FBC Wins 7-4 As Win Streak Hits 3

FBC won their third straight Kid Pitch baseball game in a weather-shortened contest on Wednesday, May 27, 2009, as they defeated Lee's Famous Recipe 7-3. Their record now stands at 4-5 for the season.

Donovan Ferguson picked up his sixth RBI in the last 2 games as he had an RBI single in the second inning and an RBI groundout in the fourth, both times sending teammate Joseph Rader home safely from third base. It was after the fourth inning was completed that the game was called following the third break in action as lightning was seen flashing in the distance.

FBC broke up the game in the second inning as they batted around, scoring the maximum 6 runs per inning. Drake Jeffries led off with a single up the middle and then stole second, going in standing up. Dalton Stephens drove a 3-0 count into right that scored Jeffries, and Stephens went to second on the throw. Dalton Armes followed with a single into left field, driving in Stephens for the second run of the inning. Michael Brown and Joseph Rader both walked to load the bases, and Brayton Sparrow smacked a 1 strike pitch into center field that scored both Armes and Brown, making the score 4-0. Leadoff batter Donovan Ferguson hit a single into short right field for his first RBI of the game. Trevor Edwards walked on a full count in a good at bat as he fouled off 2 tough pitches before coaxing the free pass, and Damien Ferguson hit a double into center field to drive in younger brother Donovan for the sixth and final run of the inning.

With Donovan's RBI outburtst over the last 2 games, he now leads the team in runs batted in with 8.

The team's next game is this coming Monday evening.

We Need Sons of Encouragement

The following devotional was given by my 12 year old son, Daniel, on Wednesday, May 20, 2009.

If I were to ask you to tell me this evening all you knew about a man named Joseph of Cyprus, most likely you would have no clue as to who this man was. And there is a very good reason for that, and that reason is that this man is known instead by a nickname given to him by the apostles themselves, a nickname which so aptly described his encouraging character. Translated into English the nickname of this great man means “Son of Encouragement,“ but we know him better as Barnabas.
We first encounter Barnabas in Acts 4:36-37. Luke writes, “Thus Joseph who was surnamed by the apostles Barnabas (which means, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field which belonged to him, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.” There was something special about this man who was given the nickname “Barnabas” by the apostles. He was such a godly man that he became known by his deeds. From the surname given to him by the apostles we can see that he was a man whose life embodied that of a person who was a comfort and an encouragement to others.
We also learn in the Book of Acts that Barnabas never gave up on a young man by the name of John Mark, a young man that even Paul felt was no longer of any use in the service of God. Luke writes in Acts 15:36-41, 36. And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Come, let us return and visit the brethren in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are." 37. And Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. 39. And there arose a sharp contention, so that they separated from each other; Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40. but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord. 41. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Because of Barnabas not giving up on John Mark, he became a great man himself in the service of the Lord. It was this very same man who wrote the Gospel of Mark that bears his name, and the very same young man whom the Apostle Paul would say of just prior to his execution in Rome in 2 Timothy 4:11, “Get Mark and bring him with you; for he is very useful in serving me.”
This evening I would like to take a few moments to offer my personal thanks to the elders and the congregation here for the encouragement they have given my brothers and me since we have been here. The very fact that I am giving the devotional this evening, and that Damien, Donovan and I are asked routinely to help serve during the Lord’s Supper, to do the reading and to lead singing, are evidence of the Barnabases among us. These opportunities are very much an encouragement to each one of us, and although we have grown up here and believed this was the practice that occurred everywhere in the Lord’s church, our Dad has informed us that this is not the norm in most places. I believe that is very unfortunate. I know we are not perfect and we make mistakes occasionally in our efforts, but in spite of our shortcomings no one ever has been critical. And for that, once again I want to express my thanks and gratitude on behalf of my brothers and myself.
Let us all pray that the Lord will send to us godly men with the encouragement of Barnabas. Let us all strive to do just what the Bible teaches in Hebrews 10:24 and “ . . . let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works.”
If there are any here this evening who are subject to the Lord’s invitation in any way, please let your wishes be known as those of us who are able would please rise for the song of encourgement.

3 D's Smack Back-to-Back-to-Back Jacks in Big Hit Attack

The 3 D attack of Damien Ferguson, Drake Jeffries and Dalton Stephens hit back-to-back-to-back home runs with 2 outs and nobody on in the bottom of the first inning to lead FBC to an 8-6 victory over YMCA in Kid Pitch baseball on Tuesday, May 19, 2009. The victory was their second of the season, leaving them with a record of 2-5.

