Apples Win Ugly
Victory Clinches Division Title
Forbes Online
Nashville:
Give a cigar to whoever coined the phrase " I'd rather be lucky than good. " No truer words were ever spoken when it came to the 2007 FreshPoint Apples last night. By all accounts the Apples would have, should have, and could have lost their first game of the season. Despite setting a club record with 7 errors in the field the Apples somehow hung on and came from behind in their last at bat to pull victory from the jaws of defeat and in doing so ran their undefeated streak to 8 and clinched the division title for the first time since 2004.
" What can you say? we played like crap tonight " said 3rd baseman Tony Byram following the game. " I hope my friends and family weren't watching tonight " added Outfielder Sarah Milan after the game that saw the Apples try in every way to give the win away. The Apples struggled in every inning defensively and set a dubious mark by having each player in the infield make at least 1 error during the course of the game.
" We had them all the way " said Apple Great and Future Hall of Famer Don Bernitt as he addressed the media after the game. Bernitt continued by saying " this is what champions are made of, we were knocked down but we got off the floor, dusted ourselves off and won the game." " I'm damn proud of this team for not quiting " concluded Bernitt as he headed out the clubhouse door.
For the fans in attendance last night the best was saved for last. Trailing by three going into the bottom of the ninth the Apples reached deep and with hits by Greg Treep, Robin Meadows, Rick Herman and Keith Jenkins pulled within one run of the lead. It was then up to Outfielder Patty Pender who with two on and two out smacked the game winning hit into center to save the undefeated season for the Apples..
In a year that has now seen it all and with their first division title in 3 years in hand, about all that is left to be said is............How bout them Apples
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Thursday, May 24, 2007
ALL APPLES
Unbeaten streak reaches 7
China Daily:
Nashville, TN
Playing perhaps their best overall game of the year last night, the 2007 FreshPoint Apples shined both on the field and at the plate last night as they fielded and hit their way to their league leading 7th victory of the year.
Offensively, the Apples once again wore their hitting shoes as they pounded out 29 hits along the way to their 19 - 4 victory. Led by the bats of Greg Treep, Christi Copous and Shane Alexander, the Apples scored in every inning in a game that was never in doubt.
For the first time this year it can be said that it was the Apples defense that actually won the game for the team despite the heavy hitting of the offense. The Apple's made stellar plays in each inning to crush any attempts by the visiting Affion Angels. " wow, they have game " said losing Angel pitcher Mark Cooper following the game.
Cooper, like all of the fans in the sold out crowd were treated to a magical night of fielding by the Apples beginning in the first inning when Apple Great and Future Hall of Famer Don Bernitt took to the field to play 3rd base and promptly made a diving grab to his backhand to snuff out an early rally by the visiting team. Along with Bernitt, 2nd baseman Robin Meadows played a flawless game as she made several nice plays to end innings. In the outfield it was the Patty Pender show. Pender made several spectacular catches on hard hit balls including one that saw her climb and reach over the fence to take a homerun away from the visitors. To top them all, it was Head Coach and game MVP Greg Swafford who came up with the play of the night. On a soft hit ball down the first base line, Swafford dove to catch the ball and then had the presence of mind to get up and throw the ball to second to double off the runner who had left early. On the down side it was announced after the game that Swafford had torn open the flesh on the right knee and was taken to a local hospital for stitches. " He'll be fine " said Team Physician Zoie Roberts when contacted late last night.
Off the field, to go along with the normal buzz in the crowd during Apple games there was an added air of excitement last night at the Granny White Sports Complex as the newly christened FreshPoint blimp ' APPLE ONE ' floated effortlessly overhead. The blimp, piloted by Michael Oliver was debuted as part of a project in conjunction with ESPN that documents a week in the life of the FreshPoint Coed Softball team and which will culminate in a 3 part mini-series entitled ' Hanging Like An Apple ' that is set to air nationally over the Memorial Day weekend. Along with the blimp, Team Photographer Lisa Bean was on site to add her perspective to the show. In addition to the upcoming mini-series there have also been talks of a Fall 2007 reality show revolving around the Apple players and their off season routines that would lead to one lucky fan being awarded a spot as bat boy and official beer fetcher for next year's team. Details of this and other Apple P.R. events will be released on the Apple's website when finalized later this summer.
That's now 7 games in the books with 3 to go for the Apples. As they round third and head for home there is only one thing that can be said for sure.......... How bout them Apples !
