Softball Returns To Century
March 1, 2009
Dwindling interest and competing leagues led to not having a girls’ softball team participate in Century Little League last season. But a renewed effort from Century Little League’s Board of Directors has brought back the fun.
Submitted by Joel Borelli
When asked what obstacles needed to be overcome league president and Century resident Kevin Merchant, said “It wasn’t easy, especially given the fact that last year we didn’t have a team. Sometimes it’s harder to get something back after you lost it than it might be to start something new.” He went on to explain that a lot of children go to school at Bratt or Walnut Hill and make friends there. It’s only natural for them to want to play sports with their friends and that’s okay, but the unfortunate result is that some children end up playing for the Northwest Escambia League and not Century.
He was quick to point out that, “We still have a lot of children available to us. The key was finding the right person to coach the team, an enthusiastic person, willing to go the extra mile and go out there and recruit. And we found that with Coach Tara Jones.”
When I caught up with Coach Jones on her second day of practice she agreed it wasn’t easy, especially with no team to draw girls from last season. She reiterated though, that the simple act of recruiting made all the difference.
“Talking with friends, neighbors, everyone I know,” she says was the formula for her success. And although it’s still early, she’s excited about her team. “I’ve got three girls who played minor league ball with the boys last year. I’m really counting on those girls to come out and do their best and to help the others that don’t have the experience. We’ve got some girls that can hit the ball too,” she added . And while she believes her team will compete well, she admits she has a ways to go in putting it all together. “I’ve got my starting shortstop, my catcher, and a few other positions, but I’m still trying to identify the rest, especially pitcher.”
The impact of the return of softball in Century goes well beyond the city limits. Around the league teams are, “Tickled, excited,” says Kevin. “It’s a win-win situation. The additional team added to schedules helps the entire tri-county league and improves the competition. It also helps the league when it comes to All-Stars. An expanded talent pool results in more girls to choose from so the league can field the best possible All-Star team.” His excitement doesn’t end there either. “I don’t see why we can’t get two or three girl’s softball teams going and sustain them,” he states.
So how does that happen? What does the future hold for Century softball and what has to be done to sustain the hard work already done in laying this foundation? Like all non-profit, volunteer-run organizations, Century Little League must rely on support from the community. In Century, that starts with the city’s participation. Kevin made it perfectly clear how great an asset Century has been to the league. “Century is a fantastic partner with us, there’s so much that they do. Every year they donate money and they don’t charge us to run the field lights, among other things. These go a very long way to making Century Little League a success. They also allow us to operate the concessions ourselves which really helps us raise additional funds.”
Beyond the city’s help, Kevin recognizes that the citizens themselves must pitch in, be they parents of children or just those that want to volunteer, and he reached out to them a few weeks ago. “We recently hosted a Fun Day at Showalter Park.” The day sported games the kids could play, a home run derby, fast pitch competition, races, and those types of things. “We opened it up to the whole town too. We didn’t want it to be for just the kids playing baseball or softball. We wanted whole families to come out and have a good time.” In spite of the bad weather the turnout was good and he’s looking to build on it for next year. Cheerfully doing his part to raise money, Kevin took a good soaking in the dunk tank that day, despite the chilly weather.
As for the business community, Kevin states, “We receive a lot of support from local businesses, which really helps, but we could always use more. In this economy especially, there are parents out there who just can’t afford to pay the registration fees and that’s just too bad.” When asked about other suggestions for community involvement he had a unique idea. “I think the churches might help us some and I plan on contacting them. There are over 30 churches in Century and if each one sponsored just one child’s registration fee that would get thirty-plus more kids out here having fun, playing ball, and the positive impact sports has on children is worth the investment.”
When asked to give us a prediction on Century’s success around the league this year, he said, “Coach Wes’ National League Tee Ball team has a real good chance to win it all. We have two really good minor league teams and then Coach Jones’ softball team looks like it has a shot too.” And Coach Jones got in on the fun too, saying with a smile, “I’m seeing some wins for us this year.”
While Kevin and I were talking I took the opportunity to ask him about the rest of Century Little League and according to him the outlook is good. Tee Ball participation is way up and this year Century is fielding two minor league teams as well, but he was quick to say that kids are still welcome to come out and play, especially eleven and twelve year olds, the weakest turnout age for Century this season. If you have a child 12 and under you can bring them by the park any Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. to sign up.
Joel Borelli serves as a board member for the Century Little League.
