Meet the Prowlers

AJ (C, LF, P) A clutch hitter & fine defensive catcher, AJ is also a leader in the dugout. He made the play of the year, tagging out an East Cobb Cub for the final out in the July tourney semifinal win.

Audie (RF, P) Longtime teammate of Will’s, Audie hit better in the first half of the season than I’d ever seen him hit. Played great defense in RF. Also plays football at Lassiter - quarterbacked the 9th grade team.

Durham (LF, P) Injured much of the year, his go-ahead bases-loaded triple blew open the big win over the Cubs. Parents are from Chester SC…dad went to the Citadel, mom scrambles for foul balls (& was tackled by Spencer).

Jared (CF) The best youth centerfielder I’ve seen, and gets great jumps on balls. Very fast on the bases as well. His little sister often serves as the team bat-girl…she came out and said she likes Matthew, who avoids coming to Will’s games. Made the Lassiter varsity as a freshman.

Michael (P, 1B, LF) Fine pitcher and nice guy. Had a complete-game shutout on his birthday at East Cobb, against a very tough team. Step-dad recently played Augusta National.

Mitch (P, 1B, 3B) Fiery competitor and big game pitcher, Mitch is as his best when the game is on the line. Fundamentally sound in every area of the game. Great, fun parents…dad Fred loves the ChiSox and bows to baseball superstitions like me, like not changing when you’re on a streak.

Parker (2B) Made several fantastic defensive plays at second. Hilarious brother Spencer jumps on fences, leads cheers, and battles kids and parents alike for foul balls. During a recent rain delay Spencer entertained the crowd by sliding headfirst, shirtless, across the tarp-covered home plate, channeling Rick Dempsey.

Ryan G (C, P, LF) Early in the season I saw what a complete ballplayer RG is. A fine catcher with a strong arm, a strike-throwing pitcher, a playmaking leftfielder. Behind the plate he goes old school, wearing a flapless batting helmet backwards and old-school catcher’s mask. Also wears some weird brand of spikes that are supposedly super-comfortable. Dad David helped coach, another fine, fun baseball guy.

Ryan T (3B, P, 2B, SS) I enjoy watching both Ryans play. RT makes all the plays, and can handle the bat as well. He was impacted the most when Will joined the team. His likable dad makes smart, sensible decisions as the Prowlers manager. Sweet mom and family, including his little brother.

Tyler (1B, P, OF) The lanky sweet-swinging lefty quietly racks up extra-base hit after extra base hit, and his pitching motions takes advantage of his long limbs…well-schooled by his coach/dad. Made the Lassiter varsity as a freshman, and he plays football and basketball as well. Both parents teach.

Will (SS, C) Tough season for Will, playing shortstop and batting leadoff with & against players superior to any in his career. Made some great plays he shouldn’t have, and missed some he should’ve. His three homers weren’t cheap, and he led the team in hits, times reaching base, total bases, stolen bases, games played, and plate appearances. He was second in homers, triples, HBP, runs, and at bats.