Yes, the headline pretty much says it all! Dashiell John Bat-Baby decided last week that his time had come to become the newest member of Team Batgirl. Not wanting to wait until after pitchers and catchers report, young Dash made his entry into the world on December 30th. Weighing in at a Puntonian 3 pounds, 2 ounces, the Tiniest Superhero is doing quite well at an undisclosed location, where his surprisingly early arrival was greeted by the excitement and tears and hugs that only a newborn can bring. RD and Sweet-n-Sassy had the thrill of visiting with Mom, Dad and DJ Snazzy Bat-Baby this afternoon and the earliest observations from our well-trained eyes determined that young Dash will be batting lefthanded, playing second base and hitting leadoff when Luis Castillo decides to retire in 2027.
"We're confident he'll put on a few pounds by then," said General Manager Terry Ryan. "The kid already has more range than Tony Batista."
There are no more words, only excitement in the Batquarters! Please understand if Batgirl's posts are sporadic for the next 18 years, er, few weeks.
In the meantime, TwinsGoddess has put together an online baby shower for the Tiniest Superhero. You can find it here.
Congrats! I hope all are very well.
Posted by: aurora at January 2, 2007 09:17 PMCongratulations, BG and Jeb! LDBB will be a great addition to the lineup, undoubtedly.
Posted by: "Nick" at January 2, 2007 09:18 PMCongratulations!
Posted by: Rach at January 2, 2007 09:24 PMCongrats!
Posted by: TD at January 2, 2007 09:26 PMWow. Congratulations! Dashiell is a great name. I bet he grows up to write mysteries. Do you know what position he'll play yet?
Posted by: kurtis at January 2, 2007 09:29 PMCongrats to all of Team Batgirl!
Posted by: Ilk at January 2, 2007 10:08 PMyay! Congrats to the BatFamily!
Posted by: Lynnie at January 2, 2007 10:19 PMCongratulations! Hoping all goes well for you and your family.
Posted by: Gretchen at January 2, 2007 10:21 PMCongrats to Batgirl and Jeb on their new "Robin"!
He sorta looks like Justin Morneau, oui?
So very cool!!! And just in time for that 2006 tax deduction!
Congrats to all
Posted by: heraldguy at January 2, 2007 10:25 PMawww.... *sniff* I'm such a sucker for the little ones!
He's just lovely, BG and Jeb. Congrats on the early but safe arrival and my prayers and best wishes for continuing improvements!
Posted by: CapitalBabs at January 2, 2007 10:31 PMYay! Welcome to the world, Dashiell! We're glad you're doing well.
Congrats to the new Mommy and Daddy!
Posted by: Just Beth at January 2, 2007 10:44 PMCongratulations!! Even though I can't see them, I bet the little guy is wearing his socks high-old school style!
Posted by: Bring Back Reboulet at January 2, 2007 10:51 PMMany, many, many heartfelt congratulations to BG and Jeb!
Dash... I love it.
Posted by: FordHoiberg at January 2, 2007 10:53 PMCongrats to the Bat family! :)
I'm surprised TR forgot to mention Dash will grow a few feet, as well. :/
Posted by: Piranhtachew at January 2, 2007 10:57 PMCongratulations! What an adorable tiny guy. Glad to hear he's doing well. Keep us posted.
Posted by: Suzi at January 2, 2007 11:12 PMCongrats! That is so exciting! Can't wait to see him play in 2027!
Posted by: melissa at January 2, 2007 11:22 PMWow! Huge congratulations on your new little one! Heck, showing up early the way he did, maybe he'll be ready to report for spring training *this* year. I'm looking forward to uncountable Dashiell stories!
Posted by: twink at January 2, 2007 11:28 PMWelcome to the world, Li'l Perfessor. Oh, the bedtime stories in store for you!
Posted by: frightwig at January 3, 2007 02:40 AMWow, congratulations Team Batgirl. I look forward to our sons being a dynamic double play combination in 2027.
Posted by: Mike at January 3, 2007 05:53 AMcongrats, BG and Jeb!
