Shake Up At The Top
Swafford Resigns As Apples Head Coach
Pravda
Nashville TN
Following their first round loss last week in the 2007 World Coed Softball Championships, the FreshPoint Apples have announced several moves as they look back on the 2007 season and begin looking forward to the 2008 campaign.
In a press conference held at the Apples training complex, Team Owner and President Jim Williamson read a prepared statement that in part announced the restructuring of the Apples coaching staff. Said Williamson, " it is with regret and a heart felt appreciation for his efforts this past season that I today have accepted the resignation of Greg Swafford as Head Coach of the FreshPoint Apples. " Williamson's statement continued " Swafford led this team to an undefeated season and although that achievement can be matched, it can never beaten. " Although Swafford was not at the press conference, sources close to the Apples and speaking on the condition of anonymity said that Swafford's decision was based on his disire to spend his off season time with family and to allow him additional time to focus on a run at the 2008 World Championship. Swafford reportedly has made it clear that he would prefer not to deal with the day to day issues that came with managing the Apples this past season and he looks forward to a less stressful off season. An additional source inside the Apples front office did leave open the possibility of Swafford returning to coach next year by stating that people " weren't banging down the doors to get the job and that Swaffords contract extension was sitting in a vault waiting to be signed. "
When approached at his sprawling suburban Nashville compound about this development, Apple Great and Future Hall of Famer Don Bernitt reacted by saying " been there, done that" Bernitt of course was referring to the fact that he also has acted as Player / Coach for the Apples in the past. When asked if Swafford's resignation was the first step towards him ( Bernitt ) regaining the reins of Head Coach, Bernitt answered with a firm " Get the hell off my property you silly son of a bitch. "
In other Apple news, there are reports that the Apples held tryouts for several unnamed players over the past few days. One report is that several Australian Steak House Magnets were secretly flown to the Apple training facility for a walk-a-bout. Although these tryouts can not be confirmed it certainly seems as though the Apples have moved on from the bitter season ending defeat of last week and are quickly moving to prepare for 2008.
There is a long time between here and there but the clock if ticking. Just 301 days until we hear that cheer, How bout them Apples!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Apples Fly at FLUGTAG
Off Season begins with a bang
Denver Post
Nashville, TN
After last weeks season ending loss, the 2007 FreshPoint Apples wasted no time feeling sorry for themselves and instead as expected jumped headlong into community events that has been their trademark for many years.
In these just released photos the Apples are shown here during this past weekends riverfront happenings in Nashville. The Apples were the special guest of the FLUGTAG event and as news of their appearance was announced the crowd swelled to over 80,000.
In a related story, Apple Team Owner and President Jim Williamson has scheduled a press conference for 1:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon in Nashville. Williamson, who will be attending a meeting of Team President's later this week in Las Vegas is reportedly close to announcing plans for a new stadium for next years Apples. In addition to the news of a new facility for the Apples it is be rumored that Williamson will also announce changes to the Apples coaching staff and roster.
Developing.........................
Off Season begins with a bang
Denver Post
Nashville, TN
After last weeks season ending loss, the 2007 FreshPoint Apples wasted no time feeling sorry for themselves and instead as expected jumped headlong into community events that has been their trademark for many years.
In these just released photos the Apples are shown here during this past weekends riverfront happenings in Nashville. The Apples were the special guest of the FLUGTAG event and as news of their appearance was announced the crowd swelled to over 80,000.
In a related story, Apple Team Owner and President Jim Williamson has scheduled a press conference for 1:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon in Nashville. Williamson, who will be attending a meeting of Team President's later this week in Las Vegas is reportedly close to announcing plans for a new stadium for next years Apples. In addition to the news of a new facility for the Apples it is be rumored that Williamson will also announce changes to the Apples coaching staff and roster.
Developing.........................
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Apples Fall
Season Over
The Tennessean
Nashville, TN
One week removed from completing their first undefeated season in franchise history the FreshPoint Apples were dealt a stunning blow last night when they were knocked out of the World Coed Softball Championships in the tournaments opening round.
In what will go down as one of the greatest upsets in team sports history, the Apples were never in the game that saw them trailing 13-2 after 3 innings and ended with the final score reading 19-10.
" I take full responsibility for tonight " said Apple Head Coach and Starting Pitcher Greg Swafford following the game. " It's my job to have the team ready to play and we weren't" continued Swafford as he addressed reporters in the somber Apple locker room following the game.
Swafford then dismissed any attempts to make excuses for the loss which included the absence of starting left fielder Greg Treep and the game ending injury to center fielder Rick Herman. " That's Bulls*%#^ " snapped Swafford when questioned about the Apples playing without the lineup they had all year. " We got our butts kicked and that's it "
As the game ended and despite the final score, Apple fans stood and cheered as the Apples left the field for the last time this year. And so it is, another season has come and gone and the only thing left to be said is....
