Panama City Beach Bombers

I saw something happen tonight that I thought was not possible. Even though the "Bombers" batted the top of their line up four times, went to the plate six more times than their opponent,and out hit the other team 18 to 13, the "Bombers" lost the last game of the season tonight 9 - 8 to the "Lady Dots"! With this loss the"Bombers" finished the season with nine wins, two more than any other team!

The difference in the game was the "Bombers" stranded eleven runners on base while the "Dots" left only four. Give the "Dots" credit, they hit when it counted! It just wasn't the "Bombers" night. With two outs in the third inning leading 6 - 1, a spree of errors and great hitting by the "Dots" led to a five run rally to tie the game. The "Bombers" had many opportunities to add to their score, but just couldn't seem to get that one hit when they needed it!  Adding only two more runs in the next two innings allowed the "Lady Dots" to win it with a three run fifth inning.

As I look back through the score book this year, the "Bombers" were in every game they played! The two losses, both coming to the "Dots", were games decided in the last half of the last inning of the game! The one tie, again with the "Dots", was the result of a five run fifth inning comeback by the "Bombers"! I wish every coach in the league would give as much time to their players as Jeff Vandever has with his team. The work really shows! Panama City Beach is full of young girl's who are willing and able to be great players, they just need a little encouragement, a little instruction and some leadership. With the public facilities we have, we should have some of the most competitive league's in the state!

My father was a basketball coach at an SEC University for twenty three years. Ten of those those years he was the "Head Coach"! His in conference and out of conference record is still only matched by the man he replaced, the legendary Joel Eves, who moved up to become Athletic Director and promoted my father to fill his position! My grandmother was a teacher, my mother was a teacher, and my three sisters are teachers. My brother-in-law is now a retired County School Superintendent and my nephew, his son, is following in his footsteps. My brother, who is eight years my senior, told me he coached his daughters to a recreation league softball championship every year but one that they played. My middle sister coached three competition cheer leading teams to National Championships. My youngest sister, who is three years my senior, brought a very low budget team full of south Georgia farm girl's to Panama City Beach one year and won the 18U fast pitch "World Series"! As you can see, coaching and teaching is in our blood. I don't think I could quit, even if I wanted to, which I don't!

Whether it is teaching a Sunday School class, teaching my Wednesday night classes, preaching from the pulpit, or coaching "Little League" softball, there is no feeling in the world like seeing a person's eyes open when a light comes on, or seeing someone's life change before your eye's! I know we have had a successful year, not because of wins and losses, but because every girl on our team got a hit tonight. Because, once again, the bottom half of our line-up scored just as many runs as the top half! Maria Adames finished the season batting over .500. Jade Williams improved her batting average from eleventh to sixth. Lydia Arietta hit a two RBI single in the third inning. Jaden Berry went two for three at the plate tonight, and Karla Stewart had an inning ending RBI single. Karla Stewart and Maria Adames both took hard shots on the hand in the batters box and hung in there to run the bases! That is success! Attitude, effort and continue to improve your ability! That is what makes a team, and this group of "Bombers" is a good one!

My prayer is that I was able to be some kind of positive influence in the lives of our players and parents! Even when I grumble, I know deep inside how blessed I am to be allowed to be a part of these young girl's lives, even if only for a moment! Thank you again parents and coaches! Without you, I would not have had that opportunity! What a "great season"!

God Bless,

Coach Dave

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The girl's 9U, Panama City Beach softball team, the "Panama City Beach Bombers", clinched the "League Championship" Tuesday night with an 8 - 2 win over the "Tornadoes." With one regular season game left to play, the "Bombers" have posted 9 wins. No other team can match that total! Congratulations girl's!

The "Bombers" again started slow in the batters box. After holding the "Tornadoes" scoreless in the top of the first inning, the "Bombers" failed to score in the bottom half, with the only hit coming from Emoree Lynn. The "Bombers" held the "Tornadoes" scoreless in the top of the second inning and got on the board themselves, scoring a run on hits by Jade Williams, Carleigh Gilliam and Jaden Berry.

The third inning began the same way, with the "Bombers" not allowing a run. The "Bombers had only given up one hit through three innings with a single by Aubrey Sablan for the "Tornadoes". The "Bombers" really came alive in the bottom of the third inning, scoring three runs on hits by Ellie Flaat, Emoree Lynn, Kaitlyn Walton, Erin Ramsey and Maria Adames.

The "Tornadoes got on the board in the fourth inning, scoring a run on hits by Aubrey Sablan and Madison Grindle. The score was 4 - 1 going into the fifth. The "Tornadoes added another run in the top of the fifth inning on hits by Hannah-Grace Parsons, Kimberlee Lease, and Brianna Lease. With the score 4 - 2, and the regulation time limit fast approaching, the "Bombers" now needed four runs to close out the game, and they got them!

In dazzling fashion, Ellie Flaat hit a one out, two strike pitch to second base, which the "Tornadoes could not handle. With a runner on first base, Emoree Lynn hit a two strike pitch back up the middle. The runners advanced to second and third on an error by the "Tornadoes". Kaitlyn Walton came up and hit a hard ball to deep shortstop, scoring Ellie and moving Emoree to third. Kaitlyn rested safely on first base. With the score now 5 - 2, and needing three runs to put it away, the winning run came to the plate in the form of Erin Ramsey. Erin's batting average is .846, going 22 for 26 with five home runs. Once again, she came through. Erin hit a one strike pitch hard through the gap between short and third, and that was all it took. Erin rounded the bases as the outfielders chased down the ball. Emoree scored, Kaitlyn scored and Erin scored herself with another game ending three run home run! "Bombers" win, 8 - 2!

I wish we had more than one game left, simply because the "Bombers" are just now finding their "Groove." All of the players are coming up to the plate with confidence. The defense is starting to play exceptionally well, and the girl's are acting like a team! Our written goals in order this year were, be safe, learn to play as a team, learn softball skills, and finally, to win games. We started by learning to play safely at practice and games, we have learned to play as a team, our girl's have developed and continue to improve good, fundamental softball skills, and we won enough games to deserve the title of "League Champions!" As a Father and a coach, I could not have asked for any more out of these girl's. They have worked for and deserve everything they have earned!

Go "Bombers!"

God Bless,

Coach Dave 

 

I want to start this article about the 9U "Panama City Beach Bombers" by talking about the 12U "Panama City Beach Bombers!"  Even though the league age group is twelve and under as of December 31, 2010, that's last December 31st, the 12 U "Big Bombers", as of the writing of this article, do not have a single player above the age of eleven. The majority of our players are ten year old's. When Sean Smith , who was a 9U assistant coach last year for the "Bombers", picked this 12U team, he picked the girl's that we knew and who had played for us a year or two ago in the 9U league. Our infield for the "Big Bombers" consist of four ten year old's and two eleven year old's, and that includes the pitcher! I make that point because this team is playing against girl's that are twelve, and in a lot of cases, now thirteen. There is a big difference in ten and thirteen!

Why do I mention this? I mention it because this under age team we call the "Big Bombers" is now 10 - 0 against the other teams in their league and secured the championship two games ago! What made this possible was they have continued to work on their attitudes, their effort, and improving their ability!

I cannot help but look across that field of 12U players and see, in a year or two, Kaitlyn Walton, Erin Ramsey, Ellie Flaat, Jade Williams, Jaden Berry, Emoree Lynn, Lydia Arietta, Maria Adames, Carleigh Gilliam, Karla Stewart and Kaylen Quinn. You see, just like the girl's on the current "Big Bombers" were a year or two ago, these 9U girl's went "All In" this year! How do I know this? By looking at the box scores from our game on Monday night against the "Dolphins!" In a game that the 9U "Bombers" won 9 - 0, five of those nine runs were scored by the bottom half of the line-up. Eight of the fourteen hits came from the bottom half of the line-up.

If you have ever looked at our "score book", you will see the first four hitters are placed strategically, and then the rest of the line-up is done in order by batting average. That is the fairest way I know how to do it! The girl's in the bottom half of the line-up are players, often first year, who did not start the year having as much experience as the other girl's. These girl's out hit and out scored the players above them in the batting order. That is not a knock on the top of the batting order, they have won plenty of games for us,it is a compliment to the rest! You do not see improvement like that without players who are committed and work hard to improve their ability, or, in other words, go "All In!

After having a game on Monday night, and only two games left to play, we had nine girls show up for practice on Tuesday. The other two had circumstances that prevented them from being there! That is going "All In!" Karla Stewart, who has had every reason to feel frustrated, widened her stance at batting practice, held her hands up and started popping pitches back down the third base line. Jade Williams , who started the season going 0 -6 in the batters box, has since hit a blistering .582 and has moved up to sixth in the batting order. Carleigh Gilliam and Lydia Arietta both went two for two against the "Dolphins!" Lydia also suited up in the catchers gear Monday night. That is going "All In!"  I could go on and on about every player on our team! As I always like to point out, there has not been one ball hit or run scored by a coach. There has not been one play made in the field by a coach. This group of girl's has worked for all they have accomplished!

I do want to take a minute and single out one girl I am very proud of! After our last game against the "Lady Dots", I challenged several of the older/more experienced girl's to step up and be leaders of this team. One of those girl's was Erin Ramsey. Without me saying anything else to her, she has taken it upon herself to fill that role. During the game against the "Dolphins", when we would get two out's while batting, Erin started telling the girl's to find their gloves and be ready to take the field. After practice on Tuesday I called all the girl's to huddle up and put their hands in the circle like we always do, Erin came walking up, without me asking her, with an arm full of bats left on the field after batting practice. She is stepping up to the challenge not only in word but in action! My challenge to the rest of the team is to "finish what you started!" One of the things I am most proud of is not one girl has quit!

We have two games left on our schedule! I have not confirmed anything and do not want to start any rumors, but with the results of the games this week I will just say this---we need to play these last two games like CHAMPIONS!

God Bless,

Coach Dave

 

What happened in the bottom of the fifth inning tonight in the game against the "Lady Dots", is what I have been hoping to see all year from the "Bombers!" Needing the maximum five runs just to tie the ball game, the "Bombers" pulled together as a team, scored five runs and tied the game 6 - 6 to keep from having another loss. Their record is now 7 - 1 - 1!

The "Bombers" could have given up early in the game when the "Lady Dots" put up five runs in the top of the first inning and the "Bombers" produced only one. But they didn't! They could have given up in the third inning when it seemed fate was against them. With Ellie Flaat on first base, Emoree Lynn hit a hard shot to the gap between first and second. It would have almost certainly been a home run, but it hit Ellie who was running hard to second base.  The "Bombers went through the top of their line-up without scoring a run!  But they didn't! They could have given up in the fourth inning when the bottom half of the line-up loaded the bases but could not score a run! But they didn't! They could have given up in the top of the fifth when the "Lady Dots" scored another run to make the score 6 - 1! But they didn't!

With the score 5 - 1 in the third the "Bombers" faced the 2,3, and 4 hitters for the "Dots". Courtney Williams and Taylor Vandever both hit hard shots back to the pitcher where Kaitlyn Walton fielded them and made good throws to first for two outs. Brooke Williams was called out on strikes and the "Bombers" held! In the fourth inning, the "Bombers" faced two of the "Dots" best hitters in Destiny Vandever and Menona Zwickl. With two runners on base Emoree Lynn made a good play on a ground ball and tagged out Casey Jones at first base for the third out. The "Bombers" had held again! In the top of the fifth inning the "Bombers" again faced the 1, 2, and 3 hitters for the "Lady Dots". Playing ball control on defense, the "Bombers" gave up only one run on three good hits by the "Dots". If they had given up two runs the game would have been over! The "Bombers" held once more! That is what set up the fantastic finish, the likes of what I have only been a part of a ouple of times!

In the bottom of the fifth and last inning, the "Bombers" needed five runs to tie. That would be the best they could do. Kaylen Quinn led off the inning. She came to the plate knowing we needed a hit, and she produced! Kaylen hit a good ball to deep seond base that was hard to handle. The "Dots" failed to execute the play at first and the "Bombers" had a runner on base. Karla Stewart came up next  as determinded as I have seen her at the plate. She made three great swings but did not make contact. Her effort was outstanding! I think sometimes people don't recognize that it is the effort, not necessarily the result that is important! With one out Ellie Flaat came up to bat. Again, Ellie hit a ball to second base that the "Dots" could not convert into an out. This was surprising because the "Dots" had converted all four previous hits to second base in the game into outs at first! Now with runners on first and second, while always believing that the "Bombers" can come back from anything, I started to get excited. Remember the two out rallies earlier in the season that had won games for the "Bombers". I know what they are capable of doing!

Emoree Lynn came up to bat, and this is where things got really interesting. Emoree hit a double to center field that traveled past second base in the air.As Emoree ran to second, Kaylen Quinn scored. As the "Dots" threw the ball into the pitcher, it did not go through the circle which meant the play was still alive. Ellie Flaat had rounded third and started towards home when the ball wound up in the pitchers glove. That pitcher was Destiny Vandever, who is probably the fastest girl in the league! She runs like greased lightning! Ellie took off for home and the race was on. Instead of running at Ellie and tagging her, Destiny ran for home plate thinking it would be a force out. She got to the plate first, but failed to tag Ellie, who was called safe by the umpire! This was one of many close plays I have seen this year that could have been called either way, but the call went to the "Bombers"! Ellie's hustle on the play made the score 6 - 3. Emoree was at second base when Kaitlyn Walton came up to bat and hit another ball up the middle. The "Bombers" now had two more runners on bases with only one out, and the tying run was coming up to bat. That batter was Erin Ramsey. I know what a great hitter of the ball Erin is, and I knew we now had alot more than a chance to get out of this game with a tie.

We have been working at practice on turning on the ball and hitting it to the left side of the field. Erin is a natural pull hitter anyway and if she could turn on the ball, it could mean trouble for the "Dots"! Erin settled into the batters box and got ready! The first pitch was a good one, but as she often does, she watched it. She then squared up her feet, laid the bat back, loaded her shoulders, and hit the next pitch as hard as I have seen one hit this year! She turned on it so hard it went over the inside part of third base, right down the line! It was so close that as it went by the cone sitting on the left field line which marks the outfield, the cone fell over. I don't know if the ball actually touched it or if it was just the wind! The ball quickly wound up at the left field fence! Emoree scored, kaitlyn scored and Erin scored completing a three run home run in the bottom of the last inning to tie the game. The "Bombers" had done it! I know the game ended in a tie, but if a game ever felt like a victory, this one did!

This year has been particularly hard to find the right combinations of batting line-up and positions in the field. There is a lot to consider in making these decisions. I don't always make the right one's, but I try to make every one based on what is best for the Team! You have to consider a players skill, but also their attitude and effort! As a coach, you walk a fine line between your personality and those of parents and other coaches. You try to put players in positions where they can have success, and not put them in positions where they might fail. This is as much for the self-esteem of the player as it is for the betterment of the team. As I said at the beginning of this article, I think we are finally getting there!

I have had the priviledge of coaching these girl's for almost three months now. Some I have coached a lot longer than that, and I know what their potential is! I also know what hard work and commitment it takes not only in softball, but in life, to realize your potential! We have only three games left, and a chance to accomplish something very signifigant. We have an opportunity to experience success directly related to our effort!  I will give my best effort over the next two weeks to help these girl's have that opportunity. I still believe, based on the ability of our players, that we have not played our best games yet! I also think that we just might in the next two weeks!

Thank you for your support and commitment, and I know the girl's thank you too! I know that in the "Grand" scheme of things that little league softball doesn't rank very high. I also know that in the mind of a 7,8, or 9 year old player, it means more than you think! 

