Family scores triple and double plays

Even before Annarose Armstrong was born thirteen years ago, ultrasound images showed her in the womb with one outstretched arm, like an outfielder waiting for a fly ball. 

“I am good at catching pop-ups,” said Annarose, now a centerfielder for the North Riverdale Little League’s Georgia Bulldogs. 

But Annarose was not alone in her mother’s womb. Eileen Armstrong’s ultrasound revealed that she was going to give birth to triplets. 

“I was so happy, I burst into tears,” said the mom, recalling the moment she learned the news.

Now her daughters often make up a third of the players in the field for the Bulldogs. Brianna and Caitlin play side-by-side at shortstop and third base. 

Three years after their triplets were born, the Armstrongs were surprised with another pleasant package that would ultimately benefit the North Riverdale Baseball League: twins — John and Kyle, 10-year-olds, who play outfield for the Rangers in the NRBL’s Major Division.

“I had never even held a baby before,” said John Armstrong, patriarch of the brood. “I had no plans to get married or have kids. Now, I have triplets and twins and I couldn’t be happier.”

Kids being kids

Though the composition of their family is extraordinary, the Armstrong kids sound like any other clan when discussing each other. 

In separate interviews, each of the five kids used the word “annoying” to describe one or more sibling. Notably, they also admitted, though sometimes grudgingly, to some level of affection for one another. 

The Armstrong kids were also remarkably candid about the plusses and minuses of being part of a duo or trio, as well as how they believe they differ from their siblings — on and off the baseball field.

“I play better than him at most times, said John, comparing his baseball skills to brother Kyle’s. “I hit stronger than him and I throw further than him.”

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