FBC Wins Championship!!!

"My father is John Lennon!" said the stranger proudly, standing before the gathered throng, huddled together in a field outside the Pizza Hut in Sullivan, IL.
"And I am the father of Damien and Donovan Ferguson!" I replied enthusiastically.
"You are!" asked the astounded and incredulous onlookers, their eyes widening in amazement. "How great is that? They are the champions!"
--From a dream I had this morning, just before awakening at 4:45 AM. So what do you think it means?
The FBC Kid Pitch Boys Baseball team won the post-season tournament by sweeping YMCA 8-7 and 12-2 on Monday, June 29, 2009. The wins give FBC an overall record of 14-8, while YMCA finished second with a record of 14-9.

The opening game, which was a must-win contest for FBC, was nip and tuck throughout. FBC, winners in the double-elimination tournament from the loser's bracket, were the visitors, and they failed to score in the top of the first inning, going down in order as they could not get the ball out of the infield. YMCA came out and scored 2 runs on 3 hits to take a 2-0 lead after 1.

FBC fought back by tying the score at 2 apiece in the top of the second inning. Dalton Stephens led off with an infield single, and the throw to first was wild, putting Stephens at second base. Dalton Armes singled to the right side of the infield to drive in Stephens from third where he had advanced on a stolen base, and Armes was thrown out trying to stretch his hit into a double for out number 1. Following a strikeout of Brayton Sparrow, Donovan Ferguson had a 2 out double into right. He scored on a single up the middle by Joseph Rader to pull FBC even at 2-2 as the boys in purple scored twice with 2 outs. YMCA retook the lead in the bottom half of the inning as they scored a single tally off of Trevor Edwards, who had taken the mound for FBC. The inning started out well for Edwards as he got 2 quick outs, striking out Reese Bergstrom looking on a full count fastball, and inducing Jordan Easton to ground out to second baseman Donovan Ferguson. Left-handed batting Logan Coartney went with a ball delivered to the outside of the plate, plunking it cleanly into left field where Michael Brown did a good job of getting to the ball and preventing Coartney from moving into scoring position. Edwards walked leadoff hitter Mitchell Kremer to put runners at first and second, bringing up Rayme Hamilton. Hamilton drove the first pitch offered into right center field for a double, knocking in Coartney from second base. Kremer tried to score all the way from first base, but right center fielder Dalton Armes' throw to the plate nailed Hamilton to end the inning, leaving FBC trailing by 1 run 3-2.

FBC struck back by scoring 4 runs in the top of third. Trevor Edwards singled with 1 out to start the rally. Edwards stole second and third before being driven home on a single into center off the bat of Damien Ferguson to tie the game 3-3. Damien stole second before taking third on an infield single by Drake Jeffries. Jeffries stole second, and both he and Damien came home on a 2 out single hit by Dalton Armes. Arnes stole second and he took third when Brayton Sparrow hit a single into shallow center field, but both runners were stranded as FBC held a lead of 6-3 going into the bottom of the third. YMCA came roaring back to tie the game with 3 runs of their own, and it looked as if they were well on their way to blowing the game wide open. Alec Raboin worked the count full before receiving a free pass from pitcher Trevor Edwards. Gabe Black followed the walk to Raboin by hitting a double down the left field line, placing runners at second and third. Jacob Watson hit a roller to Edwards, and his throw was dropped by first baseman Dalton Stephens for an error, allowing both runners to score. Edwards got ahead 0-2 in the count before losing Nate Browning to a walk, placing runners at first and second base. 2 wild pitches moved Watson to third and Browning to second, and Dru Baker turned a 3-0 fastball into a swinging bunt single, as Edwards' throw to first base was late. Watson appeared as if he would be out at the plate as he tried to score from third, but the throw home from Dalton Stephens to Skyler Hood catching was high, and Watson was able to slide under the tag attempt safely, tying the score 6-6, as Browning took third on the play. Reese Bergstron hit a fly ball into center field, but Drake Jeffries hauled it in for out number 1, as both runners were unable to advance. Jordan Easton turned a 0-2 deficit into yet another walk, and Damien Ferguson was called upon to pitch with the bases loaded and the game on the line. Damien fell behind 2-0 to Logan Coartney, but the next pitch was hit by Logan back to Damien. Damien fielded the ball and threw home to force Browning from third. Catcher Skyler Hood threw the ball back to Damien, who noticed that the runner at first had not gone to second base, so Damien took the ball himself and ran to second base, forcing Easton and completing the rare 1-2-1 double play. I am not sure what happened on the play, but I believe the runner (and possibly the first base coach) thought the ball hit by Coartney had been caught in the air by Damien, so he held for that reason. That is the only explanation that makes sense, but I am just guessing. But as it turned out, it was a huge play, and you could just feel the momentum shift from YMCA back to FBC, although it was a bit slow in coming, as neither team was able to score in the fourth inning.

The fifth inning rolled around, and Drake Jeffries started the 1 out rally for FBC by walking. He was joined on the basepath by teammate Dalton Stephens, who also had been issued a free pass, and both runners executed a double steal to place runners at second and third and bring up hot-hitting Dalton Armes. Armes unloaded on a 1-1 fastball, driving it into deep right center field, and both Jeffries and Stephens scored with Armes' fifth RBI of the game. Armes was stranded as shortstop Alec Raboin's throw to first base just nipped Donovan Ferguson speeding down the line for out number 3. Donovan appeared safe from where I was standing, but since the umpires in the game did an excellent job of getting into very good position to make the calls, I cannot, nor will I, complain about their performance. In fact, it was really nice to see the games decided by the play on the field, instead of by an official missing a call or not understanding the rules. So FBC's at bat in the fifth inning ended with them holding an 8-6 lead. Drake Jeffries took over the pitching duties in the bottom of the fifth, and he made quick work of things, striking out the side in order. FBC did no better in the top of the sixth inning, also striking out 1-2-3, setting the stage for the evenful and exciting bottom of the frame.

The coaches for FBC met and discussed strategy on how to approach this inning in terms of whom to pich, as well as for the upcoming next game if things worked out to their advantage, and it was decided to bring Trevor Edwards in to start the sixth and have Damien Ferguson prepared to come in if necessary, and hopefully, have him be available to start the next and deciding game. Once again, Edwards got two quick outs as his first pitch to Jordan Easton was hit right back to him, and he threw the runner out easily. Logan Coartney went down swinging for out number 2, bringing up YMCA's top of the order. Mitchell Kremer hit a ball into right field for what looked like a single, but he did not stop as he rounded first base and headed towards second. The aggressive play caught the FBC players by surprise, and the throw to Damien Ferguson at second base was late, and Kremer was credited with a hustling double. Momentum, again, was something that could be felt shifting, and Rayme Hamilton responded by hitting a ball into center field, plating Kremer and making the score 8-7 in favor of FBC. Edwards lost Alec Raboin on a full count walk, bringing Gabe Black to the dish. 3 pitches later, the game was over as Edwards struck out Black swinging to end the game, and giving FBC the chance to play again for the championship.

That inning seemed to prove pivotal for the next game as the wind was taken from the sails of YMCA. Even though they won the coin toss and elected to be the home team, they were not able to recover, and FBC stormed out by scoring 5 runs in the top of the first.

4 pitches were thrown, and 4 base hits ensued as Trevor Edwards, Damien Ferguson, Drake Jeffries and Dalton Stephens all jumped on first pitch offerings from Alec Raboin, and FBC was well on its way. Trevor Edwards singled and quickly stole second before a pitch was even thrown to Damien Ferguson. Edwards then scored as Damien singled up the middle, and Drake Jeffries drove Damien home by hitting a triple. Jeffries then followed Damien home when Dalton Stephens hit an infield single to the first baseman. Hamilton's throw to first with the pitcher covering was late and errant, so Stephens took advantage and headed safely into second base before promptly stealing third. Dalton Armes picked up right where he left off, lofting a full count breaking ball deep into right field for a run producing triple. Brayton Sparrow singled to drive in Armes for the fifth and final run of the inning as the shell-shocked YMCA squad headed to their dugout, victims of a 5-0 deficit.

Great moments create great opportunities, and Damien Ferguson was called upon to be the starting pitcher in this crucial game which would decide the championship of the 2009 Kid Pitch Post-Season Tournament. Damien had only been asked to be the starting pitcher once before, a game in which he won and he earned a save, so this was somewhat unfamiliar territory for him. I still do not believe he even realizes right now this very moment what a great job he did in an extremely difficult and pressure-filled situation, but he rose to the occasion, nonetheless. Damien shut down the big bats of YMCA. He struck out the first 2 batters he faced before allowing an infield single to Alec Raboin. Damien's throw was wild, allowing Raboin to reach second safely. This could have spelled disaster for another player, but not for Damien. Gabe Black also had an infield single that went off the glove of Damien, and Raboin took third. Damien did not let this bother him, either, and he struck out Jacob Watson to end the inning.

