By Allen Hamrick
It was perfect week for baseball. Winter finally retreated for a bit, and the sounds of ball hitting mitts and the ping of aluminum bats were singing on the diamond. This week the Panthers returned to the field, and while the boards didn’t always reflect a win for each game, the foundation for the season has been poured. The season began at Buffalo, and it was a tough opening test for the Panthers with a cold reminder that there is work to be done on offense and defense. With baseball everybody knows a shadow can only be cast with light, and it didn’t take long for the Panthers to shift into overdrive. Their second game, a matchup with Calhoun, was a gritty performance that cooled the bats of the Red Devils. The Panthers won the game 3-1 with good discipline and ball playing. This team proved they have what it takes to get the job done when the pressure is on.
The Panthers finished the week with a hard fought with a 2-6 loss against Ravenswood. Despite the score, the energy level in the players stayed up as they worked to begin cementing their footing for the rest of the season. On the mound, the pitching staff showed instances of great arms and the expectation for the rest of the season is high.
Baseball has always been a sort of marathon, a game of instances and moments and finding your stride early each and every game. The first week never determines the fate of a team, only what they need to work on. They play because of the love of the game and the cheers of the fans. Whether they are winning by three or down by 12, it can all change in a moment with a pitch or the next hit. Come out, throw your support into the mix and let them hear you from the stands. Go Panthers!
