Bammel Falls to 0-2 While Inspiring Next Generation of Softballers

Associated Press - Wire Feed

NCS BASEBALL FIELD - Anyone who knows a member of the Bammel coed softball squad knows that they are fine, upstanding individuals. They are willing to give you the purple shirt off their back or accommodate you with a more appropriate color coordination. Some of you might even refer to this honorable band of brothers and sisters as a group of saints. Unfortunately, you would be more right than you know as this group now shares a trait with another group of Saints from New Orleans --- namely, they have both stumbled out of the blocks to start their 2012 seasons with identical 0-2 records. It's true that Bammel fell to a rejuvenated Spring Creek squad on Monday night by a score of 9-4 but this team cannot be gauged by wins and losses alone. To truly measure this team, one must consider the impact that these heroes have each night on the next generation of softballers who dream of one day setting foot on to the "Big Show".

It was evident from the countless gazes of wonder in the crowd that a new class of players is growing up with dreams of softball stardom. Sadly, many of these players-of-tomorrow are limited to dreaming about Bammel softball highlights because none of the major cable providers have signed on to carry the Fishers of Men (FOM) Network which will feature 24x7 coed softball programming --- a business model patterned after the surefire success of the recent Longhorn Network in an effort to capture a niche market with overly dramatic fanfare. Unfortunately, this programming slight means many at home will have missed the opportunity to watch another stellar starting lineup on Monday night that featured the following veteran lineup: Dannielle Savaria (C), Mandy Chan (P), Darrell Sheffield (1B), Cassie Miller (2B), Russell Wiggins (SS), Chris Russo (3B), Caleb Sanderson (LF), Stacey Carrasco (LC), Macy Archer (RC) and Kay Lee Gibbs (RF). It should be noted that Stacey Carrasco made her rookie debut in the outfield but quickly assimilated into the clubhouse chemistry. The starting lineup was supported by a strong bench that included an array of experienced talent including Coco and Bobby Stewart, Taylor Rathbun, Dennis and Taylor Huff, Eric Winkler, Robyn Archer, Debbie Potter and Carley Pope.

Future middle-infielders, and/or hockey players, were enchanted by Cassie Miller's proficiency at throwing off her gloves, er, mitt in an effort to stop a ground ball through the infield. Unfortunately, many learned that it's not as easy as it often appears when Cassie tweaked her leg on the play and would shift to the position of base coach for the remainder of the game. Future track stars were encouraged to pursue their two-sport prowess as they watched Carley Pope fill in admirably for Cassie at 2nd base and record at least one force out after working out a few kinks early in the contest. Young men eagerly planned time to play catch with their fathers upon watching professional infielders Chris Russo, Russell Wiggins and latter-inning substitute, Eric Winkler, provide a dazzling display of canon fire with strong throws around the diamond to record several outs. Outfielders of tomorrow were fascinated by the grace with which Taylor Rathbun continues to glide across the grassy tundra --- tracking the airborne softball like a bird of prey and plucking it, or sometimes juggling it, from the atmosphere. Meanwhile, a cast of several teammates exhibited wonderful outfield choreography as Stacey Carrasco, Macy Archer, Kay Lee Gibbs, Taylor Huff, Bobby Stewart, Caleb Sanderson and Debbie Potter consistently provided backup to their infield counterparts. Of course, young battery mates of the future watched in amazement as pitcher Mandy Chan and catcher Danielle Savaria teamed up to turn a bases-loaded force out at home plate --- while young girls in brightly-arrayed socks drew inspiration from Coco Stewart's colorful artistry in her catching platoon with Danielle.

Though Bammel was only able to plate four runs on the evening, it could have easily been more as they left runners stranded in scoring position across four different innings. Future generations of sluggers were treated to a wide array of hitting expertise starting with a three-run bases-clearing double in the third inning that jumped off the bat of Eric Winkler. Eric would lead the team with three RBI on the evening with SS Russell Wiggins showing little rust after his return from the disabled list last week by driving in Bammel's only other run on the night. Young "Tony Gwynns" and "Pete Roses" watched with excitement as Caleb Sanderson, Macy Archer, Eric Winkler, Chris Russo and Debbie Potter wielded the bat with authority on their way to multi-hit performances. Bobby Stewart, Carley Pope, Taylor Huff, Darrell Sheffield, Kay Lee Gibbs and Taylor Rathbun also contributed to the team effort with base hits. Unfortunately, Bammel came up short on the scoreboard while displaying plenty of offensive promise.

Finally, don't let this writer leave you with the impression that inspirational play was limited to up-and-coming members of the team. Successful veteran pitchers who miraculously avoid accusations of performance enhancing drugs and return to the mound as if nothing happened were given a vote of confidence by the re-emergence of Dennis Huff. Dennis returned from his softball hiatus to pitch a complete game on Monday night and displayed a strong command of the strike zone following his time away from the game. Additionally, another member of the Bammel softball ring of flossing honor was present as Dr. Bob Stewart made an appearance in his reserved box seats. This softball fan was certainly impressed by the combination of on-field talent and off-field alumni in attendance on Monday evening --- providing an entertaining brand of fun and fellowship sure to appeal to fans of all ages!

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If you want all softball coverage all the time, don't forget to contact your local cable provider and let them know that you want to see the Fishers of Men (FOM) Network carried as part of their programming package. Until then, you can make sure you don't miss any of the softball action by coming out to the NCS secondary campus baseball field next Monday night, Sept 24 to see Bammel take on the Champions CoC #2 team at 8:00pm. The first 15 fans will get a special edition jar of Icy Hot autographed by Bammel fan favorite, Cassie Miller.

See you at the ballpark!