YMCA scored 1 unearned run in the top of the first before FBC went deep. They tied the score in the top of the second as Reese Bergstrom drove in Jacob Watson, who led off the inning by drawing a full count base on balls, with an RBI triple. Watson scored on a 2 out RBI single off the bat of Gabe Black.

FBC went back on top in the bottom of the third as Trevor Edwards had a one out walk and stole second base to bring up Damien Ferguson. Ferguson hit a towering fly ball on the left side of the infield that must have been lost in the clear, azure blue sky and it fell untouched for a single as Edwards cautiously remained at second base. Edwards and Ferguson moved up on a groundout to the pitcher off the bat of Drake Jeffries, and both runners scored on Dalton Stephens' blast into deep left centerfield for a 2 run triple.

YMCA scored a lone gift run in the top of the fourth. Damien Ferguson relieved Jeffries and Damien appeared to strike out the leadoff batter, Jacob Watson, twice, but the home plate umpire insisted the batter did not swing on either occasion, and Damien ended up walking the batter. Watson stole second and third and came home on a 2 out RBI single up the middle hit by Rayme Hamilton that just eluded the glove of the diving second baseman, Donovan Ferguson, younger brother of Damien. Damien had 2 strikeouts in his 1 inning on the mound.

FBC scored their final tallies in the bottom of the fifth inning, scoring 3 runs on 3 hits. Donovan Ferguson, inserted into the leadoff position for the game due to his excellent on-base percentage of .500, drew a 4 pitch walk. He was followed by Trevor Edwards who also reached on 4 straight balls out of the strike zone. Damien Ferguson then drove both runners home as he tagged a 1 strike pitch deep into left field for a 2 run RBI triple. He came home when Drake Jeffries had an RBI infield single.

Trevor Edwards was back on the mound in the top of the sixth after shutting down YMCA in the fifth inning. Reese Bergstrom singled into center and Rayme Hamilton followed with a single of his own into left. Gabe Black walked to load the bases and 2 runs scored as Alec Raboin doubled into left, plating Bergstrom and Hamilton. Mitchell Kremer struck out swinging for the first out, and Jordan Easton reached safely as he was hit on a 2-2 pitch, loading the bases again with just 1 out. Edwards struck out Dru Baker who took strike three on a 3-2 count, bringing up Jacob Watson, who had walked in this 3 previous plate appearances. But it was not to be this time. Watson swung at the first pitch offering from Edwards, who caught the ball as it was lined softly back to the pitcher to end the game.

Mattoon Hit Men Win Second Straight on the Road

It was a beautiful day for a baseball game with the temperature hovering in the mid 60s, and the Mattoon Hit Men came away with their second consecutive road victory as they defeated Neoga 10-5 on Sunday, May 17, 2009. With the win the Hit Men's record improved to 3-4.
Damien Ferguson got things going for the Hit Men right away as he walked on a full count and immediately stole second and third base. David Johnson was issued a walk on four consecutive pitches out of the strike zone, and he went to second on a steal. Both runners moved up and scored as both Nicholas Owens and Cole Diepholz grounded out pitcher to first. Alec Raboin had a two out single and stole 2 bases to reach third, but he and Garrett Branson were both stranded as Trevor Edwards fanned to end the inning. Branson walked and got into the running game, too, stealing second. Neoga came right back and scored 3 runs of their own in the bottom of the first as Thobe had a 2 run RBI double into right following a walk to Jordan Hoedebecke and a double into left by Justin Yurs. Shortstop Alec Raboin and left fielder Trevor Edwards collided on the double by Yurs, so Damien Ferguson came in to replace Edwards who was shaken up on the play. Thobe stole third and he scored on a sacrifice fly hit by Moran into center field for out number 1. Fritcher lined out to second base for out number 2. Hill singled up the middle but he was thrown out by catcher Davis Johnson as Hill was attempting to pilfer second base, ending the inning with Neoga leading 3-2.
Mattoon tied the game in the top of the second as C. J. Sweeney scored on a groundout pitcher to first off the bat of Preston Hayes. Sweeney had singled to start the inning and he stole second and third before being plated by Hayes. Neoga did not score in the bottom half of the frame as the score stood knotted at 3 runs apiece.