God Bless,

Coach Dave 

 

 

 

 

 

The "Panama City Beach Bombers" started the final five game home stretch with a 5 - 4 win over the Tornadoes last night! After a fifteen day break without playing a game, the "Bombers" were rusty but still pulled out the victory! They have improved their record on the year to 7 - 1. With four games left. If the "Bombers" can maintain their focus and intensity, they can make a legitimate run for the "League Championship!" It will not be easy, as all of the teams in the 9U league are playing their best softball! Almost every game this season has been a nail biter that could have gone either way, but the "Bombers" continue to find a way to win!

The "Bombers" scored three runs in the first inning and two more in the third to hold off the Tornadoes, who ended the game stranding the tying run on third base and the winning run on first. The "Official Game Time" had expired before the "Tornadoes ended their  last at bat, so if they had scored one more run the game would have officially been a tie and if they had scored two runs they would have won the game! That's how close it was!

Last night's game, as most do, continued to produce different emotions. The amazement at the courage of Carleigh Gilliam as she took a hit on her hands in the batters box by a pitched ball. Carleigh's fingers were skinned and bleeding, but she stayed in the batters box, and without flinching at the next pitch, hit a ball right back at the pitcher.

Then there was jubilation as Jaden Berry led off the third inning with a solo home run! It was the first of her career but certainly not the last! Jaden has to work harder than any other player because she plays catcher. She has also worked hard on her hitting and it is starting to show. Jaden turned eight years old last Saturday! "Happy Birthday" girl, and congratulations!

There was "concern" as I saw a four run lead cut to one in the last inning, and then relief when the umpire called the game for the "Bombers" after the last out in the ffourth inning.

All of the girl's continue to improve in their skills. Jade Williams has her batting average up to .333 and continues to climb in the batting order! Ellie Flaat is 3 for 4 after moving to the all important "lead off" spot in the line up. That move has provided a spark the "Bombers" needed. Erin Ramsey has a "blistering" .833 batting average! I see the "Bombers" defense improving as well!

Most importantly the girl's are giving great effort. That is all you can ask. As I have said before, it is hard to maintain focus as the school year comes to a close. Don't think for a minute that just because I have challenged them to keep them focused, that I am not very proud of what every girl has accomplished. They have worked very hard to put themselves in the position they are in with only four to go. We just have to remember that we need to finish as strong as we start!

Tomorrow, the "Bombers" face the "Lady Dots"!  They are the only team so far to beat the "Bombers" and the only other team left with a shot at the "Title!"

God Bless,

Coach Dave

 

 

Showing more focus than they have all year, the "Panama City Beach Bombers" bounced back from a lack luster 5-4 loss to the "Lady Dots", defeating the "Dolphins" by a score of 6 - 4 on Monday night! After giving up two runs on four hits in the top of the first inning, the "Bombers" responded with two runs of their own. Ellie Flaat, batting leadoff for the first time this year, got things going with a single. Emoree Lynn moved her to third batting in the second position. The "Dolphins" are probably the best team in the league at throwing and catching, so the "Bombers" stayed very conservative with their base running. With the ball in the hands of the shortstop, and Marisa Ashley covering second base for the "Dolphins", Emoree was held at first base. A solid hit by Erin Ramsey scored Ellie and moved Emoree to second. A hit by Lydia Arietta moved both Erin and Emoree, loading the bases. Carleigh Gilliam came up and hit an RBI single, scoring Emoree, which is the way the inning ended, with the "Bombers" stranding three runners on base!

The "Bombers" held the "dolphins" scoreless in the top of the second inning. Having batted eight players in the first inning, which is outstanding, the "Bombers" quickly got hits in the bottom of the second with Jade Williams and Jaden Berry batting in the nine and ten spots. This is huge! Four more hits by Emoree Lynn, Kaitlyn Walton, Erin Ramsey and Maria Adames led to a four run second for the "Bombers!" The inning ended on a very close play where Erin Ramsey was called "out" on a tag at third base! The score is now 6 - 2 "Bombers" after two innings. Six runs would have won any qame we have played this year!

In the top of the third, even though the "Dolphins" got five hits, with two of them getting past the infield, great plays on these balls by Maria Adames in right center field held the "Dolphins" to only two more runs. In the bottom of the third inning the "Dolphins" put on a fielding display which validated my belief about them being the best defensive team in the league. Two hard hit balls by Lydia Arietta and Kaylen Quinn to short stop and another hit by Carleigh Gilliam to second base resulted in three force outs at first base by the "Dolphins!" The score was 6 - 4 "Bombers" after three innings!

The "Bombers" again held the "Dolphins scoreless in the top of the fourth, which ended the game on the time limit with the "Bombers" not needing their last at bat to record the win! 

The hardest thing as a coach is to keep the girl's focused at this point in the season. We have had some success on the field, alot of players had to take the FCAT at school,and  there are school trips as the academic year comes to a close. There will be trips to Washington, D.C. and to "Ship wreck Island." Add in mandatory dance and piano recitals and it is not hard to understand what I am talking about! I am pushing the girl's a little harder for a couple of reasons. First, I want to let them know that I now have higher expectations than I did at the beginning of the season. the second is to keep them focused and learning. Our "Mantra" for the rest of the season will be to "finish what we have started!"

I was talking to Lisa Arietta before practice today and we counted five girls on our team that have never played before. Of the remaining six we have two seven year olds, two eight year olds and two nine year olds. We started the season with the youngest and least "game experienced" team in the league. What they have accomplished through their hard work is amazing. They have taken to heart the need to improve in attitude, effort and ability, and that was the difference in this game against the "Dolphins!" The "Dolphins" number six through eleven batters hit for a .181 averageat the plate. The "Bombers" six through eleven batters hit .571! While the "Bombers" only recorded making two defensive outs in the field, with the other ten outs for the "Dolphins" being strike outs, they made several great plays to keep the ball in the infield which limited the advancement of the base runners. Even when the ball got through the infield, the outfield made great plays to get bthe ball back in to the pitcher. I always stress that no position is any more important than another, and this is a great example of that!

The "Bombers" only had five strike outs at the plate Monday night while averaging nine per game through the first six games! This is almost a 50% reduction. Even if you get out on a base, you are still advancing runners, while a strike out does not. It is so important to put the ball into play. This is improving your ability!  The girl's seem to be responding to the added emphasis we are now placing on them as their attitude and effort has greatly improved in the last couple of practices and the game against the "Dolphins!" They were as focused as I have seen them!

With practices limited to one or two a week, and eleven girl's at different positions that need instruction and attention, it is hard to be patient and just try to keep adding something new every practice. It is very easy to get caught up trying to help one girl and all of a sudden your practice time is over! We give each girl as much time as we can, then we have to move to the next one. As an example, we take batting practice the last forty-five minutes of practice. With eleven girl's, that is about four minute's per player. That is not alot of time!

I keep saying this, and I hope you realize how sincere I am, but we could not do this without all of your help! Thank you for your dedication to your player and the "team!" Our girl's have acheived alot through the first seven games of the season. Our job now is to increase our focus, keep working hard to improve, and "finish what we started!" If we do this, like anything else, the results will take care of themselves!

God Bless,

Coach Dave

 

 

 

The "Panama City beach Bombers" lost their first game of the season to the "Lady Dots" by a score of 4 -3!  With a runner on first base and two outs, Marie Adames hit into a force play from second to first to end the game! The "Bombers" had the meat of their batting order coming up, but fell one out short!

The key to the game was very simple. The "Lady Dots" went 13 for 21 at the plate while the "Bombers" only managed 8 hits in as many attempts. The defense was equally lacking on both sides as the "Lady Dots" recorded two defensive outs in the field to the "Bombers" one. The "Bombers" have played in many close games like this and always seemed to get a hit at the right time to pull out a victory. Tonight it was not to be!

Several players were able to get to balls that seemed to be hit in odd places, but had no chance to make a play. We also had some balls hit in the infield that should have been made into a play. Ellie Flaat made a good stop and throw from pitcher,  Emoree had it on one hop at first but then lost the handle. Maria Adames, who was playing second base for the first time made a good play tagging out a runner going to second. Even though there were other plays she could have made, I am very proud of her effort and the decision making she displayed. She is one who can think about the game and what she needs to do with the ball. Some fumbles caused by excitement prevented her from completing some, but she was headed in the right direction!

Even though Ellie Flaat went 2 for2 with a home run, our hitting was not enough to over come a team batting average of .381, our lowest total of the year. The bottom half of our line up went 3 for 10 with seven strikeouts. The top half of the order went 5 for 11 with three strikeouts. This shows me that when we hit the ball, with a couple of exceptions, we were not hitting it hard to the right locations, which is what we are trying to learn. I promise you we are the only team in the league trying to do this. Every other team is just trying to put bthe ball into play! It will only help our team and the girls down the road to start thinking like a real hitter!

We are also going to practice more softball situations which will force the girl's to start making decisions, and to get them to start thinking like softball players and understanding  the situations in the field!

I am very pleased with this young team to be 5 and 1 at this point in the season. I see our girls playing their positions like real players.A good example is Jaden Berry who sets up and catches behind the plate, It was fun watching Maria Adames cheating towards second base when there was a runner on first. It is small things like this that tell you they are starting to really get it!  The big thing we need to work on is not a physical thing but a mental one. We need to work on our attitudes and focus!

We will go back to some basics on Saturday and start rebuilding from there! I always keep in mind what my motivation for coaching these young girl's is all about. It is being allowed the opportunity of seeing a girl get their first hit and get on base. To watch there bodies swell with pride and excitement! That is what it is about!

I know we are on the right path when I have a girl like Carleigh Gilliam come up to me and apologize to me for "talking and being disrespectful" during our post game meeting. My reply to Carleigh was that she wasn't being disrespectful and that I loved her more than my arms could stretch wide! Another example was when Jade Williams came up and offered to carry the ball bucket out to the parking lot for me. I said "Jade it's pretty heavy, are you sure you can carry it?" Jade responded by saying "I can carry it, I,m a "Bomber Girl". If you help these girl's develop just a little self esteem, they will start believing they can move the moon! Jade almost made it to the parking lot before she had to hand it off to Ellie Flaat, who picked up her team mate by carrying it the rest of the way!

I definitely see these girls becoming a team! That is what it is really all about!

God Bless,

Coach Dave

The "Panama City Beach Bombers" used their bats to post a 10 -5 win over a hard fighting Tornadoe team tonight.  Ellie Flaat, Erin Ramsey and Kaylen Quinn were all perfect at the plate with Erin hitting a homerun! The "Bombers", who were the home team tonight, got hits up and down the lineup to shut out the game after the top half of the fifth inning, not needing to take their final "at bat".

Where the "Bombers" need to improve is on defense. There were only two outs recorded in the field tonight with Ellie Flaat catching a line drive at pitcher on the second pitch of the game, and Erin Ramsey fielding a ground ball at third and stepping on the base for a force out. The "Bombers" had many chances to make plays, but just couldn't seem to get a handle on the ball tonight! This is a little surprising because in practice the "Bombers" execute well!

The seemingly "slippery" ball led to a big fourth inning by the Tornadoes, who posted five runs without the "Bombers" recording an out! They had chances, but again, just could not seem to execute. As a coach, it is my job to figure that out and help them get it corrected! 

The "good news" is, the "Bombers" have yet to put together a complete game. We start slow in the batters box in the first inning and have not played defensively anywhere near our capabilities! When we do put together a complete game, it is going to be very exciting! The most important thing on defense is to stop the ball, and, with a couple of exceptions, the "Bombers" have done a good job of that. To limit the other team to a single when they do hit is critical! The key to this game is to control the ball and get it back to the pitcher as quick as possible! This limits players advancing on the bases. 

I am very proud of this group of girls! Even though they are still learning, and making some mistakes along the way, every single one of them plays hard all the time! I have seen tremendous growth in every player on the team! I have to brag on my daughter Emoree. On the way to the game  she said "you know, I hope Kaylen gets a hit tonight!" She was wanting her friend and teammate to have success! Kaylen went two for two, and there is nobody happier for her than Emoree! Jaden Berry is next!

I was disappointed in how some of the opposing fans acted at the game tonight. I tell people all the time that it is not the players or the coaches that don,t seem to get it, it is some of the parents. More than anything else, I want our girls to be respectful, and sometimes you have to overcome some of the actions of some of the grown up's. I want all of these 6,7,8 and 9 year old girl's to be successful!

One good thing I want to share with you. When we got home after the game, Aubrey Sablan, the girl who played pitcher tonight for the "Tornadoes", called Emoree to tell her "good game!" Aubreys dad got on the phone and told me the same thing! This is an example of good sportsmanship! It also is not surprising. For you see, last year Aubrey was a "Bomber!"

God Bless,

Coach Dave

 

 

 

When we started coaching at Frank Brown Park three years ago, the goal was to teach the girls the softball skills and life skills necessary to form a team, gain self esteem through success, and ultimately get to experience the rewards of their hard work!  Through all of this, we also wanted to see the level of competition raised between all of the teams. It is a personal goal to do everything I can necessary to help all of the girls be prepared, if they want, to be able to continue their softball careers in middle school and high school, or play on a traveling team.

Two years ago forty-two girls tried out for the softball team at Surf Side Middle School. They wound up being able to only pick thirteen. I wanted to try and make sure that if any of the girl's wanted too, they could be one of those thirteen!  It is very strange to be in the opposite dugout from girl's you have coached in years past, or to play against coaches that were once part of your team. It is also rewarding to see some of those girls become leaders of their own teams! I have to admit, I had very mixed feelings after the game last night. On one hand, and I assure you this will not change, I was trying to do everything I could to help our girl's win, and am very proud of them for the comeback victory, once again! On the other hand, I felt bad for the players on the other team who also had worked hard, and seemed to have victory in their grasp! Their coaches are working very hard as well!

The "Panama City Beach Bombers" have an uphill battle this year. There is a reason that every game seems to be a close one. The "Bombers" are the youngest team in the league. We started the season with probably the least experienced team. That just makes me all the more proud of our girl's. The other teams are also getting noticably better! The "Dolphins" made six defensive plays against us compared to our three! The difference in the ball game was the production from the middle and bottom of our line up at the plate. The "Bombers" went 13 for 26 at the plate with our top four hitters batting three times. The "Dolphins" went 8 for 22 with their top hitters only batting twice! Without the hits from five to eleven spots in our batting order, that would not have been possible! The "Dolphins number six thru twelve hitters went 1 for 12 at the plate. The "Bombers" 6 thru eleven hitters went 4 for 12. That is what got us back to the top of the line up for the third time in the game, and allowed us to win it. Congratulations to all of our girl's for their steadiness under pressure!

Where the "Bombers" need to improve the most is on our defense. We had atleast four plays where we could have gotten an out, and did not execute! As I have with all of our teams in the past, it is time to make some adjustments. It is my job as coach to make sure we have people in the right places to take advantage of the skill set they possess. Every player has different skills, and every skill is needed, we just have to make sure they are in the right position to maximize them! Our new words going forward are "alignment" and "assignment"!  We must make sure that we teach every player where they need to be and what they need to do when the ball is put into play! That starts tonight at practice!

The "Bombers" finished the game with a 6 - 5 victory over the "Dolphins", working off the foundation that we have put into place! Now we must continue to get better, working on our attitude's, our effort, and our ability. We must learn our "allignment" and "assignment". We must continue to build and grow on that foundation! We love every girl like our own, and again, thank you parents and coaches! Without you, none of this is possible!

