From Field to Fishing
McSwain Hits The Big Time
Gotone
Nashville, TN
Less then one week removed from their 2008 Coed Softball campaign, the Apples have begun their off season tour in a dazzling way.
As seen on ESPN this weekend, Apple associate Houston McSwain was front and center on ESPN as he stared at this past weekends Bass Master Nashville Pro Fishing Tournament.
McSwain, the longtime confidant and roommate of Apple second baseman Tiffany Smith was in high heaven this past weekend as he joined the nations elite bass fisherman in the tournament held on Nashville's Old Hickory Lake.
"It's always nice to fish in front of the home crowd" said McSwain as he was interviewed following the two day tournament on his home lake. "I know several of these fish by first name and that helps once the jig hits the water" added McSwain.
For those Apple fans who missed the live coverage on ESPN, the tournament will be rebroadcast in High Definition on July 5th. Check your local listings for the time and channel in your area.
And you thought all we did was play softball......... How bout them Apples
Monday, June 30, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
THE END OF THE APPLES
Apples Bounced From Playoffs
Teams Future Is Uncertain
Allornothing
Nashville, TN
It was a lousy end to a lousy season for the Apples last night as they were thumped out of the Granny White Coed Softball League playoffs in the opening round.
"I can't tell you how disappointed I am in the way this season played out" said AGFHOF Don Bernitt as he packed the bats and balls away for the last time of 2008.
When it was over, last nights game was a microcosm of the Apples entire season. They in spurts showed glimpses of greatness as was made evident by the hitting of Greg Swafford and the defensive play of out fielder John Jones. Swafford and Jone's performances combined with the tenacity and hustle of Tiffany Smith showed why the Apples in the past had earned the reputation of a team that you did not want to play. However, as was the case throughout the season, this years Apples were unable to pull it all together as a team when it counted the most.
"That is what disappoints me the most" said Bernitt as he looked back on the season that was. " There is no doubt in my mind that if you look up and down our lineup we had the makings of a very good team. It just seems that some folks just didn't want to be here at times this year and it showed by the way we played."
Bernitt continued, "Ultimately I am responsible for the what happens on the field each week and I apologize for the crappy show we put on this year." " I promise you this" continued Bernitt, " this will never happen again." Bernitt's comments again fueled speculation that with last nights season ending lost we have seen the end of the Apples. All season reports have pointed to the strong likelihood that the Apples will dissolve the storied franchise and all that will remain are the faint memories and illusions that were the Apples.
When asked to comment on the future of the Apples Bernitt said, "I'll put it this way, if... and that is a big big if....if we play again next year we will be starting at square one. By that I mean, as of now their is nobody on this team period! All positions are open and nobody other then myself is guaranteed a spot on this roster."
Although we would not comment directly, reports have surfaced that Bernitt has been in discussions with players from both Detroit MI and Hermitage TN and that it is possible that the talk of the end of the Apples may in fact be a smoke screen to the true story of the behind the scenes discussions that are already underway that will involve several high profile additions to the 2009 Apples.
As with past seasons, the Apples have announced that they will hold a special news conference in the near future to announce this years MVP's and bring the season to it's official close. Unlike past seasons, it is a tough guess as to who will bring home the hardware based on the already mentioned underachieving performances on the team.
In off the field news, when asked what was in store for the off season and what to expect from the Apples 2008 Summer Tour, Bernitt told listeners "like the rest of you, I'm paying extra attention to oil and gas prices right now so with that in mind I have decided to take a trip to visit ANWAR (Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge) and see for myself what all the fuss is about when it comes to drilling for oil in Northern Alaska." Bernitt will leave in a few weeks for Alaska and said that it is not at of the realm of possibilites that he might find a player or two during his side trip over the Arctic Circle to the shores of the Arctic Ocean and the top of the world. " From what I've heard, there are some guys who swing a mean club up there" said Bernitt.
And so it is and was. The 2008 Apples Coed Softball season is over and in the history books. What happens next is any ones guess, but if you listen carefully during these long summer nights do not be surprised if you hear the faint echo of that now famous cheer................................