Posted by: kafumbly at January 3, 2007 06:53 AMCongrats, BG & Jeb! Dash is a wonderful name, truly. my sympathies, as well, as i am sure it all must seem scarier with his earliness & size. i know what that is like - but rest assured: my early bird is now 9 years old and has grown up to play ball and to love Shannon Stewart & LNP, thanks in no small part to you.
Posted by: dfb at January 3, 2007 07:06 AMCongratulations to Team Batgirl and Little Mr. Speedy. I bet he'll be excellent at stealing bases.
Posted by: Angela at January 3, 2007 07:32 AMhey, congrats! nothing like showing up early for spring training, eh? still looking for baby-approved eye black for the little nipper, so my gift will be late...
Posted by: dlarso01 at January 3, 2007 07:32 AMCongrats Jeb&BG. I'm sure the small size is just a trick to fool the scouts of other teams. How else would a player of his future ability fall to the Twins in the '25 draft, since they'll be picking at #32 after the rotation of Johan clones wins the series?
Posted by: neutrino boi at January 3, 2007 08:39 AMWow! Congrats you two! I am glad that everyone is safe and healthy.
Posted by: Soccerfan at January 3, 2007 08:47 AMGeez, just when I decide I don't really need to check the site every night, I miss the biggest event of the new year!
I want to add my congratulations to Beege, Jeb and the rest of the home team!
JCrik
Posted by: JimCrikket at January 3, 2007 08:51 AMHoo-ray for Batgirl! I'm glad everyone is well, and what a nice New Year surprise.
Posted by: Neil at January 3, 2007 08:53 AMCongrats to BG, Jeb, and the rest of the family! Very glad Dash and mother are both doing well.
Posted by: Katharriet at January 3, 2007 09:10 AMMuch congratulations and luck to little DJ -- he looks scrappy already!
Posted by: CarrieICL at January 3, 2007 09:12 AMCongrats! Love the literary tie in (as if that is a shock). Best wishes to the new parents, and your impatient arrival. If nothing else. I know he'll be well schooled in the fundamentals. ("We'll talk about ice cream after that plate discipline improves, mister!)
I'll be praying for continued good health for all involved.
Posted by: e-9 at January 3, 2007 09:16 AMCongratulations, Batgirl and Jeb. A hard-boiled middle infielder with gap power is just what the Twins will need in years to come. After that first one, though, it's time to put a stop to the head-first slides.
Posted by: twayn at January 3, 2007 10:26 AMI bet Joe Mauer will be happy to sign your baby's forehead. Congrats!
Posted by: Roscoe at January 3, 2007 10:43 AMCongrats! My little guy was born December 6th at 9lbs, 11oz, so he'll have to hold down one of the corner outfield positions while hitting .330 and 50 homers a year and driving in your little guy.
Posted by: IndyBrian at January 3, 2007 10:45 AMCongratulations ! ! ! A very considerate and financially astute baby. An end of December birth is every CPA's dream.
Posted by: Swing at January 3, 2007 10:46 AMBatgirl, I would like to offer my warmest congratulations. He's absolutely beautiful. And he has a great name. I can't wait to see him play for the Minnesota Twins.
TwinsPrincess
Posted by: TwinsPrincess at January 3, 2007 10:55 AMCongratulations! How fitting that little Dash should come in undersized - no doubt the sports media have already written him off. Won't they be amazed when he turns up the tiny superhero mojo and starts walking and talking earlier than the other babies!
Posted by: neckrolls at January 3, 2007 11:00 AMHeartiest of congratulations to you and your hubby, BG; having a child is the greatest thing ever. Prayers for health and quick recovery are on their way as we speak...
But wasn't young Dash supposed to be a Dashette? Or am I remembering incorrectly??? Suffice it to say that, as my son will be playing third base for the Twins around the same time as Dash will be taking the field for our boys (Cameron has a 22-month headstart), he'll appreciate having a solid second baseman around for turning those DPs that Brad Radke's son will be inducing.
