RANDOM THOUGHTS

[MIF04]

This week’s edition of Random Thoughts comes at ya on graduation weekend where yours truly got to watch his youngest walk the stage, get his diploma and move into another phase of his life…WHEW.  Happy?  Yes.  Sad?  Yes.  Proud?  Always.

Happiness and sadness also abounded on the diamond this week as 3 SE Texas teams stay alive for their dream of a state championship.  For two teams, however, it was the sadness and sorrow of what might have been.  In the end, we know one thing…at least one SE Texas team will be going to Austin (the winner of the Jasper-BC series) and we’re hoping for two (go Woodville).

The biggest noise this week was made by the BC Cardinals as they swept the previously undefeated and state ranked #1 Carthage Bulldogs by scores of 6-2 and 4-2.  Solid pitching and defense keyed the Cardinals’ wins but no one made noise like CF Johnny Dishon with his 2 HR night on Thursday.  He gave Cardinal ace Jeff Stringer the 3-1 lead he never relinquished as Stringer relied heavily on his defense to win game 1.  Game 2 belonged to Phillip Meeks who threw 6 shutout innings before tiring in the 7th and allowing 2 runs.  Matt Hicks’ 3-run double was the big blow in game 2. 

So who do the Cards get in the Regional Final?  21-3A champion Jasper Bulldogs who swept Lufkin Hudson in interesting fashion:  a 10-inning 3-1 nail biter in game 1 and an 18-1 pounding in game 2.  Travis Reagan threw all 10 innings in game 1, gathering 13 Ks.  By the way, the kid DID touch 3rd base in the 7th…the photo proves it.  Game 2…well, it was a track meet.  The ‘Dogs proved to the rest of Region III what we’ve known all along:  21-3A is the toughest district in the State.  The best baseball?  Why, we play it down here.

So…we get BC vs. Jasper at Lamar on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  A trip to Austin on the line.  Two great programs, both with considerable talent.  Who can’t wait for this one?

In 2A, the Woodville Eagles rolled through Quitman in game 1, 10-0 then hung on to an early lead to sweep into the Regional Finals by a 4-3 margin.  The pitching duo of Winters and Riley remain tough and will need to be as Hooks (fresh of their shellacking of Buna) stand between them and another trip to Austin.  This series is TBA as of press time.

Speaking of Buna, the Cougars picked a bad time to have a bad week, losing 10-0 and 6-0 to Hooks.  The #8 team in the state never got untracked during this series.  While it was a tough way to go out, none of this minimizes the great season Buna had…a district championship and a run deep into the playoffs.  Congrats to the Cougs.

Last, but certainly not least, Barbers Hill met their match in the Montgomery Bears, losing 2-0 and 4-2.  Game 1 was the expected pitchers’ duel between Cody Springer and Ross Hales but 4 Eagles’ errors led to 2 unearned runs.  BH also left 7 men on base while their faithful will be left wondering what might have been had the fly ball to deep CF (with 2 men on) had been pulled just a bit…Game 2 saw the Eagles fall behind 4-1 only to load the bases with no outs in the 7th.  Alas, only 1 run scored and the season ended too quickly for the Hill.  It was another fine pitching performance by Kendall Thamm but, as in game 1, BH couldn’t get the big hit…leaving 12 men on base.  Still, a great season by one of the very best teams this season in SE Texas. By the way, Hales and Thamm are only juniors so there are reasons to smile for those west of the Trinity...

So it ends for some and goes on for others.  For those who saw it end, walk away with the good memories of plays made and games won.  For those still playing, the dream continues…and you’re just 1 series from Austin.  Until then, PLAY BALL !!!!

[EAGLE07]

Great stuff, MIF04. Us West of the Trinity @ BH  ;D are feeling down that it is over. But also feel very good about next year. The toughest part now, even besides the losing, is knowing that we just graduated 6 fine young men with great character who will be missed on and off the field. Best of luck to the teams still playing. More importantly, best of luck to all of the graduating senoirs !

I really enjoyed your site this year. Keep up the good work. 

[Silsbee92]

As always,  a great piece that has become a wellknown piece to this website.  I dig the random thoughts.