Damien Ferguson led off the top of the third for the Hit Men, and he helped pitcher Fritch by swinging at the first 2 pitches, which were out of the strike zone. He did manage to work the count full before swinging and missing to strike out, but the pitch was not handled by the catcher and Damien raced to first safely. He did not stop there, however, as he immediately swiped second and third base. Davis Johnson grounded out pitcher to first, and Damien was not able to score on the play as he was held at third base by the pitcher. Nicholas Owens, however, was able to drive in his second run of the game when he grounded out third to first as Damien crossed the plate safely and Mattoon retook the lead 4-3. Wood reached on an error by the shortstop to start the bottom of the third for Neoga. Evans walked to put runners at first and second, and Hoedebecke reached on a fielder's choice as Wood was erased pitcher to third. Justin Yurs also reached on a fielder's choice second to shortstop for out number 2 as Evans took third on the play, bringing Thobe to the plate. Thobe drove the first pitch he saw deep into left centerfield for a 2 out, 2 run triple to give Neoga the lead back at 4-3. This brought up cleanup hitter Moran. Moran took a fastball out of the strike zone for ball 1 before turning on a changeup offering and blasting it deep into left field and down the line. It appeared he was going to get extra bases himself, but Damien Ferguson made the play of the game as he came out of nowhere to spear the ball one handed while running at a full clip to take the hit away from Moran, and keeping Thobe from scoring from third, and the game stood at 5-4 Neoga. As it turned out that would be all the runs Neoga could score as Damien's play really took the wind out of their sails.

Neither team scord in the fourth but Mattoon put the game out of reach in the top of the fifth, scoring 6 runs on only 2 hits. Nathan Ray had a 1 out walk before stealing second base, bringing Damien Ferguson to the plate. Damien hit a pop up that just eluded the glove of the pitcher, who stumbled coming off the mound, most likely preventing him from catching Damien's ball. But instead of catching the ball, it fell in for an infield hit as Hayes advanced to third. Damien stole second and Davis Johnson joined his teammates on the bases by drawing a walk on a 3-2 count. Nicholas Owens recorded his third RBI of the game as he was issued a free pass on 4 pitches, as was Cole Diepholz, whose RBI walk drove in Damien from third. Garrett Branson followed a strikeout of Alec Raboin by drawing the third bases loaded walk of the inning before Trevor Edwards' bases clearing double ended the scoring, making the final 10-5.

FBC Falls in Extra Innings 9-8

Sometimes bad calls get made during the course of a baseball game . . . an umpire gets out of position and a ball lands fair, and is called foul . . . a batter takes a full count low and outside pitch clearly out of the strike zone, and gets rung up instead . . . or a pitcher covers first base on a ball hit to the first baseman and steps on the bag a full step ahead of the runner, and the batter is called safe. This is all a part of the game. What Cardinals fan to this day still does not cringe at the name of Don Denkinger who erroneously called Jorge Orta safe at first base in the bottom of the ninth inning of game 6 of the 1985 World Series with the Cardinals leading the series 3 games to 2, and holding a 1-0 lead, only to have the botched call by first base umpire Denkinger give the Royals new life as they rallied to score 2 runs following the blown call to take game 6 and the momentum of that victory into game 7, winning it 11-0, a game that most would agree should never have been played, but turning it into their one and only World Series title? As tough as it is to fall victim to poor judgment calls on the part of umpires (everyone wants the close call to go their way), what is more difficult to swallow is when games are decided not by the players on the field or even by the judgment of the umpire, but instead are decided by unpires not understanding the basic rules of the game. And such was the case on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 when the FBC Kids Pitch baseball team fell to undefeated First Mid 9-8 in extra innings.

Damien Ferguson had a rough first inning for FBC as he was nailed by a fastball from Ryan Taylor just above his left knee on a 3-1 count with one out and nobody on. Damien went down in the dirt in considerable pain, but he toughed it out, remembering that getting hit is a part of the game. Damien was able in spite of getting hit to steal both second and third base, but he would be stranded there as FBC loaded the bases but failed to score. FBC would end up leaving 14 runners stranded on base in the first 5 innings, and this would come back to haunt them as the game progressed. Damien was given the nod as starting pitcher for FBC, sporting an ERA of 0.00 coming into the game, and if the rules of the game would have been enforced correctly he still would have an ERA of 0.00. But that is, as they say, baseball, and apparently it was just not meant to be. On Damien's very first pitch of the game he got First Mid's leadoff hitter Steven Righter to pop the ball up along the first base line, where Damien was in position to catch the ball. Just as Damien was about to catch the ball Righter slammed into Damien, knocking both players to the ground, where they lay for a considerable time. Damien, who earlier this year had one and half teeth knocked out while playing basketball, was hit again in the mouth on the play by the elbow of Righter, and his lip is still cut and swollen today. However, at least his teeth remained intact.

