Memories from a baseball season as the play-by-play announcer for the Bend Elks on 106.7 KPOV:
The most horrifying, sickening sound in baseball is the contact of a baseball with a face. Tommy Richards, current Washington State player and the son of Elks' owner and general manager Jim Richards, was struck in the face by a fastball in the Elks' 6-4 loss to Corvallis in the West Division championship series. Six broken bones in his nose and cheek. Good news - no damage to his left eye. Still get chills.
Does the West Coast League have a rule limiting the number of mascots who are allowed to parade around a stadium at one time? Geez, four does seem a bit excessive, even if one is Ronald McDonald.
Bend head coach Scott Anderson delivering the lineup to home plate while wearing a surgical mask after serving a two-game, league imposed suspension for being tossed, in large part, for employing foul language during a "discussion" with an umpire.
More than 3,000 jammed into rocking-and-reeling Vince Genna Stadium for the aforementioned 6-4 playoff loss to Corvallis on a Tuesday night.
Peter Lavin's masterful three-hit shutout, leading to a stunning 1-0 post-season game two victory over Corvallis in the post-season. The Elks lost the series, 2-1.
Bobby Evers speeding around the infield at Vince Genna Stadium on the landscape buggy. Yes, the Elks' players are responsible for diamond preparation for home games.
Listening to the crowd sing/belt out the lyrics of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" night after night after night...
A walk-off single by Jordan Leyland before more than 1,500 celebrating fans on July 4, giving the Elks' a 5-4 victory over Corvallis.
Corey Valine's steady play in the field, key hits. And, his refreshingly earthy perspective off the field.And so many more...When does next season start?