FBC scored their sixth run of the game when Damien Ferguson hit a 2 out single into left. He stole second and third before coming home on a single by Dalton Stephens. Damien took the mound in the bottom of the second inning. He gave up his third infield single, this time to Nate Browning. Dru Baker and Reese Bergstrom both walked to load the bases, bringing up Jordan Easton. Damien struck out the batter for out number 1, and Logan Coartney came to the plate. Coartney had the fourth infield hit of the game for YMCA, although if there had been a more experienced catcher behind the plate at the time, no run would have scored. Instead of staying at home to take the throw from the pitcher, catcher Dalton Stephens went after the ball, and Damien was not able to get the out at the plate as he should have been able to do. This brought up the top of the order for YMCA with the bases loaded and only 1 out, but Damien seemed unfazed. He struck out Mitchell Kremer swinging on a back door, 2 seam fastball for out number 2. He then received some great defensive help from his younger brother, Donovan, who was playing second base at the time. Donovan took a hit away from Rayme Hamilton, as well as runs for YMCA. Hamilton's smash appeared headed into right center field, but Donovan ran and slid to his right to knock the ball down, keeping it on the infield. The ball went into the glove of shortstop Drake Jeffries, who stood on second base for the inning ending final out.

FBC made it 9-1 by scoring 3 runs in the top of the third. Brayton Sparrow singled, Joseph Rader was hit by a pitch, and both runners came home on a double by Skyler Hood. Michael Brown singled Skyler home for the third run. Damien went back to pitch in the bottom of the third. Alec Raboin lined out to shortstop Drake Jeffries for the first out of the inning. Gabe Black drew a 4 pitch walk and stole second, but Jacob Watson popped out in foul territory to catcher Dalton Stephens for out number 2. Damien then struck out Nate Browning looking on a full count, 4 seam fastball to end the inning.

FBC scored a single tally in the top of the fourth on a 1 out home run off the bat of Drake Jeffries. Dalton Stephens, Brayton Sparrow and Donovan Ferguson all singled in the frame, but FBC could not plate another runner as Dalton Armes was thrown out at home trying to score on Donovan's single, ending the inning.

Logan Coartney scored the second and final run of the game for YMCA in the bottom of the fifth. Logan walked off pitcher Dalton Stephens. Coartney stole second and third base before he came in to score on an infield single off the bat of Mitchell Kremer. Kremer stole second base before FBC turned their second unusual double play of the evening. Rayme Hamilton hit to shortstop Drake Jeffries, who threw to first baseman Damien Ferguson for out number 1. Kremer tried to reach third safely, so Damien fired over to third baseman Brayton Sparrow. Hamilton stopped in his tracks, reversed himself and headed back toward second base, caught in a pickle. Sparrow threw to shortstop Jeffires, and Hamilton attempted to go back to third. Jeffries' throw back to Sparrow at third was a good one, and Sparrow tagged out the runner, completing the double play. Jacob Watson struck out swinging following walks to Alec Raboin and Gabe Black, ending the threat.

Damien Ferguson started a 1 out rally in the top of the sixth inning for FBC when he was struck on his ankle by a pitch thrown by Rayme Hamilton. Damien stole second to get into scoring postion for Drake Jeffries, who singled Damien home to make the score 11-2. Jeffries also stole second base, but he could advance no further than third base on the Texas League bloop double into right hit by Dalton Stephens. Jeffries had to hold up on the play in case the ball would have been caught. Dalton Armes, however, drove Jeffries home with an infield single to shortstop Alec Raboin, who made a sensational diving stop of the ball to prevent Dalton Stephens from scoring. Brayton Sparrow struck out and Donovan Ferguson hit a ball that was heading for left field, but Alec Raboin made another fine play, catching the ball with his back to the plate, robbing Donovan of a hit and an RBI.

Drake Jeffries set down YMCA in order in the bottom of the sixth inning, bringing about the post-game celebration.

A story and pictures of the game can also be found at mattoonmessenger.net.

Jackson Dealership Bows Out, Loses 4-1

Below left: Donovan Ferguson receives instruction from coach Matt Jackson just before scoring Jackson Dealership's only run.

The Jackson Dealership's run in the post-season coach Pitch Tournament came to an end as they bowed out to Innovative 4-1 on Friday, June 26, 2009. Jackson's season record was 10-11.

Right: Donovan Ferguson races from shortstop to cover third base on a force out.
Jackson played well defensively, but they just could not string enough hits together as Donovan Ferguson scored the lone run for his team.

Donovan had a great season, finishing with a .759 AVG., 1 home run, 31 runs scored and 37 RBIs. He also played very well defensively.

9-7 Victory Puts FBC in Championship Round!

In a game that see-sawed with lead and momentum changes, FBC fought its way into the Championship Round of the post-season tournament by defeating a very good Alamo club 9-7 on Saturday, June 26, 2009. With the victory, FBC's record improves to 12-8 on the year.
Following a weather-shortened 9-2 loss on Thursday night in which the team managed just 3 hits, FBC came out swinging the bat, pounded the ball for 14 hits, including 7 for extra bases.
Both teams failed to score in the first inning, but FBC went up 3-2 in the second. Dalton Armes and Brayton Sparrow each had 1 out singles, and they both moved into scoring position when they pulled off a successful double steal. Following a strikeout to Donovan Ferguson, Skyler Hood came through with a big 2 out double that plated both Armes and Sparrow. Michael Brown then came through with his first of 3 base hits by following up with a double of his own into right field, driving in Brown with the third and final run of the inning for the boys in purple. Trevor Edwards struck out Brayton Hall looking on a full count, 8 pitch at bat to start the bottom of the second.
Left: Damien Ferguson, just before hitting a lead off home run in the top of third inning.

Andrew Edwards doubled into center before Gunner Runyan walked on a full count. Both runners advanced a base on a wild pitch, and Edwards lost his second batter of the inning to a walk, this time on a full count fastball that was wide of the strike zone, loading the bases. Jacob Mathers became the third consecutive Alamo batter to be issued a full count free pass, driving in Edwards from third base for Alamo's first run of the game. David Arthur took a called third strike for out number 2, but Edwards lost Ben Winograd after getting ahead 0-2 in the count, walking him with 4 consecutive balls, and bringing the top of the order to the plate with the bases still loaded, and the score standing 3-2 FBC. Dalton Stephens, who looked wild while warming up, came on in relief, and he promptly struck out leadoff hitter Tanner Miller on 3 pitches to end the threat.
Damien Ferguson drove a first pitch fastball from Cooper Simmonds deeo into right center field for a leadoff home run, putting FBC up 4-2. Dalton Stephens singled with 1 out and stole second and third, but he was left stranded, as FBC could do no further damage. Stephens went back pitching for FBC in the bottom of the third, but wildness and poor defense led to 5 runs being scored by Alamo as they took a 7-4 lead. Cooper Simmonds singled to start the inning, moving to third on a stolen base and a wild pitch. Zach Hall drew a full count free pass and Tucker Rappe also walked to load the bases for Brayton Wall. Wall popped up to second baseman Brayton Sparrow, but unfortunately, the ball was not caught, and Simmonds scored from third. Andrew Edwards hit a double into center field that also could have been caught with a little more effort being made, and Hall and Rappe both came home as Wall took third, making the score 5-4 in favor of Alamo. Gunner Runyan singled to drive in Wall from third base, putting runners at the corners. A pitching change was made and Damien Ferguson took the mound. Brayton Sparrow was moved to third from second base, Dalton Armes went from first to shortstop, and Stephens took over at first base. Joey Munoz popped up to third base on the first pitch he saw, but it was not caught, and Edwards scored from third. A wild pitch put runners at second and third. Jacob Mathers lined out to Dalton Stephens at first for out number 1, and then Damien struck out both David Arthur and Ben Winograd to keep the score 7-4 Alamo.

Right: Donovan Ferguson runs towards first in the top of the fifth.