According to baseball rule 7.08 (b) any base runner is out when he hinders a fielder attempting to make a play on a batted ball. And under the comment section of rule 7.08 (b) it says a runner who is adjudged to have hindered a fielder who is attempting to make a play on a batted ball is out whether it was intentional or not. Now it would seem to me that being ran into and getting hit in the mouth by an elbow while attempting to make a catch on a batted ball should be adjudged as a hindrance to a fielder, and when asked if he was going to call the batter out the umpire's answer was "I don't know what the call is." And when the league commissioner was asked about the play, his response was "I would have to back up the call of the umpire who called it a foul ball. In his judgment a ball that is foul is foul." That is well and good, but the only problem with that is it is entirely irrelevant and it has nothing to do with the rule in question. We were not seeking to have a foul ball call overturned. We were only asking for the rules of the game to be enforced, and the batter should have been called out immediately. It makes no difference if the ball is fair or foul. The runner is not allowed to hinder the play of the defense. But instead of the batter being called out, the umpire ruled the play a foul ball, so Damien had to take the mound after being shaken up, and he ended up walking the batter that should have been called out for offensive interference. Ryan Taylor then popped out to second for out number 1 which should have been out number 2. Righter stole second and scored when Tanner Niemeyer singled into right centerfield. Morgan Lanman reached on a fielder's choice for out number 2 which should have been the inning ending play leaving the score deadlocked at 0-0, but unfortunately for Damien and FBC the umpires were not through handing the game over to First Mid. Andrew Polston singled into center, and Morgan Lanman attempted to take third from first on the play. Damien backed up the throw in from the outfield which missed the cutoff, and he fired a strike to third baseman Dalton Armes, who tagged the runner out. However, the base umpire had not moved into position with runners on base, and he had stayed at first base instead of going behind the mound where he could have been in position to make the call, so he and the home plate umpire looked at each other clulessly, shrugged their shoulders, literally, and meekly ruled the runner safe. This should have been out number 4, but instead of being out of the inning with only one umpire given run of the inning, First Mid was allowed to continue to bat. In the meantime, Polston took second on the throw to third base, bringing Tyler Cole to the plate. Damien fell behind 3-0 to the batter, even though pitches 2 and 3 had been strikes when FBC was batting, but suddenly they were balls, and I really hate to say that, but it is true, nonetheless. Damien did fight back and worked the count full before Cole hit a fly ball into left field that should have been caught, but instead it went over the head of the left centerfielder. Donovan Ferguson, Damien's younger brother, was in left field, and he had raced over and was in position to make the catch, but the left centerfielder called for the ball, and Donovan rightfully backed away in order for his teammate to make the catch. But alas! it was not meant to be, and the ball dropped just behind the fielder. Donovan picked up the ball and fired it back into the infield, holding the runner at second base, but 2 more runs had scored. Tate Little then lofted a fly ball into right which fell and he ended up at third base as Cole scored the 4th gift run of the inning. Damien then struck out Tristan Overton on 3 pitches to end the inning with FBC trailing 4-0.

Donovan Ferguson led off the top of the second and drew a full count walk. He then stole second abd third base easily, and he was joined on the bases by Alex Platz and Timothy Forrest, both of whom also walked following strikeouts to Michael Brown and Brayton Sparrow. Joseph Rader continued the 2 out rally by drawing yet another walk as he forced Donovan in for his first run of the season and his team's first run of the game. This brought the top of the batting order to the plate and both Trevor Edwards and Damien Ferguson were issued RBI walks, making it 6 free passes for the inning, and bringing the score closer at 3-2 First Mid. Drake Jeffries came to the plate and proceeded to strike out as FBC left three runners on base for the second consecutive inning. Damien held First Mid scoreless in the bottom of the second inning, striking out 2 and getting Steven Righter to pop out to the first baseman, and the score remained 3-2 in favor of First Mid.

