By Erik Harris
JEFFERSON COUNTY – With Mother Nature having her way with the opening week of baseball season, area players try to stay focused.
Despite opening day being a distant memory, Hewitt-Trussville and Clay-Chalkville have yet to throw their first official pitch of the season.
Pinson Valley managed to squeeze in a doubleheader on Wednesday at Corner, which they split, but it took three attempts to finally make it happen.
Pinson Valley senior catcher Gage Farley
file photo by Ron Burkett
With third-year Indian’s head coach Shane Chappell urging his guys to keep the right perspective; two of his seniors have received the message.
“It hasn’t affected our rhythm,” said fourth-year catcher Gage Farley. “We’re just eager to get out and play someone other than ourselves. And Chappell, you can tell wants to play these games, but understands you have to adjust. He says ‘control what you can control.’”
Senior second baseman Baker Hodge has chosen to keep a similar outlook on the situation.
“Yeah, can’t control Mother Nature,” Hodge said. “Just trying to do what we can and stay ready to play.”
The Indians hope to host Pleasant Grove on Saturday for a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.
The Cougars, under the direction of second-year head coach Bubba Roberts, have been unsuccessfully trying to host Springville since Monday. Their next scheduled game is Saturday morning at Gadsden City followed by a game against Fort Payne at 12:30 p.m., also at Gadsden City.
Senior pitcher Matthew Calvert hasn’t let the endless cancelations get under his hat.
“It really isn’t hard at all,” said Calvert. “Every game when I know I’m going to be on the mound, I have a mentality that is set and I’m just ready to do my job. Just have to move on to the next day and set that mentality again and be ready when your number is called.”
Clay-Chalkville shortstop Tyler Duke swings at a pitch in a game at Hewitt-Trussville last season.
file photo by Ron Burkett
Fellow Clay-Chalkville senior Tyler Duke is ready to put his tireless preparation to good use.
“We are just excited and ready to finally get to step out between the lines and play,” said the shortstop. “We’ve worked all offseason to get to this point and we are just ready to kick things off and get it rolling.”
Hewitt-Trussville, after numerous cancelations, will now attempt to host James Clements and Hartselle for a pair of Saturday games starting at 1:30 p.m. The Huskies will take on James Clements first, followed by Hartselle at 4 p.m.