Pictured top: Catcher Cheyanne Merchant and Coach Tara Jones practice. Pictured inset: Shortstop Samanta Bathea. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com.
Northview Wins Baseball And Softball Games Friday Night
February 28, 2009
Friday night was a good one for both the varsity and junior varsity boy’s baseball, and the girl’s softball teams from Northview High School.
Northview’s varisty boy’s baseball team allowed just three hits as they beat South Walton on the road Friday night.
Northview beat the South Walton Seahawks 2-0 in the District 1-3A game.
Coming off a 7-5 win over West Florida Thursday, the JV Chiefs beat South Walton Friday afternoon 10-7 to improve to 2-1 on the season..
Friday evening was also a good one for the Lady Chiefs softball team.
Northview’s softball team shut out the Pine Forest Eagles 14-0.
Pictured top: Northview freshman Cole Commander at bat for the Chiefs Friday afternoon at South Walton. Pictured middle: The NHS JV team at South Walton Friday afternoon. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photo Album: Flomaton Beats Escambia County High
February 28, 2009
The Flomaton Hurricanes pickup up another win in the Escambia County Tournament Friday afternoon beating Escambia County High School.
It took 10 innings, but the ‘Canes beat the Blue Devils. Tyler Coleman and Keegan Lambeth each had a home run for Flomaton.
In Thursday night action, the Hurricanes beat the T.R. Miller Tigers 9-7.
Click here for more photos from Mike Newton Photography.
Pictured above: Action as Flomaton beat Atmore Friday afternoon. Submitted photo by Mike Newton Photography for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Canes Beat Miller In County Tourney
February 27, 2009
The Flomaton Hurricane beat T.R. Miller in the County Tournament last night in Flomaton.
The ‘Canes beat the Tigers 9-7.
The games resume at 1:00 today with Flomaton playing Escambia County High School. The tournament was scheduled to end Saturday, but it was moved up to Friday due to the chance of rain on Saturday.
Click here for more photos from Mike Newton Photography.
Pictured above: Action as Flomaton beat T.R. Miller Thursday night. Submitted photo by Mike Newton Photography for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Amazing Photo Catches Northview Softball Player’s Leg Being Broken
February 27, 2009
An amazing photograph shows the moment Northview softball player Amber McMillan’s leg was broken in tournament game against Enterprise High School in Dothan, Alabama.
“She loved it,” mom Donna McMillan said of Amber’s reaction to the photo. “She’s got the ball, signed by all of the players, the pants that had to be cut off of her and the photo that she plans to frame and put in her room.”
Amber, 16, is improving, Donna said. She’s not in a cast…she has a metal rod in her leg, and she’s on crutches. She’s expected to be healed in about six to eight weeks.
Amber will visit the Andrew’s Institute in Gulf Breeze Monday afternoon to find out more about her treatment and when she will be able to head back to school.
“She plans to play in the district tournament,” Donna said. But Amber’s mom and her dad Mac don’t agree with that optimistic outlook.
Amber has always been active in sports, playing softball since she was four-years old. She’s participated in softball, volleyball, cheerleading, track, basketball and golf. And the broken leg was her first ever injury.
After the accident, no one was sure exactly how Amber’s leg was broken — until they saw the photo.
As for the play itself…the photo shows Amber catching the ball as her leg was broken. She held on to the ball and got the out.
Pictured above: Northview softball player Amber McMillan’s left leg is broken in tournament game in Dothan. Submitted photo by Scott Harris, www.scottharrisphotos.com for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Chiefs Beat Pcola High 5-0; Updated Story With Stats
February 25, 2009
The Northview High School varsity baseball team shut out Pensacola High School Tuesday night in Bratt. The Chiefs beat PHS 5-0. Pictured above: Scooter Hamilton at bat. Pictured below: Brad Lowery hits for the Chiefs. Pictured bottom: Patrick McPherson scores. Submitted photos by Heather Leonard for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Hitters for Northview- Reid 1-3 1 R, Stuckey 1-3, 2b (double), 1R, A. Lowery 1-3, 1R, Hamilton 1-3, 1 RBI, Langhorne 0-3, 1R, 1RBI, Mcphearson 0-3, 1R, B. Lowery 0-4, 1RBI, Foster 0-3, 1RBI, Sheets 0-2, 1RBI, Burkett 0-1. Pitchers- B. Lowery 6 IP, 2-H, 0-R, O-ER, 3-BB, 8-K’s, 1-HB/ Hanks 1-IP, 1-H, 0-R, 0-ER, 2-BB, 0-K, Northview 1-W, 2-L, 0-T.
