Devonshire Champs!

DEVONSHIRE SOFTBALL IS LEAGUE CHAMPIONS!!

It started out as a slow burn, but a sudden spark toward the end created a fire within our boys that could not be snuffed...

It didn't get interesting until the end - the very end.  The men of Devonshire were at the top of the seventh and the score was 2 - 1, Christ the Saviour... a dismal, upsetting score.  Just as the boys were coming to terms with the idea of losing, things took a turn.  Keep reading....

First of all, Daniel Stutzman - Devonshire's biggest fan - was inundated with the needs of our Vacation Bible School and was, sadly, unable to attend.  He is this team's lucky charm, however, and was kind enough to lend us his shirt in his absence.

John - Pitcher

Sam works the outfield

Eric - Catcher Extraordinaire

John, foreground

Todd, Focus

DJ, Outfield

Just when things were getting painful: Rich, team captain, is up to bat... I have been sitting behind him as he has watched his team's enthusiasm decline with each inning.  Pastor Todd speaks a few encouraging words and Rich takes the plate.  A triple.  The team goes nuts.

John is up next - a member of three softball teams, he knows how to hit the ball and make it count.  Everyone holds their breath and on the second hit, he brings Rich home. 

The score is 2 - 2: It's a new game.

Up to bat is DJ. 

Now, I don't know DJ very well.  I have had very little face time with him and frankly, from what I gather, the guy is... well, intense.  He is one of the nicest guys you could ever hope to meet, but uber competitive and totally invested in his game.  He throws himself all over left field, catching the un-catchable and throwing from distances unregistered.  He's sort of a softball "super freak" if you will.  This is the guy whose shoulders the future of the championship are upon.  It's a good omen.

DJ goes in for the hit and it sets sail, like threading a needle, just out of the reach of the opposing outfielders.  Just out of reach... just outside the fence.  HOME RUN!  DJ runs into a crowd of giddy soft ballers. 

The score is now 3 to 2 ; Devonshire.

It's the bottom of the seventh and all Devonshire needs to do is hold them.  Just HOLD them. 

Pastor Todd, once again, "Okay guys, we know defense.  That's all it is." 

The crowd agrees and our boys take the field. 

An out on a runner, then a pop fly to Ryan and before you know it, Devonshire has only one to go...

A pop fly!  Everyone watches and time slows down.  In slow motion, all players, umpires, and spectators have their eye on the ball heading straight for Jordan Fetters.  Jordan has an impressive record of catching these, and everyone knows it.  The opposing team grimaces, the spectators look on with hope and his team members grin to themselves.  The ball lands, in slow motion, directly in his glove with a soft snap. 

The game is won.  Devonshire has won the championship.

Jordan is tackled by his teammates and the celebration ensues... our boys brought the trophy home for a second year in a row.  For the third time in five years. 

Congratulations to our Heroes. 

Congratulations to our men: 

You have been an excellent example of teamwork, sportsmanship and class.