How bout them Apples !!!!!!!!!!!!
Season Over
The Tennessean
Nashville, TN
One week removed from completing their first undefeated season in franchise history the FreshPoint Apples were dealt a stunning blow last night when they were knocked out of the World Coed Softball Championships in the tournaments opening round.
In what will go down as one of the greatest upsets in team sports history, the Apples were never in the game that saw them trailing 13-2 after 3 innings and ended with the final score reading 19-10.
" I take full responsibility for tonight " said Apple Head Coach and Starting Pitcher Greg Swafford following the game. " It's my job to have the team ready to play and we weren't" continued Swafford as he addressed reporters in the somber Apple locker room following the game.
Swafford then dismissed any attempts to make excuses for the loss which included the absence of starting left fielder Greg Treep and the game ending injury to center fielder Rick Herman. " That's Bulls*%#^ " snapped Swafford when questioned about the Apples playing without the lineup they had all year. " We got our butts kicked and that's it "
As the game ended and despite the final score, Apple fans stood and cheered as the Apples left the field for the last time this year. And so it is, another season has come and gone and the only thing left to be said is....
How bout them Apples !!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Apples visit Washington D.C.
Short Week Leading To The Playoffs
Washington Post:
Nashville. TN
Following last weeks come from behind victory that capped off their first undefeated season in team history, the 2007 FreshPoint Apples took to the road for a whirlwind tour over the weekend before getting down to business in preparation for this Wednesday nights playoff opener.
" It's been a juggling act the past few days " said Apple Great and Future Hall of Famer Don Bernitt as he trotted onto the field at the Granny White Sports Complex for a evening practice Sunday. " It's all business from here on out " added Outfielder Patty Pender as she laced up her cleats for the Apples final practice before the post season run begins.
It may be hot and it may be dry but that can't stop the cheer of ........... How bout them Apples
Short Week Leading To The Playoffs
Washington Post:
Nashville. TN
Following last weeks come from behind victory that capped off their first undefeated season in team history, the 2007 FreshPoint Apples took to the road for a whirlwind tour over the weekend before getting down to business in preparation for this Wednesday nights playoff opener.
" It's been a juggling act the past few days " said Apple Great and Future Hall of Famer Don Bernitt as he trotted onto the field at the Granny White Sports Complex for a evening practice Sunday. " It's all business from here on out " added Outfielder Patty Pender as she laced up her cleats for the Apples final practice before the post season run begins.
It may be hot and it may be dry but that can't stop the cheer of ........... How bout them Apples
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Apples Hang Ten
Undefeated Regular Season Champions
Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Nashville, TN
It was a night for all the ages last evening as the 2007 FreshPoint Apples came from behind to win their last regular season game and in doing so became the first team in Granny White Coed Softball history to go undefeated.
As they have all year the Apples came to the park with their hitting shoes on and for the 10th time this year put on a display of offensive power that has not and may not ever be seen again. Led by Game MVP Fifi Milam the Apples erased a first inning 2-0 deficit and in the end pounded the visiting Spheris Stars by a final score of 15 - 3
Last nights game was again broadcast nationally in HD on the Coed Softball Channel and when the final out of the evening was made it was legendary sportscaster Doc Goodner making the call that Apple fans have been waiting for since spring training began back in February. Powered Goodner, " Apples win the pennant, Apples win the pennant."
To go along with the solid play of the entire Apple team last night there was some additional good news to report when All - Star Outfielder John Jones suited up and joined the Apples in the dugout for the first time since breaking his wrist in week 3 of the season. Jones said after the game that he was available to play if needed and that he looked forward to getting back onto the practice field.
In a scary moment, Apple catcher Brooke Byram was hit in the face with a hard hit foul ball that knocked her off her feet and left her unconscious for a few minutes. Initial reports had Byram suffering from a broken nose however after a few post game cold ones it was determined to be just a sprain. " I'm fine " said Byram as she was redirected to the right dugout after regaining her senses following the blow to her face.
With the regular season behind them the Apples now turn their attention to post season play and a run at the World Coed Softball Championship. The Apples, who won the World title in 2004 appear to have all the parts in place as they attempt to top last years season where they were bounced from the playoffs after advancing to the semi final game.
In addition to the normal pressures that come with any title chase the Apples this year find themselves under even a brighter spotlight. With the recent loses of the Vanderbilt Commodores in the NCAA Regional Finals and the University of Tennessee Lady Vols in the NCAA Women's Softball Finals, the Apples now stand alone as the only Tennessee team still alive in post season play.