 

God Bless,

Coach Dave

 

In another very close game for the "Panama City Beach Bombers", they overcame the "Lady Dots" by a score of 3-2 in the bottom of the sixth inning! Just like last game, with two outs in the last inning, the "Bombers" got a hit when they needed it the most! The "Lady Dots", led on defense by Menona Zwickl, Taylor Vandever, and Destiny Vandever, played extremely well in the loss for the "Dots".

The visiting "Lady Dots" opened the first inning at the plate, but failed to score on hits by Jordan Skipper and Menona Zwickl. The "Bombers" came up to bat and quickly found themselves with two outs, aided by a great play at second base by Taylor Vandever, throwing out Ellie Flaat at first! The "Bombers then got hits by Emoree Lynn and Erin Ramsey to put runners at first and second. Kaitlyn Walton hit into an unassisted play at first base by Menona Zwickl to end the inning with the score 0-0.

The "Bombers" again held the "Dots" scoreless in the top of the second inning with help by a good unassisted play made by Emoree Lynn at first base. In the bottom of the inning, a one out single by Carleigh Gilliam turned into a double for the "Bombers" on an overthrow at first base. Carleigh moved to third on a "fielders choice" hit by Jaden Berry, who was put out at first base by Menona Zwickl. Karla Stewart then came to the plate and hit a ball right back up the middle which hit the pitching machine. Karla was awarded first base on the hit and Carleigh Gilliam scored, giving the "Bombers"  their first score of the evening. The inning ended on a good hit by Jade Williams, but also a good play by Taylor Vandever, who fielded the ball and stepped on second base for the force out!

With "three up" and "three down" by both teams in the third, the game then got very exciting. With one out for the "Dots" in the fourth, hits by Taylor Vandever, Destiny Vandever, and Menona Zwickl loaded the bases. Somehow the "Bombers" got out of the inning without giving up a run, barely avoiding what could have easily been two or three scores for the "Dots"! Jade Williams made a "run saving" play in left field for the "Bombers", getting the ball back in to the pitcher to hold Taylor Vandever at third base on the hit by Menona Zwickl. In the bottom of the fourth, Erin Ramsey started the action with a one out single, and then moved to third on a solid hit by Kaitlyn Walton. Lydia Arietta did her job by coming to the plate and putting the ball into play, which allowed Erin Ramsey to score. Lydia was thrown out at first base on a good play by Destiny Vandever from the pitchers position. Destiny made another good play on the "Bombers",again, throwing out Carleigh Gilliam at first base to end the inning with the "Bombers" up 2-0!

The "Lady Dots" put runners on first and second with one out in the fifth with hits by Brooke Williams and Hannah P. Victoria Cerone put the ball into play on a "fielders choice" to first base, which put runners at second and third with two outs. The "Bombers" again managed to get off the field without giving up a run. The "Lady Dots" stranded eight players on the bases for the game against the "Bombers". The "Bombers " had three outs in the bottom of the fifth, even though Jade Williams hit a ball to first base. The hit was fielded by Menoona Zwickl who stepped on first to end the inning. Jade Williams put the ball into play both times she came up to bat! Good job Jade!

The rule is that "you cannot start a new inning after 1 hour 20 minutes of play". With 1 hour 18 minutes expired, the "Bombers" took their 2-0 lead to the sixth inning. I had watched the first game between the "Lady Dots" and the "Tornadoes" during opening week. The "Lady Dots" were down 2-0 with two outs in the bottom of the last inning, and came back and won 3-2. I had a nervous feeling in my stomach as the "Bombers" took the field. The "Dots" had the top of their line up coming to the plate. Sure enough, Jordan Skipper led off with a single. Taylor Vandever moved her to second on a fielders choice by Emoree Lynn at first base. That was the situation, with two outs, when Menona Zwickl came up to bat. Menona hit agame tying "two run" home run to deep left field, and the "Dots" were, once again, back in business. Courtney Williams got a hit which put the leading run on first base. The "Dots" could not take the lead, and the score was 2-2 with the "Bombers" having one more chance at the plate. Assured of at least a tie, they had an opportunity to win.

The "Bombers" huddled up in the "dug out " and I told them "we need everyone to hit, just don't hit it back to Destiny Vandever"! Destiny had been making plays on us all night!  Kaylen Quinn came up and hit a hard ball, but it went right to first base, where Menona Zwickl fielded it and touched first for out one!  Maria Adames came up and hit a ball down the third base line for a single. The "Bombers" were on the move! All we needed was one run to end the game. Ellie Flaat came up to bat and did her job, putting the ball into play and moving Maria to second. Menona Zwickl made a good play at first to get Ellie out. The "Lady Dots" made at least ten good defensive plays against the "Bombers" on a night where everyone of them counted! With two outs and a runner on second, Emoree Lynn came up to bat. Emoree fouled off the first pitch, but was swinging good. The second pitch came and she hit a ball in the air, over second base to right center field. Maria Adames, who is probably the fastest girl on our team, scored from second base and the "Bombers" won the game! Final score, 3-2!

I was asked last week if I wanted to coach the 12U "Lady Lightning", which is supposedly the sponsored, premier "tournament" team in Bay County. After I thought about it for awhile, I decided on my answer, which was, No!  While I love coaching, my heart is with the girls at Frank Brown Park. Girls who sign up at six, or seven, or eight years old who have never played softball, or even been part of a team at all! There is nothing in the world like being able to be a part of a girl's life and to watch them get a hit for the first time, or make a play in the field that helps their team. To see girl's grow in confidence and self-esteem when they `experience some success as a result of their efforts! Girl's that just grab your heart like Jade Williams, Karla Stewart, Lydia Arietta, Carleigh Gilliam and Ellie Flaat. Then their are the girls who you have coached before, like Jaden Berry, Erin Ramsey and, of course, my daughter Emoree. To watch them grow from year to year and improve as players and team mates. Also, to get an opportunity to coach and teach girl's that you have known like Kaitlyn Walton, Kaylen Quinn, and Maria Adames. We now have girl's and coaches scattered all over this league and the 12U league, who at some point were "Bombers".

To this Ol' Coach, there is nothing better than a Thursday night at Frank Brown Park, being allowed to be a part of a great game played by great girl,s on both teams, like we had last night against the "Lady Dots". As I like to say, " it was a hoot " !  My hat goes off to Jeff Vandever and his "Lady Dots", as well as to all of the other coaches and teams! I know what it takes to do this, and if you don't love it, you probably won't last very long!

God Bless,

Coach Dave

The "Panama City Beach Bombers" won their second game of the season in a contest that was alot closer than the score! On a night where the "Bombers" were missing Maria Adames who was home sick, and also did not hit as well as a team as they have, faced Buddy Davis and his determined "Tornadoes", and barely came away with a win. It took two, 2 out rallies to produce all of the "Bombers" runs! With a single turn of events, the game could have gone the other way!

The "Bombers" were officially 11 for 26 at the plate tonight for a team average of .425. This was well below the first game average of .521. The "Bombers" actually put the ball into play sixteen times, but the "Tornadoes" made five good plays, getting runners out on first base. The "Bombers" now have the experience of being the visiting team, and having to start a game in the "batters box". It is different than starting in the field and having a chance to get comfortable in the game! Thankfully, they came away with a win!

Hits by Ellie Flaat, Erin Ramsey and Lydia Arietta in the first and second innings were not taken advantage of due to six "quick outs by the " Bombers". The "Tornadoes also had three "quick outs" in both innings, not taking advantage of hits by Aubrey Sablan and Madison. In the third inning, with two outs, Ellie Flaat hit a double. Emoree Lynn followed up with a two run home run. Erin Ramsey came up next and hit a solo home run to give the "Bombers" three runs in the third. Another hit was added by Kaitlyn Walton and then Carleigh Gilliam was tagged out at first base to end the scoring for the inning with the "Bombers" up 3-0!

The "Bombers" failed to score in the fourth, and in the bottom of the inning, Koty Lowe hit a single for the "Tornadoes". Then Aubrey Sablan hit a two run home run to make the score 3-2 "Bombers". That is how the inning ended. Again, with two outs in the top of the fifth, Ellie Flaat and Emoree Lynn got solid hits to put runners on the bases. They scored on hits by Erin Ramsey and Kaitlyn Walton making the score 5-2. The "Bombers" held in the bottom of the inning to win the game by a three run margin. Whew!

The "Panama City Beach Bombers" are becoming more comfortable with each game. I see all of the girls improving in their understanding and execution. I also see them continuing to grow together as a "team". Nothing is better than to hear them, on their own, cheering for their team mates success! Emoree Lynn and Erin Ramsey continue to be solid in the field and at the plate, as they were last year. New "Bomber's" Ellie Flaat and Kaitlyn Walton are a combined 9 for 10 batting and each have a home run. Carleigh Gilliam and Lydia Arietta have both become solid hitters. Jaden Berry, Karla Stewart and Jade Williams have put the ball into play as well. Kaylen Quinn has one of the best looking swings on the team and it is only a matter of time before she starts hitting well!. Kaylen continues to play a solid second base in the "Bombers" infield! Maria Adames, who missed the game last night, is 2 for 2 on the year. If the "Bombers" would have had her bat last night they probably could have scored atleast 1 or 2 more runs!

The "Bombers" have a really good group of girl's this year, and I am not talking about athletic ability. All of the girl's( and parents) seem to get along and appear eager to improve their skills to help the team. Sometimes I wonder if we are here to teach them, or if they are here to teach us! Each personality requires a different approach!  My prayer is that we be given whatever is necessary to continue to be good teachers, role models, and students! I still haven't decided what category belongs to whom!

God Bless,

Coach Dave!

The girls 9U "Panama City Beach Bombers" opened league play on Monday, defeating the "Dolphins by a score of 6 - 2 ! The " Dolphins" started off hot, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning and holding the "Bombers" to just two runs in the botoom of the first with good defense. The "Bombers" took control and shut out the "Dolphins" the rest of the way while scoring four more runs to end the game on a time limit after the top half of the fifth inning. Having the lead and playing in the last inning, the "Bombers" did not need to take their turn at bat in the bottom of the fifth to secure the victory!

The "Dolphins" opened the game by scoring two runs on hits by Kassidy, Mikayla and Marissa. The "Bombers" got out of the inning aided by a good play at second base by Kaylen Quinn. Kaylen fielded a ground ball and threw out a "Dolphin" at first base. Both Jade Williams and Lydia Arietta made good plays on well hit balls to the outfield, getting to the ball and getting it back in to the pitcher. Jaden Berry led off the "Bombers" in the bottom of the first inning by hitting a ground ball to first base, which was fielded on an unassisted play by the "Dolphin" first baseman, who then stepped on first. With one out, Ellie Flatt came up to bat for her first time ever in a game and hit a "solo homerun" to right center field. What a way to start your career! Emoree Lynn also hit into an unassisted play at first base for the second out for the "Bombers". Hits by Erin Ramsey, Kaitlyn Walton and Maria Adames scored one more run to tie the game up at two apeice.

After an uneventful second inning, and holding the "Dolphins" to just one hit in the top of the third, the "Bombers" came alive! Ellie Flatt got the first hit with a single. Ellie scored on a double by Emoree Lynn. A single by Erin Ramsey moved Emoree to third base. Kaitlyn Walton then hit a "three run homerun" to left center field to make the score 6 - 2 in favor of the "Bombers"!

Carleigh Gilliam added another hit for the "Bombers" in the fourth inning, but the score was still 6 - 2 in the top of the fifth. With one out, Kaitlyn with the "Dolphins" got a single. With a runner at first base, a ball was hit back to the pitcher by Chastity. Ellie Flatt made a good play on the ball and a good throw to first, but the "Bombers" could not complete the play. Emoree Lynn did a good job of staying with the ball and getting it back to the pitcher to hold the runners at first and second. That is the way the game ended, after the top of the fifth inning, with the "Bombers" not needing to hit in the bottom of the inning to finish the game.

The "Bombers" played well against a very "tough Dolphin" team. The "Bombers" went 12 for 23 at the plate with a team batting average of  .522, while holding the "Dolphins to 6 for 22! That is very respectable, especially for a first game. The "Bombers" had seven strike outs, with the "Dolphins" making four good plays in the infield including another good "unassisted play" at first base on a ball hit by Karla Stewart.

The "most exciting" thing is the "Bombers" have so much room for improvement! We have several players who have not even begun to reach their potential, but they will! Our main focus is on building a team, and I think we are doing that. Nobody is anymore important as a player or person, than anyone else! We love all the girls and are excited to have the season under way! Thanks to the parents and coaches for helping things go so smoothly. It is a lot to think about and do, if you try to do it right! It would not be near the experience for the girl's that it can be, without your help!

Remember! Attitude, Effort, and continue to work on improving your ability! We have to be "All In"!

God Bless,

Coach Dave!

The "Panama City Beach Bombers" girls 9U girl's softball team played their first and only pre-season game last night against the "Lady Dots". We do not measure our success based upon what the other team does, but rather against our own capabilities. The "Lady Dots" were missing some of their top players last night, and still played a great game, getting the "Bombers" out on bases four times! Good job "Lady Dots".

Our success is measured against our improvement from the first day of practice with our attitude's, our effort, and continuing to improve in our abilities! I have seen growth in every girl so far! Our outfield played well last night. When given the opportunity to make plays, they did, getting the ball back into the pitchers circle to stop the runners from advancing bases. The infield did a good job of knowing their assignments and moving to the right spots when the ball was put into play. Not every infield play was successful, but the girls were moving and throwing the ball to the right spots. After the "first game nerves" wore off, the infield made some palys at first base!

In our first practice game last year, the "2010 Bombers" went 10 for 20 at the plate, with a team batting average of .500 while scoring five runs in four innings. The "2011 Bombers", last night, went 15 for 26 at the plate for a team batting average of .576 while scoring nine runs in four innings! I call that a "success"! The "Bombers" actually hit the ball 19 times, but as I said, the "Lady Dots" did a good job getting us out at first base four times.

Jaden Berry and Erin Ramsey were perfect at the plate. Jaden went 4 for 4, and Erin went 3 for 3. I want all of the new girl's to learn a lesson about long term goals from Jaden Berry. Jaden played last year sharing time in the outfield as one of our youngest players. She struggled early but worked hard and finished the season going 6 for 18 on the year at the plate. In her second year, she has moved in to the catchers position as a starter and almost got as many hits last night as she did all of last year! Great job Jaden. Erin is a three year player and we have high expectations for her! She has picked up where she left off last year, as a solid hitter with a very strong bat! She has moved into the "clean up" hitters positon this year, batting fourth in the line up.

Ellie Flatt, Emoree Lynn and Maria Adames each got two hits in the practice game. Ellie went 2 for 4, officially, but hit the ball all four times at bat. Emoree went 2 for 3, but like Ellie, put the ball in play every opportunity she had. Like Erin, I have high expectations of Emoree. I probably don't give either girl as much attention as the others simply because I trust they know their jobs. As a father and a coach, let me say "good job" to both Emoree and Erin. Ellie and Emoree both advanced the base runners in front of them when they had the chance, and that is success! Jaden scored twice off of the efforts of these two girls! Maria Adames went 2 for 3 batting, and if their was a category, due to her size, for "pound for pound" best player, Maria would be in the running for it. She is fearless and focused.

Kaitlyn Walton and Lydia Arietta each contributed a hit to a great "team" effort last night! Kaitlyn went 1 for 3, but actually hit the ball twice. Once she was thrown out at first base. Kaitlyn has played before but is knew to her position at short stop. She ask's many questions, which is a good thing, to better understand her assignment. We have all the confidence in the world with her at short stop. Lydia plays right center field and when the ball got through the infield last night, she was there to make a play and get the ball back in to the pitcher. She is a pleasure to be around and to have on the team. Lydia went 1 for 3 at the plate, almost scoring a run by advancing to third base.

