A special time of the year
If all goes well by the time you read this column, I’ll have put the finishing touches on the News Bulletin’s annual baseball/softball tab.
The tab will be an insert in Saturday’s paper and will feature team photos, schedules and rosters of our three high school baseball and softball teams as well as the teams from Davidson and Shoal River middle schools.
As an added bonus, we will have team photos and schedules posted on our website today if you want to get a sneak preview of what you will see Saturday.
The Baker and Crestview baseball and softball teams have already kicked off their seasons and the Laurel Hill teams take the field for the first time later this week.
There are plenty of questions heading into the season.
At Laurel Hill the big question surrounding the softball team is who will replace Katie Free in the pitcher circle?
The Hobo baseball team is looking for a third consecutive trip to the state playoffs. Will the Hoboes still be playing baseball in May?
Baker’s softball team has been on a run most schools teams would envy. The Gators have three-time defending District 1-2A champions. Can they make it four in a row?
The Gator baseball team should be in the mix this year with a veteran squad that features returning Small School Player of the Year Colton Henry.
Henry is surrounded by a group of talented teammates that includes Will “Bucky” Locke and Christian Mainor. The pitching rotation of Locke, Mainor and Henry should be one of the best in District 1-2A.
At Crestview, the Bulldog baseball team is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2009 campaign in the new District 2-5A.
The first big test for the Dawgs comes Tuesday when they travel to Mosley to take on the Dolphins in the district opener.
The Crestview softball team also is trying to bounce back from a tough 2009 season.
After a slow start, the Bulldogs picked up their first win of the season last Thursday when they beat Baker 2-1.
The good news is the team should be improved this year. The bad news is that Fort Walton Beach could challenge Niceville for the district title.
Crestview travels to Fort Walton Beach to take on the Vikings on Thursday and will host Niceville on Tuesday. We should know a little more about the team after those games.
The middle schools don’t officially start their regular season schedules until March 17.
In the mean time baseball and softball aren’t the only sports of interest taking place.
The Crestview tennis team has opened the season. And the track seasons for Baker and Crestview are right around the corner.
Throw into the mix high school boys weight lifting at Crestview and Baker, as well as tennis, track and golf at the middle schools, and it makes for a busy spring.
You don’t hear me complaining though. I love this time of year as the days grow longer and what little winter we have begins to warm to spring.
A lot of you know where to find me as I sit behind the backstop with my scorebook in hand taking notes of the game I’m covering as I munch on peanuts and sip a cold Coca-Cola.
When you see me, come on over a chat for a while. I might even offer you some peanuts.
Yes, it’s that wonderful time of the year.
