature through the years. I have learned that there is more to just winning and losing. This is a chance to influence the lives of the youth in a positive direction.  Cheyenne has afforded the opportunity to lay the foundation for some Life lessons to include hard work, accepting failure, keeping positive attitude, and helping others.

There is nothing that makes you feel better, than when a former player comes back, and you notice has matured into a young man and thanks you for being a part of it. There is no amount of money, fame or prestige that means more to you when you hear those words.

I have also gotten to meet and establish many lasting friendships with parents and coaches. We spend so much time at the ball field; these people become your second family.  You never realize how much these people mean until they move on and are no longer present. This goes to your most bitter rival to a former teammate.

Cheyenne Little League will be here long after most if not all of this have moved on. I would like to think that I have been a small part in building and establishing this league as one of the best in Nevada. I appreciate Mike Mullis for giving me an opportunity to manage. Thanks for all the past, present and future volunteers for all you do.  Volunteer work is a thankless job, so again I say Thank you! 

Who Are We!

4/28 - I would like to respond to the Gustavo Hernandez experience.  I was the opposing Manager that night and that play absolutely sealed the game.  That kid showed a lot of grit to make a catch that very few All-Stars would have had a chance to make.

That happened to be my first time coaching Championship game and I still can replay that game in my mind many times, especially that catch.  However, that game taught me a lot as a Coach and individual – my team not only lost in the Championship – more importantly lost to a first class team and led by a first class Manager. 

Thanks for the opportunity to post my experience. 

KC

4/27 - I have to say that coaching for Cheyenne Little League this year has been a great experience with 12 exceptional young boys!!!  I've focused on effort and positive attitude no matter win or lose...baseball is a game of errors and surely all 12 of my boys want to be perfect on the field but doesn't always happen that way, not even at the Major League level.  However, we practice hard and often and that is where our coaching takes effect and where success happens.  Although our drive is to beat our competitors and win, our sportsmanship and positive attitude has given my 12 a desire to play hard all 6 innings every game since the start of the season...with many great memories.  My 12 have all had disappointment thus far this season, but there has been tremendous success and a desire to play hard with effort and positive attitude is a common goal for all of them.  Baseball has been part of my life for many years and I've seen the good, bad, and ugly when it comes to coaching. Therefore, one of my goals this year for my 12, has been to help them find the "love for the game", so they too can have baseball be part of their life for many years to come.  When my 12 are giving 100% and it doesn't go their way, we point out the positive!  The only time we coach or get on one of my 12 during a game is when the effort or attitude isn't appropriate, errors and strikeout will come and go but effort and positive attitude must be constant!  Again, with the good, bad, and ugly let the kids play during the games because pointing out what they did wrong while they are giving their best will surely demotivate them from wanting to play seasons to come.  When it comes to my team parents, it has been good for the most part (guess the pre-season parent meeting worked) but there is always one or two parents that get overly involved or think their child should be playing more which always makes coaching not so fun!  Although I have to say to those parents, "good on you for believing your child is the best"!  I have many positive experiences to share halfway through the 2011 season, but this one has made my season terrific already...one parent shared with me the following regarding his son; "I just wanted to tell you how much my son loves to play for you and we see a HUGE improvement to his game since being on your team."  That has made my season so far...I know for sure that one of my 12 has the desire to play this season and seasons to come!  Oh and by the way, baseball isn't just a game or sport, it is a game/sport that teaches life skills/lessons.

4/27 - My grandson's baseball game last night was the best ever!  He played extremely well and earned the game ball.To see the looks on those little faces when they receive a game ball is precious.  I thought he was going toburst.  He plays on the Indians for Coach Ryan Loy.  After the game Coach Ryan and his assistants praisedthe kids for how well they did.  The kids hung on every word the coaches were saying,  Priceless!  This is whatbaseball is all about my friends.    

Thanks Cheyenne LL.   Linda

4/26 - This goes back from 2009 to present. Andrew Patrick has been coaching in our league for many years now. I meet him when we coached against each other in the AAA season back in 2007. He's one of those coaches that people absolutley Love him or hate him. I'm fortunate to say I Love this Guy. He knows the game of baseball and teaches the kids that play for him how to play and to respect the game. I was fortunate to coach the 9-10 year old All Star team back in 2009 and we won the District 4 and State Championship and now he has launched that team into a Dynasty. Those boys are now 11 and 12 years old and have a chance to represent Cheyenne LL in San Bernadino and with some hard work and dedication maybe be the First team to make it to Williamsport, PA our of Nevada. Andrew symbolizes what hard work and dedication is as a Volunteer for Cheyenne LL. I'm also proud to call him a Friend!  Thank You,

Shelby Richards

4/26 - The thing I love most about being at the fields..
No matter what happens in the stands or during the games on the field. AFTER the games ALL the kids are running around playing together. It can be a totally intense game, the umps might be bad, the parents are all griping about whatever. BUT after the game the kids let it go and everything is fine and they are all playing!!