All the runs came in the fourth, started by a Langhorne hit to second which scored two runs, after an throwing error to first base on a play on Langhorne, then A. Lowery got on base by a fielders choice which put Langhorne on second, Mcphearson was put on base with a hit by pitch, which loaded the bases, Sheets got on with a error and moved in 1run and keeping bases loaded again, Hamilton got on base with an error and moved in one run, B. Lowery had a sacrifice to score the final run. Chiefs were able to hold off PHS with solid pitching and error free defense to win the game.
Stats submitted by Rodney Burkett.
County To Host Pitching, Hitting, Running Event
February 22, 2009
Do you have a child that would like to showcase his or her pitching, hitting and running abilities? The Escambia County Neighborhoods and Community Services Bureau will host the Aquafina Pitch, Hit, & Run event, which will be held Saturday, March 7, beginning at 9 a.m.
Both boys and girls will compete together, having four chances to win in each age group: all-around champion, pitch champion, hit champion and run champion. Children from age seven to 14 are eligible to compete.
This free event will take place at the John R. Jones Athletic Park, 555 E. Nine Mile Road.
To register for the event or for more information, please contact the Brandi Daigle, Neighborhoods and Community Services Bureau at (850) 475-5220 or email recreation@co.escambia.fl.us or visit our web site at www.myescambia.com.
Ball Registration In Molino And Walnut Hill Today; Last Day For NWE
February 21, 2009
Registration was held at two area ballparks today, including Bradberry Park where today was the last day to register.
It was the last day of registration for Northwest Escambia Little League at Walnut Hill’s Bradberry Park. Registration is also going on at for the Molino Recreation Association at Don Sutton Park. Details for both parks are below.
Registration for Northwest Escambia Little League baseball continues each Saturday until February 21 from 10 a.m. until noon at Bradberry Park in Walnut Hill.
The cost is $35 for the first child from a family, $25 for the second child and free for each additional child. A copy of each child’s birth certificate is required for registration.
This year, NWE will offer Wee Ball for children ages 3 and 4 on the brand new “Drew’s Field”
- Wee Ball — ages 3 & 4
- Tee Ball — ages 5, 6 & 7
- Minor and Major League Baseball — ages 8 to 12
- Minor and Marjor League Softball — ages 8 to 16
- Junior and Senior League Softball –ages 13 to 16
- Junior and Senior Leage Baseball — ages 13 to 16
- Machine Pitch Baseball — age 8
For more information, call 327-6722 or 327-6155 after five p.m.
Registration will be held each Saturday for the Molino Recreation Association at Don Sutton park in Molino. Registration will continue each Saturday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. through February 28. The annual draft will be February 28 at 3 p.m.
Registration fees have been reduced this year due to the economy. This year, registration fees are $50 for the first child, $45 for the second, $40 for the third and free for additional players from the same family. A birth certificate copy is required to be on file for each child.
Teams for the Molino Recreation Association will include:
- Wee Ball –ages 3 & 4
- Tee Ball — ages 5, 6 & 7
- Baseball — ages 8 to 15
- Girls Softball — ages 8 to 16
If you would like to coach or just help out on your child’s team, you can sign up on the day your child is registered. For more information, call 587-4090.
Local Residents Place In Pensacola Marathon
February 16, 2009
Three North Escambia residents placed in Sunday morning’s Pensacola Marathon.
Kim Chambless of Walnut Hill placed 12th in the Female Age Group 40-44 with a time of 5:43:05.73. Right on her heals was Mary McPherson of Century in the 13th place with a time of 5:51:44.96.
Matt Dobson of Jay placed first in the Male Age Group 35-39 with a time of 2:47:00.26.
Northview Chiefs Miss Out On District Title
February 15, 2009
The Northview High School varsity boys basketball team had their hopes of a district title crushed by Catholic High School in the district tournament at NHS.
The Crusaders downed Northview 70-59.
Catholic held a strong lead at the end of the first period of play, 22-13. By the half, the Crusaders had expanded that lead to 32-21. Catholic held NHS to just two points in the fourth period of play.
Catholic 22 11 18 18 — 70
Northview 13 8 14 2 — 59
Northview: Lance Bushaw 15, Aaron Bellamy 11, LaDarion White 10, Luke Killam 7, Colton Sims, Wayne Marshall 4.
Catholic went on to beat South Walton 51-43 Saturday night to capture the District 1-3A Championship.