Milwaukee Brewers’ Gindl Inspires Young Baseball Players
November 10, 2013
There’s nothing like the crack of a wooden bat on a sunny North Escambia afternoon. Not just any old wooden bat, but a good Louisville Slugger. A custom made Genuine Made C271 Pro Stock, American made from Carolina ash.
One after another, after another, the baseballs sailed to the outfield fence in Bratt for Northview High School Chief outfielders to catch. And sometimes they were over the fence, the bases loaded, bottom of the ninth home run feeling with every one.
Baseball, wooden bats and home runs…the all American stuff that young boys dream of…young boys like Caleb Gindl as he grew up around Molino and went on to play high school ball for the Pace Patriots.
In 2007, Milwaukee selected Gindl in the fifth round of the Major League Baseball draft. He paid his dues year after year in the minors, until he was called up to the Brewers on June 15. A week later, he made history for the Milwaukee Brewers as he became the first in franchise history to hit a walk-off for his first MLB homer. It was his very first major league home run.
“It was awesome; it was nice to know that all the hard work finally paid off,” Gindl said Saturday. “After seven years in the minors and to finally catch a break, it was really nice.”
Saturday, the Milwaukee Brewer’s Gindl was the star attraction — and instructor — at a Northview High School baseball clinic for players ages 9-17. As the clinic wrapped up, he stepped up to home plate and pounded hit after hit to the outfield fence.
“Wow, did you see that?”, a young boy said as a homer topped the fence.
Then it happened. The traditional crack of the bat was replaced with a much more powerful sound, echoing off the nearby Northview football stadium bleachers, as the Louisville Slugger splintered in two.
“I want it, I want it,” the boys cried out. “I want him to sign it!”
Without a doubt, Major League homers and his career are important Gindl. But coming back home and working with the boys and teens and the Northview Chiefs were also a highlight for Gindl.
“It’s always nice to come back where you are from and work with these guys,” he said. “There are some good players out here and hopefully this will help to get them better.”
For 125 NHS Baseball Clinic photos, click here.
And as spring approaches, Gindl will turn his attention to the upcoming season with hopes of returning to the Brewers.
“It is what it is. I have no control over that,” he said. “I’ve just got to go into spring training, be ready to go and try to win a job.”
Pictured: The Milwaukee Brewer’s Caleb Gindl hits during a baseball clinic Saturday at Northview High School in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Ends Best Season In 10 Years With Win Over The Escambia Gators
November 9, 2013
The Tate Aggies ended their comeback season at 8-2 — their best record in a decade — with a 45-34 win over the Escambia Gators Friday night at Emmitt Smith Field.
The Gators were on the board first, with the Aggies scoring on a 41-yard field goal from Dylan Mancuso with 4:07 to go in the first quarter. In the second quarter, Tate scored with a 57-yard pass from Sawyer Smith to Tay Samuel and a 3-yard run from Samuel just before the half.
In the third quarter, Tate scored on a 4-yard pass from Smith to Alonte Thompson and an 11-yard run from Brian Davis. In the forth, the Aggies scored on a 69-yard pass from Smith to Shane Tindell and a 3-yard keeper from Smith in the final seconds.
The Aggies, under first year head coach Ronnie Douglas, will hit the road for Tallahassee next Friday night in round one of the state 7A football playoff series. The Aggies (8-2, 1-1) will face Lincoln (6-4, 2-0).
Shutout For the Chiefs
November 9, 2013
The defending 1-A state champion Northview Chiefs suffered a 31-0 shutout Friday night at the hands of the top-ranked 1A Blountstown Tigers. It was the sixth shutout win of the season for Blountstown.
The Chiefs managed just 99 yards while allowing over 250 rushing yards by the Tigers. Ladarius Thomas had 52 yards for the Chiefs, while quarterback Dalton Tullis completed 7 of 18 passes for just 20 yards.
The Northview Chiefs, as District 1-1A runner-ups, begin week one of the playoffs Friday night on the road against Vernon. The Chiefs finished their regular season at 3-6, 2-1 overall, while Vernon’s record stands at 7-3, 4-0 in district play. If the Chiefs advance to round two of the playoffs, they will face the winner of Friday night’s Baker-Cottondale game.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Friday Night Finals
November 9, 2013
Here’s a look at Friday night finals from across the area:
Blountstown 31, Northview 0 [Read more...]
Tate 45, Escambia 34 [Read more...]
Jay 33, Maclay 30 [Read more...]
