Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and sometimes it pours!
That's not exactly how the saying goes, but it is definitely the most appropriate way to say it in this case.
We managed to stay fairly dry in all of our games, but that wasn't the case for everyone.
The Dickinson players and fans worked overtime as they didn't step off the field earlier than 1 a.m. in their first two victories.
Thus far the state A American Legion baseball tournament has produced just about everything. Fans have seen 30-run games, shutouts, long home runs, extra innings - you name it. I think we've just about seen it all.
I continue to be impressed with the quality of players in North Dakota and this weekend was no exception. I am very proud to be a part of Legion baseball in our state and hope the young men leaving our Legion programs represent North Dakota well.
Our hometown Vistas were in the "hurry up and wait" predicament heading into Saturday's play. We came into the day not knowing who we would face with our tournament life on the line.
As the tournament is set up, all teams must play on all days, with games eight and nine trying to match uncommon opponents. With all the rain delays and postponements, we ended up with plenty of hot tubbing, video gaming, card playing, and lounging in the hotel. As it turned out we ended up meeting a very familiar foe in none other than Dickinson.
With plenty of rest, the boys were ready to battle and they did just that, coming up just one run away from a state championship game bid. All in all this team reached and possibly surpassed its potential. We look forward and are already anxious for another Vistas year in 2010.
(Andy Lach is a former catcher and current assistant coach of the Minot Vistas American Legion Baseball team. He will periodically write a column for the Minot Daily News during the Vistas' season, including updates from the 2009 Class A State Tournament. Lach can be reached at sports@minotdailynews.com).