As was expected, all tickets to next weeks first round playoff game have been sold and quickly have become the hottest ticket in town. Reports say that 4 upper deck seats were recently sold for $3.85 on the popular auction site ebay. " yea I've been hearing from a lot of old friends looking for tickets " said Team Equipment Manager Savannah Jenkins as she filled the Apples lockers with a fresh stash of bats that were recently sent in from the Tullahoma Bat Company in nearby Tullahoma, TN.
So here we go.. It's all or nothing for the Apples.. Win and go on.... Lose and go home.... Win or Lose one thing is for certain...... How bout them Apples!
Undefeated Regular Season Champions
Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Nashville, TN
It was a night for all the ages last evening as the 2007 FreshPoint Apples came from behind to win their last regular season game and in doing so became the first team in Granny White Coed Softball history to go undefeated.
As they have all year the Apples came to the park with their hitting shoes on and for the 10th time this year put on a display of offensive power that has not and may not ever be seen again. Led by Game MVP Fifi Milam the Apples erased a first inning 2-0 deficit and in the end pounded the visiting Spheris Stars by a final score of 15 - 3
Last nights game was again broadcast nationally in HD on the Coed Softball Channel and when the final out of the evening was made it was legendary sportscaster Doc Goodner making the call that Apple fans have been waiting for since spring training began back in February. Powered Goodner, " Apples win the pennant, Apples win the pennant."
To go along with the solid play of the entire Apple team last night there was some additional good news to report when All - Star Outfielder John Jones suited up and joined the Apples in the dugout for the first time since breaking his wrist in week 3 of the season. Jones said after the game that he was available to play if needed and that he looked forward to getting back onto the practice field.
In a scary moment, Apple catcher Brooke Byram was hit in the face with a hard hit foul ball that knocked her off her feet and left her unconscious for a few minutes. Initial reports had Byram suffering from a broken nose however after a few post game cold ones it was determined to be just a sprain. " I'm fine " said Byram as she was redirected to the right dugout after regaining her senses following the blow to her face.
With the regular season behind them the Apples now turn their attention to post season play and a run at the World Coed Softball Championship. The Apples, who won the World title in 2004 appear to have all the parts in place as they attempt to top last years season where they were bounced from the playoffs after advancing to the semi final game.
In addition to the normal pressures that come with any title chase the Apples this year find themselves under even a brighter spotlight. With the recent loses of the Vanderbilt Commodores in the NCAA Regional Finals and the University of Tennessee Lady Vols in the NCAA Women's Softball Finals, the Apples now stand alone as the only Tennessee team still alive in post season play.
As was expected, all tickets to next weeks first round playoff game have been sold and quickly have become the hottest ticket in town. Reports say that 4 upper deck seats were recently sold for $3.85 on the popular auction site ebay. " yea I've been hearing from a lot of old friends looking for tickets " said Team Equipment Manager Savannah Jenkins as she filled the Apples lockers with a fresh stash of bats that were recently sent in from the Tullahoma Bat Company in nearby Tullahoma, TN.
So here we go.. It's all or nothing for the Apples.. Win and go on.... Lose and go home.... Win or Lose one thing is for certain...... How bout them Apples!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Apples Win Number Nine
FreshPoint 1 victory away from undefeated season
St. Louis Dispatch
Nashville, TN
It was two games in one last night for the 2007 FreshPoint Apples and in the end the newly installed Jumbo Tron at the Granny White Sports Complex said it all with a flashing message of ' Apples Win Apples Win '
For the first 3 innings of the game it was an old fashioned pitchers duel pitting Apple Great and Future Hall of Famer Don Bernitt against the Antioch Attitudes Greg Maddox. Bernitt took to the hill following the announcement that the Apples scheduled starting pitcher Greg Swafford had for the 3rd time this year been scratched from the lineup due to soreness in his throwing arm. Swafford was not at the stadium last night and was reported to have flown to Key West, Fla. to see a specialist and to soak his arm in the warm waters of the Atlantic.
Pitching in the hot and humid conditions last night, Bernitt threw a masterpiece that saw his total pitch count reach 63 and his strike count hit 54 to go against just 9 called balls all evening. In addition to the unbelievable accuracy of the evening, Bernitt set an all time franchise record by making 7 put outs on hard hit ball after hard hit ball that came up the middle.
After a slow start offensively the Apples came alive in the 4th inning and for the remainder of the game put on a show of Smash and Dash as they pummeled hit after hit to score 14 runs in 3 innings to win the game going away. As he has all season, it was Rookie Shortstop Shane Alexander who first got the action going with a towering 3 run home run into the light stanza's in left field to give the Apples their first lead of the game. In then what has also now become common place, outfielder and game MVP Greg Treep hit a two out Grand Slam in the 5th inning to put the game out of reach. Treep's home run capped off a 3 hit night for him and ran his consecutive hits streak to 11. " yea I'm in the zone right now " said Treep following the game " the ball looks as big as a beach ball coming in and I'm getting some good wood on it "
With the win last evening the Apples now find themselves on the brink of immortality. After a long off season training schedule and a hot regular season the Apples stand undefeated with a 9 -0 record with just one game to go in the season. Only one question now remains, will the Apples run the table and become the first team in Granny White Coed Softball history to go undefeated?
