Sports Pages

(0602) Raptors vs Buckhead Braves (Suspended Game)

The Raptors game was suspended due to weather on Wednesday. We will finish the game on Thursday, June 3rd at 7:45, same field, same uniforms/pants/hats. Be there at 6:30 for batting practice! Four innings would have been a complete game (or 3.5 if the home team was winning).

Great baseball game so far, let's finish them off! they are batting, bottom of the 4th, us up 1 - 0 and 25 mins left on the clock.

(0523) Raptors vs. Mt Paran

The spring exhibition season continued on Sunday with a contest against the Mt Paran All-Stars. The Raptors came away with a 12-13 loss but with plenty of plenty of positives to continue to build upon.

The pitching was surprisingly good for so early in the season. Over the last two exhibition games a total of eight boys pitched and generally looked pretty good. Coach Harold has indicated that the other pitchers will get some work before the first tournament over Memorial Day Weekend.

The Raptors have shown they have what it takes to be a slick-fielding team. One of the most impressive plays of the day was the hustling backup of an overthrow to second base. As the runner took off from first base, the second baseman stood ready to take the throw. The Shortstop hustled to position himself behind the second baseman and when the throw sailed high, was in perfect position to prevent any damage. That was a perfect display of fundamentals, a quality that Coach Jeff and his staff are emphasizing in practice and games.

One last note about the game. Mt. Paran has very nice facilities. Their team went out of their way to make us feel welcome, helping us get to both the practice cages and the field. The Mt. Paran All-Stars are a good team with a lot of promise.

(0522) Raptors vs. Kennesaw Generals

The OP Raptors played their first exhibition game of the 2010 season at Adams Park in Kennesaw, GA. From the beginning of warm-ups it was clear that this is a team on a mission. Coach Jeff is emphasizing a squad built on teamwork, hustle and sportsmanship. The Raptors put those qualities on full display throughout the fame.

Both the Raptors and their opponents the Kennesaw Generals, came to play. Though the results do not count toward any records, the kids on both sides played to keep. This is the first year of Kid-Pitch and the neophyte hurlers pitched like seasoned pros.

At the plate both teams displayed some rust but gradually settled down into a hitting groove. The Raptors have solid hitting potential and they are expected to become an even more free-swinging bunch as the season progresses.

The Raptors broke in their new batboy Cooper who did an excellent job handling his responsibilities. The parents were notable in their enthusiastic and steady support for their team. The Waterboy provided excellent hydration as usual.