Below: Donovan Ferguson hangs onto a called third strike to end the bottom of the third inning.Neither team scored in the 4th inning, but in the top of the fifth, FBC exploded for 5 runs. Damien Ferguson hit a long, fly ball into deep center field for a leadoff double. Drake Jeffries followed with an infield single, moving Damien to third. Jeffries stole second, placing 2 runners in scoring position for Dalton Stephens. Stephens blasted a pitch from Tucker Rappe into right field for a 3 run homer to tie the score at 7 apiece. Dalton Armes then whalloped a 1 strike pitch into left field for a triple, and he scored on Brayton Sparrow's single to give FBC a lead of 8-7. Donovan Ferguson reached on a fielder's choice for out number 1. Donovan stole second and he scored FBC's final run when Michael Brown had his third hit of the game, a single into left, making the final score 9-7.

Below left: Damien Ferguson throwing a 2 seamer for a called third strike to end the third inning.

Drake Jeffries and Trevor Edwards each pitched a scoreless inning in the fifh and sixth frames. Jeffries got the win, while Edwards earned his second save of the season.

Below right: Donovan Ferguson races towards home with the ninth and final run of the game.

Jackson Dealerships Advances With 13-12 Win

Jackson Dealerships advanced in tournament play by defeating First National Bank 13-12 in walk off fashion on Thursday, June 25, 2009.

Donovan Ferguson went 3 for 3 with 2 runs scored and 4 RBIs, including a 2 run, game ending triple in the bottom of the fifth inning, to lead Jackson. Donovan had 2 assists and 2 putouts while playing shortstop. He made a shoestring grab of a sinking line drive to end the top of the fifth inning to keep the game close and set up his heroics in the bottom half of the inning.

Jackson plays Innovative tonight. The winner of this game advances to the Championship Round on Monday.

FBC's Win Streak Hits 7

The FBC Kid Pitch baseball team continued their fine play, winning their seventh straight game as #1 seed Diepholz, who came in boasting a league's best record of 15-2, fell victim 5-4 in extra innings on Wednesday, June 24, 2009. The win leaves FBC with an overall record of 11-7 and no defeats in the double-elimiantion, post-season tournament.

Donovan Ferguson, fresh off his Coach Pitch baseball team's victory, caught the entire game. His older brother, Damien, played shortstop flawlessly for the first six innings before coming in to take the mound and close the game in the bottom of the seventh.

Damien was 2 for 4 at the plate with 1 run scored and 2 RBIs. He now has scored 25 runs and driven in 25 runs for the season, both tops for the club.

Trevor Edwards, mired in a season long hitting slump, had the big hit of the game. He drove home Michael Brown with the winning run from second base with 2 outs in the top of the seventh inning on a double into left center field.

Damien Ferguson pitched a 1-2-3 scoreless bottom of the seventh to earn his third save in as many opportunities. Damien was told to go with his 2 seam fastball when he took the mound, and to vary its speed and location, because while he was warming up, it was this pitch he was locating best. Additionally, he had very good movement with the ball. Damien did as he was told, and it worked out great. Damien got the first batter to ground out second to first to start the inning. Damien fell behind 3-0 before coming back to strike out the next batter looking for out number 2. He then induced the last batter to popup in foul territory to first baseman Dalton Stephens on a 1 ball, 1 strike pitch, ending the game.

FBC plays YMCA tonight. The winner of this game moves into the Championship Round of play.

The Threes Are Wild for Donovan Ferguson in 8-7 Victory

Donovan Ferguson went 3 for 3 with 3 runs batted in while scoring 3 runs to ignite his Jackson Dealerships Coach Pitch Baseball team to victory in the fourth round of post-season tournament play.

Jackson finished the regular season with a 7-9 record, but this was good enough to earn them the #2 seed from the West Division, as well as a first round bye. They lost their first game in the double-elimination tournament to the Little Schoolhouse, 18-6, before bouncing back with victories over D to Z (13-6) and Lorenz (8-7).

Donovan also brought his glove with him to this game. He had 3 putouts and 3 assists from his shortstop position, with the key play coming in the top of the second inning as Jackson pulled off the triple play trifecta. Lorenz's first 2 batters reached safely by hitting singles into left field, bringing up Wyatt Webb. Webb hit a line drive that looked as if it was heading into center field, and both runners took off. Sam Perry, playing the pitcher position, would have no part in conceding the hit, and he snagged the hard hit liner for out number 1. Perry wheeled and fired the ball to first baseman Jacob Spitz, who caught the throw and stepped on first to double up Kayden Rice for out number 2. In the meantime, Donovan Ferguson called for the ball and raced for second when he noticed that Daniel Rayner, who had occupied second base, had not returned to the bag. Rayner sprinted back towards second as first baseman Spitz fired the ball towards Donovan. The southpaw's throw sailed towards the right field side of the bag, and Donovan stretched with all of his might to catch ball while keeping his right foot on the bag. He caught the ball just before Rayner reached second, completely the rare, but exciting, triple play!

It was nice to see the umpire get into very good position to make the call. He was right on top of the play, and I believe he made the correct call. Nobody argued, either, and I doubt there would have been any argument had he ruled the runner safe. It was a very close bang-bang play, but as I said, I believe he made the right call. As it turned out, the play probably ended up being the difference between a win and a loss since the score ended up being a 1 run contest.

Ferguson Tandem Come Up Big in First Round of Tournament Play

Damien and Donovan Ferguson both played huge roles in FBC's first round Kids Pitch Post-Season Tournament baseball game, a game which ended on a walk off base hit by Drake Jeffries, scoring Trevor Edwards from second base with the winning run in a thrilling 4-3 victory over the power-packed Kiwanis club. The victory officially is the team's sixth in a row, leaving them with an overall record of 10-7.

Donovan Ferguson made the defensive play of the game in the top of the first inning, a game which featured several defensive gems. Donovan was playing right center field when the powerful Elijah Schlabach came to the plate with nobody on and 2 outs. Elijah turned on a fastball from Drake Jeffries that rocketed into right field. Donovan, who has been practicing fly balls lately with his brothers and dad, got a really good jump on the ball. He ran to his left, getting his glove on the ball, and he just missed making a spectacular shoestring catch. Schlabach raced toards second base, but even his speed was no match for what followed. Suddenly, and seemingly possessed by the spirit of the great Hall of Famer and right fielder with a cannon of an arm for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Roberto Clemente, Donovan picked up the ball, turned and fired a strike all the way on a line into second base where his older brother, Damien Ferguson, stood, waiting to catch the missile. The ball arrived so quickly and it was launched so perfectly that the play was anticlimactic. It wasn't even close. Schlabach was easily out as Damien tagged the oncoming runner, whose look of stunned disbelief told the whole story.

Damien Ferguson took the momentum with him into the bottom of the first inning. sending a full count fastball over the head of the shortstop for a single. Damien then stole second and third base with Drake Jeffries at the plate. Damien's nifty base running put FBC ahead 1-0. Damien did not run into an out, but instead, he held at third when the ball hit by Jeffries was fielded by the pitcher. Schlabach threw to first to nip Jeffries for the second out of the inning, and when Damien saw the throw going into first base, he raced for home. The return throw home actually beat Damien to the plate, but Damien made a great slide, avoiding the tag for the first run of the game.

The score remained 1-0 until the top of the fourth inning when Kiwanis took a 1 run lead. Trevor Edwards was on the mound, having come in to pitch in the top of the third. Edwards found himself getting into trouble as he walked leadoff batter Clayton Hirsch. Preston Hayes lined out to left center fielder Drake Jeffries for out number 1, and Drake's throw back into first base almost doubled off Hirsch. Hirsch then reached third safely on a stolen base and a throwing error by catcher Skyler Hood. Elijah Schlabach walked and stole second, putting runners at second and third. Cayden Collings singled into center field to plate Hirsch as Schlabach was held up at third base, putting runners at the corner. Nathan Ray followed with a walk to load the bases. Time was asked for and granted, and Damien Ferguson was brought in from shortstop to relieve Edwards with the bases loaded, 1 out and the game on the line. And then came a brief moment of controversy.