I made a prediction about Jade Williams at the beginning of the year, and I am more convinced now than ever that she will develop into one of the good "power hitters" in the league. I have seen it too many times! Last year we had a player named Aubrey Sablan. Aubrey had never played any organized sports before becoming a "Bomber". She had great strength and athletic ability like Jade, but had just never played. Aubrey started off the year kind of slow at the plate. She hovered around the 9 or 10 spot in the line up for the first few games. Then it started to click! Aubrey finished the season batting fifth and going 16 for 22 on the season with a .727 batting average. She became one of the "fiercest" hitters in the league. Jade Williams will do this as well. She is aggressive in the outfield as well as at the plate. She swings the bat with determination and gives great effort all the time. The other teams better be ready when it starts to "click" with her!

We missed Kaylen Quinn, Carleigh Gilliam and Karla Stewart last night. I am looking forward to what they can accomplish in a real game environment. They have all shown improvement in practice and I am sure it will carry over to the games.

Let me thank the coaches, dugout coaches and parents. We could not do this without all of your help. For a first game for many of the girl's, I cannot remember having to wait on a player to take their position in the field, batters box, or on-deck circle. Things flowed very smoothly last night because of your efforts!

Again, it is a priviledge to be allowed to be a small part of each of these players lives, and I strive to be a positive influence for them on and off the field. The "Panama City Beach Bombers" will tune up the bats one more time on Saturday at "STK Sports" before starting the regular season on Monday with a game against the "Dolphins". This coach can't wait!

God Bless,

Coach Dave!

 

Well folk's, here we go again. We are starting our third year coaching the "Panama City Beach Bombers" 9U girl's softball team. I cannot express to you new parents, what a priviledge it has been so far to watch all of the girl's learn and grow, with many moving on to bigger things. We are returning only three "Bombers" this year, Jaden Berry, Erin Ramsey and Emoree Lynn.                                                                      

This is Emoree,s third year with one more to go, as she started when she was six playing with her older sister Kylee, who has moved up this year to the 12U league. Emoree, as we do with all of the younger or more inexperienced girl's, started out sharing a spot in the outfield with her sister Kylee. Last year she started and played the catcher position as the only girl in the league who would set up in the catcher's box and catch thepitching machine like a real catcher. She would even come out from behind the plate on short hit's, field the ball and threw some runners out at first base.

Erin Ramsey came to us last year as an eight year old. Erin was a very experienced player who had a good glove and a good bat. She played very solid at third base and finished the season with an amazing .791 batting average, tying Emoree by going 19 for 24 at the plate for the season. We love Erin very much and are glad to have her back in the line up this year. We fully expect Erin to pick up right where she left off last year, an almost certain hitter with a top 4 spot in the line up!

Jaden Berry started her first season as a "Bomber" last year, playing as a six year old.. Again, like most younger, less experienced players, she started by sharing time in the outfield. Jaden soon caught our attention for her attitude and effort. As a matter of fact, every year at the end of the season we give an MVP award to the girl that most exemplifies the qualities we try to teach all of our girls; attitude, effort, and continuing to work on your ability. Jaden earned the MVP trophy last year! Jaden worked hard, finishing the year with a .333 batting average, going 6 for 18 at the plate. Not bad for a six year old. Remember, a lifetime .300 batting average in the "Major League's" earns you a spot in the "Hall of Fame".at Cooperstown! After watching her in the first three practices this year, playing at seven years old, I fully expect Jaden to be starting in the infield and cracking the top 5 in the batting line up!

This year we have eight new "Bombers". Maria Adames, Lydia Arrieta, Ellie Flatt, Carleigh Gilliam, Kaylen Quinn, Karla Stewart, Kaitlyn Walton and Jade Williams, whether they know it or not, are now part of the "Bomber" family, for life!

We watched Maria play last year as a six year old. I was always impressed at her fearlessness and aggressiveness at the plate. Watching her this year and getting to coach her, I am very excited about having her as a part of our team. There have been some girls that I wanted to coach, but for one reason or another I could not get them on our team. I am glad that Maria is a "Bomber" this year!

Ellie Flatt is an eight year old who has already caught my attention with her focus, attitude and effort on the softball field. From the first practice to the third, she continues to move up in our evaluations of players. She has a very quick glove and a solid bat. Ellie is another one who I believe will be a starter in the infield and quickly move up in the batting order. I have yet to have to ask Ellie to do something twice!

Lydia Arrieta is an eight year old who is starting her softball "career" as a "Bomber". We know Lydia as she attended preschool with Emoree. As a first year player, I was impressed with how quick she picked up the throwing, catching and hitting techniques we are teaching. She hit well her first time at the plate in our first batting practice. It never ceases to amaze me how much the players can acheive with a little encouragement and instruction.

Kaylen Quinn is another girl we have been trying to get on our team since she started playing two years ago. She is now an eight year old who has plenty of natural ability. In playing against her last year, she got us out a few times with throws from third to second and catching force out throws to third. Having known Kaylen for a few years, she still is so shy around me, even after spending the night with Emoree at our house, that I am still not sure that I would recognize her voice if I didn't know it was her talking! I am glad to finally have the opportunity to have Kaylen and her family as part of the "Bomber" team.

Karla Stewart is another eight year old, but I believe it is her first year playing softball. Karla appears to me to be another "natural athelete". After only three practices, she has picked up very well, all of the basic fundamentals we have been teaching so far. I am the most impressed by her position in the batters box. She has advanced from stepping out in front of the first pitch she faced, to now having an almost perfect set up in the batters box. There is no question that soon she will be a problem for opposing defenses.

Kaitlyn Walton is an experienced nine year old that has played in our league before. We expect her, as we do all of the older girls, to be a leader in the dugout as well as on the field. She has a good bat and a good glove, and we look for her to produce in both area's. She has hit well and taken instruction well so far, and I expect her to mature into the player and leader that I know she can be! Welcome aboard, Kaitlyn!

Jade Williams comes to the "Bombers" as a very athletic seven year old. If I had to pick a player that has the most potential room for growth, it would be Jade. She has shown effort in the field and determination in the batters box. She is an aggressive "swinger of the bat", that comes with her natural strength. I believe once things begin to click for Jade, other teams better look out, as I can see her developing into one of the "power hitters" on the team.

I saved Carleigh Gilliam for last for a reason. To make a point! Carleigh is an eight year old that is starting her first year playing softball. Carleigh is the only player at our first batting practice that did not get a hit. As a coach, you feel the frustration and disappointment of the player. Carleigh shows good effort in all of our drills. Today at batting practice, she took her stance in the batters box, went through her progression, laid the bat back and proceeded to hit the 4 or 5 of the first seven pitches I threw her! As she left the batters box and I went to give her a word of praise and a fist bump, she had a grin on her face from ear to ear. She was so excited she was actually "giggling" out loud. That is why I coach, to be allowed the priviledge of being a part of a small moment in a girls life where she is proud and happy because she acheived success!

Our philosophy is "building self esteem through hard work and success. Success is not defined by winning or losing a game, but rather by the continued progress in attitude, effort and ability in each players life!

Sorry for the long article, but I didn't want to leave anybody out, and, in order for us to be a true "team", we have to know and care for each other!

God Bless,

Coach Dave 

 

 

 

 

 

The 9-U girl's softball team. the "Panama City Beach Bombers", have clinched the league championship for the second year in a row. In a 16-0 win Thursday night over the "Lady Shark's", the "Bombers" have mathematically eliminated the other teams. Congratulation's "Bombers"!

We did not start the year talking about championship's or even talking about winning games. We started the year talking about improving our attitudes, our effort and our ability! Our goal was not to win a championship, but to simply build a team. We believe that if you play with a good attitude, good effort and work everyday on improving your ability you will have success. If you can build a team, and that means parents, players and coaches, you can win a championship. I am proud to be a part of the "Panama City Beach Bombers" and feel blessed that my two daughters got to play this year with such a great group of team mates, coaches, and parents. Thank you!

The commitment level of the parents, coaches and players this year is what made the difference for the "Bombers". Rarely did any player miss practice or a game. We, the coaches, came to every practice with a plan to work on specific things as a building block to improving our ability as a team. Whether it was a skill drill like learning a hitting technique, a catching drill using a plastic golf ball, or a throwing or base running drill, every girl for the most part was there to learn. The most frustrating thing as a coach is to prepare a practice plan and have players and coaches not show up so you have to change your plan. That was not an issue this year. In a place like Panama City Beach where there are many weekend distractions, evrey single person stayed committed! It was that commitment that made the difference. Because of our coaches, we were able to break up into groups and practice multiple things at the same time. That's like having an extra practice. Great job team!

One step at a time, every single player has improved at a consistant pace. In our first practice game we had six players get a combined 10 hits.. In our last two games we are 40 for 53 at the plate with every girl getting a hit. Jordan Tyree, who was 2 for 12 up to that point, has been a perfect 4 for 4. We are disciplined in the field, not throwing the ball away and giving up bases! Every girl plays their position well and knows what to do when the ball is hit to them. With the "Sharks having runners on first and second base last night, I told Erin Ramsey to step on third if the ball was hit to her or be ready for a throw if it was hit to short stop. Erin said, "that's a force out, right coach". That is learning the game!

In the championship winning game last night, the "Bombers" came out blazing. In the first inning they scored four runs on hits by Emoree Lynn, KK Matthews, Alexandra Smith, Menona Zwickl, Kylee Lynn, Taylor Vandever and Destiny Vandever. In the second inning the "Bombers scored five runs on hits by Jordan Tyree, Erin Ramsey, KK Matthews, Alexandra Smith, Aubrey Sablan, and a triple by Menona Zwickl. The "Bombers" added four more runs in the third inning on hits by Kylee Lynn, who was thrown out at third base, Taylor Vandever, Destiny Vandever, Jordan Tyree and a "Grand Slam Home Run" by Emoree Lynn.

Starting the top of the fourth inning the "Bombers" needed three runs to close out the game. That was quickly cut to two as KK Matthews, who is 21 for 22 on the year at the plate, led off with her first home run of the year. Congratulations KK! With a hit by Menona Zwickl, Kylee Lynn, who was 3 for 3 on the night, came to the plate and hit a game ending two run home run. You have to play hard through the finish no matter what the circumstances, and that is what the "Bombers" did!

It is the girl's who have accomplished this championship and each and every one of them should be proud of what they have done as a team, and the part they have played in it!

God Bless,

Coach Dave

 

We kept preaching during pre-season practice that if every girl worked on attitude, effort and ability, that before the season was over, every girl would be contributing to the team's success. We are seeing that prognostication coming true before our very eyes!

In what I think was the best team effort so far this season, every single "Bomber" made a contribution in a 12-1 win over the hard fighting "Lady Bugs".

Emoree Lynn, Erin Ramsey, KK Matthews, Alexandra Smith, Aubrey Sablan and Jordan Tyree all were a perfect 2 for 2 at the plate and Menona Zwickl, Kylee Lynn, Taylor Vandever, Destiny Vandever, Monica Guardino and Jaden Berry all went 1 for 2. Both of Alexandra Smith's hits were home runs. The "Bombers" as a team went 18 for 24 to bring their season team average up to an amazing .660! Folk's, that is phenominal!

The game started with the "Lady Bugs" batting. Kelsi Burns hit a single to third and moved to second base on a fielders choice play by Alexandra Smith, who elected to throw out Makayla at first base on a ball hit back to the pitcher. Tori hit a hard line drive back up the middle, and even though Destiny Vandever made a great play in right center field holding Tori to a single, Kelsi scored from second to put the "Lady Bugs" up 1-0. It was all "Bombers" after that!

The "Bombers" led off the bottom of the first inning with a single by Emoree Lynn. Emoree moved to third on a hit by Erin Ramsey and scored on a hit by KK Matthews. With two runners on base, Alexandra Smith hit a three run home run to make the score 4-1 "Bombers". Aubrey Sablan hit a single and moved to second on an error. A hit by Menona Zwickl moved her to third and she scored on a single by Kylee Lynn. The "Bombers" reached the single inning five run limit without having recorded an out! What a display of outstanding hitting by the "Bombers"!

In the bottom of the second inning Taylor Vandever led off with a single and moved to third on a hit by her sister Destiny. Taylor scored on a hit by Jordan tyree to make it 6-1 "Bombers". Destiny and Jordan scored on hits by Emoree Lynn and Erin Matthews. Emoree and Erin scored on a double by KK Matthews. Again, the "Bombers" had reached the five run per inning limit making the score 10-1 in favor of the "Bombers".

Alexandra Smith led off the bottom of the third inning with a solo home run. Aubrey Sablan followed with a single but failed to score as the inning eneded with the "Bombers" up 11-1. Monica Guardino led off the bottom of the fourth inning with a single and moved to third on a hit by Jaden Berry. Monica scored on the game ending RBI by Jordan Tyree. Down by eleven runs with only two innings to play, the "Lady Bugs" were mathematically eliminated.

After the first inning the "lady Bugs" failed to reach first base due to outstanding defense by the "Bombers". Of the fourtenn at bats by the "Lady Bugs", two were hits, five were strikeouts, and seven were fantastic plays by the "Bombers" pitcher and first baseman. They played errorless in seven attempts making the 1 to 3 out at first base.  The "Lady Bugs" put nine balls into play on fourteen attempts, which is great hitting, but the "Bombers" defense played lock down softball only giving up one run on those nine  balls.

As I looked around the field tonight, every "Bomber" was focused! They were chanting and talking to each other! They seemed almost on edge as the ball was pitched. The only reason everyone didn't make a play is because they didn't get the opportunity. I can honestly say that no matter where a ball is hit,I believe there willl be a "Bomber" ready to make a play. They have become a team.

And that team is the "Panama City Beach Bombers"!

God Bless,

Coach Dave

 

For the second game in a row against the "Lady Bugs", the "Panama City Beach Bombers" won a very close game. For some reason, the two lowest team batting averages the "Bombers" have had this year, .375 and .521, have come against the "Lady Bugs" in the last two games they have played! Fortunately we have come away with wins both times, the previous game 4-3 and tonight 4-2.

The "Bombers" loaded the bases with no outs in the first inning, but only scored two runs with a hit by Alexandra Smith and a "fielders choice" hit by Kylee Lynn. Two runners were stranded on base. In the second inning the "Bombers" also stranded two runners, Aubrey Sablan and Taylor Vandever.  In the third inning Emoree Lynn led off with a single and moved to third on a "fielders choice" hit by Erin Ramsey. She held her position wisely on a ball hit by KK Matthews to the third base side of the pitcher, who made a good play on the ball, and scored on another hit by Alexandra Smith. The "Bombers" again loaded the bases with one out but only managed one more run to go up 4-0. The "Lady Bugs" scored two runs in the bottom of the third inning on good hitting and some errors by the "Bombers".

The "Bombers" stranded another runner, Aubrey Sablan, in the fourth inning but held the "Lady Bugs scoreless in the fourth and fifth innings to clinch the victory. The "Lady Bugs got five "at bats" while the "Bombers" only got four as time expired, not needing their last "at bat" to gain the win.