Unbeaten streak reaches 7
China Daily:
Nashville, TN
Playing perhaps their best overall game of the year last night, the 2007 FreshPoint Apples shined both on the field and at the plate last night as they fielded and hit their way to their league leading 7th victory of the year.
Offensively, the Apples once again wore their hitting shoes as they pounded out 29 hits along the way to their 19 - 4 victory. Led by the bats of Greg Treep, Christi Copous and Shane Alexander, the Apples scored in every inning in a game that was never in doubt.
For the first time this year it can be said that it was the Apples defense that actually won the game for the team despite the heavy hitting of the offense. The Apple's made stellar plays in each inning to crush any attempts by the visiting Affion Angels. " wow, they have game " said losing Angel pitcher Mark Cooper following the game.
Cooper, like all of the fans in the sold out crowd were treated to a magical night of fielding by the Apples beginning in the first inning when Apple Great and Future Hall of Famer Don Bernitt took to the field to play 3rd base and promptly made a diving grab to his backhand to snuff out an early rally by the visiting team. Along with Bernitt, 2nd baseman Robin Meadows played a flawless game as she made several nice plays to end innings. In the outfield it was the Patty Pender show. Pender made several spectacular catches on hard hit balls including one that saw her climb and reach over the fence to take a homerun away from the visitors. To top them all, it was Head Coach and game MVP Greg Swafford who came up with the play of the night. On a soft hit ball down the first base line, Swafford dove to catch the ball and then had the presence of mind to get up and throw the ball to second to double off the runner who had left early. On the down side it was announced after the game that Swafford had torn open the flesh on the right knee and was taken to a local hospital for stitches. " He'll be fine " said Team Physician Zoie Roberts when contacted late last night.
Off the field, to go along with the normal buzz in the crowd during Apple games there was an added air of excitement last night at the Granny White Sports Complex as the newly christened FreshPoint blimp ' APPLE ONE ' floated effortlessly overhead. The blimp, piloted by Michael Oliver was debuted as part of a project in conjunction with ESPN that documents a week in the life of the FreshPoint Coed Softball team and which will culminate in a 3 part mini-series entitled ' Hanging Like An Apple ' that is set to air nationally over the Memorial Day weekend. Along with the blimp, Team Photographer Lisa Bean was on site to add her perspective to the show. In addition to the upcoming mini-series there have also been talks of a Fall 2007 reality show revolving around the Apple players and their off season routines that would lead to one lucky fan being awarded a spot as bat boy and official beer fetcher for next year's team. Details of this and other Apple P.R. events will be released on the Apple's website when finalized later this summer.
That's now 7 games in the books with 3 to go for the Apples. As they round third and head for home there is only one thing that can be said for sure.......... How bout them Apples !
Thursday, May 17, 2007
More Apples
FreshPoint Continues Winning Ways
Centre Daily Times
Nashville, TN:
It was more of the same last night for the 2007 FreshPoint Apples as they began the second half of their season at the Granny White Sports Complex in suburban Nashville. With the victory last night the Apples now find themselves in rare air as they posted their 6th consecutive victory of the season as the pressure now mounts to see if they can run the table and finish the season undefeated.
Playing against the visiting Tennessee Titans, a team made up a several former NFL players and coaches, the Apples continued their winning ways behind the bat of Greg Treep and the glove of Rich Herman. In what can be dubbed as " Thunder and Lightning " it was Treep's 2 out Grand Slam Homerun and Herman's speed in the outfield that lead the Apple's to the 15 - 6 victory.
" Those guys are good " said visiting Coach Eddie George as he left the field following the pasting put on his club by the hometown favorite Apples. " That's how you play the game " added Titans shortstop and former Pro Bowler Marcus Robertson has he shook hands with the victorious Apples.
In what now seems to have taken on a life of it's own, the Apples were again bitten by the injury bug this week. It has been learned that last weeks Game MVP Tony Byram broke a finger on his left hand during a team practice over the weekend. "Its one thing to play hurt, it's another to play injured. " said Team Trainer Matt Oliver following the game. Oliver added " Everybody has to play hurt at this point in the season however Tony is injured and we don't expect him to be back for a few weeks." Along with the injury to Byram it was also learned that Apple 3rd Baseman Keith Jenkins is likely out for the season. Jenkins has been playing with what is being called a " non Softball related medical condition " and it now appears that he can no longer continue to play with this condition. Sources close to the team would only confirm the reports and hinted that Jenkins is seeing a specialist this week to determine in surgery is needed.