Ethan Carmean came to the plate, and Damien Ferguson fell behind 2-0. He then followed with 2 quick strikes to even the count at 2-2. The batter was standing in the batter's box, and Damien did as he has been taught: He pitched the ball. Time had not been called for, and neither had it been granted. So when Damien saw the batter standing in the batter's box and not looking, Damien threw a pitch. The umpire was ready, and in fact, he was preparing to call strike 3 and ring up the batter. It was then that the third base coach (and member of the board, by the way) complained to the umpire that Damien had "quick-pitched" the batter, and that time should have been called. The umpire, who was a young teenage boy, obviously was intimidated by an adult (and member of the board, by the way), so he reversed himself and ruled the ball a "no pitch." So instead of Damien striking out the batter, which is what should have happened because a pitch is not a "no pitch" in hindsight, but can only be ruled a "no pitch" by the umpire at the time it is delivered, Damien ended up walking the batter, forcing in the go-ahead run from third base. But Damien did not let the call bother him, and he bore down, striking out Gavin Bennett on a back door, 2 seam fastball for out number 2. He then induced Brody Shook to ground out to third baseman Brayton Sparrow, who fielded the ball and stepped on third for the final out of the inning. FBC tied the score at 2 apiece when Drake Jeffries had a 2 out RBI double that drove in Michael Brown from second base. Brown had reached second after being issued a leadoff walk and stealing.

Kiwanis threatened with 2 outs in the top of the fifth inning, but they failed to score, leaving runners stranded at first and second. Damien got Preston Hayes to line out to second baseman Dalton Stephens to end the inning. FBC took the lead in the bottom of the fifth. Dalton Armes led off with a single into center field, and Brayton Sparrow joined his teammate on base when he was hit by a pitch. Joseph Rader went down swinging for out number 1, bringing up Donovan "Roberto" Ferguson. Donovan fell behind no balls and 2 strikes, his second strike being a ball that just landed foul down the first base line. With 2 strikes on him, Donovan protected the plate, going with the pitch, and lining an outside corner fastball into right field for a double, scoring Armes, whose slide at home just beat the tag, putting FBC up 3-2. FBC could not muster anything more, however, and the inning ended with Donovan and Brayton stranded on base, bringing up the exciting sixth and final inning.

Drake Jeffries went back to the mound with his team clinging to a 1 run lead, and the heart of the Kiwanis order coming to the plate. Elijah Schlabach led off with a single into center field. He did not stay there long, however, as Cayden Collings' double deep into left field tied the score 3-3. Jeffries then struck out the next 3 batters as battery mate Donovan Ferguson held onto the foul tip third strike off the bat of Gavin Bennett to end the inning for Kiwanis, and bringing up the top of the batting order for FBC. Trevor Edwards was plunked hard on the helmet as Schlabach resumed pitching duties for Kiwanis, but Edwards bounced up immediately, and sprinted to first base unfazed. Damien Ferguson, who has been very good in the clutch for FBC lately, came to bat, but he fell behind 0-2. It looked as if he was going to do it again as he blasted a pitch down the third base line, but it was not meant to be this time. Nathan Ray made a great shoestring catch of the ball, robbing Damien of extra bases and another walk off hit, and momentarily saving the game for Kiwanis. This brought up Drake Jeffries. Trevor stole second to move into scoring position, and the count went full. I was suprised the Kiwanis coach did not elect to just go ahead and walk Drake at that point, but he chose not to, and Drake came through, sending the next pitch into center field as Edwards raced safely home with the winning run.

Drake Jeffries and Donovan Ferguson were awarded game balls at the conclusion of the game.

First National Bank Wins Again

The First National Bank Cal Ripken Baseball League team defeated the Police 9-3 on Monday, June 22, 2009. With the win, First National's record improved to 9-2.

Daniel Ferguson, who had come into the game without striking out all season, went 1 for 3 at the plate with an RBI double, 2 runs scored and 2 strikeouts. Daniel's bat, which had performed so well with him all season, cracked late last week during batting practice, so he had to use some other bats with which he was not yet very familiar in the game. (Mom has subsequently gone Ebaying, and a new bat should arrive any day now, hopefully in time for Daniel to get used to it before the All Star tournament this coming Fourth of July weekend.) Even though Daniel struck out swinging in his first at bat, he did not let that hold him back. He immediately sprinted down the first base line as the ball was not caught by the catcher, and he made it easily onto first safely. He stole second before coming around to score on an RBI double by Payton Hartbank. Daniel also showed how valuable and "heads up" a player he is in the top of the fourth inning. Daniel had doubled home teammate Garion Smyser from second base, bringing up Payton Hartbank. Hartbank lofted a towering popup on the infield, and when the first baseman stumbled making the catch, Daniel took off for third. The first baseman's throw from his knees was late and it just eluded the third baseman's glove, but that was all Daniel needed for him to race home safely. This was even more impressive considering the heat index at the time was sweltering over 100 degrees, and yet Daniel still hustled at all times.

Daniel also pitched 2 solid innings of relief, giving up just 1 unearned run. He lowered his season ERA to 0.53.

Daniel, Damien Ferguson Selected for All Star Teams

Daniel Ferguson (12 and in black in photo at right) and Damien Ferguson (10 and in purple in photo at right) have been selected to play in the upcoming All Star baseball tournaments.

Daniel will be on the 12 and under team scheduled to compete in the Fourth of July tournament to be held in Chesterfield, MO. Damien will be on the 10 and under American Division squad which will be playing in a tournament also to be played the Fourth of July weekend in Mattoon, IL. Mom will be traveling to Missouri to be with Daniel, while I will be staying home to watch Damien play.

Both boys are quite capable of playing any position, including both pitching and catching. Daniel has played mostly at catcher this season for his Cal Ripken team, although he has seen more action at center field, shortstop and pitching here of late. Damien has played shortstop for the most part for his Kids Pitch baseball team, particularly since his younger brother, Donovan, has began to carry some of the catching duties. Damien has played the outfield on his traveling team, the Mattoon Hit Men, so he is quite confortable patroling the grass between the foul poles.

Good luck to both of you and your teams!

Godly Fathers, Godly Meditation

When the Apostle Paul was giving his instructions to Christian families in his letter to the Ephesians, he had this to say to fathers: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4 [RSV]). Nothing is so important for fathers to do than to follow this command to raise their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, and to do so takes work. It means we will have to engage ourselves in knowing what God’s will is, which means we must study, learn and apply God’s will in our lives so that we can teach it to our children. In other words, it is going to take effort.

The role of men, particularly here in 21st century America, has been downplayed to a great extent. This is very unfortunate, for God’s word makes it quite clear that men and fathers are to be the spiritual leaders of their homes. In fact, the relationship God expects between husbands and wives is compared to that of Christ and the church, which is His bride. Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:22-33 [RSV],

22. Wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord. 23. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, and is Himself its Savior. 24. As the church is subject to Christ, so let wives also be subject in everything to their husbands.

25. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26. that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27. that He might present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

28. Even so husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29. For no man ever hates his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, as Christ does the church, 30. because we are members of His body. 31. "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." 32. This mystery is a profound one, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church; 33. however, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

God has always wanted His people to study and meditate upon His word. God told Joshua following the death of Moses in Joshua 1:8 [RSV], “This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.”

May the Lord bless all the godly men who are seeking to be the spiritual heads of their families!

Damien Ferguson Has Walk-off Home Run as FBC Wins Regular Season Finale

On Tuesday, June 16, 2009, the FBC Kids Pitch Baseball club bested KC Summers 14-4. The game was a matchup of 2 teams with identical records going into the contest, so with the victory, FBC becomes the second seed in the opening round of the double-elimination tournament beginning this Thursday (tomorrow).

Damien Ferguson had a 2 out, 2 run walk-off home run in the bottom of the sixth inning to seal the victory for FBC. He now leads his team with 23 RBIs and 23 runs scored. He also is tied in home runs with 2, sharing this honor with Drake Jeffries and Dalton Stephens.

KC went down easily in the top of the first inning as pitcher Trevor Edwards struck out the side in order. Following a leadoff strikeout of Trevor Edwards, Damien Ferguson was issued a full count walk that ignited a 5 run rally in the bottom of the frame. Damien turned some nifty baserunning into the first run for FBC. He stole second base before tagging up and taking third on an infield popup caught by the second baseman. Damien came home on an RBI single hit by Dalton Stephens. Dalton Armes followed with a hit up the middle, and both runners advanced on a passed ball. Brayton Sparrow, who also is swinging the bat very well here of late, had an RBI single into left, with Armes holding at third. Sparrow stole second and Skyler Hood walked to load the bases, and Donovan Ferguson drew a 4 pitch walk to drive in Armes from third, making the score 3-0. Joseph Rader completed the 2 out rally by hitting a fly ball single into right center field that plated both Sparrow and Hood.

