Announcing a Double Helping of Bammel Softball in Fall 2013

Associated Press - Wire Feed

NCS BASEBALL FIELD - Another preseason Spring Training chapter has come to a close as the storied Bammel co-ed softball franchise looks forward to a Fall 2013 season filled with unlimited potential. The organization plans to leverage the growing popularity of the sport by fielding two teams this year - the Bammel Purple Crush and Bammel Green Machine.

Some critics argue that the team expansion is just another money grab by greedy owners looking to make a dollar off of a new line of softball merchandise. However, VP of Co-ed Softball Marketing, Jason Dyniewski, vehemently disagrees: "Given the TV ratings and abundance of softball talent, we felt that the time was right to expand the Bammel softball brand. This is not about budgets or bottom lines - it's about giving the fans what they want. And don't forget to pick up your home, away, praise team, MANNA and Life Group softball jerseys in the gift shop on your next visit to the park!"

The familiar Bammel Purple Crush squad carries forward from last season. The team is once again managed by Jason Dyniewski along with an experienced group of bench coaches. The Opening Day roster for the Purple Crush includes a mix of softball stars both new and old including Robyn & Macy Archer, Mandy Chan, Danielle Savaria, Christopher Russo, Josh Kasinger, David Freidank, David Winton, Collin Dyniewski and Jonathan McCalister. Some of you familiar with David Freidank's scholarly approach in Sunday morning Bible class will be happy to know that he is also an avid student of the game. Likewise, Josh Kasinger's return to the fold ensures that pre-game activities will be covered with special emphasis on the weekly singing of the National Anthem.

The organization is equally excited to unveil the Bammel Green Machine as the second squad to take the field this fall. The Green Machine will be managed by player/coach Dennis Huff along with a knowledgeable supporting staff. The Green Machine features a potluck of softball talent including Kay Lee Gibbs, Taylor Huff, Cassie Miller, Caleb Sanderson, Dr. Bob Stewart, Bobby Stewart, the Ballards three (Brent, Cordan, Caden), Erik Peterson and Eric Winkler. As the team searches for veteran leadership, we expect to find Dr. Bob Stewart "filling in" quite well as both the team dentist and a powerful middle-of-the-order bat. The Ballards represent our only father-son-son combination while Kay Lee Gibbs represents the church office again this fall. Negotiations with Eric Petty fell through when the team was unable to secure a bacon sponsor for the season.

As with any co-ed softball franchise, Spring Training brought its share of business decisions. Taylor Rathbun, Coco Stewart, Cameron Ruthstrom and others were designated for assignment as they work on their studies abroad. Russell Wiggins was hired as the head coach of the Triple A farm club, Midland Marauders, where he plans to work his way up the co-ed softball coaching ladder. Additionally, Jared Bassett requested a temporary leave of absence from the team to pursue a career in the growing sport of long-distance running IT specialists. All will retain their eligibility with the major league club and may appear on the roster from time to time during the season.

On a positive note, extensive work was completed over the weekend to secure tentative player commitments from Kent and Carley Pope. As commissioner of the distinguished BCGL fantasy football league and a seasoned softball player/coach, some might say that Kent Pope is a two-sport...czar? At the same time, discussions are ongoing to finalize Laurie Brittain's return to the stable of Bammel talent. Finally, Collin Dyniewski currently holds the title of youngest active player in the organization as he looks to continue his stellar play following his rookie call-up last fall. Represented by his agent and mother, Kim Dyniewski of the Oh Uh Uh! Sports Agency, Collin's contract contains specific language that will require him to keep up his grades in order to flash his brilliance on the base paths.

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Opening Day kicks off next Monday, September 9th as the Bammel Purple Crush take on Champions Blue at 6:30pm. The Bammel Green Machine are slated to face-off against the Spring Creek Red at 8:30pm. Come out to the baseball field at the NCS secondary campus to catch all the action. You never know who you might see at the game. If you are interested in playing please contact Jason Dyniewski or Dennis Huff.

See you at the ballpark!