Hello Sportsfans!

Playing softball with the LBC team has been a rare treat for me this year. I had no idea I would enjoy it so much. It is an excellent physical exercise "release" after a day of study or church responsibilities. I want to thank Butch Singleton Jr. for the vision of lobbying for a softball team for several years before it was a reality. The fellowship has been great. The attitudes superb. The team has a definite comradery and the fans are incredible.

I want to give you some highlights to last nights game against Glasgow Reformed Green. We "cleaned their clocks" (oops, that doesn't sound very loving---let's try again) We "polished their timepieces" by a great margin. Here are some of the highlights in no particular order:

Brian Mensch went 4 for 4 at bat blasting one over the left fielders head. Butch smacked a home run which was his first and our first of the season. I think there were two men on base when Butch "caught hold of the ball" --- I was one of them and didn't get to see this marvel because I was running for home.

The fans forced a batter to actually leave the batters box because he was dying from laughter at their "batter take a hike" cheer. Brian Mensch slid into home and into the catcher who sustained only temporary injuries. Pastor Valiante made his debut after being on the injured list with broken ribs from a manly cough. He fielded like a golden glove and made several big plays. He also went from a hero to a zero in matter of moments (inside joke). Chuck Hughes made a great snag and throw to first at one point in the game. He also guarded third like it was one of his twins. Brandon continued to be the miracle hitter who makes it to first nearly every time.
After 2 catching errors Coach Butch pulled himself out of the game to give some of the other guys a chance to shine (I couldn't resist that).

Mark Baranowski had a good night at bat blasting one against the fence. Stan and Stan played very well with elder Stan continuing to be a strong threat at bat. Young Stan played center and caught everything hit to him. The young blood of Taylor and Willard did their part with hard playing and talking it up like pros.

I'm sorry to leave other guys out that I can't remember.....after all, it is 6:30am and I haven't had my coffee.

By the way, the author got hit in the thumb with a line drive, and then walked 3 men in a row.... He also doubled with a line drive to right field (had to say that).

Well, the ole' rawhide has been fun thus far. It is great Christian fellowship and is bringing guys together who never knew each other at LBC. You should come on for a game. There were a large number of fans last night cheering and having good fun.

May the Lord bless you today. Hope to see you at Prayer Meeting.

PW