When the news of these latest Apple injuries surfaced early this week there was a flurry of emails and phone calls from the Apple compound to check waiver wires and test the waters for possible trades by the Apples to shore up the roster heading into the second half of the season and the playoffs that follow. Although no contracts were signed, it is being rumored that the Apples did in fact make a few moves that will fill the roster spots left open by the recent injuries to John Jones, Byram and Jenkins...
By far the biggest news of the night was the absence of Apple Great and Future Hall of Famer Don Bernitt from the stadium.. In a statement released from the Apples front office it was disclosed that Bernitt had been subpoenaed to appear before a Select Senate Committee on steroid use in Coed Softball and was en route to Washington, D.C. when the private jet carrying him was forced to make an emergency landing in Raleigh, North Carolina. Along with Bernitt, it is thought that several top Apple Executives including Team Owner and President Jim Williamson, Executive Vice President Chris Wisekal, Team Attorney Max Boyle, V.P. of Player Development Jeff Hall and Lead Contract Negotiator Don Upton were on board as well. When reached at a posh Raleigh hotel Bernitt said " we're all a little jittery but other than that we're OK and that is the most important thing. " Bernitt also said that he had " a feeling " something wasn't right when he left his house yesterday morning so just in case he threw his golf clubs on the plane and that he will now spend a few days playing golf on the well manicured courses in and around Raleigh before returning to Nashville for next weeks scheduled game.
That's now 6 up and 6 down for the Apples and about the only thing that can be said is.........How bout them Apples!!!
FreshPoint Continues Winning Ways
Centre Daily Times
Nashville, TN:
It was more of the same last night for the 2007 FreshPoint Apples as they began the second half of their season at the Granny White Sports Complex in suburban Nashville. With the victory last night the Apples now find themselves in rare air as they posted their 6th consecutive victory of the season as the pressure now mounts to see if they can run the table and finish the season undefeated.
Playing against the visiting Tennessee Titans, a team made up a several former NFL players and coaches, the Apples continued their winning ways behind the bat of Greg Treep and the glove of Rich Herman. In what can be dubbed as " Thunder and Lightning " it was Treep's 2 out Grand Slam Homerun and Herman's speed in the outfield that lead the Apple's to the 15 - 6 victory.
" Those guys are good " said visiting Coach Eddie George as he left the field following the pasting put on his club by the hometown favorite Apples. " That's how you play the game " added Titans shortstop and former Pro Bowler Marcus Robertson has he shook hands with the victorious Apples.
In what now seems to have taken on a life of it's own, the Apples were again bitten by the injury bug this week. It has been learned that last weeks Game MVP Tony Byram broke a finger on his left hand during a team practice over the weekend. "Its one thing to play hurt, it's another to play injured. " said Team Trainer Matt Oliver following the game. Oliver added " Everybody has to play hurt at this point in the season however Tony is injured and we don't expect him to be back for a few weeks." Along with the injury to Byram it was also learned that Apple 3rd Baseman Keith Jenkins is likely out for the season. Jenkins has been playing with what is being called a " non Softball related medical condition " and it now appears that he can no longer continue to play with this condition. Sources close to the team would only confirm the reports and hinted that Jenkins is seeing a specialist this week to determine in surgery is needed.
When the news of these latest Apple injuries surfaced early this week there was a flurry of emails and phone calls from the Apple compound to check waiver wires and test the waters for possible trades by the Apples to shore up the roster heading into the second half of the season and the playoffs that follow. Although no contracts were signed, it is being rumored that the Apples did in fact make a few moves that will fill the roster spots left open by the recent injuries to John Jones, Byram and Jenkins...
By far the biggest news of the night was the absence of Apple Great and Future Hall of Famer Don Bernitt from the stadium.. In a statement released from the Apples front office it was disclosed that Bernitt had been subpoenaed to appear before a Select Senate Committee on steroid use in Coed Softball and was en route to Washington, D.C. when the private jet carrying him was forced to make an emergency landing in Raleigh, North Carolina. Along with Bernitt, it is thought that several top Apple Executives including Team Owner and President Jim Williamson, Executive Vice President Chris Wisekal, Team Attorney Max Boyle, V.P. of Player Development Jeff Hall and Lead Contract Negotiator Don Upton were on board as well. When reached at a posh Raleigh hotel Bernitt said " we're all a little jittery but other than that we're OK and that is the most important thing. " Bernitt also said that he had " a feeling " something wasn't right when he left his house yesterday morning so just in case he threw his golf clubs on the plane and that he will now spend a few days playing golf on the well manicured courses in and around Raleigh before returning to Nashville for next weeks scheduled game.