Dalton Stephens singled and stole second to start the top of the third for FBC. Dalton Armes followed with a walk, and Skyler Hood, who would make the play of the game later in the game, singled into left field, driving in Stephens with the tying run and nobody out. Donovan Ferguson and Michael Brown struck out, with Brown attempting to bunt inexplicably with 2 strikes, but Brayton Sparrow kept the inning alive by drawing a 2 out walk on a 3-2 pitch to load the bases. Alex Platz walked to drive in his first run of the season as Dalton Armes was forced in from third, and FBC had their first lead of the game, 5-4. The inning ended as Timothy Forrest was called out on strikes. Damien Ferguson went to the mound for the final time to start the bottom of the third and Ryan Taylor reached on an infield single. Following a steal of second base, Taylor tied the score as he came in on an RBI double off the bat of Tanner Niemeyer, who then stole third base. Morgan Lanman struck out for out number 1 and Andrew Polston whiffed for out number 2. It appeared that Damien was going to get out of the inning when Tyler Cole swung and missed on a 2-2 count, but for some unexplained reason the umpire called ball 3, giving Cole yet another life. He responded by singling into right, giving the lead back to First Mid 6-5, as their team scored their fifth gift run of the game. Tristan Overton popped out to second to end the inning with the score still 6-5, and FBC still having a chance. So as far as I can tell Damien should have left the game after 3 innings pitching with a 5-1 lead.

Trevor Edwards had a 1 out infield single as the fourth inning got underway, and Damien Ferguson followed with a single. Edwards slid past second base on the play and was tagged out for out number 2. Drake Jeffries had an RBI double as he hit the ball deep into left field, and Damien was able to score all the way from first base, knotting the game at 6-6. Jeffries stole third with Dalton Stephens at the plate, and Stephens drove in the go ahead run on an infield single to give the lead back to FBC 7-6. Stephens took second on an errant throw from the third baseman, but he was left stranded following a walk to Dalton Armes and a strikeout of Skyler Hood. Drake Jeffries took over pitching duties in the bottom half of the frame and he issued a walk before striking out the next 3 batters, leaving the score 7-6 FBC after 4.

Donovan Ferguson got things started for FBC in the top of the fifth, drawing a 7 pitch walk. He reached third base safely as he stole his third base of the game and he went to third on an infield single off the bat of Michael Brown. Brayton Sparrow struck out swinging on a full count, and Alex Platz followed by fanning on 3 pitches. What had started out as a very promising inning had quickly deteriorated. Timothy Forrest walked to load the bases, but Joseph Rader struck out looking as he jumped back from a pitch that was right down central, with FBC once again leaving the bases loaded. Drake Jeffries walked Steven Righter to start the bottom of the fifth, and he was forced out at second base on a fielder's choice hit to shortstop Damien Ferguson. Taylor stole second and third base before coming home with the tying run as Tanner Niemeyer drilled a changeup into deep left field. Niemeyer stole third himself, and he reached home safely on an RBI triple hit by Andrew Polston following a strikeout of Morgan Lanman. Tyler Cole then struck out swinging to end the inning with First Mid back on top 8-7.

Trevor Edwards struck out to start the top of the sixth inning for out number 1. Damien Ferguson hit a shot to the hot corner at third base, but the third baseman made a fine play on the ball, throwing out Damien at first base for out number 2. Drake Jeffries had his second double in as many at bats, and he scored the tying run as Dalton Stephens had the clutch 2 out RBI single to tie the score at 8-8. He would be left at third base following steals of second and third, though, as Dalton Armes went down swinging to end the inning. Drake Jeffries pitched his third and final inning in the bottom of the sixth, striking out all 3 batters he faced to send the game into extra innings.

FBC did not score in the top of the seventh with all 3 batters striking out. Donovan Ferguson had a really good at bat, though, as he yanked a 2-2 pitch deep into left field and over the fence that went foul. Trevor Edwards was the pitcher for FBC in the bottom half of the inning, and he held First Mid scoreless thanks to a little defensive help from his friends. Logan Winn walked and stole second and third, Nick Redfern struck out swinging, and Cameron Harlin walked, putting runners at the corners as Steven Righter came to the plate. Righter drove a 1-1 fastball from Edwards into right center field which looked as if it would be the game winning hit, but Skyler Hood came from out of nowhere to make the play of game, sliding to make a shoestring catch of the ball just above the grass. Both runners had taken off at the ping of the bat, and Skyler threw the ball into first base for the inning ending double play that could have been a triple play if there had not already been 1 out. Damien Ferguson, who was now catching, reported afterwards that the home plate umpire told the runner from third base as he was touching home plate that he should go back to third. That is infuriating. It is not the responsibility of the umpire to coach the boys. They have coaches for that. It is the duty of the umpire to call the game, and to do so accurately and fairly. He had no business telling that runner that he should go back to third base.