How bout them Apples!
Teams Future Is Uncertain
Allornothing
Nashville, TN
It was a lousy end to a lousy season for the Apples last night as they were thumped out of the Granny White Coed Softball League playoffs in the opening round.
"I can't tell you how disappointed I am in the way this season played out" said AGFHOF Don Bernitt as he packed the bats and balls away for the last time of 2008.
When it was over, last nights game was a microcosm of the Apples entire season. They in spurts showed glimpses of greatness as was made evident by the hitting of Greg Swafford and the defensive play of out fielder John Jones. Swafford and Jone's performances combined with the tenacity and hustle of Tiffany Smith showed why the Apples in the past had earned the reputation of a team that you did not want to play. However, as was the case throughout the season, this years Apples were unable to pull it all together as a team when it counted the most.
"That is what disappoints me the most" said Bernitt as he looked back on the season that was. " There is no doubt in my mind that if you look up and down our lineup we had the makings of a very good team. It just seems that some folks just didn't want to be here at times this year and it showed by the way we played."
Bernitt continued, "Ultimately I am responsible for the what happens on the field each week and I apologize for the crappy show we put on this year." " I promise you this" continued Bernitt, " this will never happen again." Bernitt's comments again fueled speculation that with last nights season ending lost we have seen the end of the Apples. All season reports have pointed to the strong likelihood that the Apples will dissolve the storied franchise and all that will remain are the faint memories and illusions that were the Apples.
When asked to comment on the future of the Apples Bernitt said, "I'll put it this way, if... and that is a big big if....if we play again next year we will be starting at square one. By that I mean, as of now their is nobody on this team period! All positions are open and nobody other then myself is guaranteed a spot on this roster."
Although we would not comment directly, reports have surfaced that Bernitt has been in discussions with players from both Detroit MI and Hermitage TN and that it is possible that the talk of the end of the Apples may in fact be a smoke screen to the true story of the behind the scenes discussions that are already underway that will involve several high profile additions to the 2009 Apples.
As with past seasons, the Apples have announced that they will hold a special news conference in the near future to announce this years MVP's and bring the season to it's official close. Unlike past seasons, it is a tough guess as to who will bring home the hardware based on the already mentioned underachieving performances on the team.
In off the field news, when asked what was in store for the off season and what to expect from the Apples 2008 Summer Tour, Bernitt told listeners "like the rest of you, I'm paying extra attention to oil and gas prices right now so with that in mind I have decided to take a trip to visit ANWAR (Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge) and see for myself what all the fuss is about when it comes to drilling for oil in Northern Alaska." Bernitt will leave in a few weeks for Alaska and said that it is not at of the realm of possibilites that he might find a player or two during his side trip over the Arctic Circle to the shores of the Arctic Ocean and the top of the world. " From what I've heard, there are some guys who swing a mean club up there" said Bernitt.
And so it is and was. The 2008 Apples Coed Softball season is over and in the history books. What happens next is any ones guess, but if you listen carefully during these long summer nights do not be surprised if you hear the faint echo of that now famous cheer................................
How bout them Apples!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
APPLES LOOK BACK
Regular Season Ends
Tough Season In The Books
Thatisit
Nashville, TN
It seems to have just begun, but instead it is over. In the blink of the eye the Apples 2008 regular season is over and in the blogosphere. With the 10 week schedule in the books, the Apples now find themselves focusing on the big prize as they prepare to enter post season play in quest of their second World Coed Softball Championship.
Playing before the 128th straight sold out crowd at the Granny White Sports Complex, the Apples treated their fans to an unannounced special last night when players took to the field wearing several past versions of the teams uniforms. "The throwback look was our way of thanking everyone for their involvement with, and support of the Apples over the past 10 years" said AGFHOF Don Bernitt after the game.
