Yo Yo Season Continues
Apples In A Romp
Thatsmorelikeit
Nashville, TN
Following last weeks 3rd consecutive loss, AGFHOF Don Bernitt went on post game clubhouse tirade in which he questioned his teams committment to winning and then promised that things would change in Appleville or heads would roll.
With Bernitt's heated promise still fresh in their minds, the Apples took the field last night with a renewed sense of Apple pride and for the first time in a month played at the level that all have come to expect from this team.
Of course it should come as no surprise that it was Bernitt himself who put his words of last week into action as he played his best game of the year while leading the Apples to the 9 - 2 victory.
"I've said for a long time that if you mess with the bull you're going to get the horn, and I'm the bull" said Bernitt as he answered questions following the game that saw him pitch a flawless 6 inning game that included several spectacular bang bang defensive plays and ended when he struck out the final batter of the night.
"I came down pretty hard on the team last week and tonight was my way of showing them that I do not expect anything from them that I do not expect from myself" added Bernitt. " Yea I've lost a few steps over the years but it's important to remember that those were steps that most people never had" continued Bernitt. "I can't tell you just how damn proud I am of these guys" concluded Bernitt following the game that saw the Apples take the field missing 4 starters from the lineup.
Playing without league homerun leader Shane Alexander, outfielders Greg Treep, Sarah Milam and second baseman Tiffany Smith, the Apples make shift lineup last night reached deep as they were paced by John Jones, Patty Pender and Captain My Captain Tony Byram who covered the outfield that is normally patrolled by 4 players. Along with the play in the outfield, the Apples new look infield included lefty Greg Swafford at third, Scott Quinlin at short, Sarah Brock at second and then of course benchmarks Christi Copous at first and Brooke Byram behind the plate.
"I can now say that I truley know what it means to be an Apple" said Scott Quinlin as he fought back tears following the game. Quinlin, a first year player has definitely made his mark on the team this year and last nights performance will likely go down in Apple history. Playing at short, Q was all over the diamond chasing balls down on defense and stretching singles into doubles while at bat. It was only when Quinlin blew out his hamstring in the 5th inning that he slowed down and then still was able to muster the strength to finish the game while playing on one leg.
So it's now 4 up and 4 down for the Apples as they enter the last 2 weeks of the season and prepare for the post season playoffs. If last night's show of grit and determination is a sign of these to come, it's safe to say that we should all buckle in and enjoy the ride as we prepare to hear that now famous cheer............
How bout them Apples!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
APPLES TEETER, TOTTER, FALL DOWN
Say It Ain't So
Apples Lose Again
Enoughisenough
Nashville, TN
At the end of the night, last evenings Apple game was perhaps the perfect snapshot of the entirety of their season.
In a game that saw the lead change inning by inning, the Apples at times showed glimpses of their greatness only to then turn around and bungle a play or two that ultimately led to their defeat.
"I take full responsibility for this" said Apple Head Coach and Starting Pitcher Don Bernitt after the bitter lose. "It's my job to have this team ready to play week in and week out and I'm just not getting the job done" Bernitt added "I have no doubt that this is the best bunch of players that we have ever assembled, but for some reason I don't think they realize just how good they are." " I promise you this" continued Bernitt "things will change or heads will roll"
Despite his calm outward demeanor as he prepared to leave the Granny White Sports Complex, unconfirmed reports say that Bernitt went on a tirade in the closed Apple locker room following the game. Sources close to the Apples say that Bernitt was seen throwing bats and gloves around the clubhouse as he challenged several players and their commitment to winning every time out.
"What happens in our clubhouse is our business and I can't say much about it" said John Jones as he left the locker room. "But" added Jones, "I agree with Don, we're not on the same page as a team right now and our attitude and desire to fight has got to change"
Of course it can't go unreported that once again the Apples were not able to field their starting lineup last night as two key starters, Tiffany Smith and Greg Swafford were forced to miss the game because of family health issues. "At the end of the day this is just entertainment, our thoughts and prayers go out to Greg and his family especially" said Bernitt as the lights of the stadium dimmed and brought another week of Apple Coed Softball to a close.
The Apples must now regroup as they round third and head for home as the season enters it's final weeks. Betting person or not, do not be surprised when you soon again hear that now famous cheer............................. How bout them Apples
** Please join the Apples this coming Memorial Day weekend as we remember all those Americans who realized that freedom is not free and gave the ultimate sacrifice so that you and I can today stand up and proudly shout; U.S.A. U.S.A.