Even though momentum had shifted in their favor, FBC could not take advantage, leaving another runner stranded at third base in the top of the eighth inning. Since First Mid had their 2, 3 and 4 hitters coming to the plate, the FBC coach opted to go with as strong of an outfied as possible, putting Drake Jeffries in left center and Dalton Stephens in right center. Donovan Ferguson was moved to second base, and Damien Ferguson was back behind the plate. Ryan Taylor led off with a single up the middle that just eluded the glove of the diving second baseman Donovan Ferguson. Tanner Niemeyer singled cleanly into left, and both runners moved up a base on steals. The infield was moved in for the play at the plate, and Morgan Lanman hit a single up the middle on a 2-1 count, ending the contest with First Mid winning 9-8.

After the game, the coaches let the kids know how proud they were of their performance. Skyler Hood was awarded the game ball.

First National Bank Defeats KC Summers 13-3

On Monday, May 11, 2009 the First National Bank Cal Ripken Boys baseball team defeated KC Summers 13-3 to improve their record to 2-1.

Starting and winning pitcher Alex Shoot did not give up a run in the top of the first, getting two strikeouts while allowing one lone single to Dylan Wolfe. First National scored 3 runs in the bottom half of the inning on three hits. Garion Smyser led off with a scorching single up the middle. On ball 1 to Daniel Ferguson Smyser stole second, moving to third as the throw from the catcher went into centerfield as no one coverd the bag. Daniel then drove the next pitch into right field for a single, just eluding the glove of the second baseman. Ferguson went to third as Payton Hartbank followed with an opposite field fly ball that fell in for a double. Daniel had to hold up momentarily on the basepath because it appeared the ball was going to be caught. As it turned out, it did not matter as Daniel and Payton successfully pulled off a double steal with Daniel scoring and Payton going to third. In the ensuing confusion with base runners running everywhere, Hartbank raced home for the third run of the inning.

In the top of the 3rd inning Colton Shoot took the mound for First National. Shoot struggled with his control, walking the bases loaded in the process. A call went out to the bullpen, and Garion Smyser came on in relief. Daniel Ferguson, catching, took the first pitch from Smyser and picked off Perry Wilson at first base for out number 1. Smyser, also having difficulty finding the strike zone, walked the first three batters he faced, making the score 3-2 First National as KC scored both of their runs without getting a base hit. Coach Chris Hartbank asked for and was granted time, and he huddled with his players on the mound. He then brought in Daniel Ferguson to pitch with the bases loaded and only one out, and Garion Smyser took over catching duties behind the plate. Daniel told his coach he would only need one pitch to get out of the inning, and his words proved prophetic as he induced Landon Crary to ground into a double play that went pitcher to home to third base, ending the threat.

Daniel Ferguson led off the bottom of the 3rd for First National with a line-drive blast up the middle that looked like sure extra bases, but instead a fine catch was made by the centerfielder, robbing Daniel of a hit. Payton Hartbank followed with a double into centerfield, and he scored on consecutive wild pitches to increase his club's lead to 4-2.

Hartbank resumed pitching for First National as the 4th inning rolled around, and he gave up 1 run as losing pitcher Alex Allen singled and stole second and third before coming in on a passed ball, but that proved to be KC Summers' last run of the ballgame.

First National Bank had a big inning in the bottom of the 4th to come away with a 13-3 10 run mercy rule victory, but as far as this reporter can see they did not score 13 runs, they had 12, but since my opinion is irrelevant, it really does not matter. Cole Philpot led off for First National, coaxing a 7 pitch at-bat into a walk. Hayden Pillips also walked on a full count, putting runners at first and second. Pitcher Dylan Wolfe was called for a balk and both runners moved up a base, placing runners at second and third. Alex Inman had a run scoring RBI ground out pitcher to first for the first out of the inning as Phillips took third base on the play. Evan Schultz was walked, Gavin Keller struck out swinging for out number 2, and Garion Smyser walked, forcing in Phillips from third for the second run of the inning and keeping the based loaded for Daniel Ferguson. Ferguson hit a shot up the middle that the second baseman dove and stopped from going into centerfield, but all runners were safe on the play as Evan Schultz scored the third run of the inning from third. The speedy Smyser beat the throw to second base, going in standing up, which made the play closer than what it should have been. Payton Hartbank followed with an RBI single for the fourth run of the inning, bringing the score to 8-3. Alex Shoot, who had grounded out and popped out in his 2 previous plate appearances, drove a ball deep into left centerfield for a 3 run triple, making the score 11-3. Younger brother Colton Shoot then hit an RBI single to knock in his brother from third, making the score 12-3, although up in the press box the official score keeper had 13 runs crossing the plate for First National. I leave the possibility open that I erred somewhere along the way, but I cannot figure out how this phantom run scored. The world may never know.

