Alternate Practices

It has been discussed by many of our players, that they would like a mid-week practice as well as our Sunday practices. And, some guys can't make the Sundays right now, but would still like to throw the ball around with some of the guys. This is by no means a mandatory practice, just a chance to get some extra work in. For now, the practices will also be at Cedar Hills elementary at 6:00PM on Thursday.

Also, a big congrats to the team for pulling off a big win against our in-church rival, Oak Creek-Silver! It was a good game by both teams but with XR having the last at-bats, we took advantage. Our defense held the score down in the final innings and with the strength of our batting, I knew the W wasn't far away. For those who missed the game.... you missed possibly the best opening day in history. I heard we had 15+ fans, though, which is still a good turnout. A quick recap of some of the highlights were: First of all, we had back-to-back homeruns. There were also two other hits that made it to the fence, and its still early in the season. Once all of our batters find their stride, I think we'll be putting plenty more over the fence. Second of all, all of our players made it on base. That I was extremely happy to hear. Complete team involvement. and third of all, defensively, we ended our last inning with a double play. Something we didn't see much of last year. Way to go, guys!

This next week we play at 7:15 against Life Church, who is new to our division/league. I caught a quick glimpse of their game (which was before ours) and it looks like they have some hitters. Some of my players said their defense was a little sloppy, which I hope we can take advantage of this upcoming Monday. Either way, I think it should be a good match-up, and we'll need to bring our A-game, or maybe suffer a loss. And thats why I'm pleased to hear that our guys want an alternate practice day. It gives us an edge on our opponents who may struggle to even get one good practice in a week.

1-0
The Coach

OPENING DAY!!!

Today is the start of the softball season and the Crossroads team's first game is against our in-church rival, Oak Creek-Silver. Silver had a pretty good season last year, losing a tie-breaker for first with a record of 10-5. One of those five losses was to the Crossroads team. Our team will have limited available players for tonight's 7:15 game, but should be enough to cover the field.

We are going to start the season off right. First with a win, then after the final game (Green plays at 8:15 and some of the XR players might fill in for this week) we will be heading over to Gille's on 76th and Bluemound for some food. I know this post is very close to game time and I will try not to do it again. But until I can figure some things out on this blog, here is the schedule.

April 24 - 7:15 - OC-Silver W 14-13
May 1 - 7:15 - Life Church (rained-out)
May 8 - 8:15+9:15 - Calvary W 11-7 W 14-13
May 15 - 8:15+9:15 - Brookfield Green L 22-12 W 16-7
May 22 - 6:15 - New Life
May 29 - Memorial Day - No Games!
June 5 - 8:15+9:15 - OC-Silver
June 12 - 8:15+9:15 - Life Church
June 19 - 6:15 - Calvary
June 26 - 6:15 - Brookfield Green
July 3 - Independence day (eve?) - No Games!
July 10 - 7:15 - New Life
July 17 - 6:15 - New Life

Expected temperatures are supposed to be in the 60's now but with some wind. Rain is possible, but expected to hold off into the overnight hours.

Plan your life...
GML

Beloit Snappers Game

On Saturday, May 6th, Crossroads will be going down to Beloit to see a Snappers game. I have it posted on my Crossroads Xtended blog as well. Its open to everyone in Crossroads, but I really wanted the whole softball team to go if possible. Just for the sake of observing some professionals, or semi-pros, and watching the player that matches your position(s) to help understand how to play your position a little better. There is a place to be for every player on almost any play, and the more we learn those positions, the better we can help each other and create a solid defense.

Tickets for the game will be $5.50, general admission, and the game starts at 4:00PM. We will probably be eating at the game, or getting a quick bite to eat in Beloit after the game. So it will be a relatively low cost day. If you are on the team and need a ticket, there are some other players on the team that can help with the cost. More details will follow.

End
GML

Practice & Schedule

As for the schedule; I have not yet received the official schedule for the softball season. As soon as I get it, I will post the entire schedule, times and opponents. If I can, it will be listed under the links or archives on this page's right side. All I know right now is that the first game is on April 24th, sometime between 6:30 and 8:30 (ish). I will also try to post the following Monday's game time on one of the white dry-erase boards in the Crossroads room.

As for practice; there is no practice Sunday, April 16th due to it being Easter. Players, try to get to the batting cages sometime this weekend, if possible, or early next week. Or both. And since the weather is getting nicer, call up some of the other guys and throw the ball around for part of an evening/afternoon, if your schedule permits. Do what you can to get prepared for the season start. No one likes playing their first game tight and out of shape. If you DO, OC-Green still needs players.

Superfans; since there is no practice, you need to start screaming more at your television, or cat. Even sing some Chevelle or 12 Stones, if you are a fan. Keep your voice loose. We will not accept cracking voices on the evening of April 24th.
Also, a dozen black cowbells have been ordered. I still have not received them, but they should be in soon. They aren't large, but thats fine because I don't want them ringing throughout the neighborhood. We are looking for a logo for them, maybe just the current logo inside a softball outline, I don't know.

That is all for now.
GML

Practice 4/9/06

The weather calls for a high of 53 on Sunday, with a mix of clouds and sun. This means there WILL be practice this week. 2:00, Cedar Hills Elementary, be there. If you cannot make it, let me know by either e-mail or getting a hold on me on Sunday morning.

Stop Reading.
GML

Welcome To Crossroads Softball!

First note: Players! Practices will be at 2:00PM Sunday afternoons at Cedar Hills Elementary. At least, for now. I'm looking for a new field. Cedar Hills is located off of 20th St.(north of Rawson), at the top of the hill, turn left onto Wood Ave. and its at the curve of the street (roughly). Although this post may be too late, there is NO PRACTICE on Sunday April 2nd. The predicted conditions do not look favorable for an outdoor sport. Expect practice the following weeks to come.

Second note: Players, Fans and SUPERfans! The games will be starting Monday, April 24th and will be every Monday evening(with a few exceptions) throughout the Spring and Summer. The games will be at Wick Field which is at 4929 Vliet St. in Milwaukee. Our diamond is the one behind the tennis courts and is the easternmost field.
Players: Try your best to be at the games about 45 minutes early. This is important for line-up planning, warming up and devotions. Some devotions will be pre-game and others will be post-game. It all depends on that night's gametime.
Fans and SUPERfans: We need some SUPERfans this year. People who are loud and rowdy and ready to heckle Pastor Greg and the Silver team (they are in our division). I'm also looking to start a Crossroads Cowbell Crew. Hopefully we can get some people to help chip in to buy some cowbells for our SUPERfans to use every game, if its even permitted.

Third note: Roster. I wont be listing positions because of the versatility of many of our players.

Gabriel M Ledbetter - Coach/Manager
Ryan Banks
Jeremiah Blomberg
Pastor Jon Brooks
Dave Ciero
Dustyn Kupsik
Michael Luth
Greg Mandigo
Billy Martin
Jeremy Ratliff
Dan Robinson
Eric Sandoval
Deric Wallace
Tim Williams
Eddie Willing

If I have forgotten your name from this list, let me know. Also, there are still players that I need paperwork from and most still need to pay me.

We are calling this season; "The Greatest Turnaround in Sports History". Our inaugural team of 2005 went 3-12. I have confidence in the 2006 team to turn that record around or do even better. The competition in Division 3 is roughly the same, and is becoming relatively familiar. The players are pumped for the season to start and so am I. And I hope our fans are too.

I think I will end on that note.

Stop Reading!