Lady Jackets in Action

Update on Statistics

I wanted to throw some stats up here - I'm tracking how each of you are doing, and will give you a print-out at the end of the season. For now, I'm going to post the leaders in a few categories:

For the A-Team, with a minimim of 10 At-Bats:

Batting Avg:
Jordyn Wells - .368
Mia Burton - .357
Darby Pastors - .308
Kamri Duncan - .300
Kelsey Wampler - .267

Runs Scored:
Mia Burton - 7
Dary Pastors - 7
Kelsey Wampler - 5
Kamri Duncan - 5
4 tied with 2

On-Base %:
Mia Burton - .500
Darby Pastors - .500
Kamri Duncan - .462
Hannah Ingram - .417
Jordyn Wells - .368

For the B-Team, excluding 8th graders:

Batting Avg:
Darby Pastors - .556
Victoria Allen - .333
Mia Burton - .250
Michaela Collins - .250
Kamri Duncan - .200

Runs Scored:
Darby Pastors - 10
Mia Burton - 4
Victoria Allen - 4
Taylor Mann - 3
Bailey Russell - 3

On-Base %:
Kelsey Wampler - 1.000
Darby Pastors - .714
Mia Burton - .700
Victoria Allen - .556
Michaela Collins - .500

As I've looked back through the stats for the year so far, you guys have done exactly what I've asked, which is show continual improvement - you're playing better and better as we go through the summer. Nice job ladies!

Pictures Tonight

Ladies - just a reminder that TONIGHT is picture night; please be at the field at 5pm, and we'll snap the pics before we take infield. C-ya then!

It's GO TIME!

Ladies - I wanted to throw a few things at you - is your butt down and head up? Cause here we go:

It's tourney time! Our PLAC tourney is tomorrow (Saturday, 6/20). Please be on time in the morning - 8:20 am at the Paoli HS field. There is no team in this tournament that we can't play with - we've said all along that we wanted to improve as the season unfolded so we'd be playing well come conference time, and I know you guys are ready! It's going to be important for us to focus on each pitch, hustle every play, and battle each game. No one is going to hand us a win, so we have to take it from them. It's go time!

I want to encourage you all to be supportive of your team-mates. There is a chance that some girls may not play much depending on the game situation. If you are sitting out a game, you can help your team by staying focused on the action on the field, and being ready to help in any way (such as pinch running, warming up the right fielder, etc.). It's going to be hot, and we may need to rest some girls - be ready to do your best when you get the chance!

Preparation for tomorrow's game begins TONIGHT. Get a good night's sleep - if you looked at the brackets, there are games scheduled all the way until 9 pm (12 hours after our first game!). Since it will be hot tomorrow, be sure and drink each time you come to the dugout, even if you aren't thirsty. And remember that the game isn't happening on your cell phone in a text message - it's on the field. That's where your attention should be! (Just sayin' . . . )

I'm proud of the way that you guys have grown as a team. Now let's focus, battle and hustle tomorrow and bring home a title!

Paoli Tourney Brackets

Ladies - we play Paoli 8th Grade in our first game on Saturday morning at 9 am. Please be at the Paoli HS field no later than 8:20 am Saturday morning!





















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June 17 Game

Paoli comes to town tonight for a double-header. Game time is 6 pm; girls need to be at the field at 5 pm for batting practice.

Let's keep rolling towards the tourney this weekend!

(Yes, I know I haven't posted any stats or recaps for awhile - I hope to do so on Friday - hang with me!)

Tournament Info

I got an email today from the Paoli coach informing me that a team dropped out of the tourney this weekend, which means that he is re-doing the brackets. I will post them here as soon as I get them!

No matter who we play, it is important in any tourney to bust your tail to win the first game - let's be focusing on making that happen!

Lata sistas!

June 12 Game

Ladies - IT IS GAME ON!!!

The Paoli field is still wet, but playable. Let's do this thing! :)

Bus leaves at 5pm. Parents - the game is at the High School field tonight!