KC Summers scored 1 run in the top of the second when Hayden Birdsong singled into right center field, scoring teammate Gavin Conrad, who had reached on a hit by pitch. Conrad had moved up to second on a fielder's choice when shortstop Damien Ferguson dove to his right, gathered the ball up, and threw out Jacob Hendren at third base from his knees, taking a hit away from Reece Jones. FBC's bats came alive again in the bottom of the inning as they sent 10 batters to the plate, scoring 6 runs. Michael Brown walked and stole second and third. Trevor Edwards hit an infield single with Brown remaining at third base. Damien Ferguson walked to load the bases, and Drake Jeffries followed with an RBI walk of his own, making it 6-1 FBC. Dalton Stephens singled into left field, scoring Edwards and Ferguson. Damien challenged the left fielder's arm, and the throw to the plate was late, which allowed Jeffries to move to third and Stephens to advance to second base on the play. Dalton Armes had the second infield single of the inning as both runners held, loading the bases again. Brayton Sparrow drove a fastball hard into the ground, and the ball took a high hop, and all runners were safe as Jeffries scored the fourth run of the inning. Skyler Hood and Donovan Ferguson struck out before Joseph Rader hit his second 2 out, 2 run single into right center field to finish the scoring in the second for FBC.

Dalton Stephens took the mound in the top of the third inning, and some poor defense led to 2 unearned runs for KC Summers. Quinn Camfield and Wesley Otto both reached safely on throwing errors. Camfield was able to go all the way to third base on the bad throw from third baseman Dalton Armes, and he scored on the throwing error by second baseman Alex Platz. Otto took second as the throw eluded first baseman Trevor Edwards, whose coach (and dad) was overheard saying in the dugout, "Of all the innings I had to pick to put our shortest player at first base, I picked this inning!" Both throws were high, and most likely could have been caught by the team's other first basemen. Otto scored when Mason Thomas singled into deep right field. A good play from right fielder Michael Brown prevented the ball from going all the way to the fence, and he quickly threw the ball into the infield, holding Thomas at first. FBC responded with a single tally as Damien Ferguson's single to short drove in Michael Brown from third base. Brown reached on a hit by pitch, and he stole second and third base before coming home on the infield hit by Damien, who really hustled down the line to beat the throw.

Neither team scored in the fourth inning.

KC scored their last run of the game in the top of the fifth inning off pitcher Brayton Sparrow's throwing error, which led to an unearned run crossing the plate. Leadoff batter David Thompson popped up to Sparrow on the mound for out number 1. Quinn Camfield hit a come backer to Brayton, and his throw to first base was wild, sending Camfield to third. He then scored on Otto Wesley's double into center field. Warren Hunter struck out and Joshua Blood grounded out to end the inning, setting up Damien Ferguson's heroics in the bottom of the fifth. Both Alex Platz and Michael Brown struck out looking, bringing the top of the order. Trevor Edwards was issued a free pass. He quickly stole second base to move into scoring position. Damien Ferguson swung at the first pitch, which was a fastball low and in the dirt. Pitch 2 was a fastball that caught the inside of the plate for a called strike 2. Pitch 3 was a waste pitch that was low and away, and this time Damien did not bite, and the count moved to 1 ball and 2 strikes. Pitcher Camfield's next offering was a high fastball, but it was not high enough, and Damien got all of it, sending the ball into deep center field. Once again, as in their previous contest, the outfielders were playing very deep, and stationed about 10 feet from the fence. The ball took one bounce before hitting the center fielder, who did a really good job keeping the ball in front of him. By the time he picked up the ball Damien was rounding second base and heading for third. Damien had the green light from his third base coach, and he hit third base in stride, before turning toward home. Damien was not to be deprived this time. By the time the ball was picked up by the third baseman, Damien was crossing home plate standing up with his first career walk off home run, a 2 run shot to end the game on the 10 run mercy rule, 14-4.

Donovan Ferguson Homers in 17-14 Loss

Donovan Ferguson went 4 for 4, including a 3 run home run in the bottom of the first inning, but it was not enough as his Jackson Dealerships Coach Pitch Baseball team fell to the Mattoon Fire Department 17-14 in extra innings on Tuesday, June 16, 2009.

Donovan sent a 2-1 pitch deep into left field and, with his speed, he was able to circle the bases without a play and safely reach home.

This was the final regular season game before tournament play begins this coming Thursday.

Donovan has been having a great season in Coach Pitch this year, hitting .739 with 1 home run and 27 RBIs. He has also scored 22 runs. Defensively, he has done very well, playing shortstop, first base and the pitcher position.

First National Bank Cruises to 8-0 Victory

In spite of a 10 day layoff due to poor weather conditions, the First National Bank team looked very sharp as they cruised to an 8-0 victory over Schilling's on Friday, June 12, 2009 in Cal Ripken Baseball League play. With the victory, First National remained tied for first place with a 7-2 record.

Payton Hartbank started a 2 out first inning rally by hitting a double into center field. Alex Shoot followed with his second home run of the season, a no doubter that sailed high over the left center field fence.

Garion Smyser began another 2 out rally by drawing a 2 out, full count walk in the top of the third. Garion stole second on the ensuing first pitch to Daniel Ferguson, who also walked. Payton Hartbank lofted a fly ball down the right field line that hit the top of the foul pole and landed in the bleachers, but the ball was ruled foul. Daniel Ferguson and Garion Smyser then pulled a successful delayed double double steal to make the score 3-0 First National. That was not a typo. Daniel stole both second and third on the same play that Garion stole third and home. Daniel then came home as Hartbank had to settle for a triple into deep center field. Alex Shoot followed with a triple of his own into left center field, and he scored the final run of the inning on a pased ball to make it 6-0 First National Bank.

Daniel Ferguson started the last rally that led to 2 runs in the top of the sixth and final inning. Daniel took a 1 strike fastball deep into left field that rolled to the wall. He was headed for third when his coach held him up, so he had to settle for a 2 bagger. Payton Hartbank then hit a ball high and deep into deep center field that left the ballpark for a 2 run shot, making the score 8-0.

The First National Bank pitchers limited their opponents to just 2 gift hits. Hartbank started and pitched the first inning without giving up a hit. He walked 1 while striiking out the side. Daniel Ferguson, who was doing the catching at the time, threw out Joey Allee at first base when Allee swung and missed at an outside offering that went to the backstop for strike 3. Runner Chase Vogt, who had reached on an error, was off with the pitch from second base, and the base umpire was watching the play at third. Allee was originally ruled safe at first by the base umpire, but the coach for First National appealed the play with the home plate umpire. The home plate umpire asked what the call was at first base, and the base umpire admitted he had not seen it because he was watching the play at third. The home plate umpire then made the right call, and Allee correctly was ruled out.

Alex Shoot pitched the second and third innings. He walked 2 batters while striking out 4 in his 2 innings of work. He also allowed a double that should have been caught by the left fielder, but he misjudged the ball, and it landed for a double. Payton Hartbank, who had moved to center field, raced over to back up the play. He grabbed the ball and fired to his cutoff man, shortstop Daniel Ferguson, who wheeled and rifled a strike from the outfield grass to catcher Garion Smyser, holding the runner, Hayden Jurka, at third base. Jurka had reached safely on a 1 out walk before stealing second base. He was still on second with 2 outs before the fly ball that fell for a double was hit by Joey Allee. There really was no excuse for Jurka not to have scored from second base. Only poor base running kept Schilling's off the board.

As good as the pitching was from Hartbank and Shoot, they just may have been topped by Daniel Ferguson, who finished by pitching the last three innings for First National to register his second save of the season. Daniel did not allow a base runner until there were 2 outs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Daniel had 4 strikouts in those 3 innings, plus he fielded his position extremely well as he had 4 assists, too.

Daniel had his opponents completely off-balance as he was mixing up fastballs with knuckle curveballs. The knuckle curve is a pitch Daniel has just learned this year, taught to him by a very wise and learned man, and after seeing Daniel strike out the leadoff hitter on a full count knuckle curveball in the bottom of the fifth, the First National coach asked for time, and met with his team on the mound. He asked for time because he did not know that Daniel had a second pitch. He then asked Daniel what that pitch was, Daniel told him, and his coach told Daniel he really liked it. He then said he wanted Daniel to throw it more, so the coach started signaling to the catcher from the bench what pitches he wanted Daniel to throw.

Daniel should have faced the minimum of 9 batters in his 3 innings, but a wrong call by the umpires kept that from happening. With 2 out and nobody on, Daniel threw a 1 strike fastball in the dirt in front of the plate. Batter Chase Vogt swung at the pitch, and he hit a high fly ball that was caught by shortstop Payton Hartbank. Since no call was made immediately by the umpire, Hartbank fired to first, but Vogt already had crossed the bag. The umpires looked a bit confused, and not seeming to know what to call, and they ruled the runner safe. The coach for First National appealed the call, but this time it stood, even though it was wrong. The batter should have been ruled out. Daniel then got Joey Allee to ground out back to him on a first pitch knuckle curveball to end the inning and the game.