Apples Lose Again
Enoughisenough
Nashville, TN
At the end of the night, last evenings Apple game was perhaps the perfect snapshot of the entirety of their season.
In a game that saw the lead change inning by inning, the Apples at times showed glimpses of their greatness only to then turn around and bungle a play or two that ultimately led to their defeat.
"I take full responsibility for this" said Apple Head Coach and Starting Pitcher Don Bernitt after the bitter lose. "It's my job to have this team ready to play week in and week out and I'm just not getting the job done" Bernitt added "I have no doubt that this is the best bunch of players that we have ever assembled, but for some reason I don't think they realize just how good they are." " I promise you this" continued Bernitt "things will change or heads will roll"
Despite his calm outward demeanor as he prepared to leave the Granny White Sports Complex, unconfirmed reports say that Bernitt went on a tirade in the closed Apple locker room following the game. Sources close to the Apples say that Bernitt was seen throwing bats and gloves around the clubhouse as he challenged several players and their commitment to winning every time out.
"What happens in our clubhouse is our business and I can't say much about it" said John Jones as he left the locker room. "But" added Jones, "I agree with Don, we're not on the same page as a team right now and our attitude and desire to fight has got to change"
Of course it can't go unreported that once again the Apples were not able to field their starting lineup last night as two key starters, Tiffany Smith and Greg Swafford were forced to miss the game because of family health issues. "At the end of the day this is just entertainment, our thoughts and prayers go out to Greg and his family especially" said Bernitt as the lights of the stadium dimmed and brought another week of Apple Coed Softball to a close.
The Apples must now regroup as they round third and head for home as the season enters it's final weeks. Betting person or not, do not be surprised when you soon again hear that now famous cheer............................. How bout them Apples
** Please join the Apples this coming Memorial Day weekend as we remember all those Americans who realized that freedom is not free and gave the ultimate sacrifice so that you and I can today stand up and proudly shout; U.S.A. U.S.A.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
APPLES FORCED TO APOLOGIZE
Article Goes Too Far
Apples To Throttle It Back
Gotchanews
Nashville
In what is a first ever in Apple history, the Apples today take the extraordinary step of issuing a public apology related to a story that was first released this past weekend that detailed the apparent near fatal crash of the teams plane, Apple 1
In a statement from League Commissioner Sam Metz's office, the Apples acknowledged that although perhaps humorous to those in the know, to the unexpected observer the notion of a near tragic ending to the Apples was a bit hard to grasp.
When contacted for comment, AGFHOF Don Bernitt pointed out that the Apples did in fact take off and land Apple 1 over the weekend, but that the rest of the story was in fact a hoax. "Yea, we took some artistic liberty with that one " said Bernitt has he prepared to head to Starbucks for a morning cup off Joe. Bernitt added that the team had been contacted by fans in 4 states yesterday to check on the overall condition and safety of the Apples.
"Personally, I thought it was funny as heck the way we imposed pictures from a recent airshow into the article, but after receiving so many calls from concerned fans I can see that maybe we went a bit over the top" added Bernitt.
Bernitt then paused a minute and said, " on second thought..... wait till you see what the Apples do this coming Memorial Day weekend."
Believe it or Not..
How bout them Apples !
Apples To Throttle It Back
Gotchanews
Nashville
In what is a first ever in Apple history, the Apples today take the extraordinary step of issuing a public apology related to a story that was first released this past weekend that detailed the apparent near fatal crash of the teams plane, Apple 1
In a statement from League Commissioner Sam Metz's office, the Apples acknowledged that although perhaps humorous to those in the know, to the unexpected observer the notion of a near tragic ending to the Apples was a bit hard to grasp.
When contacted for comment, AGFHOF Don Bernitt pointed out that the Apples did in fact take off and land Apple 1 over the weekend, but that the rest of the story was in fact a hoax. "Yea, we took some artistic liberty with that one " said Bernitt has he prepared to head to Starbucks for a morning cup off Joe. Bernitt added that the team had been contacted by fans in 4 states yesterday to check on the overall condition and safety of the Apples.
"Personally, I thought it was funny as heck the way we imposed pictures from a recent airshow into the article, but after receiving so many calls from concerned fans I can see that maybe we went a bit over the top" added Bernitt.