Posted by: adidasman at January 3, 2007 11:05 AMI checked the archives, and I'm wrong about the Dashette thing - not exactly unusual. Anyway, he's already proving he's destined to be a Twin - like Matt Garza (or Joe Mauer, for that matter), Dash is ready for the show much earlier than anyone could have predicted. Go get 'em, kiddo.
Posted by: adidasman at January 3, 2007 11:12 AMCongrats!
The name reminds me of a comment my HS English teacher's son made once. His name was Chase and he exclaimed "My father's an English Teacher and I'm a verb!"
Posted by: Saajak at January 3, 2007 11:34 AMwow-- welcome, Baby Dash!
Obviously, he will need to bulk up a bit; perhaps he can contact the original Tiny Superhero for some help:
"Seems that one day, teammate Nick Punto made him a concoction with the clubhouse Slurpee machine, and now Morneau's gotta have a Punto Slurpee before every game, and only Punto can make it, using the same recipe: one-half Mountain Dew, one-half red or orange stuff. As the Slurpee witching hour of 6 p.m. approaches, Punto will sometimes hide, just to mess with Morneau. "Watch this," he tells trainers, and sure enough, within minutes Morneau is anxiously asking teammates if they've seen the infielder."--ESPN
Posted by: msb at January 3, 2007 11:42 AMHey, congratulations!
(Piranhtachew: The GM knows from the examples of LNP and WORLD SERIES MVP DAVID ECKSTEIN that Dashiell John Bat-Baby is /already/ tall enough to play in the major leagues.)
Aww congratulations!
Posted by: Mac at January 3, 2007 11:48 AMCongrats to Batgirl & Jeb.
He is adorable!!
Best to you all...
bubblemint
Posted by: bubblemint at January 3, 2007 12:10 PMJust curious...
Does anybody know if it's pronounced "Dash-el" or "Dash-eel"?
Maybe I'm not being very articulate there, but basically it's a name I haven't seen before, and am just curious on the pronunciation.
I'd hate for my prayer of blessing to be mispronounced!
Posted by: JohnWayne at January 3, 2007 12:16 PM
It rhymes with "Nashville."
Congrats BG & Jeb! I hope the wonders continue this year.
Posted by: AT at January 3, 2007 12:53 PMCongratulations!!
Posted by: Ellen at January 3, 2007 01:39 PMBigtime congrats J and BG!! In a matter of weeks he'll be as big as LNP...
Posted by: ramon at January 3, 2007 01:39 PMCongratulations to the whole Bat-Family.
Yeay!
Congrats to BG and Jeb and the whole Batfamily. As a retired CPA--know that extra tax deduction comes in handy.
A little suggestion--make him a reliever. Lefty relievers (Orosco, Old Man Terry, Franco, etc.) pitch for years and years and years--provide you with retirement security (:-)
DAM
Posted by: DAM-DC Twins Fan at January 3, 2007 02:11 PMCongrats on the new team member! Glad to hear everyone is doing well, and hope both mom and baby continue to feel stronger each day.
Don't blink-they grow way too fast, and opening day 2027 will be here before you know it!
Posted by: mnfarmgirl at January 3, 2007 02:31 PMCongrats to the BatFamily on the new addition!! Best wishes for all of you in the new year. :)
Posted by: wc at January 3, 2007 02:59 PMCongrats on the little cutie!
Posted by: TFNLIC at January 3, 2007 03:14 PMHow wonderful. I am sure that his strong desire to be born early is a sign that he will be a highly motivated young man. Regardless of him "Dashing" around the bases, or the lead stories for the AP on the Twins' World Series wins, I am sure he will do great things.
Peace to you all, and treasure each moment.
You can never hold a baby too much or love him enough. Have fun trying though.
Sandee
Posted by: Sandee at January 3, 2007 04:11 PMCongratulations to you all. He is adorable.
Posted by: Attyfan at January 3, 2007 04:54 PMWell done Team BatParents. He looks a little like Jason Tyner.