When asked by a 12 year old fan if his comments meant that earlier rumors of this being the last year ever for the storied Apples were true, Bernitt shoved the fan aside and said "get away from me kid, you're bothering me"
In what became the rule rather then the exception this season, the Apples again last night were missing several starters as they took to the field for the game. Missing from the lineup were pitcher Greg Swafford who was in Key West, Florida scouting a group of newly arrived Cuban soft ballers, Scott Quinlin who is on the 15 day disabled list, Patty Pender who is in Washington D.C. to participate in Congressional Hearings on rising oil prices and their possible effects on the core makeup and density of next seasons softballs and finally the last missing Apple was out fielder Greg Treep who has gone AWOL and has not been heard from for weeks.
When asked to comment about the struggles the Apples have had with players making it to games this season, Bernitt said " I certainly should have done a better job vetting a couple of these folks and you can bet that wont happen again." When pressed for a glimpse into the future of the Apples, Bernitt was asked if there would be changes in store for the Apples next year to which we replied, "get away from me kid, you're bothering me."
As so it was, the Apples won last night 7 - 0 and in doing so finish the regular season with a respectful but yet disappointing record of 5 - 5. It's now time for the Apples to ramp it up and turn it loose as they enter post season play with a first round game next week at 7:00 p.m. For those fans who have not had a chance to make it to an Apple game yet this season, don't even think about coming out next week as tickets to the game sold out in mere minutes after going on sale.
So here we go, it's win or go home from this point on for the Apples and if the past is any indication we undoubtedly will hear a few more rounds of that now famous cheer
How bout them Apples!
Tough Season In The Books
Thatisit
Nashville, TN
It seems to have just begun, but instead it is over. In the blink of the eye the Apples 2008 regular season is over and in the blogosphere. With the 10 week schedule in the books, the Apples now find themselves focusing on the big prize as they prepare to enter post season play in quest of their second World Coed Softball Championship.
Playing before the 128th straight sold out crowd at the Granny White Sports Complex, the Apples treated their fans to an unannounced special last night when players took to the field wearing several past versions of the teams uniforms. "The throwback look was our way of thanking everyone for their involvement with, and support of the Apples over the past 10 years" said AGFHOF Don Bernitt after the game.
When asked by a 12 year old fan if his comments meant that earlier rumors of this being the last year ever for the storied Apples were true, Bernitt shoved the fan aside and said "get away from me kid, you're bothering me"
In what became the rule rather then the exception this season, the Apples again last night were missing several starters as they took to the field for the game. Missing from the lineup were pitcher Greg Swafford who was in Key West, Florida scouting a group of newly arrived Cuban soft ballers, Scott Quinlin who is on the 15 day disabled list, Patty Pender who is in Washington D.C. to participate in Congressional Hearings on rising oil prices and their possible effects on the core makeup and density of next seasons softballs and finally the last missing Apple was out fielder Greg Treep who has gone AWOL and has not been heard from for weeks.
When asked to comment about the struggles the Apples have had with players making it to games this season, Bernitt said " I certainly should have done a better job vetting a couple of these folks and you can bet that wont happen again." When pressed for a glimpse into the future of the Apples, Bernitt was asked if there would be changes in store for the Apples next year to which we replied, "get away from me kid, you're bothering me."
As so it was, the Apples won last night 7 - 0 and in doing so finish the regular season with a respectful but yet disappointing record of 5 - 5. It's now time for the Apples to ramp it up and turn it loose as they enter post season play with a first round game next week at 7:00 p.m. For those fans who have not had a chance to make it to an Apple game yet this season, don't even think about coming out next week as tickets to the game sold out in mere minutes after going on sale.
So here we go, it's win or go home from this point on for the Apples and if the past is any indication we undoubtedly will hear a few more rounds of that now famous cheer
How bout them Apples!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
APPLES BAKED
Mother Nature Hot
Apples Not So Much
GWS
Nashville
Mother Nature turned up the heat last night as the Apples took to the field for their next to the last regular season game of the season. With the mercury showing a baking temperature of 93 degrees at game time, the Apples came ready to play and by evenings end had played one of their best games of the year.
