Wednesday, July 11, 2007



Christi Copous shows off her Offensive Player of the Year Award


Patty Pender was ecstatic after winning Defensive Player of the Year


The 2007 MVP award was Bernitt's 6th as an Apple

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the Apples joined a group of dedicated fans early Saturday morning to watch as demolition began on their now outdated training facility.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




The End Of An Era

A look down the 3rd base line.

Keith Jenkins made this dirt dance while playing the hot corner

From the outfield bleachers where many a balls landed during batting practice

Home of Bernitt's Bombers Fan Club


Artist rendering shows new Apple Complex that is now under construction

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Apples Celebrate the 4th
Baseball, Hotdogs and Liquid Apple Pie

Murfreesboro Post
Nashville, TN

The FreshPoint Apples joined all of America in celebrating Independence Day yesterday and as is often the case when the Apples are out and about potential new players were identified and scouted.

The Apples were special guest of Celebrity Chef Peter Moret and his wife All - American long distance runner Kathy Box Moret at their secluded estate in Rutherford County. In the private VIP event, the Apples were treated to Chef Moret's secret recipes as they enjoyed an endless supply of ribs, chicken and all the fixins that traditionally are on display at 4th of July cookouts.

Following the enjoyment of the fine food, it was off to the volleyball court for a little exercise and good times for the party goers. During the course of the best 2 of 3 volleyball match it was quickly realized that perhaps there was a future Apple or two on the court. In an athletic display that could not go unnoticed, Ryan Jackson separated himself from the others and it quickly became evident that his performance caught the eye of Apple Great and FHOF Don Bernitt who was acting as honorary referee for the games. Jackson and Bernitt were seen talking later in the evening and it is being reported that Jackson was extended an offer to tryout for the Apples leading into the 2008 season.

As the blue sky of day gave way to the pitch black of night it was then time for a fireworks display that rivaled any show in America. However in an unfortunate turn of events the show was cut short when official bottle rocket lighter Darla Jackson was burned by an out of control rocket that led to her crying like a baby for ice and a cold beer to ease her pains. Following several minutes of First Aid it was decided that Jackson was in more pain then originally thought and it was at that moment that host Peter Moret came to the rescue. Without drawing attention to himself and in a stealth move that had to be seen to be believed, Moret magically appeared out of nowhere with old fashion mason jar filled with a substance that he would only identify as " Liquid Apple Pie " Although challenged repeatably, Moret refused to comment on the ingredients of the tasty concoction that was quickly passed around the crowd in an attempt to self muffle the ongoing cries of the wailing Jackson.

With calm restored the remaining guest gathered around a huge bonfire and the evening continued without further incidence for a short period. Again without notice Moret appeared with another mason jar filled with what can only be described as a clear liquid. After warning all smokers to put their matches and lighters aside, Moret began to pass around his " Tennessee Sipping Water " to all those who dared give it a try.

It was at this time that the clock stopped.


This unidentified liquid was seen being passed around by Peter Moret

Sunday, July 1, 2007

A Weekend With The Apples
Multi Sports And A Wedding..........

BBC
Nashville, TN

With the 2007 season now mostly a memory, the FreshPoint Apples cranked up their off season training and social schedules with a full slate of non softball athletics followed by a weekend ending wedding.

In the Second Annual FreshPoint Multi Sports Olympics, several Apple players were joined by front office staff and paying fans in a multi sports weekend to raise funds for a local Nashville charity.

The FP Olympics began Friday evening with a 9 hole golf tournament at a posh Nashville golf course which was won by team General Manager of Player Development Jeff Hall. Following the golf it was an early wake up call for Apples participating in the FP Bassmaster's fishing tournament held on Percy Priest Lake. Although the fish won the day a good time was had by all.

Sunday it was full throttle for the Apples with a 6:00 a.m. 3 mile fun run ( several Apples used the run as part of their conditioning schedule which will culminate at the Detroit Free Press Half Marathon in Oct ) Following the morning run it was off to the Greenways of Nashville for the FP Bi-Athalon, The event featured a 3 mile roller blading course and then a 10 mile bike ride.

After the FP Games came the partying as the Apples capped off the weekend with fireworks and a wedding. In a star studded event the Apples celebrated the marriage of Team Photographer Lisa Bean and Team Hitting Instructor Jeff Bailey. Said Bailey following the wedding ceremony " I never thought I'd meet a girl who I would give up golf for." The bride was all smiles as she told her new husband " I love you so much I have decided to take up golf so you can keep your clubs dear " With that fireworks exploded into the sky and the weekend came to a spectacular end.

As we head towards the dog days of summer there is no telling what is next for the Apples as they count down the days to the 2008 season. As the days pass about the only thing that we can be sure of is............ How bout them Apples

SEE ATTACHED PICTURES


Apple Tony Byram shows the bait fish he used to go after " the one that got away "




Apple Patty Pender was a natural at the FP Bassmater tournament


Apple Great and FHOF Don Bernitt shows the form that netted him zero catches at the FP Bassmaster tournament


Outfielder Patty Pender is all smiles after finishing the roller blading course of the FP Bi-Athalon



Bernitt struggled but finished the roller blading portion of the FP Bi-Athalon
A picture from Bernitt's 'handlebar cam' as he prepares to pass Pender on the final turn to win the FP Bi-Athalon held this weekend in Nashville


The skys over Nashville erupted with fireworks following the marriage of Lisa Bean and Jeff Bailey



The newlyweds wish all Americans a Happy 4th of July



The Apples would like to extend best wishes to Lisa Bean and Jeff Bailey following their marriage over the weekend.