While there were some very uncharacteristic errors in the field by the "Bombers", I saw some improvement in the infield and outfield! Taylor Vandever did an outstanding job backing up first base from her position in right field, and on a ball hit through the gap between short stop and third base, both Aubrey Sablan and Jordan Tyree were in position to make the play. Aubrey fielded the ball cleanly and made a good throw to the pitcher! The most improvement I saw was at third base. With Menona Zwickl held up and not there in time to start the game, Erin Ramsey moved to short stop and Aubrey Sablan moved in to play third base. We have practiced Aubrey at this position, as we have practiced all of the outfielders in the infield just in case of a situation like we had tonight! With two outs and a runner on second, a ball was hit to third and Aubrey made a clean stop on the play and stepped on third for the final out of the first inning. Great job Aubrey! On the final play of the game, with runners at second and third, a ball was hit to Erin Ramsey at third base, who fielded it, looked up and spotted the runner going to third and tagged her out! Great job Erin!

I take responsibility for the errors in tonights game as in our last few practices we have worked on some "catching" skills for everybody and worked the outfield in the infield some, trying to teach all of the girl's, not just a few! We will continue to do that! We haven't had much practice with our starting infield as a result! We will get back to that at the next practice and may have a "volunteer" practice Sunday afternoon with just fielding and throwing.

All in All, the girl's have had a great season this year and are in the "Drivers Seat" as far as the "League Championship" is concerned. However; we still have to play hard and continue to win against the ever improving "Lady Sharks" and "Lady Bugs". This will be no easy task!  We will enjoy some relaxing fellowship tomorrow night and hit the "batting cages" on Saturday. There is still plenty of work to do, but I believe this team is up to it. We just have to maintain our focus a little longer! As far as a great group of girl's, this is still the best "Team" we have had. I look forward to watching every one of them as they grow and continue to improve. I am blessed to have been able to have beeen a small part of that!

 

God Bless,

Coach Dave

 

 

At the midpoint of the season, the "Panama City Beach Bombers" improved their record to 5-1 with an 8-2 victory over the "Lady Sharks". When we started this season with some new girl's, I wasn't quite sure what we had. It soon became apparent that we had some great girl's and parent's. We began to build a team. Now I know what we have; we have some softball players. I continue to see improvement in attitude, effort and ability from all of our players. Thank you parents and coaches! You are the one's who make all of this possible. It may not take a village to raise a child, but it takes one to coach a softball team!

Erin Ramsey, KK Matthews, Alexandra Smith, Menona Zwickl, Monica Guardino and Aubrey Sablan combinded to go a perfect 16 for 16 at the plate. Emoree Lynn went 2 for 3, getting thrown out once at first base, and hits were added by Kylee Lynn and Jordan Tyree. Destiny Vandever hit four line drive foul balls, missing the line by inches, and Taylor Vandever and Jaden Berry are having good at bats. Taylor is batting .538 on the year and Jaden, who is in her first year and is six years old, is batting .333. Remember, in Major League Baseball, a life time .300 average gets you in the "Hall of Fame".

The "Bombers" went 20 for 29 at the plate as a team, hitting for a solid .689 average tonight. On the year, the "Bombers" are hitting .667. Folk's, that is phenomenal! The "Bombers" would have had a better average tonight except for the great defensive play of the "Lady Sharks".  The "Lady Sharks" went 4 for 19 at the plate, but that is not indicative of how well they hit the ball. They hit well. The "Bombers" played great defense led by KK Matthews who was errorless at second base on several attempts, and almost caught a pop fly. While the ball just slipped out of her glove, she stayed with the play, picked up the ball and threw the runner out at first base. Great job KK!

All of the girl's are improving! Kylee Lynn is getting better at first base in staying with a ball if she misses it or is given an awkward throw. Erin Ramsey is more focused at third base. Emoree Lynn set up in the catchers box tonight and caught pitches like a pro! It is not easy for a seven year old to catch those balls coming at you at 35 plus miles an hour from thirty-five feet away. Add to that someone swinging a bat and the difficulty factor increases. We had the only catcher in the league last year, Izabel Chambliss, who was taught to do that. I believe Emoree is the only catcher in the league doing it this year! If you get out in the yard and throw the ball with your player, give them a little bit of instruction and encouragement, you will see improvement in minute's.

I think all of the girl's are starting to understand the importance of staying focused in the field on every pitch and being disciplined in the dugout. Our next stepping stone is to work on our movement as team no matter where the ball is hit. Our phrase is going to be "know your alignment and your assignment". We moved some girl's around in the outfield to take better advantage of Taylor Vandever's speed and are teaching her to back up first base on infield hits. We will do the same thing with Aubrey Sablan in left field, backing up third. We are going to start learning how to better make plays at second and third base, and all of the outfielders will have to be in position to back up play's. We are trying to help them understand the game and become better players for next year.  When these girl's move up to the twelve and under league, these skills and knowledge will be invaluable to them.

I know it sometimes seem's like we are taking "baby steps", but when you look back at where we started in February, they have all come a long way! Great job girl's!

As always, we are trying, most of all,to  teach the girl's the importance of playing as a team; and this Team is the "Panama City Beach Bombers".

God Bless,

Coach Dave

On a night filled with pregame distractions, the "Bombers" were not at their best, but still managed to squeeze out a victory against the much improved "Lady Bugs."

The "Bombers" managed only 9 hits in 24 trips to the plate while the "Lady Bugs" had 6 hits on 21 at bats! I have been watching the "Lady Bugs" practice some on Saturdays and have been impressed with the job Coach Ficke and his staff are doing. The "Lady Bugs" will be a team to contend with during the second half of the season! Olivia, Marisa, Kelsi, Tori, Lea and Kyleigh all got hits with four of them coming in the fourth inning which scored three runs.

The "Bombers" were led by Destiny Vandever and Aubrey Sablan who each went 2 for 2. "Bomber" hits were added by Erin Ramsey, KK Matthews, Alexandra Smith, Taylor Vandever, and Jordan Tyree. Destiny had a hit that wound up being a homerun as the "Lady Bugs" could not make a play on the ball. Jordan Tyree hit a double and Alexander Smith hit a screamer right down the third base line that would have certainly been a homerun, but Torie playing third for the "Lady Bugs" made a great play getting a glve on it and knocking it down. Great play Torie!

The "Bombers" had ten strikeouts which means the "Lady Bugs" had five good plays in the field. Way to go "Lady Bugs"!  Marisa Ashley played a solid first base and Kelsi Burns made some good plays at pitcher. As I mentioned before, Torie made a play at third that saved atleast two runs. The "Lady Bugs" short stop also made some good stops, smartly getting the ball back to the pitcher.

The "Lady Bugs" had twelve strikeouts which means the "Bombers" made three plays in the field for outs. The difference in the game was, with the score tied 3-3, Aubrey Sablan's hit that drove in the game winning run in the top of the fifth inning.

We have alot on our minds with the tournament coming up this weekend, but we have to remember, we are playing a tough "Shark" team on Thursday! I believe in every one of our girls. I am still amazed to see first year girl's like Jaden Berry and Destiny Vandever, who are six years old, stand in the batters box, load that bat and take swing's like they do! I think on and off the field, all of our girl's have bright future's.

 

God Bless

Coach Dave

 

The "Panama City Beach Bombers" coming into Monday night facing a team they lost to 2-1 in their last game really put on a show!  It was offense and defense on this night that propelled the "Bombers" to a 15-0 win that ended after the third inning.

Nine "Bombers" were perfect at the plate Monday night.Emoree Lynn, Erin Ramsey, KK Matthews, Alexandra Smith, Menona Zwickl, Kylee Lynn, Monica Guardino, Taylor Vandever and Jaden Berry all went 2 for 2 at the plate with Destiny Vandever and Aubrey Sablan each ading a hit as well. Jordan Tyree hit a ball back to the pitcher that scored Destiny Vandever from third base for the game ending fiftenth run. Congratulations Jordan! But for a loosley set fence that allowed balls to roll under it, the "Bombers" would have had several homeruns!

The defense played flawlessly with no errors in five attempts. Alexandra Smith at pitcher and Kylee Lynn at first base played their best game of the season. The "Bomber" defense only allowed 1 hit by the "Sharks" on ten attempts with that runner, Koty Lowe, advancing only to second base. Alexandra Smith made two great plays. The first play was a pop fly hit thirty feet in the air that she caught, and the other was making a play, bare handing a ball that trickled fair down the third base line and throwing a bullet across the infield to Kylee Lynn at first base to get the runner by a step.

Every "Bomber" player is batting over .500 except one, who will be shortly. I made the girls a promise at the beginning of the season, that if they displayed good attitudes, showed great effort and concentrated on improving their ability, that before the season was over each one would contribute to a win before the season was over. Well, I was wrong! It has already happened and the season has barely begun! Parents,that's a testiment to your girl's!

Last years "Bombers" started off hitting in the high .400's as a team and ended the year hitting in the mid .600 range. After going 20 for 24 Monday night for an astonishing .833 team average, this years "Bombers" are already batting .724 as a team.  Our first year players, Destiny Vandever, Jaden Berry and Aubrey Sablan are batting .571, .500 and .556 respectively. The "Bombers" have gone from ten strikeouts in their first practice game to only three on Monday! That is what I call improving your ability!

In the article about our first game of the season posted on March 17th, I prophesied that this season would be filled with up's and down's. I just didn't anticipate the type's of up's and down's we would be facing. We met up in the athletic office after tryouts  and picked teams under the supervision of the staff at FBP. After the teams were chosen we were given a set of rules and told "these are the rules we will play by. The only clarification was that a runner did not have to be in a "force" situation to advance a base on an over throw. Every coach agreed to the rules. They were posted on the FBP website according to one of our coaches. One game into the season after we had spent a month in preperation, they changed the rules!

Rules were designed to maintain order, not to give an advantage. When you start eliminating rules you have no order and that is called anarchy. That is what we are experiencing now at Frank Brown Park. My prayer is that sooner rather than later they will return to the rules that were meant to establish order, and end the chaos that is now the girl's 9 and under softball league! Our girl's deservebetter than that!

I do want to give FBP credit for the new and obviously vastly more experienced umpire's they provided for our game. They were excellent. You see, an experienced umpire with a clear cut set of rules can control a game. The umpire should check the rosters to determine a teams eligibility. An umpire should make the call whether a player has crossed the line in advancing a base. The umpire should determine what is an over throw or not. That takes the coaches and the controversy out of it. Our umpires monday night did a fantastic job! Thank you!

Girl's of all the teams, I cannot tell you how impressed I am with your attitudes. How proud that no matter what controversy the "adults" are causing, you keep showing up and swinging those bats!  We love each and every one of you!

God Bless,

Coach Dave

The "Bombers" lost their first game of the season on a night where they out hit their opponent 20-9.  The "bombers" went 20 for 32 at the plate while holding the "Sharks" to just 9 hits on 24 trips to the plate! Butr the "Sharks" hit when it counted and played great defense in the field!

The "Bombers" left the base loaded three times to end an inning. That, coupled with great play in the middle of their infield with Morgan Weibers at shortstop and Jordan Skipper at second base making solid plays to force runners out at second base was the difference. Kaylen Quinn played a solid third base for the "Sharks", stopping every ball hit her way!  Gabrielle Barksdale played great at pitcher making good plays at home and first base. Gabriel Barksdale, Morgan Weibers, Maria Adames and Koty Lowe all got two hits each for the "Sharks. Kaylen Quinn also got a good hit tonight.

Emoree Lynn, Erin Ramsey, Kylee Lynn and KK Matthews went 3 for 3 for the "Bombers" while Aubrey Sablan and Monica Guardino each added 2 hits apeice. Alexander Smith, Menona Zwickl, Taylor Vandever and Destiny Vandever also added hits. Jaden Berry was the model for a good team mate tonight, showing great effort and hustling on and off the field.

We, the "Bombers" coaches, teach attitude first, then effort and improving your ability. We got out coached in all three area's tonight. It is our job to have the team ready to play no matter what the ever changing circumstances may be! You have to adapt to whatever life throws at you. The only real way to ever lose is to quit. There was no quit in the "Bombers" tonight, the ball just didn't fall our way. I am very proud of that!

Our goal is to teach these girls to build a team. When on a night that maybe you are not at your best, you have to keep playing hard for your team mates! We will go back to the practice field and work on our attitudes, our effort, and keep striving to improve our ability!

God Bless,

Coach Dave

 

 

Although the "Bombers" hit for a respectable .681 average, going 15 for 22, it was their defense which made the difference tonight!  The "Lady Bugs" came out in the top of the first inning swinging the bats hard!  Marisa Ashley, who I told you I regretted having to face, proved me right by hitting the first pitch hard back up the middle for the "Lady Bugs".  Alexandra Smith made a spectacular stop at pitcher, and made a good throw to first base where Kylee Lynn snagged it for an out! That was the way it went all night!

The "Lady Bugs" hit very well with Kelsi Burns going 3 for 3, Olivia Landen and Tori went 2 for 3. Had it not been for good defensive plays by the "Bombers" Marisa Ashley, who went 1 for 3, would have gone 3 for 3 as well, as she it the ball as hard as any girl out there tonight! The "Lady Bugs" also added hits by Brooke McCollum and Lea Ficke. The "Lady Bugs" batted 10 for 25 at the plate for a team .400 average. Good job girls! Remember, a .300 average in the "Major Leagues" gets you in the "Hall of Fame"!

The "Lady Bugs scored only one run, but threatened all night. A great play by Jaden Berry for the "Bombers" in the outfield, fielding a ball that got through the infield and getting it back to the pitcher saved a run. Several plays by Alexander Smith and Kylee Lynn for the "Bombers" made the biggest difference.

Emoree Lynn, Alexandra Smith, Erin Ramsey, Menona Zwickl, kk Matthews and Monica Guardino all went 2 for 2 for the "Bombers" with hits added by Kylee Lynn, Destiny Vandever and Jaden Berry.

Aubrey Sablan, Taylor Vandever and Jordan Tyree all did their jobs tonight, going to the plate and swinging well. They all made contact with the ball but couldn't get one to fall in fair territory. Great job girls!  With swings like those, the hits are sure to come!

With the "Lady Bugs" getting five "at bats" and the "Bombers" only getting four, the "Bombers" closed out the game 6 -1 in the middle of the fifth inning.

As always, I am proud of our parents, coaches and players for cheering for all the girls on both teams and showing respect for the other team. This is what makes me the happiest.

No matter what the score, if you apply attitude, effort and try everyday to improve your ability, you are a winner! I think both teams displayed that tonight!

God Bless,

Coach Dave

 

 

The "Panama City Beach Bombers" opened the season with a scorching performance at the plate to win 13-1 over the under manned "Lady Sharks"!  The "Lady Sharks were short two players, their pitcher and third baseman, for the first game of the year.

The "Bombers" hit for an amazing .750 average going 24 for 32 in the batters box. Alexandra Smith, Menona Zwickl, KK Matthews, Taylor Vandever and Monica Guardino were all perfect at the plate with Alexandra hitting the first homerun of the year for the "Bombers" in the bottom of the second inning! Emoree Lynn added the first homerun of her short career in the fourth.

Every "Bomber" player got the bat on the ball and all but one reached first base. The "Sharks" took the early lead going up 1-0 in the top of the first inning, but the "Bombers" responded with three runs of their own scored by Kylee Lynn, Alexandra  and Erin Ramsey. In each of the next two innings the "Bombers" scored the five run per inning limit. What a performance! This is setting the bar very high and will be tough to duplicate! Let's keep our feet on the ground!

I am very proud of our players and how hard they have worked! There is no doubt they are becoming a "team"! Each girl is encouraging the others and all the players stayed respectful of the other team for the entire game! What I was most proud of was the girls appauding after the game when two "Sharks" players walked by the pavilion where we meet after the game. Way to go girls!

This is only the first game of a season which is sure to be filled with up's and down's, but parents you should each be proud of the attitude, effort and improvement in ability each of your girl's have made so far! A special congratulations to Monica Guardino for winning the "Dippin Dots" award at the first game of the year! Monica, the number twelve hitter coming into the game, went 2 for 2 and is sure to move up in the batting order! Great job Monica!

I continue to be impressed with the work ethic and eagerness to learn shown by Aubrey Sablan, Destiny Vandever, Jaden Berry and Jordan Tyree. I have to say, there is already something special about this group of Girl's. We love them all!

A special thanks to our coaches Sean Smith, Jeff Vandever, Pat Beazley and Stanton Matthews!

Remember girl's--- attitude, effort and ability are what make a good team mate!   What we are is a "team".  Who we are is the "Panama City Beach Bombers"!

God Bless

Coach Dave

The "Panama City Beach Bombers" girls 9-U softball team played what was and will be their only practice game Saturday against the "Lady Sharks" as the season opener is just over a week away.

Even though the "one hour and fifteen minute" drop dead game time wound up giving the "Lady Sharks" five at-bats and the "Bombers" just four, the "Bombers" came away with a 5 - 0 victory!  With one less at-bat than the "Sharks", the "Bombers" batted twenty times with ten hits while holding the "Sharks" to 18 batters and only three hits!

Alexandra Smith, Kylee Lynn, Erin Ramsey and Menona Zwickl all went two for two at the plate with solid hits added by Emoree Lynn and Aubrey Sablan.

The "Bombers" as a team, which is how I look at it, batted for a respectable .500 average in their first game. The girls that didn't get a hit did their job well, standing at the plate and making good swings. Before this season is over every player will go to the "batters box" expecting to hit the ball! Those who got hits will encourage and help those who didn't. We will win or lose as a team!

What I was most impressed by Saturday were the "attitudes" and "effort" by every "Bomber" player. When the ball was pitched they were in their "ready" positions. When the "Sharks" put the ball in play, the "Bombers" were ready and made smart plays. Our lesson during Saturdays pre-game warm up was "focus"; it was apparent they listened!

Alexandra Smith made a good play on the first batter of the game, fielding a ground ball and making a good throw to Kylee Lynn at first base for an out! Kylee made a good play on a ball hit down the first base line, stopping it and stepping on first. Menona Zwickl made two good plays at short stop, fielding two hard hit balls from Morgan Weibers, and on one making a great throw to first. If it had not been for the speed of Morgan running to first, it would have been an out! And I have to say, for the first time since I began coaching, I saw a catcher come out from behind the plate on a fair ball, pick it up and throw out a runner at first base! Congratulations Emoree on a great play. I believe the reason that the rest of the girls didn't make a play was simply because they did not get the opportunity! But they will! Everyone was ready and were backing up their team mates! It is a good day when the ball doesn't get through the infield!

Parents, let me say, it is an honor and a responsibility to coach your children! I feel priviledged to get to know new players like Erin Ramsey, Aubrey Sablan, Jaden Berry, and Jordan Tyree. It is also fun to coach girls I already knew like Monica Guardino, Destiny Vandever and Alexandra Smith. It is good to have Taylor Vandever, Menona Zwickl and KK Matthews back from last year. And, of course, I really enjoy the time with my daughters Kylee and Emoree!

Our goal is to build self -esteem through improvment and success; to teach the importance of being a team player!  As always, the keys are attitude, effort and striving to improve your ability!

I am looking forward to this season!

God Bless,

Coach Dave

 

 

 

 

The "Panama City Beach Bombers" , girls 9-U softball team practiced Saturday at Stk Sports, Inc. on Holley Circle.  The brand new complex is outfitted for group training or individual training in almost any sport you can think of!  Operated by former professional  athelete "Mel Stocker" with other ex-major leaguers like "Tombo Martin" helping train players, this facility is sure to be a success.

I want to thank all the parents for their willingness to support their player and am proud we had all twelve girls participate!  I think they all had a blast as they worked on hitting from brand new pitching machines, worked on form hitting off of tee's that were provided , working on hand/eye coordination and bat speed from the soft toss machines and worked on fielding and throwing technique's on the plush "astro turf" surface that covers almost the entire facility.

One of the girl's favorite activities, snacks and sports drinks, are available for purchase!

As always, I am excited and anxious as we approach our first practice game on March 6th against the always tough "Lady Sharks".  Our team is starting to come together as players are finding their positions and becoming more comfortable in the batters box.

We did manage to get a couple of pictures Saturday before my camera died. Please check out the photo section of this website!

Remember, the three most important things we look for in a team mate are attitude, effort and ability. Also remember, in my book attitude and effort go alot further in solidifying a position than does ability!

Always be a good team mate and seek to put others before yourself!

God Bless,

Coach Dave

Frank Brown Park is sponsoring a "Pitch, Hit and Run" contest , Saturday March 6 starting 10:00 a.m. on field 8. 

Contestants will throw at a target, hit down a straight line to center field, and be timed running from 2nd base to home! Sign up for FREE at the Frank Brown Park office.

Girls playing in the practice game on March 6 will compete either before or after the game!

 

God Bless,

Coach Dave

Spring is just around the corner and that means softball. I am looking forward to coaching a new group of "Bombers" this year as we try to make another run at the title. I would like to welcome back "Bomber" players from last year Taylor Vandever and Coach Jeff, Menona Zwickl, Kylee and Emoree Lynn, and Mackenzie "KK" Matthews.  We lost alot of girls who moved up to play in the 12 and under league this year and they will be sorely missed. We want to wish good luck to Natalie Smith, Darcie Hooker, Chloe Arrigo, and Tayler St Jacques. We are sure they will contribute successfully to their teams.

Other girls like Braxton Rowell and Izabel Chambliss have moved away from our city, but are surely near a softball field somewhere!

Girls that were on our team last year but were picked by another coach this year before we could get them are the one's worrying me!  I don't look forward to having the game on the line in the last inning and seeing Kelsi Burns coming to the plate!

In one of the best games we played last year against the "Lady Sharks", we were down two runs in the bottom of the last inning with two outs when Marisa Ashley got a clutch hit which led to us rallying for three runs to win.

Both of these girls are "Great" players and we miss them dearly!

Welcome aboard our new "Bombers", Alexandra Smith, Erin Ramsey, Aubrey Sablan, Jordan Tyree, Monica Guardino, Destiny Vandever and Jaden Berry!

Remember, the three most important things in being a successful team mate are attitude, effort and ability. 

In my book, attitude and effort go alot further most times than ability! 

 

God Bless,

Coach Dave

 

The "Panama City Beach Bombers" ended their post season tournament with a loss to the very good "SW Pirates."  And what a season it was!

When the coaches gathered upstairs  in the Athletic Complex at Frank Brown Park to pick teams, back in February mind you, most of the girls were just names on paper; names I had never seen!  There are now thirteen girls whose names I will recognize for the rest of my life. Names like Marisa Ashley, Tayler Vandever and Mackenzie Matthews. Names like Menona Zwickl, Tayler St Jacques and Chloe Arrigo. Some of the girls I knew and had already made an impression on me; girls like Darcie Hooker, Kelsi Burns and Natalie Smith. The rest of the girls like Izabel Chambles and Braxten Rowell I met for the first time in February. Of course I must include two of my favorites on this team, my daughters Kylee and Emoree! 

What an honor it was to be able to be a part of these girls lives, even if only briefly. I can only hope I was able to make half the impression on them as they have on me! All of them have different interest and different backgrounds, but they were able to come together as a team and go 12-0 against Panama City Beach teams, winning their "League Championship."  The "Bombers" went 3 - 3 in regular season play, against the South Walton teams, who I am convinced have no players under eight years old! If they do, they are pretty big for their age!
 

When the season started I had no idea how to teach softball to a group of six to nine year old girls. I bought coaching guides to help me!  The evidence of our success is not measured in wins and losses, but grounded in the fact that every  player is ready to face next year a better player than when we started. What makes me the happiest is the fact that every girl on our team, at some point during the season, got to experience making a play that directly influenced the outcome of a game! I am so glad that Marisa Ashley got to end her season by getting a hit tonight at a time when we desperately needed one!

I look forward to our team gathering together one last time on Friday night for the awards banquet where they will receive their "Championship Trophies. The girls will then return to their normal lives, going their own way. Great season "Bombers"! Enjoy your summer break and know that we love each one of you!

While this coach is tired and looking forward to the break, keep one thing in mind; basketball season is just around the corner!

God Bless,

Coach Dave

 

 

 

With both teams facing elimination, the "Panama City Beach Bombers" beat the "Lady Sharks" 11-0  to stay alive in the tournament . 

While not even hitting through the line up twice, the "Bombers" were 17 for 22 at the plate. Twice they scored the maximum runs allowed in an inning. An RBI single by Kelsi Burns in the bottom of the fourth inning mathematically eliminated the "Sharks, ending their season.

Mackenzie Matthews, Natalie Smith, Chloe Arrigo, Menona Zwickl, Izabel Chambles, Kelsi Burns and Tayler Vandever all were perfect at the plate! Six year old Tayler Vandever hit a ball so hard it put an "egg sized  dent" in her bat.

The highlights for the evening were two plays by Izabel Chambles. The first, a line drive grand slam which was a homerun the second it left her bat. Izabel also made a running catch on an infield fly and threw the ball to Chloe Arrigo who doubled a "Shark", who was running on the play, at second base!

The "Bombers" seem to be clicking as well as they have all season on defense. Emoree Lynn continues to catch and made a good play trying to throw out a runner who had hit a ball just in front of the plate.Darcie Hooker moved up to play third base. Kylee Lynn made a good play in left center field, stopping a ball that got through the infield. Tayler St Jacques is gaining more confidence at short stop, adjusting to her new position.

The "Bombers" travel to South Walton to play tomorrow against the loser of the "Pirates/Mermaids" game tonight. The "Black and Yellow" still have a tough "Row to Hoe" as they will have to win three straight on the road to win the tournament! This coach believes they can!

 

Coach Dave

 

The "Panama City Beach Bombers" ended the season for the "Lady Bugs", defeating them 7-0 and knocking them out of the tournament.

The "Bombers" started slow again tonight at the plate, failing to score in the first inning, but Menona Zwickl, Izabel Chambles, Emoree Lynn, Taylor St Jacques, Kelsi Burns Kylee Lynn and Mackenzie Matthews all got solid hits in the second inning to put five runs on the board. The "Bombers" added two more in the third on hits by Natalie Smith, Chloe Arrigo, Darcie Hooker, Menona Zwickl and a "fielders choice" by Izabel Chambles.

Other girl's swung the bat well!  Taylor Vandever hit a line drive down the third base line that was about an inch foul and Marisa Ashley comtinues good swings at the plate. I look forward to having both of those girl's back next year!

I continue to be impressed by the girl's play on defense! With the exception of one play I can think of, they played flawlessly tonight. The"Bombers" are playing more like a team than I have seen them all year. They are fielding the ball great and making throws, trusting their teammates to finish the play.Natalie Smith made a good catch on an infield fly! For most of the season we have relied on our "bats" to win games. Now it seems we are relying on our gloves. If we can put the two together I think it will be impressive!

The "Bombers" play again tomorrow night against the "ever tough" Lady Sharks". This will be an elimination game for botrh teams!

 

Coach Dave 

 

Let me give you an amazing statistic. Coming into tonight's game with the "Mermaids", The "Bombers" top three hitters ended the regular season 107 for 120 at the plate. That is a combined .891 batting average. That is unheard of !  Chloe Arrigo was 37 for 40, Darcie Hooker was 37 for 41 and Natalie Smith was 33 for 39!  Against the South Walton teams Chloe was 9 for 9, Darcie was 9 for 10 and Natalie was 8 for 10. Those are absolutely amazing statistics!

That is why tonight's game was a phenomena! The "Panama City Beach Bombers" lost in first round play to the "Mermaids" by a score of 4-0. This was on a night where the "Bombers" stranded nine base runners in failing to score a run. The rest of the "Bomber" team averaged a combined .441 for the regular season.  Remember, a lifetime .300 average in Major League Baseball gets you in the "Hall of Fame." Tayler St Jacques went 17 for 19 in the second half of the season.

I guess in an entire season you are allowed to have one bad night at the plate. But what the "Bombers" missed on offense they more than made up for on defense! They held a very good team to only four runs. If you had told me that before the game we were only going to give up four runs I would have said we would win by atleast that many more! But it was not to be. We couldn't seem to put more than one or two hits together at a time. Most of the "Bombers" got a hit and Izabel Chambles went 2 for 2.  Give the "Mermaids" credit, they played outstanding defense.

I am as pleased with the way our girls have handled themselves off the field as much or more than I am the way they played on the field. It says alot when teams you have been competing against in your own league all year, come to your game to cheer you on!  We have had "batting clinics" where we have invited girl's from other teams to come practice. It is not unusual to see a coach from an opposing team giving instruction to one of our players in a game! At this level, that's what it is all about!

The "Bombers" are still alive in the tournament! Having lost one game, they face the "Lady Bugs" tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. in round two!

 

Coach Dave

 

The "Panama City Beach Bombers" ended the regular season by defeating the "Lady Bugs" 15-0.  In League play the "Bombers" are 12-0 and including out of league play they stand at  15 -2.

It was a night for offense and defense as the "Bombers" scored fifteen runs on twenty hits while allowing only one runner to reach third base in holding the "Lady Bugs" scoreless. Natalie Smith, Chloe Arrigo, Darcie Hooker, Tayler St Jacques and Izabel Chambles were all perfect at the plate with Darcie and Tayler hitting home runs. Mackenzie Matthews and Menona Zwickl were both two for three swinging the bat.

Two plays stood out tonight. Izabel Chambles made a great catch on an infield fly at first base and Tayler St Jacques stepped in  front of and stopped a hot grounder at short stop hit by Hailey Wade of the "Lady Bugs." Tayler didn't field it cleanly but stayed in front of it and knocked it down. I am very proud for Tayler, who is playing short stop for the first time! Tayler has a strong throwing arm and quick release. These are good attributes for short stop; I think Tayler is going to make a good one!

Emoree Lynn put on the catchers gear for the first time tonight and did a great job. Emoree took a hard foul ball directly on the face mask and never even blinked! Kylee Lynn played third base for the first time as well. Today is Kylee's birthday. Happy Birthday Kylee!

The "Bombers" are a much better team defensively with Darcie Hooker roaming center field. Darcie has the speed and strength to be a run stopper in the outfield. Kelsi Burns, Taylor Vandever and Marisa Matthews continue their stellar play. They are always in position and ready to make a play!

The "Bombers" enter the post season "Round Robin" tournament with a challenging game against the "South Walton Mermaids" on field 9 at Frank Brown Park on Tuesday. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Coach Dave

 

 

 

After being told our season was over and making plans to face the "South Walton League Champion" in a best 2 out of 3 tournament, the "Panama City Beach Bombers" have now been told things have changed! Instead of facing "South Walton" in the afore mentioned tournament on Monday night, the "Bombers" will now  play a make up game against the "Lady Bugs" instead. The original game was cancelled due to lightning.

What we were told was to be a "Championship Tournament" pitting the Panama City Beach Champions (Bombers) against the South Walton champions is now going to be a "Round Robin" double elimination tournament involving all teams from both league's. I personally think this is a good idea , as it gives all the girls another chance to compete. I just wish it had been decided that way before today so we could have planned for it!  The "Bombers" were looking for the season to be over on Tuesday the 19th, but it could now extend all the way to Saturday!

A lot of the girls on the "Bombers" have other activities such as music, dance and Church, who have programs scheduled this week to coincide with school letting out for the summer. Everyone is trying to finish up. Our parents did a good job coordinating these events so the players could make what we thought were our final two days. All of that has now changed. We have to do the best we can under the circumstances and just play the hand we were dealt!

If there is one thing I have learned this season, it is to be flexible. This is what I signed up for and intend to see it through!  Many times in life you will have your goal in sight, only to have somebody move it!  You, most of the time, will have come too far to turn back.  A little more investment is required! 

Coach Dave

 

 

 

   

With the final regular season game being canceled due to rain, the "Panama City Beach Bombers" end the regular season undefeated in the Panama City Beach 9 and under girl's softball leage with a final record of 11-0. In playing out of league games, the "Bombers" went 3-2 against the South Walton Teams. I never dreamed they would have the season they did! All of us are very proud of our girl's!

What I am most proud of for the girl's was a moment not in a game, but in practice. It has nothing to do with wins and losses! Let me describe it for you!

We were several practices into the season and taking infield/outfield practice. I hit a ground ball to short stop, and when I did I saw Taylor St Jacques move to cover her bag at third. Chloe Arrigo immediately went to cover her bag at second. Natalie Smith went to first, ready for the throw. Darcie Hooker moved around the pitcher's circle to face the ball at short stop. Menona Zwickl and Mackenzie Matthews, both practicing in right field, ran to their position behind the first baseman ready in case the ball got by her. Kelsi Burns moved in left field to back up Braxton Rowell at short stop. Kylee and Emoree Lynn lined up in left center in case their was a throw to second. With Izabel Chambliss gaurding the plate, Taylor Vandever and Marisa Ashley ran in from right center field to stand about two feet behind the second baseman. As I have said before, that's how those two six year old girl's understood their assignment; backing up second base!

Braxton fielded the ball and made a throw to first base for what, had it not been practice, would have surely been an out!  The perfect play! Every girl on the team executed the three things we have stressed; alignment, assignment and effort! Every palyer has an assignment on every play, and they executed!

I was so excited I yelled "that's it girl's, that's how you are supposed to move!"  All the parents at practice stood up and started cheering!

That was probably the only "perfect" play we made this season. Every player on the team and every coach has missed assignments. Nobody made every catch or every throw. Nobody made every hit! But what seemed to happen is when someone did make an error or strike out, there was somebody right behind them backing them up! There is not one girl on our team who at sometime didn't make a critical play that directly affected the outcome! From the youngest and least experienced to the oldest and most seasoned, it took every single one of them to acheive the record we have this year.

My goal at the beginning of the year was to make sure that every player on the team ended the season not only as a better ball player, but as a better team member! Fundamentals like catching, throwing and hitting will improve with practice and age. Girl's that are 9 and under are probably going to make as many bad throws and catches as they are good one's, simply because of their size and experience level. But what they can do is know their alignment, know their assignment and give the effort. And when the team needs them to be in a certain position, do it with a good attitude. Our players weren't perfect in that area either, and neither were us coaches! But I think we all got better, and that was the goal.

Our oldest players will move up next year better prepared for a transition to a league where they won't be nine year olds's in a nine and under league, but ten year old,s in a twelve and under league! Usually by this time you have mostly serious athelete's playing.  Girl's have decided the direction they want to take whether it's dance or music, cheerleading or serious academic's. The one's who are still playing sport's, for the most part, are your best athelete's. There is a big difference in physical maturity from nine years old to twelve. Those girl's play hard and fast. I've watched them.

The younger girl's will come back older and more experienced for next year. Most will move from the outfield to the infield. The game will come more easily next year. They will become the leaders. There is not one girl on our team I would not want back. Not one!

Then there will be a new group of girl's that will start out next year like we did at our first practice this year; walking the field and learning bases, positions, batter's boxes and pitcher's mound. Learning why the same line is called something different between home plate and first base than it is from first base to the outfield fence.  Learning where the "home" dugout is verses the "visitor" dugout, and what that means! Making sure when you tell them to go to second base or left field, they know what you are talking about!

We would like to thank "Gulf Beach Baptist Church" for sponsoring and supporting our team, and"Frank Brown Park" for the great job they do!

Having won the 9 and under league title, the "Bombers" go into post season play,  hosting the winner of the South Walton league in a "best of three"series on May 18th and 19th.

When you see a group of girl,s in their yellow and black uniforms and you ask them what they are they will tell you they are"A TEAM ."  When you ask them who they are they will tell you they are the "PANAMA CITY BEACH BOMBERS."

Both of those statements are true!

 

Coach Dave

 

 

 

 

 

The "Panama City Beach Bombers" fell to the SW Pirates 6-5. This was a game the"Bombers" probably should have won. Leading off the first inning the visiting "Bombers" scored three runs with eight batters. Taking the field, the "Bombers" held the top of the "Pirates" line up to only four batters. The "Pirates lead off batter hit a single but good consecutive plays by Braxton Rowell, who continues to do a great job at shortstop, fielding ground balls and throwing force outs to Natalie Smith at second base held the "Pirates" scoreless.

The only score in the second inning was a lead off homerun by the "Pirates." With neither team scoring in the third, the score was 3-1 "Bombers" going into the top of the fourth. A lead off single by Menona Zwickl, who is 6 out of her last 7 at the plate, followed with a home run by Taylor St Jacques gave the "Bombers" a four run lead going to the bottom of the inning. Give the "Pirates" credit, with the bottom half of their line up they put the ball in play. Aided by some fielding errors by the "Bombers", the "Pirates" put up three runs. The "Bombers" still held the lead 5-4.  

The "Bombers" failed to score in the top of the fifth and the "Pirates" scored two in the bottom. The game was called 6-5 for the "Pirates" on the time limit. I am not so sure I like that rule!

At the last practice the coaches and affected players and parents were consulted concerning some position changes to help improve our defense in preperation for the upcoming games with South Walton.. Let me talk about a few of these.

Chloe Arrigo, who has played second base, played pitcher for the first time today and did an excellent job! Chloe caught a line drive hit by the "Pirates" on the fly. Chloe leads our team with a .918 batting average.

Darcie Hooker moved to right center field where her speed and athletic ability can be fully utilized. She is probably, size,strength and speed, the most athletic player on our team.Darcie made several good plays in the outfield today. The "Pirates" hit the ball hard up the middle and Darcie made good plays, once coming in to field the ball and tagging a runner out at second Base. Darcie is a close second on our team with a .894 batting average. 

Natalie Smith was moved from first base to second base to take better advantage of her fielding ability and knowledge of the game. This was evident with the plays she made today. Natalie is probably our most seasoned player, this being her third year in the league. Natalie would probably move most easily to any position on the field! Natalie is also batting .833 on the year. 

Izabel Chambliss, while only seven years old, probably has one of the best "gloves" on the team. Izabel's older brother and sister play and I am sure the natural talent she has is due in part to throwing and catching with them.  Izabel, in my opinion, is going to be a catcher. When we first started practicing and playing, we tried several different girl's at this position. The first time I saw Izabel put on catchers gear and get behind the plate, I believed that catching might get her through college some day. Her natural ability is that apparent. While her glove is needed much more in the field, we wanted her to have the opportunity to develop a serious talent. There are not many girl's who even want to, much less have the ability to play that position. In our league, which is machine pitch, where no balls or strikes are called unless there is a swing and coaches backing them up, the catchers position is not as high a priority as other positions. You would much rather have your best fielders playing in the infield. Let me put it this way; if we had to play a game with only nine players, I would not have anyone playing catcher, relying on the pitcher to cover home plate if needed.

For our final two games in the regular season against SW and in the championship series against SW, we need Izabel's "glove" on first base. That is where she played today, and did a great job!

Taylor Vandever and Marisa Ashley who were both six at the beginning of the year, have been doing an excellent job in right center field. Both girl's hustle at their positions and have learned their assignments very well. I will never forget in practice watching them, when a ball was hit to second base, running right up behind the second baseman. I mean about a foot away. You see, that is how they understood their job, backing up second base. Again, after discussion with their parents, one, Coach Jeff, who is a coach on our team and the other "Coach Teresa" who is our dugout coach, and "Coach Terry", we decided to split their time, playing in place of Isabel at catcher. If you know these two girl's, you know they probably loved every minute of it.

Finishing out our defense are girl's who fit their current positions well!

Braxton Rowell is a natural shortstop who moves as well at her position as anyone in the league. It is quickly becoming instinct for her to back up or cover third base as well as back up the pitcher on her side of the field and cover second. I will be sad to see Braxton move to the "East Coast" this summer, selfishly, because we will not get to watch her play and grow!

At third base we have Taylor St Jacques. Taylor has found a home at that position, having never played it before. She has learned "situation" softball, knowing when to tag a runner, step on third or throw to Braxton who may be covering. Taylor has a good glove and a strong arm.I have seen Taylor become more disciplined in all of her play. She has developed into one of the top "Power Hitters" on the team.

Kelsi Burns has become an excellent left fielder! She continues to grow and improve with every game. She knows her position and backs up third base very well. If a ball gets through the infield, Kelsi is in a position to stop it, and does! Looking back at tryouts, I am probably as proud for Kelsi as anyone on the team. Starting out the year slow, Kelsi has now gotten her batting average up to .468. A lifetime .300 average in the "Major League's" makes you a first ballot "Hall of Famer."

My daughters, Kylee and Emoree Lynn, split time at left center field. This the first year either one of them has played softball. Kylee is eight and Emoree is six. They both have, starting from scratch, learned the game. Both girl's are good fielder's, backing up short stop and covering balls hit up the middle. Learning to play outfield this year, both girl's have the ability to move to the infield next year. For their first year, both girls are hitting well, with an average around .500. Girl's, your ole' dad is proud of you!

In right field we have Menona Zwickl. On balls hit to the infield, it is her job to run in and back up first base. She has learned to do this very well. Menona is another one who will be playing in somebody's infield nexr year, hopefully mine! Menona has a good arm, a good glove, a good bat and a great attitude! She has moved up to fifth in the batting order with a .606 average!

Last but ceretainly not least, is a player we missed today! Mackenzie Matthews was out of town with her parents. I would be upset but she is watching in person, Tiger Woods playing at "The Players Championship" in Ponte Vedra, FL, while spending the night at the "World Golf Village" outside St Augustine. I take that back, I am upset! Look for her on TV.

Mackenzie is our utility player, playing several positions and playing them good. She plays right field, left field and catcher. Whatever we need Mackenzie to do, she is glad to do it! On thursday night when we played the "Sharks" and a ball would get past first base, there was Mackenzie, making a play. She has made game saving plays in left field.  I have stated, and mean it; I would take a team full of Mackenzie's!

We have more than anything else, tried to develop a team concept. As we talked about after the game today, attitude and effort go alot further than ability. There are many proffessional athelete's who's careers are forever blemished because of their attitude. NFL players like Terrell Owens, Andre Rison, Jeff George, Micheal Vick; major league baseball players like Gary Sheffield, Barry Bonds; even pro golfers like John Daly. These men have more ability than most people who play their sports, but are seen as selfish people only concerned about themselves. Most of them have been traded from one team to another not because they aren't good, but because of their attitude. Teams decided they would be better team's without them. They might not win as many games, but would be better teams! This is true in all area's of life, not just sport's. Criticize Bobby Knight all you want for his excessive, animated behavior, but if you played for him you put the team ahead of yourself, or you didn't play!

I realize we are talking about 9-U girl's softball, not the Super Bowl, but the dynamics are the same. The younger players will look to the older players to see how they conduct themselves. If the older playersw are crying and pouting, what is that teaching the younger players? The older players are looking at their coaches and parents to see how they conduct themselves. If the parents are criticizing or complaining about the coaches or the umpires or the weather, what message does that send to the team? If the coaches are ready to quit, what will the girl's do? Quitting is not an option! Whether it's at school, or a club, or church, or another activity , or at your job or even in relationships, the only way to really lose when things get tough is to quit!

Coaching is a tough job! You have to be a coach, a teacher, a friend, a counselor and sometimes a disciplinarian. You have to be an event planner, scheduler, equipment manager, and first aid technician. You have to coach skills, positions, and game situations. You have to prepare practice plans and game plans. We don't just show up and do it on the fly! Everything is well thought out! No matter how well you plan, nothing ever goes the way you want it to! You prepare practice drills and the key players involved miss practice. Already short a player or two, someone is late for a game or gets sick. Before a game you have to get the girl's warmed up, try to take some infield and outfield, try to get some batting practice, fill out your line up, which must be set in stone, in triplicate! One for you, one for the other team and one for the scorer upstairs. You have to make sure the players have gone to the restroom and have finished whatever food they might be eating. You have to find lost hats and gloves.  There is a meeting with the umpire's and other team's coaches, and you must be ready and organized promptly at game time! Then you have to try to motivate and coach your team through a game. Whether it is trying to get the pitching machine set right, get a batter in the best place in the batter's box or coach positions and situations out in the field. All of this while trying to manage a line up and the clock! The rule is you cannot start another inning after you have played one hour and twenty minutes. The reason we got our game winning at bat against the "Pirates" the first time we played them was because we convinced the umpire that due to time lost by the other teams injury, we deserved three more minutes. One more than we needed to be able to start the last, game winning inning! If we had gotten one more bat today, we were at the top of the line up!

I have a new found respect for the SW coaches. When I get to our field and the field is not ready, I call somebody and complain. Why hasn't the grounds crew got our field ready?? The SW coaces don,t have a grounds crew! When my wife went upstairs at their facility to give the score keeper the line up, the SW coach said "I'm sorry, we don't get funding for a score keeper!  When we got to SW this morning, their coaches were out raking the rocks off the entire in field and putting down the lines. They went and got the pitching machine and set it up. Not only do they do all the things we do, they have to do a whole lot more! I will remember that the next time I start to complain about having to switch fields!

South Walton doesn't have near as much as we do at "Frank Brown Park." They do ,however, have one thing I wish we had! Mounted high up on their building above the refreshment stand is a sign that says "PARENTS CHEER, COACHES COACH"!  You see, parents have a player and a coach to worry about. A coach has thirteen players and twenty-six parents! It's not a fair fight!

Taking all of that into consideration, we have one objective--to build a team! That is done at practice, at our pregame talks, our post game talks. The game is where we display our "team spirit." We have done and will continue to do what is best for the "team." As I stated in a previous article,  when we come together as a team, parents, players and coaches,I do not think any outside force can defeat us. What can harm us is the attitude's with-in! 

 

Coach Dave

 

 

 

 

The "Panama City Beach Bombers" increased their record to 14-1 in an extra inning game that saw the "Bombers" prevail in extra innings 17-14 over the "Lady Sharks".  The game was mostly an offensive display by both teams. The "Lady Sharks", who fielded ten players but only batted nine, went a collective 26 for 44 at the plate. Batting through the top of their line up five times, Brittany McCollum, Koty Lowe, Morgan Weibers, Jadeyn Trawick and Erin Ramsey all went 4 for 5 at the plate for the "Sharks."

The "Bombers" went a collective 29 for 40 with thirteen batters, batting through the top of their line up four times. Natalie Smith, Chloe Arrigo, Darcie Hooker, Taylor St Jacques and Kelsi Burns were perfect on the night at the plate for the "Bombers." Chloe Arrigo had three home runs, one of them a grand slam!

Due to the solid hitting by the "Sharks", the "Bombers" were down 9-7 at the end of the fourth inning. With four minutes left in regulation, the "Bombers" came up to bat in the fifth inning. That's how close it was! With the top of the line up at the plate, the "Bombers" scored five runs in the top of the fiftth, surrendering the at bat with only two outs. They would need every one of them!

Coming to the plate down 12-9, Jadeyn Trawick, Erin Ramsey, Alexis Wray, Brooke Mccollum and Koty Lowe had solid hits scoring three runs and evening the game up once again. We were going into the one regulation extra inning.

Starting off the sixth inning the "Bombers" had clutch hits by Menona Zwickl, Kelsi Burns, Mackenzie Matthews and Taylor Vandever scoring a run and loading the bases for the top of the "Bombers" line up.  Hits by Kylee Lynn, Natalie Smith and a home run by Chloe Arrigo quickly put five runs on the board, again, having to surrender the at bat with only one out! The "Bombers" were assured of atleast a tie!

Not going down without a fight, the "Lady Sharks" quickly scored two runs on four hits; one each by Jadeyn Trawick, Erin Ramsey, Alexis Wray and Brooke McCollum, but ended the game stranding two runners on base!

The defensive highlights for the "Bombers" was their outfield, only allowing one ball to get through their defense. Braxton Rowell and Chloe Arrigo combined to make a good play at second base and Taylor St Jacques made a good catch at third base on an infield fly.

Morgan Weibers made a good play of her own for the "Sharks", catching an infield fly herself and doubling out Emoree Lynn at third base, who was running on the play. That is the first "double play" I have seen this year in the 9-U division. For the most part, the "Sharks defense did a good job staying in front of the ball, minimizing extra bases. This was crucial to the game in the first and fourth innings, limiting the "Bombers" to only three runs on  nine hits in those two innings. 

The "Bombers" travel to South Walton on Saturday and then return to end the regular season at home on Monday and Tuesday!

Congratulations to the"Sharks", a game well played! I am not so sure they didn't deserve to win!

Thanks,

Coach Dave

 

 

 

 

The story tonight for the "Panama City Beach Bombers" was their hitting. Facing the "Lady Bugs" the "Bombers" were a collective 18 for 26 at the plate with only seven strikeouts!  In four "at bats" the "Bombers" twice scored the one inning limit of five runs, having to relinquish the "at bat" with only one out. The "Bombers" ended the other two innings with the bases loaded in one and runners at second and third in the other!

The "Bombers" were playing without Natalie Smith, one of their top hitters, who was out of town. Izabel Chambliss moved out from behind the plate to play first base while Mackenzie "KK" Matthews came in from the outfield and put on the catchers gear. The game was called 11-3 after the top of the fifth when the "Lady Bugs" failed to score!

Number 13 for the "lady Bugs", Hailey Wade, hit a solo home run in the fourth inning, one of several Hailey has hit this year. The "Lady Bugs" short stop took a hard hit ball in the chest, displaying great courage staying in front of it and preventing a score!

The "Bombers" get a needed rest, not playing again until they face the "Lady Sharks" on May 7th when they begin the furious home stretch, also playing May 9th, 11th and 12th. The seasons end is in sight but the "Bombers" need to sprint all the way to the finish line.

The "Bombers" celebrated Mackenzie Matthews eigth birthday after the game under the pavillion!  "Happy Birthday" KK!

 

Coach Dave

The "Panama City Beach Bombers" lost their first game of the season to the visiting "Pirates" 7-5.  It is almost impossible to go through an eighteen game season and remain undefeated.  When this season started I had no idea that it would be the "thirteenth" game before we lost. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, things just don't go the way you want them to go.

The hard hitting "Pirates" scored four runs in the top of the first inning with two outs and only one runner on base!  Even though the "Bombers" answered with three runs of their own, capped with a homerun by Darcie Hooker, that appeared to be the difference. The ball just seemed to fall where we couldn't quite get to it!  The "Pirates" scored another run in the second. A great catch on a pop fly by Braxton Rowell at short stop help hold them scoreless in the third but they added one more in the top of the fourth. In the bottom of the fourth inning with hits by Natalie Smith, Chloe Arrigo, Darcie Hooker, Braxton Rowell and Izabel Chambliss, the "Bombers" answered again with two runs making the game 6-5 in favor of the "Pirates"going into the fifth.

The "Pirates" added another run in the top of the inning, and with time having run out, the "Bombers" came to the plate down two runs. This would be the last inning. The "Bombers" would not go down without a fight. Taylor St. Jacques led off with a solid single. A hit down the third base line by Emoree Lynn put runners on first and second. Kelsi Burns hit a ball to their  short stop who threw Taylor out at third base on a fielder's choice. The "Bombers" still had Kelsi at first and Emoree at second. Two more times the winning run came up to the plate, but like I said earlier, it just didn't seem like our night. Having gotten three different runners on base the "Bombers" couldn't score and the "Pirates got a well earned victory!

The "Pirates are a solid hitting team that plays very disciplined "containment"defense. They do not let many balls get through the infield. When the ball is hit to short stop or third base they usually conceed a runner on first base instead of risking a bad throw. With good throwing and catching skills they try to get the runner out at the next base. This strategy forces the other team to continue to put the ball in play to advance runners. In other words, they make you earn every run! Both South Walton teams employ this strategy. The first two games the "Bombers" played against them they were able to overcome them with solid hitting and good defense of their own. Tonight we just couldn't seem to get over the hump!

Like we are teaching the players, if you practice hard and play hard you will usually find yourself in a position to be able to win. You will not win everytime but you will usually have the chance. Our girls have done that! We are all very proud of their accomplishments so far, but their is more! The "Bombers" will start fresh on Thursday night with a game against the "Lady Bugs."

 It was picture night for the "Bombers" which was fun for the girls and coaches. Before the game started everyone on the team had individual pictures taken as well as team pictures.  Thanks again to the coaches and parents!

 

Coach Dave

The "Panama City Beach Bombers" came out as focused as I have ever seen them start a game. Playing the "Lady Sharks" who were able to field only nine players, they put the game away early!

When the "Sharks" failed to score in the top of the fifth inning the game was called on runs for the "Bombers." The final score was 11-1. Every player on the "Bombers" seemed to be on their game tonight. From the top to the bottom of the line-up the bats were flying. But this is not what I want to talk about! I want to talk about my daughter Kylee.

Kylee is a straight "A" student and an accelerated reader. She consistently test two or three grades above her level.  She has been tested for the "Gifted" program that is to start at her school and has performed songs for the congregation at our church in sign language. She has been asked to share this gift at several events for the "National Day of Prayer." Kylee has one of the most tender spirits I have seen in a child. It was Kylee who bought a stuffed bear and emptied out her change jar and sent them to a girl who had been burned in a fire. Kylee is only eight years old but is over five feet tall. I can't figure out where she got that from!

Although she has no reason to be, Kylee, like most other girls her age, is very self-concious. She strives to excel in Sports which do not come as naturally to her as they might for others! That is why tonight when she hit a ball to the fence and started to run the bases my heart leaped to the mountain tops! Not for me, but for her!  As she rounded second base and it looked like a home run was assured she had a smile on her face as big as Texas. As she rounded third and headed for home I didn't think I could be prouder for her!  How wrong I was!

You see, Kylee missed touching the plate when she got home, and as she went back to touch it was tagged out on a great play by the other team's pitcher. My heart seized up as Kylee looked at me in disbelief.  I lost all feeling for the game right there. As she went to the dugout, devistated, her mom, my wife, Tania came to console her. I wanted to walk off the field right then and just hold her tight. You have to really know Kylee to understand this.

But as Tania hugged Kylee in the dugout, other girls, Darcie, Braxton and Menona came up and gave her encouragment!  When the inning was over and I got to the dugout to talk to her, other girls came up and hugged her. I told Kylee that I made a mistake too. I got caught up in the moment when I should have been coaching her to touch home plate like we do everytime in practice. When I got through speaking, as devistated as she was, Kylee grabbed her glove and through her tears said "Dad, I've got to get out in the feild, my team needs me."

I thought I had felt proud before! Yes Kylee, your team does need you; as everyone on the team needs each other!  No home run or anything else can come close to making me prouder of my daughter than I was right then. Putting aside her own hurt and disappointment because her team needed her! Why God blessed us with the two daughters that He did, I will never know. How inadequate we feel when faced with the responsibility of raising them.  I was also proud of her teammates that came to her side. Thank You!

I hope Kylee is not embaressed by these ramblings of her father, but if she is, for her and her sister to know how much we love them, so be it! Yes Kylee and Emoree, we love you more than life it's self. You have, and I am sure will continue to hit many homeruns in life, and none of the one's I am talking about involved a bat or a ball! It's amazing how much a game can teach you,and I am talking about the adults!

God Bless,

Coach Dave

 

How do you put down on paper what I witnessed tonight! I think the best way to describe it is a team "coming of age."  I am not talking about winning a softball game, I am talking about a group of young girls banding together to overcome a mountain. What made this old coach shed a tear was the comraderie I had yet to fully see.

Before and after every practice and every game we gather up, put our hands in a circle and answer the question "What are we?" The response is "We are a team." When the chips were down and defeat seemed inevitable this group of girls who call themselves the "Panama City Beach Bombers" didn't quit. Instead they came together encouraging each other and supporting each other, lifting each other up. There were no "Lone Rangers" tonight! From the oldest to the youngest, everyone found themselves having to count on a teammate to help pull them through. It wasn't even so much the fact that they did pull through as it was the encouragment and belief in each other that they could! 

If there is any lesson I hope to teach during this season it is that while everyone on our team may have a different role, from coaches to players to dugout mom's,book keepers and refreshment duty, nobody's role is any more or any less important than anyone else's. They are just different. Just as it is in life! When we grasp that concept, we have become a team! When you get hurt or lose someone you have to step in, fill the void and move forward. This is what this team did tonight! I don't think winning another game could make me any prouder of these girls than I am right now! Lest I digress, let me try to describe it for you!

The "Bombers" faced the most fundamentally sound team we have faced, the "South Walton Mermaids", a team that looks like they have been playing together for years. The "Bombers" were already short a starting infielder and third batter in the lineup when right before the game another player could not go. Already having to make adjustments in the infield, playing people out of position, we had to make adjustments in the outfield as well! During pregame warm-up's our catcher, Mackenzie Matthews,was hit twice on the same part of her arm on back to back pitches. She displayed great courage  to continue, and played a pivotal role in the outcome!

With very solid hitting and sound defense, the visiting "Mermaids" quickly ended the first inning up 3-0. They failed to score in the top of the second inning bringing the "Bombers" up to bat.  Taylor St Jacques led off with a single for the "Bombers." A base hit by Kelsi Burns moved Taylor to third. A sacrifice hit by, yes, Mackenzie Matthews scored the innings only run for The "Bombers", ending the second down 3-1. The "Mermaids" scored one in the third and another in the top of the fourth while playing good defense. They led the "Bombers" 5-1 going in to the bottom of the fourth and things were looking bleak!  Darcie Hooker led off for the "Bombers" with a smashing triple that, except for the tremendous play of the "Mermaids", would have been a home run. Menona Zwickl's solid single scored Darcie. A sacrifice hit by Izabel Chamblis moved Menona to third where another sacrifice hit by Taylor St Jacques brought her home.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

The" Mermaids" were up 5-3 after four. This is where things began to get ominous. The wind picked up, dark clouds rolled in and to make matters worse, it began to rain. With time running out and knowing the fifth inning would probably be the last, the "Bombers" took the field. This is when I really began to notice the team talking to each other, encouraging each other, "come on, let's hold' em!" They did exzactly that! With the top of their lineup, the "Mermaids" hit; but the Bombers held, stranding a runner on first. Still 5-3 in the bottom of the fifth and the rain is getting stronger! As encouragment poured out of the dugout, again, Mackenzie Matthews led off with a double. Marisa Ashley got a hit scoring Mackenzie while Marisa advanced to second. A line drive shot by Natalie Smith that almost killed me standing in the pitcher's circle scored Marisa. The "Bombers" had tied it up 5-5.  With our time limit having expired we went into extra innings. The team comraderie got stronger! Facing the solid middle of the "Mermaids" line-up, the "Bombers" dug in. The defense was outstanding once again. With great plays by the pitcher and first base the "Bombers" shut' em down stranding a "Mermaid" at second base.

 The score was still tied in the middle of the sixth inning when the lead umpire called the two head coaches together and informed us that the rules only allowed for one extra inning and we were in the middle of it. At this point I realized we were atleast assured of a tie as the "Mermaids" had already hit. I kept this little fact to myself, the "Bombers" were up! 

Again, the encouragment was loud. Darcie Hooker led off the bottom of the sixth with a solid sigle. A sacrifice hit by Menona Zwickl moved Darcie to second. One out! Another sacrifice hit by Izabel Chamblis moved Darcie to third. Two down! Taylor St Jacques came to the plate. The count on Taylor ran full, two strikes with only one pitch left. Taylor hit a smoking shot to second base which was too hard to handle cleanly by the second basemen resulting in a hurried throw! Taylor was safe at first and Darcie scores!  Game over! The Beach Bombers have pulled together, against all odds, and won the game 6-5 on the final pitch. My night was made complete when in the middle of all the celebration I sawTaylor Vandever, all three feet of her, run out on to the field, find Taylor St Jacques, and hug her.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all the parents and grandparents who sacrifice their time, get up early on saturday and support their kids. We have something special going and you are a big reason why! After what I experienced tonight I do not believe, win or lose, that we can be hurt  from anything on the outside. What we must gaurd against is harming ourselves! Selfless participation can insure against that. We are not here for ourselves, but are here for our teammates!

My feelings about these thirteen girls can be summed up in the brief exchange I had with the opposing coach as we marched across the field to congratulate our opponent for a game well played.  As I reached to shake his hand, he looked at me and said" we'll be back!" I smiled and said "Yeah coach, well THIS TEAM will be waiting."

 

 

On a night that was anything but normal, the 9-U "Beach Bombers" still remain undefeated downing the "Lady Bugs" 12-3. A last minute change of playing fields, a start delayed forty-five minutes due to another game and some players having to play new positions in both the infield and the outfield led to some first inning errors allowing the "Lady Bugs" to score three early runs. Give the "Lady Bugs" credit for hitting the ball and putting it in play, they played great!

With some very unusual spotty hitting by a very solid lineup, the "Bombers" found the game tied 3-3 after the third inning. In the top of the fourth a rally started by Braxton Rowell saw batters 5-13 in the batting order score five runs to make the game 8-3 in favor of the "Bombers."  Mackenzie Matthews ended the "at bat" with an RBI single giving the "Bombers" the maximum allowed runs for an inning. There was a momentum changing play in the bottom of the fourth inning. With no outs and a runner on first, Taylor St Jacques fielded a ball at third base and made the throw to second where Izabel Chamblis,who was playing that position for the first time, made a spectacular catch for the force out. That play seemed to spark the defense which held the "Lady Bugs" scoreless for the rest of the game. The "Bombers" added four more runs in the fifth inning to put the game out of reach!

The"Bombers" will face the "South Walton Pirates" Tuesday the 21st on field 1 at Frank Brown Park.

 

 

 

The 9-U girls machine pitch softball team "Panama City Beach Bombers" remain undefeated having pulled out late inning wins against the "Lady Sharks" and the "South Walton Pirates".  Also, the "Bombers" traveled to South Walton to play the "South Walton Mermaids" but only the "Bombers" and the umpire's showed up!

The "Bombers put their 9-0 record on the line Monday night against the "Lady Bugs" at 5:30 p.m. on field 1.

The direct link to our website is: http://totalleague.com/pcbbombers.

Come back often for updates, news, and team progress.