The 2018 SFRC softball season was delayed by one week due to “poor field conditions” as determined by the official Senior Manager of Southwest District Field Conditions. That may have been for the best as it has enabled the Skyline Fighting Red C’s to play on May 24, 2018. Note: We were not able to have official tryouts this year as some of the SFRC faithful remember fondly. “Cut two on this!” “Let’s throw over to one!” “You have to stay down on that ball!” (get your glove dirty too).
When the season did kick off, we saw the typical SFRC weather. Mrs. H for three straight weeks. The good guys have started the season off 2-4. Do not let that record discourage you. 2018 has started off as a record setting year for the quote page.
WEEK 01 was at SFRCMP (A/B). By far the best fields in the state. SFRC Memorial Park is consistently ranked as a Top 5 field Nationally and a Top 2 field in the Midwest.
Game 1 resulted in a 6-16 loss to IDK.
Game 2 went the say of the LEADERS with a solid 16-14 win. Kenny may or may not have gone deep (and hit a HR too). Since the rules state you do not have to run the bases on a HR, Kenny decided to take his glory midway between home and first base. Apparently pulling a hip muscle, but the celebration was effective. Nice work 2-7. I’m in for new material.
There was a strong showing by dedicated fans Patsy and guest. She may have been without her red horn, but contributed in countless other ways (see quote page). There were not just one or two solid quotes. It takes more than attendance to be voted “FAN OF THE YEAR.” It takes participation, energy and a five minute “hit record” run that only Lars and potentially Kenny was capable of challenging. Ladies and gentleman, we have an early candidate for “FAN OF THE YEAR!”
Week 02 had the LEADERS playing on Alimagnet A for two games. One of only three weeks the team bus was not needed between games. We were able to a Leadership Development Program virgin to help us out on this pleasant evening. We were missing a couple of LEADERS including Kenny and Potter and Matty due to injury and travel. Not only do we miss their playing ability, we certainly miss the quotes.
The downside of Week 02 games is that we have one less week to play softball in the summer. The good news is that the anticipation and anxious energy built up over eight plus months of cold has quickly transformed into routine. “It’s a good night for two!”
Game 1 vs. Muddy Chicken ended in a 6-10 loss for the LEADERS. Ol’ 3-5 had to manage right field as our very own #3 was unavailable. That always brings interesting results. Final Score: SFRC 6 – Muddy Chicken 10.
Game 2 vs. Klamms Scrappers was humbling. The LEADERS took it on the chin. We lost the game 9-18 too. Final Score: SFRC 9 – Klamms Scrappers 18.
In a night it felt like the SFRC could go 2-0, we ended 0-2. All was not lost, as the quote page grew throughout the evening. Because we didn’t travel from Alimagnet A, we stayed to discuss the hottest of life’s topics on the third base line. In other words, not the location of Lars “I ought to come down here and run my doodle” quote, nor the location of the “Sans turns 50” celebration including meat trays and cupcakes.
Week 03 Required the SFRC to dig into the Rolodex of candidates for our Leadership Development Program. We had solid help from Marky Mark, Robert and Gavin. The wind was mighty on Lac Lavon A and B. That helped the pitching hand of Gavin and his knuckleballs.
Game 1 vs. T-Ball was Full brought the best the SFRC had to offer. The first four batters (C-20, Pete, 35, Kenny) reached and two runs were on the board. The floodgates opened in the second with all 12 LEADERS batting on the way to six runs. The third inning produced three more runs. The four inning notched another three runs including a wind-aided HR by 35 (note, said batter completely forgot to yell about a sore hip). The LEADERS continued to do what we do which add more hits and more runs. Before the game was called due to time, the SFRC had plated an additional six runs. Final Score: SFRC 20 – Tee Ball was Full 8.
Game 2 vs. Apple Valley Legion was a back and forth game. After shutting down the opposition to start the game, the SFRC picked up where they left off and scored seven, including a HR by Gavin. The second inning showed the kink in the LEADERS armor as we gave up four runs and couldn’t produce any runs at the plate. The game was close throughout and in the end, the SFRC simply didn’t have enough. Final Score: Apple Valley Legion 18 – SFRC 15
It feels good to be playing softball again. We are 3-3 on the beer holder, meaning everyone has a spot for their canned water.
Finally, and as a reminder, while it wasn’t fun to miss out on the start of the season. That late snowfall has gifted us two games TONIGHT! WE’RE READY, RED!!