That's now 6 up and 6 down for the Apples and about the only thing that can be said is.........How bout them Apples!!!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Apples Again
5-0 record matches best in team history
Chicago Tribune
Nashville, TN
The saying is that ' offense ' puts fans in the seats and ' defense ' wins championships. For the 2007 FreshPoint Apples last night was the best of both worlds as they shattered team records both in the field and at the plate. Playing in front out their 37th consecutive sold out crowd, the Apples crushed the visiting C.H. Comets by a jaw dropping score of 26 - 1
By picking up the win the Apples ran their league leading record to 5 - 0 and in the process tied the franchise record for wins to open a season that was set by the 2004 World Champion Apples. " I see a lot of similarity between these Apples and the ' 04 team " said League Commissioner Sam Metz who was in Nashville last night to watch the game.
On the field, the Apples put on a record setting hitting display that may never be matched. Lead by game MVP Tony Byram's two homerun night, the Apples slugged 5 homeruns in all with Rookie Shortstop Shane Alexander adding two and Pitcher Greg Swafford going the opposite way for his first dinger of the year. Not to be outdone Apple First Baseman Christi Copous hit two balls to the deepest part of the stadium that drove in 6 runs with a triple and a double.. To round out the long ball festival for the Apples, Left Fielder Greg Treep hit 3 balls off the fence and added to his team leading 16 doubles on the year.
Defensively for the Apples it was a night to admire. With a few last minute changes in place the Apples trotted out a new look defense that had Robin Meadows moving to the outfield to join Patty Pender in catching every ball hit their way. Replacing Meadows at 2nd base last night was the newly signed free agent Jackie Woulf from Southern Mississippi University. " I've heard a lot about these guys and I'm darn proud to be playing here " said Woulf following the game. " She shouldn't just feel proud, she should feel darn lucky " said Apple Great and Future Hall of Famer Don Bernitt when asked to discuss the mid season addition of Jackie to the team. With the game over and the win in the books, Bernitt was also asked about his take on the team and the remainder of the season ahead. " The way I see it, we've put the kettle on the stove and now it's time to turn up the heat."
The Apples are now halfway home and looking good... How far the run will go is to be seen but one thing that is certain for now......... How bout them Apples.
5-0 record matches best in team history
Chicago Tribune
Nashville, TN
The saying is that ' offense ' puts fans in the seats and ' defense ' wins championships. For the 2007 FreshPoint Apples last night was the best of both worlds as they shattered team records both in the field and at the plate. Playing in front out their 37th consecutive sold out crowd, the Apples crushed the visiting C.H. Comets by a jaw dropping score of 26 - 1
By picking up the win the Apples ran their league leading record to 5 - 0 and in the process tied the franchise record for wins to open a season that was set by the 2004 World Champion Apples. " I see a lot of similarity between these Apples and the ' 04 team " said League Commissioner Sam Metz who was in Nashville last night to watch the game.
On the field, the Apples put on a record setting hitting display that may never be matched. Lead by game MVP Tony Byram's two homerun night, the Apples slugged 5 homeruns in all with Rookie Shortstop Shane Alexander adding two and Pitcher Greg Swafford going the opposite way for his first dinger of the year. Not to be outdone Apple First Baseman Christi Copous hit two balls to the deepest part of the stadium that drove in 6 runs with a triple and a double.. To round out the long ball festival for the Apples, Left Fielder Greg Treep hit 3 balls off the fence and added to his team leading 16 doubles on the year.
Defensively for the Apples it was a night to admire. With a few last minute changes in place the Apples trotted out a new look defense that had Robin Meadows moving to the outfield to join Patty Pender in catching every ball hit their way. Replacing Meadows at 2nd base last night was the newly signed free agent Jackie Woulf from Southern Mississippi University. " I've heard a lot about these guys and I'm darn proud to be playing here " said Woulf following the game. " She shouldn't just feel proud, she should feel darn lucky " said Apple Great and Future Hall of Famer Don Bernitt when asked to discuss the mid season addition of Jackie to the team. With the game over and the win in the books, Bernitt was also asked about his take on the team and the remainder of the season ahead. " The way I see it, we've put the kettle on the stove and now it's time to turn up the heat."
The Apples are now halfway home and looking good... How far the run will go is to be seen but one thing that is certain for now......... How bout them Apples.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Apples Still Unblemished
Win Streak now at Four - Jones breaks wrist -Out for season
New York Times
Nashville, TN
If there were ever any doubts they can now be laid to rest. The 2007 FreshPoint Apples are for real. Playing in front of another sold out crowd last night, the FreshPoint Apples ran their league leading record to 4 - 0 and have now cemented their position as the team to beat in the Granny White Coed Softball League.