Beth Mullis

4/26 - As a parent it’s a great feeling to see your children succeed, seeing that first base hit or catching that first fly ball, stealing that first base or scoring the first run. It’s the little steps, baseball is a game of failures and to see the joy it brings the children is what reminds you baseball is a great game and little league is where it starts.

4/25 - This was from a season ago in Fall Ball (2009). I had a player on my team who showed up every game and gave it his best. Unfortunately he didn’t have the greatest success at the plate nor in the field as he was just learning to play at that level. Anyway, we are in the Championship game, 2 outs and the opposing team is starting to get a little momentum, when there is a fly ball to right field that looks sure to score some runs. The player races over,  dives for the ball, tumbles on the ground. Nobody knows if he has it or not. Then he comes up showing the glove and the ball while also showing the biggest smile on his face. The Thunder had won the game and the Championship with a truly terrific play by Gustavo Hernandez. What a way to end the season and what a pleasure it was to coach these young boys.

4/25 - My family and I have been involved with Cheyenne Little League since 2003. We started out with coach pitch and my son is now in his 2nd year of Majors. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time here in the league. Every coach has taught my son something different, and for that I am grateful. He IS the GREAT player today because of this little league. We have enjoyed helping coach, shag balls, being team mom and scorekeeper to just being the "mom and dad". Thank you again for dedicating all of your time and talents to support our local little leagues.  

The Taylor Family

4/25 - First off, let me say that my family and I have been around this league for almost 6 years now, so I have so many good memories and have had so many great experiences, it’s really hard for me not to write a book!  But one thing I have seen, that really stands out for me, is how very many kids I’ve seen grown up and play in this League forever, and come back as they get older to be involved in some way or another (assisting as coaches, umpiring, helping out on Opening/Closing Day, and in general whenever they can get down to the field).  The fact that so many of them still love the atmosphere enough to want to remain a part of Little League, and the fact that they themselves are bringing the positives they got from their years in the League, back to the younger kids.  I for one, very much appreciate the message that sends… Thanks so very much to all members of the Board of Directors, Managers, Coaches, Assistants, Team Moms, parents and extended families of the kids, but especially to THE KIDS THEMSELVES!  Every day on these fields, you bring home the message of what this is all about!  Robbin ForepaughCheyenne Player Agent & Mom to 4 bright Stars
4/24 - Well it is hard to pin point just one thing that is positive.  Is it when my Rockhound T-ball player wants to put her uniform on as soon as she gets up in the morning cause she has a 5:15 PM game and does nothing but talk about it all day?  Or is it when my AAA Rockies player counts down the minutes until his game starts?  Or maybe it is when they hit the ball and look over to give you the thumbs up and to see if you were watching?  Or it could also be the way they jump out of the car when you get to the baseball field and never want to leave?  Baseball = FUN!!  Their is nothing better than watching your child play something they love and the friends that they make and keep over the years.  I wouldn't miss it for all the chocolate in the world!! Being on the BOD is ALOT OF THANKLESS WORK but when I see my kids, their teammates and all the other kids having fun it is worth every minute of the time and effort it takes!

 

4/24 - My son has had the great pleasure of learning from several different coaches at CLL.  They all have had different coaching styles but they all taught him something that has helped him grow into the player he is today.  We may not have won the championship every season, but he never felt like he was a loser.   Our coaches have always encouraged the players to do their best and always praised them even if they did not hit the ball or make the big catch in the field. 

- The Tonet Family

4/23 - I love the family thing that comes along with being a part of Cheyenne. Seeing and making new friends is always enjoyable.
Thanks Cheyenne....
4/23 - One of my positives this season was Opening Day. What a joy to see the over 600 plus kids get there moment to show off to family and friends. As each team was called and walked down the 3rd base line, they all had smiles and couldn't wait to get onto the field and start playing. That's what this is all about.

Mike Mullis - President & Coach in CLL