South Char..err.. Caldwell vs Myers Park

Well, I finally made it to "The Rock" (Granite Falls..get it?) and I felt like I was at home. When I first entered the gates and took the tram down to the field I passed the huge concession stand; Lo and behold I noticed the concession connoisseur himself, John Hendricks (recruiting co-ordinator from Lenoir-Rhyne). After jumping back on the tram, I toured the facilities like a Disney World ride. A new back stop, a new fence, a new bullpen and a great field. But get this...you won't see this at every baseball park. You know how when a team hits foul balls the home team will send out a player to retrieve it..not at South Caldwell. They send out Kevin Bumgarner like a hunter sends out his pointer. No matter how deep the ball is hit into the woods.....Kevin always returns with it. Now think about this: Most fathers of a 1st round draft pick is usually surrounded by his acolytes and professional scouts sitting in the reserved seats roped off for dignitaries. Not Kevin; he is the team's foul ball retriever, lawn care repairer and with the help of many friends is a fence installer, too.

But tonight I learned another Bumgarner "secret". It is Grandma Bumgarner. This young lady makes the "absolutely best" pork chop sandwich I have ever had. It actually melts in your mouth. Because of Granny's Pork Chop sandwich, the trip to The Rock was worth it even if the game got rained out....and it didn't!

Now to the game: I mentioned that this was going to be a tough matchup and that SC better come to play. Thomas Girdwood (Elon signee) is a heckuva a competitor. He has a tremendous slider with excellent control. Because of his different arm angles, The SC hitters were struggling trying to pick up his release point. Girdwood struck out two batters the 1st inning and he was making a statement. ~ you better bring your A game because I brought mine tonight!~

Unfortunately for Myers Park, SC brought their A game pitcher as well, Jimmy- don't mess with- Messer. I've watched this young man pitch for two years and this kid never has a bad game...never! The couple times MP threatened to score, Messer would just bare down and strike out the next batters. He was in control the whole game.

And Girdwood was as well. He gave up a solo HR to Brad Chavis and really..that was it. A bad pick off attempt set up the other "unearned" run later.

It was a pitcher's duel between two of the best in the state. A great game by both teams and I was proud of the way MP represented themselves.

That brings us to Tuesday night with SC facing another SW4A powerhouse...Providence.

Providence ended their season in a funk..but this is the playoffs and the regular season is behind them. They will probably go with their ace, Mailman and Providence can play a game that SC has not demonstrated they can do....small ball. Providence can play long ball or small ball. They put pressure on defenses and you can count on Coach Hignight coming up with some surprises.

But SC has something that Providence doesn't...Madison Bumgarner.

This will be a game you don't want to miss!!!!!

It was great to see my buddy, Shane Clawson as well as re-newing my old friendship with Wil and Joanna Wilson. It seemed like just yesterday I was watching their other talented son, Rob, lead the MP team to the State Championship.

I only have one request about Tuesday's showdown at The Rock. Please ask Grandma Bumgarner to sneak in an additional pork chop sandwich to her new admirer....Braves

 

Of the 500 or so people that attended, no comments of the game?

 

yeah but providence has something South Caldwell doesnt David Mailman

 

Yep...and that's why it's going to be a great game! Mailman knows how to deliver; especially at crunch time. David Mailman is absolutely my favorite HS player.

 

One David Maiman is all providence has and i dont expect providence to even come close to winning.

 

Well he can deliver it to us and well crunch it over the trees

 

Here we go!!!....I luv it.

C'mon SC...fire up those Providence boys. They need their intensity back.

 

I'm sure you didn't expect Myers Park to give you a game, either.

But I'll tell you what, you are right. Providence has nothing. There is a soph playing 3rd base for them that is an easy out. Shoot...I'd challenge him with FB's right down the center of the plate. The kid's name is Richie Shaffer. I think he's 15, so he is in way over his head. Challenge him...he's got nothin'

oh...and their catcher, Shackelford? Shoot, I'd run on him all day long. And take the extra base on anything hit to RF. (he can barely reach 2nd base) and as far as Mailman pitching? Don't worry...take big leads; he is easy to get a jump on.

You are welcome in advance for the scouting report. Don't worry about Providence..they are just a bump in the road

 

haha

Nice approach Braves, should be a great game!

 

Hey JP...you understand