West Florida 37, Washington 13
Crestview 42, Pensacola High 32
Navarre 34, Gulf Breeze 24
Choctaw 27, Florida High 26
Baker 42, South Walton 33
T.R. Miller 54, American Christian 28
Escambia Academy, Tuscaloosa Academy 41-27
Jay Finishes With Winning Season
November 9, 2013
The Jay Royals ignited in the second half Friday night for a 33-30 win over Tallahassee Maclay at Merle North Stadium in Jay.
The Royals were down 21-0 at the half, and then 24-7 in the fourth before their rally. The win gave the Royals (6-4) their first wining season since 2008.
For a bonus photo gallery, click here.
Photo by Michele Gibbs for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northwest Escambia Claims Three Escambia River Championships
November 6, 2013
Three Northwest Escambia Eagles teams won Escambia River Conference championships Saturday in Jay.
Here are game summaries, as submitted by NWE. (Scroll down below photos for each summary).
NWE Sophomores were named ERC Sophomore Champions Saturday after defeating Poarch 26-6.
NWE and Poarch split regular season games at one win each. Poarch came out scoring quick but Eagles stop the extra point. Kaden Odom scored two touchdowns and one extra point for the Eagles. TJ Wright completed a 50 yard touchdown pass to Nolin Godwin for the play of the game.
Arquavian Smith had two long runs for more than 40 yards each, including one for a touchdown. TJ Wright punched in the extra point for the Eagles. The Eagles defense was able to hold Poarch scoreless for three quarters. Luke Bridges, John Michael Ward, Nathan Chavers, Aiden Broadhead and Braeden McGhee all made stops for the Eagles to help shut down Poarch’s running game.
Kaden Odom was named ERC’s Sophomore MVP for his outstanding performance and leadership on the field. The sophomores are coached by Gordon Godwin, David Nolin, Carl Ward, Ted Bridges, David Odom and Joel Broadhead.
NWE Juniors were named ERC Junior Champions Saturday as they defeated Jay 35-0.
Jayden Jackson started the Eagles off by scoring a 60 yard touchdown on their first possession of the game. Michael Merchant added the extra point with a quarterback sneak.
Jaden Cunningham followed on the next possession scoring with at 55 yard touchdown. Jaheem Durant punched in the extra point for the Eagles. Michael Merchant completed a pass to Dariontae Richardson for a 65 yard touchdown reception. Jaden Cunningham scores the extra point for the Eagles.
Jay drove the ball down to their 5-yard line when Ki-Jauna Carter forces the fumble and Dariontae Richardson recovered for the Eagles. Eagles took advantage of the recovery on the next play with Jayden Jackson running for 95 yards to score a touchdown.
Jaheem Durant scored with a 35 yard touchdown late in the game with Jaden Cunningham scored the extra point bringing the final score to 35-0.
Key plays on defense were made by Logan Bryan who stopped the Royals at their 5-yard line twice, Ki-Juana Carter and Hayden Thrower who each had a sack each. Jackson, Durant, Richardson, Thrower and Cunningham all made stops to prevent the Royals from scoring. Jayden Jackson was named ERC’s Junior Division MVP for his outstanding season.
The junior team has the opportunity to travel to Gulf Shores over Thanksgiving weekend to compete in the Gulf Coast Youth Football Championships, where teams from all over the United States will compete. The Juniors are coached by Patrick Boone, Eric Jefferson, Johnnie Carter, Kevin Bryan, Chris Singleton and Charles Davis.
Northwest Escambia won the Senior Championship 40-30 over Flomaton.
The Seniors Championship Game was a match-up of two undefeated teams, with both Flomaton and NWE coming in with 8-0 records. The game started with a 65 yard scoring drive by NWE, Aunterio Minor picked-up the bulk of those yards running strong through the middle of the Flomaton defense. Minor capped the drive off with a 5 yard TD run, Seth Killam added the successful two-point kick to make the score 8-0.
Flomaton started their first possession at their own 35 and was able to put together a nice drive, ending it by out running the Eagles around the right side of the defense for a TD. The Hurricanes kicker added the two point kick and the score was all tied up at 8-8.
On NWE’s next possession began at their 35 and the Eagles continued to work the middle of the Canes defense behind strong running from Trent Kite. After two hard runs by Kite, the Eagles were in Canes territory. NWE QB Seth Killam then completed a 20 yard pass to Keaton Solmonson, who used great concentration to pull to make a tremendous catch. The Eagles then went back to the run game, and Kite capped off the drive with a 10 yard TD run, Killam’s two point kick was good, and the score stood at 16-8 to begin the second quarter.
