SWLL Keeps The Game Moving

Everyone Gets To Play at Southwest

June 6, 2008
By: Kevin Leahy

Supreme Carpet of SWLL has a 4-4 record, and they are always ready to play.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Leahy)

"We just try to communicate with the other coaches before the game," said Gephart Funeral Home head coach, Roger Klauss. Klauss of SWLL's Gephart Funeral Home, was referring to the number of players each team has to put into the outfield. On Sunday his team had five but sometimes they have six or even seven.

A SW Little Leaguer drives one into left field for a single.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Leahy)

"We want everyone to have the chance to play, as long as the other coach agrees. It's all about the kids getting their chance," added Klauss.

The five run limit rule was in affect on the seven-eight-and nine-year-old minor league field. In order to keep the game moving, once one-team scores five runs in one inning, they take the field and allow the other team to bat.

With no catcher covering the play, "He is safe," screamed the umpire.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Leahy)



"I like it. It really keeps the game moving and none of the kids get bored," said Fred Englehart whose grandson was playing.

The Gephart team is 4-4 but their motivation isn't wins and losses, it's about developing the talents of the kids and most of the time, it's trial and error with kids that age.

"Good stop Dylan," cheered coach Klauss as he encouraged his catcher Dylan Slachta. "It's the first time he has ever been behind the plate catching," said Klauss just before the next batter hit one to the fence and was attempting an inside-the-park homerun with a play at the plate.

With a long hit to the fence, this Gephart player is stretching it into an inside-the-park homerun.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Leahy)

Slachta made the catch from the cut-off man and made a perfect tag for the out at home. The coach was proud of his first-time catcher and let him know, "Good play Dylan, way to make that play" he cheered then turned (to me) and confided, "I lost a heart beat there for a second."

Dylan Slachta, making his first tag out as catcher, convincing his coach he belongs behind the plate.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Leahy)

Little League is about the kids and giving them a chance at different positions until they find their comfort zone. By the time they get to majors, they know the positions and the ones they're good at.

In Majors action, Brandon Yates of Bosco Fruit hit a double but was left stranded in the first. Then Tyler Snover and Taylor Schepper hit back-to-back singles for Harpham Chiropractic before being left stranded in the bottom of the first.

Brandon Yates brings the heater, "Here's the pitch, wait the second baseman is checking the runner . . . STRIKE! Good thing."
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Leahy)

Auto-Tec won the first half Championship in SWLL with their 15-8 win over Mr. Hot Dog. Jacob Alarie hit a homerun for Auto-Tec while Justin Gorr, Carson Eby and Logan Eby had two hits apiece in the win.

Catcher Mitch Marvin makes the scoop on an errant pitch during action at SWLL.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Leahy)

In other SWLL action, Universal Carpet Care won 12-9 over DAV as Zac Grider had five RBI's while Chase Matthew and Hayden Jatczak added two apiece in the win. Ben VanSumeran had three hits for DAV.

Universal had another win over Kentucky Fried Chicken 6-2 with Kevin Foco and Hayden Jaczak each getting two hits. Freddie Bauer pitched twelve strike outs for KFC in the loss.