Posted by: nailbiter at January 3, 2007 05:03 PMaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwww he is SO CUTE *gushes*
congrats to the BatFamily :)
Posted by: Becky at January 3, 2007 05:51 PMcongrats to B.G. and family, happiest of new years to you and the newest member of the team..
Posted by: hook10 at January 3, 2007 06:19 PMMy heartiest congratulations to Team BatGirl and its' newest star. Just remember, make sure he learns to throw left-handed and it will double his signing bonus!
Posted by: LeftWingCracker at January 3, 2007 06:23 PMCongrats BG and Jeb!
Gotta go put myself on the waiting list for 2027 season tickets...
LTLC
Posted by: likeTwinsluvCubs at January 3, 2007 06:42 PMWow, congrats, Batmom. So, unrestricted free agency in 2034?
Mean time, Twins ink Sydney Ponson. Condolences from those of us who had to suffer through Sir Syd for a few months of '06.
Posted by: Slider Away at January 3, 2007 06:47 PMMy feelings are mixed on the Sidney Ponson issue...
Posted by: Carrie Hannie at January 3, 2007 06:50 PMGreat job! My own over-eager-to-be-born rascal started out at a whopping 3'14 oz and is now a near normal sized first grader. He's always on the move and ready to go - just like he started out. Dash is a very appropriate name for one who had to dash out as soon as possible.
You'll learn that Preemies don't cry at first - they squeak. It's very odd. Then they learn to cry and they don't stop for 6 months but you love them enough not to toss them out the window.
Good luck with the Preemie related challenges you'll face but I know you'll do a great job although I'm betting the poop jokes on this blog will increase.
Congrats BG! Hey, It looks like LNP will have a new crime-fighting super hero to help save the world! They might even be the same size! Congrats again on the tiny superhero. :-)
Posted by: blueyes33 at January 3, 2007 07:05 PMOn behalf of Dertoit Tiger fans everywhere, congratulations Batgirl on your bundle of joy. Hope that things continue go well for all of you. Manager Lehland will be 83 when your son debuts for the Bengals.
Hootie
Congratulations Batgirl and Jeb.
Hope all gos well with the recovery. Loveing thoughts to all.
Congrats BG and family. All our best for health and happiness
Posted by: TAR at January 3, 2007 09:35 PMOkay, sweet lil Dash caught me lookin'!! What an amazing lead off he took--- RallyMonkey sends her love to the little guy and his team.
Posted by: RallyMonkey at January 3, 2007 09:44 PMYay! Congrats BG! What a cutie.
Posted by: Shelley at January 4, 2007 01:23 AMCongratulations to all of the Batfamily. Hope Mother and Baby are doing well and will be ready for the start of the season
Cheers !
p.e.m.
Posted by: public enemy mike at January 4, 2007 01:40 AMI was just thinking about BG and baby yesterday for no particular reason. A surprise today to see the newest tiny super hero! Nothing I can say that has not been said. My tiny super hero baby now 6'2" and quite a moose. Some kids are just in a hurry!
Please keep us posted. Wish you all well. Linda
Allow me to me the 7 millionth batling to say congratulations
love and hugs
dan
Posted by: dan in london at January 4, 2007 04:54 AMCongratulations -- all the best!
Posted by: funoka at January 4, 2007 07:26 AMCongratulations on the early arrival! He sure is a cutie. I suspect you'll be huddled by the computer for the 4 a.m. feedings, rerunning the MLB Game Day Audio from the last available spring training game so that he'll be be ready for the season. :-) Blessings to the entire Bat family.
Posted by: PatGLex at January 4, 2007 08:08 AMTo the BatFamily,
Congrats on the birth of your child. May you have the strength to endure the first week -- things can get a little tiring. It is nice of the boy to spare you that during the first month of the season...
Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2007.
Warmly,
YankeeFan
Congratulations!
And Sorry my RED RAIDERS had to do the Gophers like that!