With the final score showing the Apples on the losing side of a 25 - 6 beat down, it might be hard for some to believe that the Apples actually played quite well. "Damn straight we played good tonight" said AGFHOF Don Bernitt after picking up the loss on the hill for the Apples. "Don't get me wrong" continued Bernitt, "we got our butts kicked, but we had fun and played as a team tonight, and that's been missing around here for the past few weeks"
The Apples were never in the game as they found themselves playing against the Vanderbilt University coed team that simply was better up and down the lineup. "The Apples played hard and had some fun as well" said shortstop Shane Alexander when contacted after the game.
In a shinning moment of what it means to be an Apple and to never quit, the Apples entered the 5th inning trailing 25 - 2 and needed to score 4 runs to avoid the league mandated 20 run lead slaughter rule. To a player the Apples stepped it up and batted around the order to score 4 runs and push the game to it's scheduled 6 inning length.
Although the final score didn't show it, defensively the Apples played one of their best games of the year. "We had one or two errors and that's it" said Team Captain My Captain Tony Byram following the contest. "The Commodores just hit the ball hard and my hat is off to them" added Byram.
Of course the biggest news of the night was saved for after the game when the public address announcer at the Granny White Sports Complex asked that all fans in the stands remain in their seats for a special Apple announcement. With the stadium lights dimmed and the high definition jumbo tron flashing brightly, a note flashed on the screen that read " Sarah, will you marry me? " With the crowd and players clapping, Apple infielder Scott Quinlin reached into his bat bag and pulled out a diamond ring before dropping to one knee and proposing marriage to Apple outfielder Sarah Milam. Milam quickly burst into tears as she hugged her favorite Apple and said, " let me check the schedule first"
And so it was, the Apples played hard, had fun and celebrated the future nuptials of Scott and Sarah. Is there now any doubt as to what is meant by....................
How bout them Apples!
Apples Not So Much
GWS
Nashville
Mother Nature turned up the heat last night as the Apples took to the field for their next to the last regular season game of the season. With the mercury showing a baking temperature of 93 degrees at game time, the Apples came ready to play and by evenings end had played one of their best games of the year.
With the final score showing the Apples on the losing side of a 25 - 6 beat down, it might be hard for some to believe that the Apples actually played quite well. "Damn straight we played good tonight" said AGFHOF Don Bernitt after picking up the loss on the hill for the Apples. "Don't get me wrong" continued Bernitt, "we got our butts kicked, but we had fun and played as a team tonight, and that's been missing around here for the past few weeks"
The Apples were never in the game as they found themselves playing against the Vanderbilt University coed team that simply was better up and down the lineup. "The Apples played hard and had some fun as well" said shortstop Shane Alexander when contacted after the game.
In a shinning moment of what it means to be an Apple and to never quit, the Apples entered the 5th inning trailing 25 - 2 and needed to score 4 runs to avoid the league mandated 20 run lead slaughter rule. To a player the Apples stepped it up and batted around the order to score 4 runs and push the game to it's scheduled 6 inning length.
Although the final score didn't show it, defensively the Apples played one of their best games of the year. "We had one or two errors and that's it" said Team Captain My Captain Tony Byram following the contest. "The Commodores just hit the ball hard and my hat is off to them" added Byram.
Of course the biggest news of the night was saved for after the game when the public address announcer at the Granny White Sports Complex asked that all fans in the stands remain in their seats for a special Apple announcement. With the stadium lights dimmed and the high definition jumbo tron flashing brightly, a note flashed on the screen that read " Sarah, will you marry me? " With the crowd and players clapping, Apple infielder Scott Quinlin reached into his bat bag and pulled out a diamond ring before dropping to one knee and proposing marriage to Apple outfielder Sarah Milam. Milam quickly burst into tears as she hugged her favorite Apple and said, " let me check the schedule first"
And so it was, the Apples played hard, had fun and celebrated the future nuptials of Scott and Sarah. Is there now any doubt as to what is meant by....................
How bout them Apples!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
