Game 1 - Maroon vs.
Green
By Johnny Betts
May 7, 2002
Johnny Betts' softball team, the Maroon team, took one on the chin Tuesday night,
losing 18-5 to the Green team.
"We don't have real names," said Johnny, "The schedule just says Maroon vs. Green,
Maroon vs. Navy, etc. It's real sophisticated."
The first game of this year was very reminiscent of last year.
"Last year was my first year to play softball. I've played baseball all my life,
but I wasn't interested in finding a competitive baseball team to play for, so I
figured softball would be good enough. Our team finished 1-8 last year. I don't
think half of our players had ever played the game before. It was sad. I don't
want another season like last year, so I'll do what it takes to help bring victory
home to Maroon!"
Even though Johnny's team didn't fare too well, Johnny himself did a very good
job.
"In my very first at-bat I almost beat out a throw to first. It was a hard hit,
but it went right to the third baseman. His throw beat me by less than half a
step. Many observers said I was 'cookin' as I was running to first base. I then
had a solid hit to left field in my second at-bat, and I could've picked up another
hit in my third and final at-bat, but I chose to play unselfishly. You see, it was
the last inning and we needed to get runs fast. I could've settled for a single
or double up the middle, but I didn't have confidence that the players batting
behind me could bring me in. Therefore, I had to swing for the fences. I hit a
solid fly ball to left field - sent the outfielder close to the warning track - but
I just didn't get all of it."
Johnny was also the only outfielder not to make an error. He caught the only fly
ball that was hit to him and allowed no runs to be scored on ground balls hit to
him in the outfield. The overall analysis of Game 1 is that Maroon lost despite
Johnny's valiant efforts. In order for Maroon to win, Johnny's teammates are gonna
have to try to emulate his efforts. And what did Stephanie Betts, who spent most
the game reading her "The Rock" book, think of the game?
"At least Johnny did well."
Game 2 is
set for Tuesday, May 14. It could be a long season.
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