Some Things to Remember

* The time for our game on Saturday, June 13 has been moved up to 11 am. Be at the field at 10 am for batting practice.
* We are having team pictures taken on June 24 (the only game where everyone should be there with no conflicts); Denise Ingram will take them and have them printed. Costs should be minimal.
* We are trying to schedule at least one make-up game from all the rain-outs this week; due to the summer league, we may not be able to make many up – check the web site for any changes.
* Our PLAC tourney will begin on Friday, June 19. Game times will be announced on Monday, June 15.
* We will have a Team Party on June 28, 5 pm, at the Collins Home (Mail box is 627). Hopefully we’ll play some games (volleyball, bocce, Frisbee golf, etc) eat some food, and just CHILL. We’re planning a bon-fire with hot dogs and a pitch-in. Kim Allen will have more details on food. Parents are invited – be sure and bring lawn chairs!

BOO RAIN!!!

This means NO SOFTBALL . . . BOO RAIN!!!

Schedule Change for June 13

Head's up - the time of our game this Saturday, June 13, versus Springs Valley has changed!

We now play at 11 am - the girls need to be at the field at 10 am for batting practice.

Busy Week!

Hey Ladies! This is a busy week for our Jr Hi team:

June 10 - Home vs Paoli

June 11 - Away at Orleans

June 12 - Away at Paoli

June 13 - Home vs Springs Valley

Check your schedule for bus departure times. Also, note that I am trying to change the start time for our game on Saturday; I'm hoping to play that earlier in the day so we can enjoy a free Saturday night! :) I'll keep you posted.

As always, if it rains, check here for cancellation info.

I'll see you at the ball park!

Game: June 3 vs. Springs Valley and NE Dubois

Tonight, we travel to Springs Valley for a 3 team Round-Robin series.

At 6 pm we will play the Lady Blackhawks from SV, and then in the second game we play the ladies from NE Dubois.

The bus will leave from the front of the Junior High at 4:45 pm. A sack lunch will be provided after the second game.

This unique "mini-tourney" was set-up by SV to allow them to play as many different teams as possible. Unfortunately, it means our "B" team players may not play much this evening, as both of our opponents are "A" teams. When SV comes to Mitchell to play, we will play our usual A and B games.

Game 1 Recap - Orleans

Each game, I like to ask what we learned by playing. Last night, I think we learned at least a couple of things:

1) The speed of the Jr Hi games is way faster than our summer league. Now that we've seen how quick everything happens, we'll know what to expect and be ready.

2) We can hit good pitching. Several girls hit the ball really hard and sharp. The problem last night was that for the most part, we hit the ball right at the defense. Some nights that happens, and there will be nights where those same hard hit balls get through their players. But I promise we won't see any girls throw as hard as the Silvers girl from Orleans - and you guys weren't afraid!

3) Our relays from the outfield were good - you guys played those balls and got them in to the infield just like we practiced - well done!

4) We need to learn how to stay focused when the game is interrupted (like the rain delay last night) - we kind of came out flat after the rain delay, and let a 3-0 game slip away from us. A lot of that is my fault, and I've learned a lesson too. :)

Some challenges that Jody and I will have for you guys include playing with maximum effort and intensity, focusing on the fundamentals, and listening to your coaches.

Beyond that, I think we measured ourselves a little last night, and now know where we stand. From here, we work to get better - together - with smiles on our faces.

Here are some pics from the game - I'll try to post different shots of the players throughout the season.

Game: June 2 vs. Orleans

Our first game is tonight, versus Orleans. Game time is 6pm; be there at 5pm for batting practice.

As we get ready to launch our season, I just want to say how proud Jody and I are of how hard you guys have worked to get to this point. This is the beginning, and from here, we want to learn and improve to where we're playing our very best softball by tourney time. Clearly, it's "GO TIME."