Hit Men Hit Rode, Come Away with Victory

The Mattoon Police Hit Men traveling baseball team hit the road on Sunday, May 10, 2009 and came away with an impressive 7-3 victory over Sullivan, giving them a record of 2-4 for the season.

Damien Ferguson was moved up to leadoff for this game, and he did a fine job. He went 1 for 2 at the plate in three appearances with a strikeout, a single, a walk and 2 runs scored. He also swiped 4 bases.

As leadoff hitter of the game, Damien fell vicitimized to a very wide and low strike zone, getting called out on strikes on a 2-2 pitch that was low and away by several inches. But the umpire was consistent for both teams, calling pitches thrown in that zone strikes all game long.

Damien also led off in the top of the 4th inning and blooped a single into right field on a 2-2 pitch. He stole second and third before coming home on an RBI grounder off the bat of Cole Diepholz to give the Hit Men a 3-2 lead which they never relinquished. In Damien's final plate appearance he started a 2 out, 2 run rally in the top of the sixth. Following strikeouts to the first 2 batters in the inning, Damien coaxed a 4 pitch walk and promptly stole second and third base. He came in to score on a double into right off the bat of Davis Johnson.

Damien played left field for the game except for the fifth inning when he played second.

The Hope of Eve

“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her Offspring; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel. I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.” (Genesis 3:15-16)

Have you heard any good news lately? Couldn’t we all use some good news? If the media you are watching or listening to isn't helping, then there is a remedy, and that remedy is turning simply to God's Word. It has a consistent message of good news to those who take the time to read it, even from the very beginning when the first sin was committed by the first couple, for God promised Eve that it would be through her that the Promised Offspring would come to bruise the head of the serpent who had brought sin into the world through his deception and lying to Eve (Genesis 3:15).

The Lord had promised . . . what an encouraging thought! It was not going to be all punishment for her. “My Offspring will overturn the work of this serpent,” Eve thought to herself. And it was at that very moment Eve’s hope was born.

This promise of an Offspring was repeated to Abraham. Paul writes, “Now to Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his Seed. He did not say, ‘And to seeds,’ as of many; but as of One, and to your Seed, Who is Christ” (Galatians 3:16). God so loved the world that He gave His only Son Jesus to die for our sins (John 3:16), that we may be forgiven and receive the free gift of eternal life (Matthew 19:29).

Thank God for our mothers. Without our mothers we would never have been given the opportunity to have eternal life. By the gift of the grace of God men and women everywhere can come to Him for salvation through our obedient faith, for we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8), and it was only by the grace of God that God held out that hope to Eve way back in the Garden of Eden.

Through the grace of God there is hope for mankind of returning to that Edenic paradise that has been lost due to our sin, of once again walking with God in the cool of the day. Our hope is founded in the Offspring of the woman, Jesus the Christ. Without Him, we would remain forever lost. No man comes to the Father but through this Promised Seed (John 14:6). It is in Him that we all must live, and in Him we must raise our children. He is the greatest gift ever given to mothers, the greatest gift ever given to any of us. Jesus has come, and He is coming again.

May the Lord bless you, especially all of you mothers on this your special day!

Ferguson Boys Hit Trifecta with 3 Wins

Three baseball games were played on Monday, May 4, 2009, and the Ferguson family boys came away with three victories. Donovan Ferguson went 1 for 3 hitting leadoff for the Jackson Dealerships Coach Pitch baseball team, who defeated the Mattoon Fire Department in an exciting contest 12-11. The win gives Jackson a 1-0 record for the season which has seen an inordinate amount of rained out ballgames. Donovan also played shortstop and first base, making fine plays that, as it turned out, ended up ensuring the victory for his team.