Posted by: TX Ken at January 4, 2007 09:01 AMcongratulations! wishing you all great happiness and good health!
though i will say, you guys have a tough road ahead of you...keeping your little one from becoming a red sox fan is going to take a lot of dedication and hard work. peer pressure runs rampant in massachusetts. :)
but if anyone can show him the way, it is you. all the best, batfamily!
Posted by: christy at January 4, 2007 09:08 AMLet's just say that the news of Dash's arrival is much, much, much more welcome than is the news of the Twins signing Sidney Ponson. All we can hope is that ol' Fatso goes down in flames in Spring Training so we're all spared the agony of seeing him pitch in a Twins uniform; if he does make the team, he'll be the 2007 version of T-Fat. Bleah. TR says he hopes Sid's troubles are "behind him"; given the fact that he's caused problems everywhere he's been, that seems unlikely. About the only thing that's behind Ponson is 40 pounds of unnecessary weight. (Which is also what's in front of him, sadly.)
Posted by: adidasman at January 4, 2007 10:57 AMOh, and now it appears our old friend Mr. Mientkiewicz is going to become a Yankee. Oh, my. The road trips to Boston should be fun for him, eh?
Posted by: adidasman at January 4, 2007 11:07 AMMuch (Semi-belated) Congratulations to Batgirl and Jeb!
Love,
Redbird
Congrats on the Baby Dash!
BG Take Christy advice about the peer pressure to be a Bosox fan, I watch hockey games and NESN lets every report with a baseball update and this durning a hockey game in December! I think they have a sickness in MA.
TX Ken, Please do not be sorry about what happen Friday night. Monson was fired, best thing that could happen.
Posted by: Spamsmom at January 4, 2007 01:31 PMTo the Bat Family-
Congrats! on the new baby. A most wonderful adventure--parenthood. Enjoy the journey!
A little funny--when I first started reading Bat Girl and you wrote of the bat kitties you sounded so parental I thought they were your human children and you were just being cute. Even when you shared about the hair balls I was too dense to, ah, figure it out. I did...eventually. So hurrah for your first human baby. Much more interesting than cats!
Cheers,
kal
Posted by: kal at January 4, 2007 01:55 PMCongratulations! Here's wishing you every happiness!
Posted by: Christian at January 4, 2007 02:49 PMWhat wonderful news!! I'm glad the family is all happy and healthy.
:)
Posted by: HooliganKat at January 4, 2007 03:57 PMMany congratulations. You two do good work.
My son was also a preemie, but is now a very active 11yo. Best wishes for the same for your family.
k-bro
Posted by: k-bro at January 4, 2007 04:21 PMCongratulations and good luck to a future second baseman.
Posted by: Flip at January 4, 2007 04:26 PMCONGRATS, Batfamily!
What an adorable baby!!
Congratulations! I hope everything goes well with the little guy. He's just a hair older than my little niece, so I guess both our families were celebrating an extra special new year!
Posted by: Bob at January 4, 2007 10:22 PMHey, congratulations!!!!!
Posted by: Mac Brown at January 5, 2007 11:36 AMCongratulations! He is absolutely adorable!
Posted by: Pickles & Dimes at January 5, 2007 12:19 PMDash.
As in 'first to third in a blink.'
So of *course* he's an impatient sort.
Many congrats, and best wishes over the next few weeks while he works himself home.
tgd
Let me be the last to wish you congratulations on your new arrival.
Some years ago, Bill James wrote something about how players tend to be the opposite of their names. Included were things like how players named "Black" tend to be white and players named "White" tend to be black. I also remember something about how Charlie Spikes stole very few bases and Homer Bush had very little power.
So maybe Dash will turn out to be a slugging first baseman. Who knows?
Posted by: Jeff A at January 6, 2007 07:38 PMCongrats to the entire BG family!
How wonderful that all is well, this is blessed news.
Posted by: dirtdawg at January 7, 2007 11:00 AMOh! I'm a bit late at this, but I want to add my congratulatations to Bat-family all.
All best wishes!
Posted by: hrunting at January 7, 2007 06:43 PMCongratulations to the BatFamily!
Posted by: celticfrog at January 8, 2007 04:40 PM