Thoughts on the season from Coach Murray

Dear Westfield Blue Families:

I thought our website would be the best way for me to express some thoughts about our 2008 summer.

First, I thank my coaches, Gary, Brian, Bob and Linus. Their commitment and dedication to our players is best seen by me in our practices and games. They really do it right. At all times, the players are treated as 10-year-olds first and as a travel baseball team second. Their time, talent and energy enhances everything we do. It's really great to work with these gentlemen.

A big thank you to our website designer, Brett. The addition of our blog this year was an exciting and fun way to chronicle our children and follow the team. There's nothing like seeing the players in streaming video making a great play or coming up with a big hit. It was a great idea and the execution and implementation was perfect. The Harvard education was worthwhile Brett!

Beth, the photos of the team are simply beautiful and will become even more valuable as the boys grow. We will have your pictures to remember that they were once 10 and that playing baseball was a love for them.

Without the commitment of our families, travel baseball would be impossible. As you've found out in the past two summers, our team is unique in its approach. I know that 3:30 and 4 p.m. practices are tough times that often disrupt plans and cause major adjustments in schedules, especially for families whose parents work and those who have multiple children. Yet never have I received a single complaint from anyone. It allows us to get more work in with the players during the season, and repetitions in baseball are what build better players. I understand the sacrifices you all make for your sons and truly appreciate what you do, both for them and for our Westfield Blue team. Thanks for what you do for your son and our team. Without full commitments from every family, we would not come close to what we've given to the players.

Thanks to Audrey for coordinating our schedules and making sure that everyone was up to speed on what we were doing. She really puts her heart into our players and often walks out of meetings at her job to send out e-mails for us. She's also stuck with me and helps me keep both wins and losses in great perspective.

As for me, I'm still having withdrawals from the season ending. People have many things in their lives that bring them joy. For me, there is nothing better than sitting on a bucket at the end of a dugout and watching our team play. Baseball is a wonderful sport - best there is - and it teaches those who play many valuable lessons that they cannot help but carry with them through the years. Our team is comprised of 12 of the most beautiful children you can find. They listen, they work hard, and they improve as players. They are always respectful and aware of each other. There are countless times when I've heard players console each other after a tough at-bat or a mistake. The are great teammates and that invariably is the product of being great kids. You all should be very proud of the people you are raising.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your children's lives. It truly is a privilege.

Regards,

Mike