7th Inning Stretch: Journey of a Prodigy – Part III

There is only one sport in this country that everyone loves passionately and follows intimately. This is the most intense and exciting sport ever known to mankind. Everyone in America is most likely somewhere watching some form of baseball intently, wondering what exciting play can immediately change the face of the game. This extremely fast paced game is often considered America's favorite pastime, and nobody in this country will be willing to openly disagree with this powerful statement. Baseball is often compared to candy because it is so sweet and never gets old. Everyone in America has had an exciting experience that makes people crave the intensity of the sport.

The most exciting part of the game is arguably defense, and outfielders no doubt have the most fun out of all these defensive players. They get to stand there all game and wait for one chance to catch a difficult pop fly, or they get to pick up the weak grounders that make it past the motionless infielders. They probably even have exhilarating bubble blowing contests with their fellow outfielders. Their friends, the infielders, also have a lot of fun watching and waiting for the pitcher and catcher to organize a pitch that is hittable so they can join the sparkling action of the game. One of the infielders usually gets to make an electrifying and theatrical play at least every hour, which is usually once a game. This game can't get any more exciting, can it?

Speaking of exciting, the Bulverde Braves have continued to generate a cult like following with their fiery play and infectious personalities. Since we last reported on the team, the Braves have accumulated a 2-2 record over their last 4 games resulting in a 3-2 record overall with the two losses decided by a single run. These last 4 games have provided the people of Bulverde with non-stop excitement showing flashes of nearly brilliant pitching, occasional sound of a hit, and a lot of plate discipline resulting in endless walks.

That cult-like following is starting to generate tags trending from local tweets. Tweets like this one from @HillcountryHottie after the Braves win over the Yankees "homie don’t play dat!! braves out here mowin em down!!! #thetribe #mulletmania #believethehype" and this one from @OfficialJerryCobb "Can we get the music turned down on the lacrosse field?!? I’m trying to coach first base for the Bulverde Braves and cannot focus with all of that racket. @BulverdeLittleLeague #thetribe #showalittlerespect” just as an example. We could fill this article with the endless number of tweets from fans across the surrounding area.

During the last 4 games, a number of players have contributed to the team’s success. Players like Jakob “Dirtbag” Jones (1.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 K) who pitched a gem against the Yankees throwing absolute darts. His imposing stature and pinpoint accuracy got the team started and never looked back. He also contributed at the plate by going 1-1 with a single, 6 walks and a hit-by-pitch. “Much like Samson, my strength comes from the mullet,” said Jones. “So as long as I treat this beautiful mane with love and care, I know there is nothing to worry about when I’m on the bump or walk up to the plate” Jones continued.

Benjamin “The Denim Ninja” Martinez, a fan favorite, has also continued his stellar play. Much like Superman, The Denim Ninja took on his Clark Kent alter-ego by wearing baseball pants to take on the persona of a typical baseball player. However, The Denim Ninja is anything but normal and provided another trip around the bases on a perfectly placed ball down the first base line against the Rays. A message has been sent to the rest of the league and it’s clear that The Denim Ninja takes no prisoners. He has put up a great stat line by going 3-5 with another HR, a single, a double, and 3 walks over the course of the last 4 games. “My game speaks for itself,” Martinez said as he walked away with the hem of his denim jeans hanging out of the bottom of his baseball pants.

Rhett “Biggie” Clinton is another one who has been on an absolute tear at the plate. He has produced a mind-blowing stat line of going 6-7 with a triple, double, 3 singles, and 2 walks. “I think my secret is that once I start swinging this big piece of lumber, I can’t stop it,” Clinton said, pointing to the bat large enough to advertise on Craigslist for scrap metal. “This bat was sent back by Aaron Judge because he said it was ‘too bulky’. Pansy!” he continued. “Thor has his hammer. I wield The Equalizer,” said Clinton.

The Braves are gaining momentum. You better get on the train before it runs you over.