The Hurricanes first possession of the second quarter was capped off with a long TD pass, on which the Canes receiver out jumped a NWE defender for the ball. The Canes two point kick was good and the score was all tied up 16-16. The Eagles continued to use a strong running game and some timely passes to move the football, with Killam capping the drive on a QB sneak from the two yard line. Killam added the two point kick and the score was 24-16. The Canes then put together another strong drive, punching the ball into the endzone with only seconds left in the half. The Canes two point kick attempt was no good and at half time the scored stood at NWE 24,Flomaton 22.
NWE held Flomaton on their first second half possession and forced a punt. NWE’s next possession ended on a fumble. After the turnover the Eagles defense stepped up and held the Canes on downs behind strong play from Keegun Johnston, Jovantaye Wright and Minor. The Eagles took advantage of their next possession going back to the run game, attacking the middle of the Canes defense. Minor capped off the drive with a 10 yard TD run. Killam’s two point kick was good to make the score 32-22. On the Canes next possession the Flomaton ball carrier was able to out run the Eagles defense on 50 plus yard TD run. The Flomaton two point kick was good, to make the score 32-30 to begin the 4th Quarter.
On the Eagles next possession the middle of the Flomaton defense seemed to stiffen a bit. The Eagles were faced with a 3rd and 8, inside their own territory, Cameron Cloud the Eagles back up QB came in and completed a great pass down the right sideline to starting QB Seth Killam for the first down. Killam moved back to QB and then out ran the Canes defense on a QB bootleg around the right side for a 20 yard TD run. Killam added the two point kick to make the score NWE 40 Flomaton 30 half way through the 4th quarter.
Flomaton’s next possession ended when Killam intercepted a Canes pass. The Eagles looked to put the game away on their next possession drove down deep into the Canes territory with strong ruining from Trent Kite, but the drive ended with a fumble on the Flomaton 12 yard line. Canes mounted a valiant attempt moving the ball near mid field before the NWE Defense stiffened and sacked the Canes QB on fourth down. After a couple of running plays NWE then took a knee to win the championship 40-30
The NWE Seniors are coched by Greg Gibson, Matt Olsen, Jared Peebles, Brett Roberson, and Zach Windham.
Tate Headed To Playoffs
November 5, 2013
The Tate High School Aggies sweet comeback season is continuing with a trip to state playoffs.
After a three-way “shootout” between Tate, Crestview and Niceville tonight, the Aggies emerged as District 1-7A runner-ups. In the first game of the shootout, Tate beat Crestview 7-6. In the second game, Niceville beat Tate 14-0. That made Niceville the district champions with the Aggies finishing second.
The playoffs begin on November 15, with the Tate Aggies (7-2, 1-1) traveling to Tallahassee Lincoln High School (6-3, 2-0). It will be the first playoff appearance since 2008.
Northview Quarterback Club Meets Tonight
November 5, 2013
The next meeting of the Northview High School Quarterback Club is tonight at 6:30 in the Northview Media Center. All current and prospective members are encouraged to attend.
Families can support the Chiefs by joining the Quarterback Club for just $10 per family per year. All of the proceeds go directly to help the school, the football program and the students.
Northview, Major Leaguer Caleb Gindl To Hold Baseball Clinic This Weekend
November 4, 2013
Northview Baseball and Major Leaguer Caleb Gindl of the Milwaukee Brewers will present a fall baseball clinic this weekend for ages 9-17. Participants will receive on the field experience while supporting the Northview Chiefs baseball program.
The clinic will be held Saturday, November 9, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Northview baseball complex. The cost is $40 per participant. The number of registrations are limited.
For more information or to register, call the Northview Diamond Club at (850) 554-8594.
Friday Night Finals
November 2, 2013
Here are Friday night football finals from across the area:
FLORIDA
- Baker 24, Northview 20 [Read more...]
- Jay, 47, Freeport 14 [Read more...]
- Catholic 31, West Florida 13
- Pine Forest 21, PHS, 20
- Escambia 63, Washington 10
- Gulf Breeze 42, Arnold 23
- Milton 21-Pace 14
- Davidson 24, Navarre 21
- Vernon 35, Sneads 19
- Crestview 17, Niceville 10
Open: Tate
ALABAMA
- Flomaton 50, Central-Hayneville 16
- Escambia Co. (Atmore) 29, Baldwin County 20
- Escambia Academy 55, Macon East 6
- W.S. Neal, 42, Millry 12
- T.R. Miller 27, Sweet Water 6