I want to leave to you with this quote from a Fastpitch web-site that I check out. The comment came from the Alabama coach's decision to pull Brittany Rogers (4-time All American) and sub a freshman for her. Check this:

The thing I loved about it (just as much as
seeing some awesome "nerve" by a freshman in a pressure situation in a big
game/venue) was how Brittany Rogers (the senior All-American that was being
pinch hit for) stood at the top step of the dugout cheering her heart out for
her teammate to make something happen for their team. Too many players
pout and hang their face and send out all kinds of negative vibes when they get
replaced or subbed for. Not Rogers, she was there on every single pitch
doing whatever she could from the dugout to support her teammate that was
brought in from the bench to hit for her. That was so great to
see! That's what everyone should be doing from the bench. That's
what every player should do at any given time - ANYTHING and EVERYTHING they can
to support and help their team, no matter what the role, starter or
not.

We need to be this kind of team, where we are supporting and encouraging each other to be our very best TOGETHER.

Let's light this candle!

Women's College World Series

I'd like to encourage you guys to take in the Women's College World Series, where you'll see the Washington Huskies battle the Florida Gators for the national championship. It's a best of 3 series that starts tonight (Monday) on ESPN2 at 8pm.

Florida is simply amazing. Their record is something crazy like 64-3 on the year - that's whack! Washington is gonna have their hands full! Florida beat Alabama to advance to the finals on a walk-off grand slam (bases loaded home run), which was incredible!

As you're watching, you can learn a lot from all of these girls - both teams have some really talented players, and you can learn how to play the game hard, how to hit, what to do in situations, how to field properly, and how a team encourages and supports each other, all from watching these girls play. They are amazing athletes - Check them out!

Updated Schedule

Click the image for a larger view.

Jerseys Are In

Our jerseys were picked up today, and they look great - I think we're going to look as sharp as we play! :)

But I got to tell you - I'm going to be a tough guy about these jerseys. Here's what I mean:

1) These jerseys have to last the travel team for several years, so I will expect you guys to take care of them and return them at the end of our season clean, in good condition, and ready for next summer.

2) I will not hand out jerseys to players who have not paid their $40 to the Mitchell Community Youth League. As I've said before, I realize that times are tough, so if you and your parents are going to have a hard time finding the money, please come and talk to me and we'll work something out. You can pay by check to MCYL or by cash.

For those players who have paid their $40, I will get your jerseys (and pants if you needed a different size) to you on Saturday during the League games. If you are exchanging pants, please bring your first pair to me so I can return them! If the games aren't rained out Saturday, don't leave the fields before getting your stuff!

Thanks guys!

Fastpitch Summer Camps

Coach Woolems and the Jackets will be hosting a series of summer fastpitch camps for our elementary and junior high prospects. The camps are designed to teach the skills necessary to take your game to the next level. The cost is $30. Each camper will receive a t-shirt and competition prizes.

For more info, click HERE.

Practice: 5/27

Our last "scheduled" practice will be Wednesday, May 27 at 5:30 pm at the MHS Field. Expect this to be a 2-hour practice.

It is very important that you be at this practice, as we will be working on our starting defense for both the A and B teams.

We will also have an extended hitting session led by Craig Duncan.

As I've told you guys already, there are no "weak" positions once you get to this level of competition. What I mean is that it's not a demotion to play in the OF. Actually, it's quite the opposite. There is roughly 285 feet from the LF foul pole to the RF foul pole, for THREE OF's to cover. That's 95 feet per player. Compare that to 25 feet or so that you cover in the IF. And once you get to a ball in the OF you have a longer throw to make. Trust me, if you play in the OF, we aren't "hiding" or demoting you. We're actually asking a lot of you. And we'll try several of you guys in the OF at one time or another. It's all part of preparing you to play at the High School Varsity level.

Hopefully you can see that each position - IF and OF - requires players with good athletic skills and abilities. And we have that on this team. YOU have good athlectic skills and abilities.

I'm ready to put you guys on the field. It's almost time!

Uniform Update

Hey Ladies!

Thanks for getting me the info on your pants - I've reordered the proper sizes for those of you who needed a change. I need for Cassidy, Sarah, Kelsey, Kinsley, Bailey and Michaela to bring me your pants so I can send them in for exchange - please do so by at least our next practice.

Our jerseys are being printed this week, and will be ready for us sometime next week.

