Swing & Swim Recap

Against all odds and amidst a dark cloud of controversy the Swing and Swim continued it's annual status this past Saturday. While consumption of alcoholic beverages was at a all time low and the overall venue was much more subdued than in years past a good time was had by all. 4 on 4 best of 3 was the format. Christopher Lee and Josh Coleman were Captains. In typical 64/60 fashion a snake draft determined the rosters. Lee had first pick and took Matthew McClung. Somewhat of a surprise selection given his youth. I suppose Lee was looking for an agile fielder who could throw a few innings if needed. Hobson was the second pick. After a full season of Softball in the greater Lexington area I felt more than anyone in the draft pool Dave was the most game ready. I followed Hobson with Senior McClung. For no other reason to give him a chance to be a winner for once in his life. Bopp went back to back with James Hardy and Mark Christian to finish out his roster. Ashley Coleman became Ms. Irrelevant and bookended Team Coleman.

Game 1. Team Lee Wins 6-5. WP-Lee 1-0. LP-Coleman 0-1. HR-Hobson 2, Mi. McClung 2, Hardy 2, Coleman 1, Christian 1. Hard fought matchup that set the tone for the HR dependency for scoring runs. All 11 Runs came via the long ball. Clinging to a 5-4 edge in the bottom of the 7th Team Coleman got a quick out followed by a bloop single by James Hardy if memory serves me correctly. Another out later and Mark Christian steps to the plate representing the winning run or potentially the final out. Two strikes later Coleman throws a hanging curveball and Christian deposits it to Left Center for the dramatic 6-5 Win. Bopp was at a high showing his only emotion of the day. I was at a low feeling as though I had failed those six eyes that looked at me to guide them to victory. It was during the postgame meal where I looked at my teammates demeanor and told myself I will not allow this to happen to them again, they deserve better and better is what I'm going to give them.

Game 2. Team Coleman Wins 3-2. WP-Coleman 1-1. LP-Ma. McClung 0-1. HR-Hardy 2, Hobson 1, Coleman 1. Best pitching matchup of the series. Matty deserved better. He pitched will using a three quarters delivery and changing speeds keeping the Team Coleman bats rather stagnant throughout the game. He scattered 7 hits over the 7 innings but Team Bopp's offense, outside of Hardy's 2 HR performance did nothing against a newly inspired Josh Coleman. Not at the same level as Scooter Quillen's dominance in the Championship Game in 2011, still would rank as a Top 5 individual performance throughout the 64/60's history. Team Lee made it interesting in the Bottom of the 7th as James Hardy hit his 2nd HR of the day and brought back the late game heartbreak from Game 1. In the end Josh Coleman wasn't going to be denied and Team Coleman forced a Game 3.

Game 3. Team Coleman Wins 8-3. WP- Coleman 2-1. LP- Christian 0-1. HR- Mi. McClung 3, Hobson 2, Ma. McClung 2, Hardy 1, Coleman 1. Best overall performance by Team Coleman as the bats came alive the pitching was excellent and the fielding produce countless Web Gem worthy moments. From the 3rd inning on this game was a laugher so much to the point that a rightfully earned 9th run was gladly taken away as to eliminate one of those Chris Lee crying foul moments.

Dave Hobson was given the MVP Award for his stellar bat and excellent defense throughout the series. Personally I felt the same could be said for me yet I threw 23 Innings and around 275 pitches. I suppose my first Swing & Swim Championship will have to suffice. While all members of the 64/60 didn't share the same sentiment regarding the most recent edition of the Swing & Swim I assure you it represented everything that is good about the 64/60.