Bernitt then paused a minute and said, " on second thought..... wait till you see what the Apples do this coming Memorial Day weekend."
Believe it or Not..
How bout them Apples !
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Apples Dance With Tragedy
Apple One In Flames
Pender Keeps Cool
HolyCrap.com
Nashville, TN
Following last weeks rained out game, the Apples once again found themselves in the hands of Mother Nature this weekend and lived to tell yet another story of why "it's not nice to fool Mother Nature"
In events that seem almost too hard to believe, the Apples set out on Sunday for what was to be a routine tour of the skies above Nashville and instead turned into a harrowing experience on the teams private plane, Apple One.
With former Army helicopter pilot and current Apple out fielder Patty Pender at the stick, and team equipment manager Savannah Jenkins aboard, the Apples took off from the Smyrna Intl Airport and soon found themselves in deep trouble when their plane was struck by lightning when a freak springtime thunder storm closed in on the plane as they cruised at 6,000 ft.
After being struck, Apple One's left engine burst into flames and the plane spun wildly out of control with smoke pouring from the rear of the plane. After plunging to just 1,000 ft above the ground, Pender miraculously pulled the craft from it's death spiral and to the relief of all those who would have had to play outfield, she was able to regain control and land the plane safely.
Although a bit shaken following the ride, Pender vowed to fly again and pointed out that only in the air would she be able to find some quiet and get away from that well known cheer of......................
How bout them Apples
** SEE PHOTOS BELOW **
Pender Keeps Cool
HolyCrap.com
Nashville, TN
Following last weeks rained out game, the Apples once again found themselves in the hands of Mother Nature this weekend and lived to tell yet another story of why "it's not nice to fool Mother Nature"
In events that seem almost too hard to believe, the Apples set out on Sunday for what was to be a routine tour of the skies above Nashville and instead turned into a harrowing experience on the teams private plane, Apple One.
With former Army helicopter pilot and current Apple out fielder Patty Pender at the stick, and team equipment manager Savannah Jenkins aboard, the Apples took off from the Smyrna Intl Airport and soon found themselves in deep trouble when their plane was struck by lightning when a freak springtime thunder storm closed in on the plane as they cruised at 6,000 ft.
After being struck, Apple One's left engine burst into flames and the plane spun wildly out of control with smoke pouring from the rear of the plane. After plunging to just 1,000 ft above the ground, Pender miraculously pulled the craft from it's death spiral and to the relief of all those who would have had to play outfield, she was able to regain control and land the plane safely.
Although a bit shaken following the ride, Pender vowed to fly again and pointed out that only in the air would she be able to find some quiet and get away from that well known cheer of......................
How bout them Apples
** SEE PHOTOS BELOW **
Thursday, May 15, 2008
APPLES SLEEP WELL
Avoid Third Lose In A Row
Nice Not to Lose
Provda
Nashville TN
Following two consecutive weeks which saw them end up on the losing side of the final score, the Apples were once again able to sleep well last night after avoiding what would have been a club record 3 straight losing weeks.
To continue a common theme of the year, it was determined at the teams breakfast yesterday that the Apples would be missing 2 key starters going into the night and they would be again forced to flip flop the lineup to cover the holes left by the absences of slugger Greg Treep and gold glove winner Tiffany Smith.
" No question it's been difficult to get our mojo going this season with all the hick ups we've had in the lineup this year" said AGFHOF Don Bernitt. "I guess the only good thing that you can say is that the Apples have established quite a reputation and following in the area and that sometimes makes it easier to fill the open seats on the bench" concluded Bernitt.
"It's nice to get this losing monkey off our backs" celebrated 2008 Rookie Of The Year candidate Scott Quinlin as he didn't join the rest of the Apples for a late night dinner at a local Nashville steak house. "I'll toast to that" chimed Catcher Brooke Byram as she and Captain My Captain Tony Byram enjoyed their first non losing Wednesday night in 3 weeks. "No doubt, losing stinks and the past few weeks have not been fun" panned Outfielder Patty Pender as she enjoyed a few iced teas with teammates as the evening ended and brought the mid week ritual of Apples Coed Softball to a close.
And so it was, the Apples get off of the losing train and will now standby to hear from League Commissioner Sammy Metz when and where they will make up last nights rained out game and when we will next hear that now famous cheer.................
How bout them Apples!