Lastly, if you have not paid your $40, please (pretty please!) do so by our next practice (Wednesday, 5/27 at 5:30 pm). Checks can be made out to Mitchell Community Youth League. If we need to discuss the $40, please let me know.

And . . . the catchers gear is in as well. So we're just about ready to take this show on the road. :)

Practice: 5/19

We will have practice at the MHS Varsity Field on Tuesday, May 19, at 5:30 pm. Practice will be over by 7:15-7:30.

I will be handing out uniform pants at this practice, and I'll need to know ASAP if they fit or not. Also, I will begin collecting checks for $40 made out to the Mitchell Community Youth League.

Hoodies

Some of the girls have asked about getting hoodies like the MHS Varsity have, and I've looked into them. They are black with MITCHELL FASTPITCH surrounding a "softball guy" on the front.

If you want a hoodie, you can order one at Barlow Sports Jersey (849-0386). They are $25 each, plus any numbers or letters that you want on the back. Please deal directly with Barlow's - I will not be collecting money or sizes for these sweatshirts.

Please understand that these hoodies are entirely optional and are not being required for the Team.

Uniforms

Our uniform pants have arrived. I will have your pants, belt and socks for you at the next practice. It's important that you try them on ASAP so we can exchange any that don't fit.

Our jerseys are being printed and will be ready by our first game.

Also, as was mentioned in the Parent's Meeting, we will be collecting $40 from each player to help offset our expenses. Checks can be made out to Mitchell Community Youth League. If paying the $40 is an issue for you and your parents, please let me know and we can work something out.

Have a great weekend!

Thoughts on Being on a Team

The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don’t play together, the club won’t be worth a dime.
~ Babe Ruth (baseball legend)

When a team outgrows individual performance and learns team confidence, excellence becomes a reality.
~ Joe Paterno (Penn State football coach)

A single arrow is easily broken, but not ten in a bundle.
~ Japanese Proverb

One finger cannot lift a pebble.
~ Hopi Indian Saying

Teamwork: Simply stated, it is less "me" and more "we."
~ Author Unknown

Practice: 5/12

Our next scheduled practice is Tuesday, May 12, on the MHS Varsity Field. This will be a 2-hour practice, from 5:30 to 7:30.

In addition to the usual fundamental drills and stations, we must begin preparing the girls for how to handle defensive situations. Also, we will begin to practice base-running. Lastly, we may try to work in some kind of practice game.

As always, in the event of rain, assume that we will have practice unless you see a cancellation posted here, or unless I give you a call to cancel.

Equipment / Uniforms

Just a head's up that on Friday, our uniforms were ordered from Kratz Sporting Goods. While the jerseys are being printed (and should be ready before our first game), the pants will be shipped to us early so that the girls can make sure they fit.

I "think" that we're going to be billed once for the jerseys (which the league will pay) and once for the pants/socks/belts, which we will pay. What may be easiest is for each parent to write a $40 check to the league and let the league make one payment to Kratz. I'll keep you posted on all of that.

Also, the league has authorized our team to get a new set of catcher's gear, which I have ordered. I am encouraged by the commitment to our team and the junior high program that is being shown to us by all involved!

Final Team Member

Tonight before our practice, Mia Burton went through her tryout for the Jr Hi Fastpitch Team. Mia participated in the same drills that the rest of the squad worked through, and her performance placed her in the top 15 of all girls who tried out.

Jody and I would like to welcome Mia to our team, and we are really excited about the team that is going to represent Mitchell Junior High School!

Practice: 5/7

We will practice on Thursday, May 7, at 5:30 pm on the HS Field.

After practice, uniform sizes will be confirmed using a size chart from Kratz Sporting Goods. Parents should be present to help with the final size selection for their daughter.

2009 MJHS Lady Jackets Fastpitch Roster

8^th Grade: Cassidy Higdon, Ashley Hughes, Sarah Johnson, Hannah Tanksley, Jordyn Wells

7^th Grade: Mia Burton, Hannah Ingram, Darby Pastors, Kelsey Wampler

6^th Grade: Victoria Allen, Kamri Duncan, Kinsley Duncan, Taylor Mann, Bailey Russell

5^th Grade: Michaela Collins