Daniel Ferguson hit second in the lineup for his First National Bank squad who opened the season with a convincing 18-1 victory over American Legion. Daniel did not have much to hit at as he had three bases on balls in three plate appearances. In his first trip around the bases he stole home on a delayed steal to put First National up 2-0. He scored on an RBI double into left centerfield in the second inning off the bat of Payton Hartbank, who was the winning pitcher. Daniel scored his last run of the game in the second inning as well as Alex Short drove a fastball off the wall into deep left centerfield, easily scoring Daniel from second base. First National sent 16 batters to the dish in the second inning, scoring 11 runs on only 4 base hits. The American Legion team felt extremely generous as they committed three costly errors while issuing 5 walks and hitting 2 batters.

The most exciting game of the evening was the finale in which First Baptist Church defeated Matchbox 7-4 to improve to 1-1 for the season. First Baptist scored three runs in the top of the first with Damien Ferguson getting an RBI single. He stole second and came around to score on an RBI single hit by teammate Skyler Hood.

Damien was the surprising starting pitcher for First Baptist as he took the mound in the bottom of the first. He struck out Dylan McDowell swinging to begin the inning, but walked Davis Johnson on a 3-2 count, getting squeezed on ball 3 and ball 4. Brock Moncel followed by popping up to shortstop Trevor Edwards for out number 2. It appeared Damien would get out of the inning unscathed as Austin McDowell hit a grounder back to Damien, but the throw to first base was dropped, allowing Johnson to score an unearned run from second base, where he reached safely on a steal. Gibson Moncel walked on a full count as Damien was getting squeezed again by the home plate umpire, but Damien kept his cool and struck out Noah Patterson on 3 pitches to end the inning.

Damien resumed pitching duties in the bottom of the second, striking out Joel Goodrich on 3 pitches, as Damien's changeup buckled the knees of the batter as he took strike 3 right down central. The dominating pitching of Damien continued as he struck out the next batter, Alex Lensik, for out number 2. Kaden Conlin followed, reaching on a an error by the second baseman, as the ball went right under his glove and into right field. Joe Beedles then became the third strikout victim of the inning, swinging and missing on a 3-2 fastball.

Damien did not pitch in the 3rd and 4th innings. He came to bat in the top of the 3rd inning with the bases loaded and 2 outs with his younger brother, Donovan, standing at third following a walk and 2 more bases on balls, and on a 2-1 pitch Damien hit a slow roller up the first base line. The only play the pitcher had was to try and get Donovan trying to score from third, and Donovan, an excellent base runner, was off immediately as soon as the ball was hit, speeding towards home. He went in hard with a very good slide. Everyone knew he was safe as he clearly had beaten the throw home to the plate . . . everyone, that is, except for the one person whose opinion counted. Donovan was called out, ending the inning for First Baptist.

First Baptist would build the lead to 7-4 and Matchbox came to bat in the bottom of the 6th inning with Trevor Edwards now doing the pitching. Following a leadoff single to Davis Johnson, Trevor struggled with his control, and he proceeded to walk the next 2 batters to load the bases. The coach then decided he had seen enough, so he brought Damien back in to pitch. Trevor took over duties at shortstop, and the tension mounted as Matchbox had Gibson Moncel, the potential winning run, coming to the plate with the bases loaded and still nobody out. Damien was cool as a cucumber in ice, though, and he responded to the challenge by striking out Gibson on 3 pitches. Next up was Noah Patterson, who hit an 0-1 pitch high on the infield which Damien called for and put away for out number 2. Damien, with his back to third base, faked a throw to first base, hoping to lure the aggressive Davis Johnson at third base to take the bait and try to score. Damien then turned and fired a strike home to catcher Drake Jefferies, who tagged out Johnson who tried unsuccessfully to leap over the catcher, ending the inning and the game on an unusual duoble play.

Damien was awarded the game ball following the conclusion of the ballgame as he not only got the victory, he also recorded a save in the same game.

Hit Men Take 4th Place in Tournament Play

The Mattoon Police Hit Men 10 and under boys baseball team took fourth place in their first tournament of the season played in Mattoon, IL during the weekend of April 24-26, 2009.

Damien Ferguson led his team with 5 RBIs while hitting a robust .429 in the tournament. He also played flawlessly in the field where he was stationed in either left or right field. He had one put out on a fine catch of a ball hit into deep left centerfield in the first game they played.