Notes from the Diamond - Issue 1
May 19, 2010
By Noam Scott
The sun shone on a glistening field at the Square, where the freshly cut grass and recently smoothed infield awaited to fulfill its purpose; hosting the Eagles softball season opener.
The Eagles opened up their inaugural game against the Cheetahs on a beautiful Friday morning. The 10 player roster consisted of boys and girls, grades 5-11, hungry for the taste of success. Almost none of the Eagles players have been on an organized team in the past and embraced the chance to make a name for them.
If the 1st inning was indicative of how the season will turn out, then we are all in for a treat. The Eagles took the field in confidence and flew right to their respective positions. The Cheetahs came up one by one, and just as quickly, took a seat back on their bench. It was a 1-2-3 inning for the Cheetahs with several grounders fielded by second base sensation T*. The Eagles then strapped on their batting helmets and took their turn to bat. The Eagles soared through the batting order with hit after hit until it was the Cheetahs turn to bat again.
Again, the Eagles stingy defense and solid skills hurried the fast paced Cheetahs back to the bench. With a calm demeanor, the Eagles soon loaded up the bases for P*. who belted the ball clear over the center fielders head, coming within inches of hitting the Bay Bridge. P. raced around the bases for a Grand Slam! The Eagles flapped their wings in congratulatory cheers as P. calmly took a seat on the bench. S. contributed to the offensive onslaught by hitting a two-run homer and a base sliding triple. The Cheetahs could not silence the Eagles bats, as every player on the Eagles reached base safely.
L. was a force behind the plate, stopping all kinds of balls thrown his way while protected with a fierce blue catcher's mask and blazing red chest protector. M. turned the near improbable triple play; the odds are 10,000 to 1 and only 5 are turned each season!! Z., a late call up from the inactive roster, contributed with some solid groundballs and throw outs to first base. E. sped down the line like a true leadoff hitter confusing the Cheetah's as to whether they should even make an attempt to throw the ball to the base. The Eagles coaching staff was equally as involved. Joe Aberegg coached and umpired at 1st base like a seasoned veteran, helping both the Eagles and Cheetah's players with insight and positive reinforcement. John Mullen had a solid pitching outing for the Eagles, while Orion Harris maintained order, support, and confidence on the Eagles bench.
The Cheetah's made their last stand with their bats, but it wasn't nearly enough to bring down the Eagles whose wings, bats, and positivity were soaring through the noon time updraft. 3 cheers for the Cheetahs, 3 cheers for the umpires, and a 1-2-3 EAGLES! left the team with smiles running from ear to ear.
GO EAGLES!!!
*Names and personally identifying information have been changed to protect the privacy of our children.
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