Damien Ferguson's Blast Seals Victory for FBC

A bases loaded, 2 out triple in the top of the last inning by Damien Ferguson proved to be the decisive hit as FBC defeated the powerful Kiwanis club 7-5 in Kids Pitch Baseball play on Thursday, June 11, 2009. FBC's record improved to 8-7 as they had lost 9-4 earlier in the day to PBPA in completion of a game halted due to rain on May 15.

Most of the game with Kiwanis had been a pitching duel, as both teams exchanged goose eggs, until the top of the third inning, when FBC broke through for a single tally. Drake Jeffries singled with 2 outs and nobody on, and he promptly stole both second and third before coming home on a single by Dalton Stephens. FBC made it 2-0 in the top of the fourth as Skyler Hood walked and stole second base. Brayton Sparrow singled to right, advancing Hood to third. Joseph rader singled into right center, bringing in Hood from third base.

History was made in the bottom of the third inning when the battery of Damien and Donovan Ferguson made their first appearance. Damien took the mound, and Donovan put on the catching gear to move behind the plate as receiver. The debut proved to be quite successful. Damien made quick work of things as he carved up the Kiwanis batters, setting them down in order with 3 strikeouts.

Kiwanis touched Damien for one unearned run in the bottom of the fourth. Leadoff hitter Preston Hayes hit a one hopper back to Damien, who fielded the ball and threw to first baseman Dalton Armes. The normally sure-handed Armes dropped the ball, however, allowing Hayes to reach safely. Hayes reached second as Donovan Ferguson nearly nailed Hayes stealing. Cayden Collings followed with what looked like a run-producing single into center field, but Drake Jeffries fired the ball into third baseman Brayton Sparrow, who applied the tag on the sliding Hayes for out number 1. Elijah Schlabach, who had hit 3 FBC batters earlier, was hit by a pitch that bounced in the dirt before getting him in his left leg. His dad (and third base coach) argued briefly that since the ball had hit the dirt first, it should be called a ball. He wanted his slugging Elijah to get a chance to hit, but the umpires actually got the call right, and Elijah was awarded first base correctly. Damien then struck out cleanup hitter Clayton Hirsch. Schlabach stole second base safely to bring up Ethan Carmean. Carmean popped up to shortstop Dalton Stephens, and Stephens was bumped by Schlabach heading for third, keeping Stephens from making the play. The umpires did not get this call right, however, as Schlabach should have been called out for offensive interference, and Schlabach was able to continue around third base and score to make it 2-1 FBC. Damien struck out Gavin Bennett to end the inning, keeping his team clinging to a 2-1 lead.

Kiwanis tied the game at 2 apiece in the bottom of the fifth as Trevor Edwards went in to pitch. Edwards had some control issues and his velocity was not there. Trevor hit Mitch Tuttle to start the inning. A wild pitch sent Tuttle to second. Brody Shook walked, placing runners at first and second. Tuttle stole third base, and he scored on a fielder's choice as Shook was forced at second. Edwards then struck out the next 2 batters, setting the stage for the sixth and final inning.

Skyler Hood started the 2 out rally by walking. Brayton Sparrow, who has been hitting the ball well lately, had his second hit of the game as he singled up the middle. Joseph Rader was hit by a pitch thrown by pitcher Clayton Hirsch, bringing up Alex Platz with the bases loaded. Platz worked the count full before being awarded first base on a pitch that was just inside, giving FBC a 3-2 lead. Trevor Edwards was hit by an errant 0-1 fastball, driving home Sparrow from third and giving FBC a lead of 4-2. Damien Ferguson then stepped up to the plate.

The outfield moved very deep into position, due to Damien hitting 2 very long but foul balls in his previous plate appearance. Hirsch tried to get ahead of Damien by throwing a high fastball by him, but the pitch was not high enough. Damien took a ferocious cut, bat met ball, and Damien sent it deep into flight. As the sweet part of the bat kissed the ball, a resounding "ping" filled the cool, night air. The ball sailed high and deep into right center field, and the fielder for Kiwanis raced back to try and track the missile down. He did raise his glove in a last second, valiant attempt to catch the shot, and the ball did just graze the top of his glove. Although he was not able to make the spectacular catch, his efforts probably saved the hit from being a grand slam as the ball was slowed down somewhat. The ball was finally picked up and fired into the infield, sailing towards the fence along first base. Damien speeded towards home plate with all he had, sliding across home plate just as the ball reached the catcher, who had received the throw from the pitcher. Although it truly did seem that Damien was safe and had beaten the throw home, the umpire ruled him out, ending the inning, but not before FBC had rallied for 5 runs to take a 7-5 lead.

Everyone always wants the close calls, but in this case, it would have been a lot better if the umpire would have been in proper position to make the call. He was standing behind the catcher, who was blocking his view, so he could not have seen if the tag was made before Damien reached the plate. He could not have seen if a tag was even made at all.

Kiwanis scored 3 runs and they had the bases loaded in the bottom of the sixth to make things interesting, but Drake Jeffries induced Brody Shook to hit the ball meekly in front of home plate. Catcher Skyler Hood pounced on the ball like a cat on a mouse, and he stepped on home plate to force the runner from third, ending the game.

Drake Jeffries and Damien Ferguson were awarded game balls.

It Ain't Over Till It's Over . . .

Baseball Hall of Famer, wise man, guru and sage, Yogi Berra, once said, "It ain't over till it's over." This erudite maxim proved true again late last night as FBC came from behind to defeat Alamo 5-3. With the win, FBC's season record improves to 7-6.

What makes sports so great, and especially baseball, is that one can go from goat to hero in only a matter of mere moments. Such was the case with Damien Ferguson last night. Damien, who so far this year had been hitting the ball very well, found himself wearing not only the ignominious and proverbial "collar" by going 0-4, he also donned the "golden sombrero" by fanning in all of his plate appearances. But thanks to some late inning heroics from his teammates, Damien was able to reprieve himself and play a huge part in his team's victory.

Alamo took a 2-0 lead in the first inning when they scored twice on 3 hits, but it could have been much worse. Donovan Ferguson's emergence as a solid catcher was key to limiting the damage that could have occurred. With Donovan behind the plate, Drake Jeffries was freed up to take a position in left center field, and the move proved crucial. With 1 run in and a runner at first base, Zach Hall blasted a rising line drive into deep left center. Jeffries took 2 steps back, leaped and caught the ball, almost doubling off the runner on first base. The blast had all the makings of being, at the least, a 3 bagger, but Jeffries' remarkable catch really kept the game from getting our of hand and out of reach.

FBC was not hitting, for the most part, throughout the game. Donovan Ferguson legged out an infield single in the top of the third for only the second hit of the game for FBC, but he was left stranded at third base following a throwing error and a stolen base. It was not until the top of the sixth and final inning of play that FBC finally scored. Trevor Edwards got the rally going with a 1 out single into right, and he quickly stole second and third. He came home on an RBI single off the bat of Drake Jeffries, and Dalton Stephens, who was awarded the game ball, took the next pitch right down the third base line where he circled the bases for a 2 run home run to give FBC a 3-2 lead.

Alamo had a little heroics of their own as they tied the game in the bottom of the sixth on a 2 out RBI triple by Zach Hall, who plated Cooper Simmonds all the way from first base. Simmonds had reached safely on a fielder's choice that went pitcher to shortstop, where Donovan Ferguson was now playing. Donovan's throw to first base just missed getting the speedy Simmonds. FBC had an excellent chance of nailing Simmonds at the plate as Trevor Edwards' throw home was a very good one, but catcher Skyler Hood momentarily took his eye off the ball to check out the runner, and the ball went over his glove. Tucker Rappe struck out to end the threat, sending the game into extra innings.

In the meantime, Damien Ferguson was sent to the bullpen to be warmed up by older brother, Daniel, and Damien was instructed to go with his 2 seamer and 4 seamer. He was also advised to not take his at-bats with him to the mound, because he now had a chance to reprieve himself and his team by pitching well.