Paced by rookies Shane Alexander and Greg Treep, the Apples did just enough to beat their longtime rivals the New River Saints in a game that matched the leagues two top teams. " We won ugly tonight " said Alexander after the game. " A win is a win " added Treep as he signed autographs outside the Apples locker room following the 11 - 6 Apple victory.
Unfortunately for the Apples all of last nights news is not good. In what may come back to haunt them, 2 time league MVP and lead off batter John Jones was involved in a collision at third base during the first inning that left him with what was first reported as a broken right wrist. Jones was taken from the stadium to a nearby hospital for X - Rays and results confirmed that Jones fractured the radius bone and is expected to out for 6 - 8 weeks. In a show of team support, Jones was awarded the game ball which was delivered to the hospital by the entire Apple team.
Along with the injury to Jones and for the second week in a row, Apple pitcher Greg Swafford complained of soreness in his throwing arm and was not able to take the mound for the Apples. Following a visit with team physician Zoie Robertson, Swafford was placed on the 14 day disabled list retroactive to April 25th. " I'm bummed " said Swafford as he sat in the dugout with his arm wrapped in ice.
After the decision was made to bench Swafford the Apples again called on Former Apple Great and Future Hall of Famer Don Bernitt to pitch the Apples to victory.. With the win, Bernitt notched career victory number 83 and now finds himself just 2 wins shy of the all time Coed Softball league record of 85 wins held by the legendary Cy Youngman. " I'm not about records, I'm about rings" said Bernitt when questioned about his chase on the record books.
As for the rest of the Apples last night, it wasn't good.. " We couldn't hit water if we fell out of a boat " said outfielder Patty Pender following the game.. " Not a night to remember " added 3rd baseman Keith Jenkins who played while battling the flu. Despite their sub par performance and like it or not, the Apples are now the hunted and will be forced to regroup and refocus as they continue their run toward the World Coed Softball Championship. If nothing else can be said following the game, there is one thing to be said for sure....... How bout them Apples
Win Streak now at Four - Jones breaks wrist -Out for season
New York Times
Nashville, TN
If there were ever any doubts they can now be laid to rest. The 2007 FreshPoint Apples are for real. Playing in front of another sold out crowd last night, the FreshPoint Apples ran their league leading record to 4 - 0 and have now cemented their position as the team to beat in the Granny White Coed Softball League.
Paced by rookies Shane Alexander and Greg Treep, the Apples did just enough to beat their longtime rivals the New River Saints in a game that matched the leagues two top teams. " We won ugly tonight " said Alexander after the game. " A win is a win " added Treep as he signed autographs outside the Apples locker room following the 11 - 6 Apple victory.
Unfortunately for the Apples all of last nights news is not good. In what may come back to haunt them, 2 time league MVP and lead off batter John Jones was involved in a collision at third base during the first inning that left him with what was first reported as a broken right wrist. Jones was taken from the stadium to a nearby hospital for X - Rays and results confirmed that Jones fractured the radius bone and is expected to out for 6 - 8 weeks. In a show of team support, Jones was awarded the game ball which was delivered to the hospital by the entire Apple team.
Along with the injury to Jones and for the second week in a row, Apple pitcher Greg Swafford complained of soreness in his throwing arm and was not able to take the mound for the Apples. Following a visit with team physician Zoie Robertson, Swafford was placed on the 14 day disabled list retroactive to April 25th. " I'm bummed " said Swafford as he sat in the dugout with his arm wrapped in ice.
After the decision was made to bench Swafford the Apples again called on Former Apple Great and Future Hall of Famer Don Bernitt to pitch the Apples to victory.. With the win, Bernitt notched career victory number 83 and now finds himself just 2 wins shy of the all time Coed Softball league record of 85 wins held by the legendary Cy Youngman. " I'm not about records, I'm about rings" said Bernitt when questioned about his chase on the record books.
As for the rest of the Apples last night, it wasn't good.. " We couldn't hit water if we fell out of a boat " said outfielder Patty Pender following the game.. " Not a night to remember " added 3rd baseman Keith Jenkins who played while battling the flu. Despite their sub par performance and like it or not, the Apples are now the hunted and will be forced to regroup and refocus as they continue their run toward the World Coed Softball Championship. If nothing else can be said following the game, there is one thing to be said for sure....... How bout them Apples
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