Last year, I blogged about our church's softball team playing in their tournament and "Winning it." That same week, the kids' softball team also won first place. Unbelievably, both teams repeated that feat this year, with the kids winning on Tuesday night, and the adults taking home their 1st Place trophy on Thursday night. 
Here are the guys, (there was one girl playing this year also, but she was not present) posing for a picture BEFORE the game. The local newspaper was there taking pictures of them, since they were obviously going to (at least) place at this point. I took advantage of the already-posed team. Notice how clean and un-sweaty they are in the above photo.
"Joel O. has been our coach and mentor for a few years and he led us to our second championship in as many years - he deserved our accolades ....
.... and the ice water shower to follow"
"Umpire Don presenting the First Place Trophy and game chart to commemorate our victory."
"We beat a good team from (a nearby town) 8 to 7 coming from behind in the 6th inning with a rally started by Nathan S. I present to you the 2009 "P-town" Free Church adult Championship softball team. We were also awarded the first ever Sportsmanship Award, which will be presented at next years organizational meeting."
Congratulations guys! Especially on the brand new "Sportsmanship Award," that's pretty cool! The Ump told them after presenting the trophy, that he and another umpire had decided to initiate such an award just the night before, and it took them both about 5 seconds to blurt out, "PEFC" in unison, as the first winners of it. That speaks volumes about what godly men and women they are...even when they're not actually in church, and is an awesome reflection of God's love. They won't receive this award until next Spring, but the ump told them that until then...they have "bragging rights." Of course, all glory and honor goes to HIM!
Here are the guys, (there was one girl playing this year also, but she was not present) posing for a picture BEFORE the game. The local newspaper was there taking pictures of them, since they were obviously going to (at least) place at this point. I took advantage of the already-posed team. Notice how clean and un-sweaty they are in the above photo.Since I am not a sports fan myself, (understatement of the year), and wasn't paying a lot of attention, I borrowed my husband Ray's commentary from Facebook on the following pics:
"Joel O. has been our coach and mentor for a few years and he led us to our second championship in as many years - he deserved our accolades ....
.... and the ice water shower to follow"
"Umpire Don presenting the First Place Trophy and game chart to commemorate our victory."
"We beat a good team from (a nearby town) 8 to 7 coming from behind in the 6th inning with a rally started by Nathan S. I present to you the 2009 "P-town" Free Church adult Championship softball team. We were also awarded the first ever Sportsmanship Award, which will be presented at next years organizational meeting."Congratulations guys! Especially on the brand new "Sportsmanship Award," that's pretty cool! The Ump told them after presenting the trophy, that he and another umpire had decided to initiate such an award just the night before, and it took them both about 5 seconds to blurt out, "PEFC" in unison, as the first winners of it. That speaks volumes about what godly men and women they are...even when they're not actually in church, and is an awesome reflection of God's love. They won't receive this award until next Spring, but the ump told them that until then...they have "bragging rights." Of course, all glory and honor goes to HIM!
This is the way the sky looked last night while I was "watching" the game. It looked pretty cool with the sun shining through the clouds, like heaven was smiling down on us...so I took a pic.
Here is a picture of last night's cheering section from church. I think that helped the team play their very best. I've never seen this many people come out to support the team, since Ray has been playing for the past 6 or 7 years or so. 
The above pic is my hubby Ray, ready to take a swing. Below, (in an unbelievably lucky shot), I was able to capture the ball leaving the bat! I'm not sure if I could do that one again if I tried.
Above, is the team's captain, Joel in action. I didn't get the ball leaving the bat this time...but the bat was obviously in motion. Below, is one of pitcher, Mike in action. Unfortunately, he looks a little blurry.I would have tried to get a better one of him...but this happened to be his very last pitch of the evening. I never got another chance. 
Above, is a shot of Joe H. with a little too much action...he was just too quick for me I guess. Below, you will see Joe's dad in action...sitting in the cheering section, holding my friend Jody's baby Kassie. Rick says he loves babies and will make an excellent grandfather someday.
Above is a shot of the First Place Trophy being awarded to the team. The man awarding it was almost in tears according to Ray, he really didn't think this team could pull it off...but they did! Below, the team is all smiles as they pose for a picture for me with Nate holding on to the coveted prize. Back row l to r: David H, Nick N, Mike S, Ray G, Joe H, Dan. front row l to r: Jacob, Nate S, Joe O. and Jared L. 
Here's a closeup of the 1st place trophy. Below is one with Ray holding it, and below that, you'll see what Ray looked like from behind after the game...can you say ewwwww? Maybe I should go find that shirt and get it washed. Either that...or have it framed for him! Congratulations, guys! 
