BASEBALL + ALUMNI = SUCCESS
by Jeff Butler
April 25, 2008
The first ever Alumni Baseball Classic went as planned…plan B that is. Sure, the heavy rains of the week prevented the event from being held outside, but a large crowd cheered their favorite players during a nine-inning wiffle-ball game inside the gym.
Barb Hodges introduced the players and divided the teams. Arthur Lawrence was recognized for his years of volunteer service as scorekeeper. Between innings old coaches Don Fowler and Jeff Butler asked trivia questions of records and memories held by past players.
In the game itself, the even team scored 2 runs in the top of the first, but the odd team allowed them only 2 more runs in the next eight innings. The odd team made it 3-4 in the eighth on a Justin Lawrence home run, but that’s as close as it would get. You might say that pitching and defense dominated the hitting, but it was a wiffle-ball game.
Needless to say, it was truly entertaining and an outdoor rematch has been scheduled for 1:00pm Sunday, July 20, at McCalment Park. Those that registered before are still registered for this summer game. Newcomers are welcome and can sign up through the Middle School office at 660-947-2481, ext 344. All proceeds go to the high school baseball team.
Thanks to Coach Allen McDannald and current players: Blane, Jake, Brady and Levi. Alumni players you could have watched play included: Derek Rouse, Brent Doolin, Rusty Sands, Buddy Gates, Justin Morgan, Kyle Hodges, Josh Brummit, Ben Brummit, Brett Robinson, Justin Lawrence, Jed Durbin, Daniel Clinkenbeard, Nolan Owings, Reggie Dunkin and Chris McLain.