Brayton Sparrow got things started off right for FBC as he rifled a shot into center for a leadoff single. Brayton moved into scoring postion by stealing second. Skyler Hood followed with a 4 pitch walk, and he and Brayton pulled off the successful double steal to put runners at second and third. Donovan Ferguson struck out swinging for out number 1, and Alex Platz worked the count full before drawing a free pass, loading the bases for Joseph Rader. Rader walked on a full count to drive in the go ahead run, and FBC added an insurance run as Michael Brown also walked, forcing in Skyler Hood. Trevor Edwards went down swinging on a full count, and Damien Ferguson ended the inning by whiffing on 3 pitches, setting the stage for the bottom of the seventh.

Damien Ferguson quickly got ahead in the count 0-2 before getting Bryson Wall to pop out to him for out number 1. Andrew Edwards took the first pitch up the middle for a single, as Donovan Ferguson's diving attempt at shortstop just missed getting to the ball. Edwards stole second, but Gunner Runyan struck out swinging for out number 2. A wild pitch that sailed high to Joey Munoz put Edwards at third. Munoz fouled off a 2-2 4 seam fastball before working the count full, but Damien's 3-2 2 seam sinking fastball buckled the knees of Munoz, freezing him at the dish where he could not pull the trigger, and the pitch back-doored into the strike zone. Munoz was called out, and the game was over, with Damien earning his second save of the campaign.

The 10 and under All-Star team was announced this week, and Drake Jeffries and Damien Ferguson were selected to be on the American squad.

The Testing of Abraham

In Genesis 22, God calls Abraham to travel to a distant mountain to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, as a burnt offering. This was a terrible prospect for any father to face, but it must have been especially harrowing for Abraham. This was a long journey for these individuals to take, but none as long or as unbearable as that undertaken by Abraham, for he alone knew what he was supposed to do to the son whom he loved once they arrived at their destination. With each plodding step of this three-day journey, Abraham pondered his life, and that of his son, Isaac. Now the life of his precious son was soon to be extinguished, brought to an abrupt end through Abraham’s own hands. As Abraham rehearsed the many years of his long life that had brought him to this point, he thought upon God and his own dealings with Him. Suddenly, Abraham realized that God had never let him down. God had never reneged on any of His promises, regardless of how remotely impossible they had seemed! Abraham and Sarah had tried to help God keep His promises before, as if the Lord and Creator of the universe needed any help, but Abraham’s and Sarah’s help proved to be disastrous. It ripped their home apart, as Hagar and Ishmael turned out not to be part of the promise God had made with Abraham. God had told Abraham and Sarah that it was through them and Isaac, their miracle child, that the world would be blessed. As they traversed those long miles, Abraham concluded that nothing was too great for God to accomplish or overcome . . . even death! Abraham knew through his eyes and heart of faith that God would not leave Isaac dead in a heap of ashes on that mountaintop. God would raise Isaac from the dead (Hebrews 11:19)!

That long journey of three days was where the real battle of faith was won in the heart and mind of Abraham, long before the wood was carried up the mountain, long before the altar of sacrifice was built upon which Isaac would be placed, and long before Abraham stood above Isaac, poised with his arm raised high above his head, ready to plunge the knife into his son's prone body, to take the life of Isaac. Abraham could have cast aside this great burden and turned his back on the Lord many times, but instead, he resolved to do the will of God. He determined purposefully within his heart, and he prepared himself with all of his being, to be completely obedient to God. When push comes to shove, it is time that usually defeats us. It could have been this way with Abraham, but he chose to remain true to the Lord Who had always been true to him, and Abraham passed his test. And because Abraham remained true to God, the entire Earth has been blessed. As the Apostle Paul tells us in Galatians 3:16 [RSV], “Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, ‘And to offsprings,’ referring to many; but, referring to one, ‘And to your offspring,’ which is Christ.”

We generally lack patience and endurance. That is why we must take time to make the effort to grow in the fruit of the Spirit. Paul tells us in Galatians 5:22-23 [RSV], 22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23. gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. It requires great resolve, and in Abraham's case, great faithfulness, to resist for a long time, but it can be done through prayer and faith in Christ, and the rewards are great. Paul encourages those who endure, those who persevere through their own trials and tests, by reminding them that a great promise of reward awaits those who overcome when he writes, “Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8 [RSV]).

May the Lord bless you as you grow in your faith in Him!

FBC Defeats the Moose 19-4

FBC evened their season record at 6-6 as they defeated the Moose 19-4.

Global warming had skyrocketed the mercury up to 59 degrees Fahrenheit as the Moose took the field to play FBC in a Kids Pitch Baseball League game in Mattoon, IL on June 4, 2009. Trevor Edwards walked to start things off for FBC, and he promptly stole second and third in the raging heat before coming home to score the first run of the game as Drake Jeffries singled up the middle. Dalton Stephens had an infield single on the first pitch he saw to place runners at first and second. Dalton Armes took first base as he was plunked high on his back from an errant fastball, loading the bases before Jeffries scored from third on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Skyler Hood as FBC took a 2-0 lead. Stephens got the nod as starter for FBC, and the Moose claimed the lead by scoring 4 runs of their own, due in no small part to poor defense by the FBC squad. Alex Munoz grounded to Stephens, but the throw to the bag was missed by first baseman Michael Brown, and Munoz took second. Garrett Jones walked as Munoz advanced to third on a wild pitch. John Rasmussen popped up to Stephens for the first out of the inning, and both runners took off when the ball was hit, so Stephens threw to first in an attempt to double off Jones. The ball was dropped by Brown and Munoz was able to come home safely. Another wild pitch from Stephens put Jones at second base, and he scored when Zack Shores singled into left field. Shores took second on the throw home, and he crossed the plate on a single into right off the bat of Alec Bianco. Grady White hit a sharp liner up the middle, advancing Bianco to third base, and Bianco scored on an error by Michael Brown at first base, giving the Moose a 4-2 lead.

FBC took the lead for good in the top of the second inning as they sent 9 batters to the plate. The big blow of the inning came off the bat of Damien Ferguson, who drove a 3-0 fastball deep into center field for a bases-clearing, 3 run double. Had he not been impeded by not 1, but 2 Moose fielders standing in the baseline, he probably would have had a grand slam, but unfortunately, no defensive obstruction was called.

Donovan Ferguson made his catching debut in the bottom of the third inning, and he did a great job behind the dish. He caught 2 innings of shutout ball as teammate Brayton Sparrow came in relief from the bullpen to shut down the Moose. Donovan did such a good job blocking the ball that the Moose players were not able even to attempt to steal when they reached base safely. Donovan came into the dugout after the third inning had come to a close, very pleased that he had taken 2 foul balls off of his facemask. Brayton Sparrow also reported that he was very happy having Donovan as his catcher. Sparrow also went 2 for 2 with the stick with an RBI and he was hit by a pitch at the plate, so he was awarded the game ball at the close of the contest.

Damien Ferguson came to bat with the bases loaded again in the top of the fifth inning with his first cousin once removed, Grady White, pitching for the Moose. Grady proceeded to plunk Damien on the helmet with a fastball. The pitch hit Damien hard enough that it drove his helmet into the side of his face and neck, leaving a slight bruise. Grady was moved to first base, where he and Damien laughed about the pitch. Damien's mom was overheard to say following the beaning, "Did he lose any teeth?" Damien had 1 and a half permanent teeth get knocked out earlier this year while playing basketball, and he just got the half tooth fixed on June 1. The other tooth that came completely out seems to be doing well as it still continues to be wired in place.

Donovan Ferguson drove in the last run of the game as he drew a bases loaded walk in a very good at-bat in which he saw 10 pitches in the top of the fifth.

