10-12 y.o. Cal Ripken Baseball pics (1st attempt)

This is my first attempt at any sports photography. I am a giant noob. My only camera experience (other than a PNS) dates back 27 yrs ago to my H.S. SLR class...
These were all shot with used gear purchased here on POTN! my 40D, 200 mm f2.8l, AV priority (used iphoto for pp)
I normally would have cropped number 1 tighter but wanted the ball in the photo.
#2 i liked the frozen bat but not the kids in the bg-
#3 should have been taken from the other side of the plate and I was competing with the backstop which is why you'll see the pale stripe on the pitcher's jersey. I tried to fight it in PP but lost!

C&C appreciated!

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Go right up to the fence, with your lens hood right on it for the pitcher shot, at F2.8 you should be able to get a clean picture of the pitcher that way (some people take the hood off to get closer, but I guess I'm chicken and leave it on rather than take a chance at hitting the glass on the fence?)

ordinarily I would get right up to the fence but in our park there is a distance of about 4-5 feet between the fence and a pipe guard rail. Unfortunately the stands are elevated and shooting at the guard rail is not an option as it blocks the view of other spectators. It's an awesome, well manicured park but not very photog friendly. (you can see the gap in the 2nd photo where the kids are sitting - which they aren't supposed to be)

Looks like there are stairs to get down there, in the first picture, to get those shots

Those are stairs which do go down to an entrance on to the field - but they have only allowed unmanned video from that area. The bleachers on this field are elevated down both sides which extend a little beyond each base (1st and 3rd) I agree it would be nice to be able to shoot down there but I respect the decision to not allow it.

Oh man I remember going to this to watch my leagues other allstar team play....good times good times! Good pictures too!