Nice Not to Lose
Provda
Nashville TN
Following two consecutive weeks which saw them end up on the losing side of the final score, the Apples were once again able to sleep well last night after avoiding what would have been a club record 3 straight losing weeks.
To continue a common theme of the year, it was determined at the teams breakfast yesterday that the Apples would be missing 2 key starters going into the night and they would be again forced to flip flop the lineup to cover the holes left by the absences of slugger Greg Treep and gold glove winner Tiffany Smith.
" No question it's been difficult to get our mojo going this season with all the hick ups we've had in the lineup this year" said AGFHOF Don Bernitt. "I guess the only good thing that you can say is that the Apples have established quite a reputation and following in the area and that sometimes makes it easier to fill the open seats on the bench" concluded Bernitt.
"It's nice to get this losing monkey off our backs" celebrated 2008 Rookie Of The Year candidate Scott Quinlin as he didn't join the rest of the Apples for a late night dinner at a local Nashville steak house. "I'll toast to that" chimed Catcher Brooke Byram as she and Captain My Captain Tony Byram enjoyed their first non losing Wednesday night in 3 weeks. "No doubt, losing stinks and the past few weeks have not been fun" panned Outfielder Patty Pender as she enjoyed a few iced teas with teammates as the evening ended and brought the mid week ritual of Apples Coed Softball to a close.
And so it was, the Apples get off of the losing train and will now standby to hear from League Commissioner Sammy Metz when and where they will make up last nights rained out game and when we will next hear that now famous cheer.................
How bout them Apples!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
APPLES CAN'T HANG
Wrong Kind Of Streak
Lose Second In A Row
Damnit.com
Nashville, TN
The question to be answered at the Granny White Complex last night was simple, did the Apples lose or were they beat?
It is this observers opinion that the answer is crystal clear, the Apples lost a game that they would have, should have and could have won.
In what has become an all too familiar script this year, the Apples again took to the field missing 2 key starters and were forced to play with a make shift lineup that simply didn't get the job done.
"We just don't have the depth on the bench to compete week after week in this league without our starters" said AGFHOF Don Bernitt following the game. Bernitt was referring to the abscence of third baseman Scott Quinlin who earlier in the day was sending good luck text messages from the beaches of San Diego and the void left in the lineup when last weeks player of the game Greg Treep was forced to miss the game due to back spasms.
The night got off to a bad start for the Apples when they gave up 10 runs in the first inning and quickly found themselves in a hole too deep to climb out of. After the disastrous first inning, the Apples played even the rest of the way and the game ended with the final score showing 15-5
"We laid an egg tonight" said Apple Captain My Captain Tony Byram following the game. "We're better than that and we need to step it up over the next few weeks as we make a push to the playoffs"
Following the game, Apple pitcher Greg Swafford was named the offensive player of the game. Swafford put on perhaps his best hitting performance of the year as he banged 2 balls off the fence and ended the night with 3 doubles. Defensively, it was the glove of Patty Pender that was awarded the defensive player award. A small point to be added, the glove was actually on the hand of John Jones who had his glove stolen from his locker before the game and was forced to borrow the glove of Pender. Jones put on one heck of a show as he sprinted down ball after ball and made several tough plays look easy.
The Apples now find themselves in the middle of the pack in the standings with a record of 3 - 3 and their hopes of a regular season crown have all but faded. "Not too worry" said Bernitt, "get us a wildcard into the playoffs and then stand back and watch us go."
Talk is cheap and so here we go, will it be more would have, could have, should have or will it be that famous cheer.............................................
How bout them Apples!
Lose Second In A Row
Damnit.com
Nashville, TN
The question to be answered at the Granny White Complex last night was simple, did the Apples lose or were they beat?
It is this observers opinion that the answer is crystal clear, the Apples lost a game that they would have, should have and could have won.
In what has become an all too familiar script this year, the Apples again took to the field missing 2 key starters and were forced to play with a make shift lineup that simply didn't get the job done.
"We just don't have the depth on the bench to compete week after week in this league without our starters" said AGFHOF Don Bernitt following the game. Bernitt was referring to the abscence of third baseman Scott Quinlin who earlier in the day was sending good luck text messages from the beaches of San Diego and the void left in the lineup when last weeks player of the game Greg Treep was forced to miss the game due to back spasms.