Win next week or not it has been announced that the Apples have been awarded the Number One overall seed in the post season tournament that will take place following the regular season. Along with this announcement it has been confirmed that the Apples have begun to sell playoff tickets and as is to be expected they are going quick. As of 6:00 a.m. Thursday morning there are now only a limited amount of ' Obstructed View ' seats left to be purchased. Fans wishing to buy tickets may do so by visiting any ticketmaster location in Middle Tennessee.
Off the field last night, faces in the crowd included Former Apple Coach Dennis Miller, Pittsburgh Steeler Tim Durham and wife Cissy and socialite Lesa Hensely. " I've heard a lot about these guys " said Durham when approached following the game " this is no joke, these guys are good " added Durham.
One more bit of off the field news to report is the apparent discussions that have begun to take place between Apple officials and the coach of the New River Saints Tommy Rose. Indications are that the Apples have approached Rose about jumping ship and joining the Apples for the 2008 season. " It's way to early to comment on that " said Rose as he hustled out of the complex when cornered by reporters.
This, that or the other thing we do not know... but one thing we know for sure is..... How bout them Apples!
FreshPoint 1 victory away from undefeated season
St. Louis Dispatch
Nashville, TN
It was two games in one last night for the 2007 FreshPoint Apples and in the end the newly installed Jumbo Tron at the Granny White Sports Complex said it all with a flashing message of ' Apples Win Apples Win '
For the first 3 innings of the game it was an old fashioned pitchers duel pitting Apple Great and Future Hall of Famer Don Bernitt against the Antioch Attitudes Greg Maddox. Bernitt took to the hill following the announcement that the Apples scheduled starting pitcher Greg Swafford had for the 3rd time this year been scratched from the lineup due to soreness in his throwing arm. Swafford was not at the stadium last night and was reported to have flown to Key West, Fla. to see a specialist and to soak his arm in the warm waters of the Atlantic.
Pitching in the hot and humid conditions last night, Bernitt threw a masterpiece that saw his total pitch count reach 63 and his strike count hit 54 to go against just 9 called balls all evening. In addition to the unbelievable accuracy of the evening, Bernitt set an all time franchise record by making 7 put outs on hard hit ball after hard hit ball that came up the middle.
After a slow start offensively the Apples came alive in the 4th inning and for the remainder of the game put on a show of Smash and Dash as they pummeled hit after hit to score 14 runs in 3 innings to win the game going away. As he has all season, it was Rookie Shortstop Shane Alexander who first got the action going with a towering 3 run home run into the light stanza's in left field to give the Apples their first lead of the game. In then what has also now become common place, outfielder and game MVP Greg Treep hit a two out Grand Slam in the 5th inning to put the game out of reach. Treep's home run capped off a 3 hit night for him and ran his consecutive hits streak to 11. " yea I'm in the zone right now " said Treep following the game " the ball looks as big as a beach ball coming in and I'm getting some good wood on it "
With the win last evening the Apples now find themselves on the brink of immortality. After a long off season training schedule and a hot regular season the Apples stand undefeated with a 9 -0 record with just one game to go in the season. Only one question now remains, will the Apples run the table and become the first team in Granny White Coed Softball history to go undefeated?
Win next week or not it has been announced that the Apples have been awarded the Number One overall seed in the post season tournament that will take place following the regular season. Along with this announcement it has been confirmed that the Apples have begun to sell playoff tickets and as is to be expected they are going quick. As of 6:00 a.m. Thursday morning there are now only a limited amount of ' Obstructed View ' seats left to be purchased. Fans wishing to buy tickets may do so by visiting any ticketmaster location in Middle Tennessee.
Off the field last night, faces in the crowd included Former Apple Coach Dennis Miller, Pittsburgh Steeler Tim Durham and wife Cissy and socialite Lesa Hensely. " I've heard a lot about these guys " said Durham when approached following the game " this is no joke, these guys are good " added Durham.
One more bit of off the field news to report is the apparent discussions that have begun to take place between Apple officials and the coach of the New River Saints Tommy Rose. Indications are that the Apples have approached Rose about jumping ship and joining the Apples for the 2008 season. " It's way to early to comment on that " said Rose as he hustled out of the complex when cornered by reporters.
This, that or the other thing we do not know... but one thing we know for sure is..... How bout them Apples!
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