First National Bank Downs Police 10-5

Daniel Ferguson recorded his first save as the First National Bank Cal Ripken League boys baseball team defeated the Police on Monday, June 1, 2009.
It was a very beautiful evening for baseball with temperatures in teh mid 80s, and starting pitcher Payton Hartbank was very sharp as he struck out the side 1-2-3 in the opening frame. Poor defense on the part of the Police contributed greatly to First National's scoring 5 runs in the bottom of the inning. Garion Smyser circled the bases to start things off for FNB, driving a 2 strike pitch sharply into center field for a single. The center fielder misplayed the ball, so Smyser advanced to third. He came home as the throw into shortstop was dropped for the second error on the play. Daniel Ferguson had a good at-bat as he fouled off several pitches with 2 strikes. He eventually hit the ball well, but out, as the shortstop threw him out at first base, just nipping Daniel as he was racing down the line. A very wise and learned baseball man who knows of which he speaks suggested to Daniel that he move closer to the plate, and the advice was heeded and it paid off as Daniel later would get 2 hits in the game. Payton Hartbank worked a full count before reaching safely as the second baseman committed the third error of the inning, booting the ground ball hit to him. Hartbank stole second and advanced to third as the throw from catcher sailed into right center field for the 4th error, and he came home as Alex Shoot grounded out short to first. Colton Shoot tripled into right field and Cole Philpot walked, putting runners at first and third, and both runners pulled off a successful delayed double steal, as Cole Shoot scored the third run of the inning. The catcher's throw to second base was wild again and Philpot was able to reach home safely on the fifth error of the inning. The miscues for the Police continued as Hayden Phillips singled into right field and advanced to second base as the ball was bobbled by the right fielder. Alex Inman singled up the middle as Phillips scored the fifth and final run of the inning.
Alex Shoot took to the mound in the top of the second, fanning the side while walking 2 batters. FNB was held scoreless as Daniel Ferguson was the only batter to reach safely, hitting a two out infield single to third.
Cole Shoot struck out the side in the top of the third inning, facing just 3 batters, and FNB scored their sixth run of the inning as Alex Shoot singled to center, advanced to second on a wild pitch, stole third, and scored on the second wild pitch of the inning.
Things got interesting in the top of the fourth as the Police sent 10 batters to the plate. Cole Shoot started the inning but his control left him as he walked the first 4 batters he faced. Time was asked for and given, and Daniel Ferguson was brought in to face Jackson Berg with the bases loaded and nobody out. Berg walked to drive in the second run of the inning. It was then that FNB's defense began to crack. Daniel threw a fastball for a strike, but the ball bounced off the glove of catcher Garion Smyser. Daniel Ferguson raced home to cover the plate, and all Smyser needed to do was give him a decent throw and they would have nailed the runner. As it was, the throw went high. Daniel leaped to make the catch and he appeared to tag the runner out anyway with a very good sweep tag, but the runner was ruled safe. Batter Trey Skocy reached safely as Berg, running from second, was called out for offensive interference as he impeded the play at shortstop for out number 1. Luke Young followed with a shot hit to the right of shortstop Payton Hartbank, who fielded the grounder in the hole but elected to try and throw out the runner at first, rather than going the short route for the easier force play at second. Hartbank's throw sailed wide, scoring Alex Lilly and Lucas Carpenter. Jacob Atkinson hit an easy can of corn into shallow right field that should have been caught for out number 2, but neither the second baseman, Colton Shoot, nor the right fielder, Alex Inman, made an attempt to catch the ball, and it fell for a single. Daniel then struck out Payton Howell before he induced Dakota Couch to ground out to second, ending the inning and preserving the lead. FNB went down in order in the bottom of the inning with the score in First National Bank's favor, 6-5.

Daniel Ferguson started the top of the fifth, and he made quick work of things as he got leadoff hitter Gavin Ayers to popup to shortstop. This out was sandwiched between 2 strike outs. Daniel then led off the bottom of the fifth for FNB by driving a one ball pitch into deep left center field that one-hopped the wall for a double. Payton Hartbank followed by hitting the first pitch delivered to him in virtually the same exact spot as Daniel for back-to-back doubles, and FNB increased its lead to 7-5. Alex Shoot walked on a full count, and both runners moved up on a double steal, placing runners at second and third. Hartbank scored on an attempted pickoff at third as the ball eluded the third baseman. Alex Shoot then stole third base standing up before coming home on single into right hit by younger brother, Colton. Colton stole second base before coming home for the tenth run of the game for FNB as he scored on a single hit off the bat of Alex Inman into right field.

Daniel Ferguson sprinted to the mound as the top of the sixth and final inning began with a comfortable lead now of 10-5. Alex Lilly flew out to center fielder Alex Shoot, who corralled the ball for out number 1. Lucas Carpenter struck out for out number 2. It was during his at-bat, however, that the defensive play of the game was made. The play was made by a fan in the stands. A very wise and learned baseball fan caught a towering fly foul ball with his bare left hand, and he managed this feat while simultaneously keeping his pen, cell phone and scorebook safely secured in his right hand. A round of applause was issued by the appreciative crowd for the display of athletic prowess, and the very wise and learned baseball fan who knows of which he speaks was awarded a free coke when he returned the ball to the refreshment stand. Jackson Berg was the recipient of the new pitch Daniel has learned, a knuckle curveball, and Berg ducked his head as it appeared the ball was going to be high and tight. Instead, it dropped right down and hit Berg in the helmet. Berg was awarded first base, although he should not have been, since the ball should have been called a strike. Berg's head was right over the plate and in the strike zone when the ball plunked his helmet. Daniel seemed a bit put out with the seeming wrong call, and he uncorked 2 wild pitches which moved the runner to third. He eventually walked Trey Skocy, but he did get Luke Young to ground out second to first to end the game.

First National Bank's record is now 5-2 for the season. Their next contest is today, beginning at 5:30 PM.

Moral Law

The Apostle Paul makes an interesting observation in Romans 8:19-23 [RSV]: 19. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God; 20. for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of Him Who subjected it in hope; 21. because the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in travail together until now; 23. and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

I realize from the start I am probably going to be in the minority on this one, but it is my opinion that the moral law has always existed from the beginning as far back as Adam, and that this moral law was eventually "codified" in what are commonly referred to as the Ten Commandments at Mt. Sinai. This moral law cuts across all covenants, and it is eternal. It is my belief that everything else that followed in the Decalogue with its “thou shalts” and “thou shalt nots,” and what was “clean” and what was “unclean,” comprise what are commonly referred to as the Law of Moses.
Whether or not this moral law is innate, meaning naturally ingrained in us, I am not sure, but throughout history all civilizations have followed these Ten Commandments to a certain degree one way or another. What civilizations generally get right are the last six. That is what has made socialism, Marxism and communism, which are relative newcomers on the scene, so repugnant: They violate the moral laws that have always existed that recognize individual freedom and liberty, personal responsibility and accountability, the right to ownership of private property by the citizen, and the family unit with a mother and a father as being the core and bedrock of society built upon the cornerstone of faith in God. It is these "isms," which themselves are but by-products of humanism, which have led to the devaluing of human life. What God has called blessed, socialism has called a “choice.” What God says in Psalm 127:3 [RSV] is a gift, “Lo, sons are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward,” socialism has called a burden on society to be discarded on a whim, and abortion on demand becomes the law of the land.
Where civilizations have messed up is with the application of the first four of these Ten Commandments. But all societies that have arisen have had some foundation of religiosity about them, which has given rise to the pagan religions of the world. It is this fact that makes me lean towards believing that there is an innate knowledge imbedded in our DNA that knows of the existence of a being greater than man, and we desire to reach him, but because of sin's entrance into the creation (Romans 8:19-23), we are kept from knowing the God unless we seek Him out of our own free will. That is why parents are given the duty to "train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6 [RSV]), and fathers are specifically commanded to "not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4 [RSV]). God will then reveal Himself to us when we seek Him: 26. And He made from one every nation of men to live on all the face of the Earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their habitation, 27. that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel after Him and find Him. Yet He is not far from each one of us, 28. for 'In Him we live and move and have our being'; as even some of your poets have said, 'For we are indeed His offspring.' (Acts 17:26-28 [RSV]; see also Matthew 7:7-8; John 7:17; John 14:21; John 8:47; 1 Corinthians 2:14).
Socialism, once again, is naturally repugnant to this idea in that it teaches the irrelevancy of fathers and leads to them being swept aside as unnecessary in the raising of children. The only "good" quality about a man under socialism is that of being a supplier of seed for the purposes of procreation. The father's role has been replaced with the State taking over as the alleged Benevolent Parent. Although the "enlightened" elitists proclaim they are above the needs of religion, and mock those who profess allegiance to Christ, they nonetheless have pushed God aside, too, and simply exchanged the true salvation found in Christ only for the new religion of Statism. The clearest manifestation of this new religion, which is really nothing but a reprisal of an ancient, false, pagan religion, comes in the form of the worship of Mother Earth under the guise of “saving the planet” through the “green environmentalism” movement. Yes, we are to be good stewards of that which God has blessed us, but not to the extent that the created becomes the object of our worship.

We are witnessing first hand the devastating effects the subjugation of men and fathers to the State has had on our nation as it has moved further and further into Marxism through the implementation of the welfare state. Generation after generation after generation are now being raised who do not know their father, and personal responsibility is no longer considered a virtue, but a vice. So I believe there is an innate knowledge of a being greater than man, but the moral laws have had to be taught to us from our parents, particularly our fathers, as they came from the true and Living God, the Father of all. But as long as we continue to denigrate the roles of men and fathers in society, the further we will remove ourselves as a society from the Father of the universe.