Saturday, July 7, 2007

End Of An Era
Apples Training Facility Razed

MSNBC
Nashville, TN

As the bitter memories of their first round lost in the World Coed Softball Championship fade, the FreshPoint Apples this weekend closed another storied chapter in their illustrious history. Following a ten year run in nearby Germantown, the Apples joined a group of dedicated fans early Saturday morning to watch as demolition began on their now outdated training facility.

" I didn't expect it to be this emotional " said Apple Greg Swafford as he fought back tears following the first thrust of the wrecking ball into the third base dugout. " We've spent a lot of time and left a lot of blood and sweat on this diamond " added longtime Apple Christi Copous as she signed autographs for the fans who braved an early morning drizzle to witness the end of this Apple era.

" Yea, this is tough to watch " said Apple Patty Pender as crews began to remove the backstop and bleachers at the complex. " We can look at the bright side though " added Pender as she hinted about the new Apple Training Center that is currently being built at a still secret location somewhere in Middle Tennessee.

When asked to comment on the days events, Apple Great and FHOF Don Bernitt was somewhat reserved when he said " I really don't give a flip about this building. " Added Bernitt, " just give us a bat and a ball and we'll play in the middle of the street if we have to. "

As the demolition of the field began to move into high gear and before fans were ushered away, there was one final surprise in store for all those in attendance. In a move to preserve the memory of the complex, each Apple player and every fan on site were allowed to take a shovel onto the field to scoop up dirt and to cut out a piece of the outfield grass for transplanting at their homes.

" This means a lot to me and I promise you that it will be watered daily " said 2007 Rookie Greg Treep as he and fellow rookie Shane Alexander rolled up several square yards of turf along the left field fence. " I've got my white picket fence all ready " said Brooke Byram as she cut a swath of the Kentucky Bluegrass from the field.

In another Apple news bulletin, it was announced over the weekend that the Apples will be awarded their 2007 League Championship Trophy during a special ceremony to be held this coming Tuesday night at the Granny White Sports Complex.. The event is free and open to the public.

SEE FIELD DEMOLITION PHOTOS BELOW

No comments: