Diamond Gems - musings about baseball locally and nationally
I have to go beyond baseball a bit this week to another bat and ball sport. Congratulations to the Sparkman High School Lady Senators softball team who brought home the state championship! I would like to especially congratulate my former students and key contributors Emily Daye, Abby Mackay, Ciara Garcia and Macie West. Great job ladies! Emily was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament.
In another softball story, my alma mater, California Baptist University, is one of eight teams remaining in the NAIA softball championships being played this week at Wilson Morgan Park in Decatur.
Barry Bonds tied Babe Ruth for second place on the all time list, hitting his 714th home run in the second inning Saturday off Brad Halsey and the Oakland A's. While Bonds will pass the Babe in home runs he will never replace him in the affections of baseball fans. Still, steroid controversy or not, credit has to be given to Bonds for an outstanding career.
Even before the rumors of steroids Bonds had put up Hall of Fame numbers. It is too bad he pushed away both the media and baseball fans with his surly attitude. What should be an exciting time for baseball fans has turned into a negative event. A sport that is all about special numbers cannot celebrate the passing of one of the most important. That is just sad.
Stars pitcher Carlos Villanueva has been promoted to Milwaukee and joined the team during their series against the Cincinnati Reds. This should be a temporary call up due to a Brewers mix up on another transaction. Still it is an example of why baseball fans should attend Stars games. Many players have played here at Joe Davis Stadium and then have been called up to the major leagues. Last year's Stars pitcher Ty Taubenheim, traded to Toronto in the off season, made his major league debut a few days ago.
Last season Chicago closer Bobby Jenks pitched here (as a member of the Birmingham Barons) and was called up to the White Sox after the game. He went on to help the Sox win their first World Championship. Braves favorites Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann played here last year with the Mississippi Braves before their promotion to the major leagues.
The Stars are in the middle of a five-game series against the Jacksonville Suns, followed by a five-game series with the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx. Tickets and further information can be obtained by calling 256-882-2562 or online at www.huntsvillestars.com.
Jim Sandoval can be reached at casandman@aol.com