The night got off to a bad start for the Apples when they gave up 10 runs in the first inning and quickly found themselves in a hole too deep to climb out of. After the disastrous first inning, the Apples played even the rest of the way and the game ended with the final score showing 15-5
"We laid an egg tonight" said Apple Captain My Captain Tony Byram following the game. "We're better than that and we need to step it up over the next few weeks as we make a push to the playoffs"
Following the game, Apple pitcher Greg Swafford was named the offensive player of the game. Swafford put on perhaps his best hitting performance of the year as he banged 2 balls off the fence and ended the night with 3 doubles. Defensively, it was the glove of Patty Pender that was awarded the defensive player award. A small point to be added, the glove was actually on the hand of John Jones who had his glove stolen from his locker before the game and was forced to borrow the glove of Pender. Jones put on one heck of a show as he sprinted down ball after ball and made several tough plays look easy.
The Apples now find themselves in the middle of the pack in the standings with a record of 3 - 3 and their hopes of a regular season crown have all but faded. "Not too worry" said Bernitt, "get us a wildcard into the playoffs and then stand back and watch us go."
Talk is cheap and so here we go, will it be more would have, could have, should have or will it be that famous cheer.............................................
How bout them Apples!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
APPLES ROLLED
Nightgame or Nightmare?
Apples Never In It
Ohwell
ParisPostIntelligencer
Following most Apple games the talk of the evening traditionally will lead to discussion and comment of the normally explosive bats of the Apple offensive. Last night however this was not the case and instead the post game spotlight was pointed on the Apples defense.
In a game that found the Apples opponents wearing the hitting shoes for the night, the Apple outfield was on the run all night as they chased long ball after long ball into the gaps and towards the fence. For left fielder Greg Treep, who is now in is sophomore season with the Apples, the end of the game could not come soon enough. Treep was kept busy all night when inning after inning multiple hard hit balls were rocketed his way. To his credit, Treep made several circus catches in left and showed early and often what is meant in Appleville as a ball that is "DW" The expression which was coined by Apple Captain My Captain Tony Byram, is often heard in Apple practices to describe a hit ball that would "dive worthy" in an attempt to catch.
Apart from the workout given the Apples outfield last night, highlights of the game were few and far between. If a bright spot were to be needed, it would be noted that along with his defensive play, Treep homered deep to left to the join the evening home run club that got started when Shane Alexander crushed his league leading 19th home run into the dark night skies in right.
Also of note, in an emotional post game gathering, Apple Tiffany Smith was awarded the game ball and team courage award. Smith, who spent 2 hours yesterday under anaesthesia and on the operating table, inspired all in attendance when she slowly trotted onto the field for the start of the 9:00 game.
When asked about her commitment to the Apples and her determination to play following her induced nap, Smith quizzically looked at reporters and said "When did you get here?"
At the end of the evening about the best thing that could be said was that it was the end of the evening.
Final Score: Bad Guys 19 - Apples 3
Apples Never In It
Ohwell
ParisPostIntelligencer
Following most Apple games the talk of the evening traditionally will lead to discussion and comment of the normally explosive bats of the Apple offensive. Last night however this was not the case and instead the post game spotlight was pointed on the Apples defense.
In a game that found the Apples opponents wearing the hitting shoes for the night, the Apple outfield was on the run all night as they chased long ball after long ball into the gaps and towards the fence. For left fielder Greg Treep, who is now in is sophomore season with the Apples, the end of the game could not come soon enough. Treep was kept busy all night when inning after inning multiple hard hit balls were rocketed his way. To his credit, Treep made several circus catches in left and showed early and often what is meant in Appleville as a ball that is "DW" The expression which was coined by Apple Captain My Captain Tony Byram, is often heard in Apple practices to describe a hit ball that would "dive worthy" in an attempt to catch.
Apart from the workout given the Apples outfield last night, highlights of the game were few and far between. If a bright spot were to be needed, it would be noted that along with his defensive play, Treep homered deep to left to the join the evening home run club that got started when Shane Alexander crushed his league leading 19th home run into the dark night skies in right.
Also of note, in an emotional post game gathering, Apple Tiffany Smith was awarded the game ball and team courage award. Smith, who spent 2 hours yesterday under anaesthesia and on the operating table, inspired all in attendance when she slowly trotted onto the field for the start of the 9:00 game.
When asked about her commitment to the Apples and her determination to play following her induced nap, Smith quizzically looked at reporters and said "When did you get here?"
At the end of the evening about the best thing that could be said was that it was the end of the evening.
Final Score: Bad Guys 19 - Apples 3
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