Providence vs Watauga

Many thoughts about this game: First of all Providence won.

- The folks in Boone thanked me profusely for bringing the great weather with me. It had to be the best baseball weather in Boone this year. There was not a cloud in the sky, light wind and the temperatures in the mid 70's. The hot dogs were grilling, the fans were recovering and the coaches were trying to get their teams focused.

- This was a huge game for the coaches, Hardee and Hignight; the mentor and the student. Unfortunately, both teams appeared to be hungover from their wins the previous night.

- I was very impressed with some of the Watauga guys I haven't seen much this year. Wallace (soph) hit a bomb, Dunnigan nearly did, but this big kid has some surprising wheels, too. Minford is an outstanding catcher (and he just started catching after the season started), Lee Amman (another bulldog pitcher) and I'll save my comments later for my buddy, Emo (Ethan Moyer).

- Providence is Providence; they will eventually get to your pitching staff. Although they looked "sleepy" today, they are one of the best offensive teams in the state (if not the best offensive team).

- There is somebody that I have always appreciated, but didn't realize that I haven't given him the attention that he deserves....that's catcher, Kevin Shackelford. There isn't anything that I don't love about him. The young man is a stud behind the plate and he manages the game with the best of them. He is like having a coach on the field...a very strong leader. And with all of the offensive weapons that Providence has, he sometimes goes unnoticed with his bat. When I watch a batter, I look for his mechanics and his approach; and does he have a quality at bat. I'm not nearly interested in their statistics (especially HS). Kevin has a great swing. He never needs to change that. His changes are very minor and I believe he will be even better as a college player. Marshall is getting a steal!!!!

- I'll leave the game statistics to my friend, whs. He is much better at that than I am.

- This was my very first visit to "Hardeeville"...absolutely gorgeous! It is a "field of dreams". The only thing missing were the corn fields. Coach Hardee, his staff and team supporters should be proud of what they have accomplished in developing one of the best HS fields in the state...Unbelievable! I might add, some of the best Hot Dogs I have ever had, too.

- I had a chance to see some of my TBR buddies as well. 007 and jcuncc1. They are as quality of guys in person as they are on the board. These guys are baseball savvy!

Last three things I would like to say;

- Ethan Moyer is my new Devin Presnell. I just love the way he plays the game...tough and gritty. And Emo is a surprisingly good pitcher as well. For his size he can bring it. And he pitches with an attitude...I love it! You will not meet a nicer young man in your life.

- Kevin Bumgarner, umpire. I love this guy. He is the best plate umpire in the business and he enjoys what he does. He is just one, big loveable guy (but I wouldn't want to cross him) with a great sense of humor. I gotta say it; Kevin is one of my all time favorite guys...period! I could sit around talking to him for hours.

- But this is the most important part of my post. I have said this before that Danny Hignight's dad is one of the few true living heroes in our country. The man has 3 bullets in his body to prove his sacrifice to our country. And he has personally saved over 20+ soldiers from a loss of their lives. Mr. Hignight might get upset for me saying this, but I don't care... he deserves our attention.

He is facing his biggest obstacle to overcome in the next week. A cancer that has become very aggressive. For those of you that have been affiliated with the Providence program, you know one of the keys to their success has been the jovial, motivating real Coach...Mr Hignight. For those that don't know him....well, it has been your loss. But I ask of everybody that reads this thread to take time out and say a prayer for a man, a father and a soldier that fought courageously for our country and has allowed us to enjoy the freedoms that we so selfishly expect. He is a national hero and I would like God to allow us to enjoy him another 30 years.

 

Watauga had 6 errors on the game. I believe, just because I'm that way...that if we played picture perfect defense today, the game would've been much closer. I'm sure Coach Hardee would've liked to go at Coach Hignight today with a dogfight because they are GREAT friends, and just to go at it again after last nights victory over AC Reynolds...but, it didn't end up that way.

Rich Minford..has an absolute HOSE.

 

One thing that you must know. Pete Hardee will always schedule the toughest teams that he can. What don't kill you makes you better. Another thing is that Pete is very much a class act, and his attitude and work ethic carries over to all of his teams. He is one of the classiest men that I have ever met, and I will always admire him. I know that on my best day I wouldn't make a pimple on his or BRAVES butt.

 

- Kevin Bumgarner, umpire. I love this guy. He is the best plate umpire in the business and he enjoys what he does. He is just one, big loveable guy (but I wouldn't want to cross him) with a great sense of humor. I gotta say it; Kevin is one of my all time favorite guys...period! I could sit around talking to him for hours.


Hey Braves, was he the really good looking umpire?

And yes Mr. Hignight is truely an American Hero. God Bless Him

 

As an fyi for everyone, the same teams will face off at Providence next Saturday. Come on out!

 

Yea Kevin does a good job. His boy is a pretty good lefty pitcher for SC too.

 

Yeah...but his Mom taught him how to pitch and obviously, we all know where he got his looks from.

 

Again, after Friday big games. It will be tough for both teams, but Imma comin'

PS- and on a positive note, I found out from Mr Mailman that my chair and new (or now slightly worn) jacket has been found at Providence.....yeahhhhhhhh!!!!!!

 

Kevin is one of the best umpires i have seen. He loves the game more than anyone i've met.