Fun and Games

The Cops vs. Coaches softball game held on April 15 at Ocracoke Community Park was an awesome way to kick off the weekend. The event, which was hopefully to be the first of many, aimed to raise money for Ocracoke School’s 2016 Field Day. The game began at 5 o’clock on a blustery, overcast, and dreary Friday, but those factors didn’t stop Ocracoke residents from attending.

Since Corey Cutright (a participant in the match) told me about the game, I’d been ridiculously excited, and there were multiple reasons for this excitement. The first was that several of the players are friends, and it’s always fun to root, root, root for your friends. Secondly, I was really looking forward to watching the game with some buddies, as well as seeing people I don’t typically see. And the third reason was this game was to be the first game I attended at Ocracoke Community Park. Friday seemed to draaaaaaggg as I waited quite impatiently for quittin’ time, so when we could finnalllyyyyyy leave to pedal over, my excitement and enthusiasm had bubbled over.

I met up with friend Chelsea after work so we could bicycle over to Ocracoke Community Park, and while we were still on Middle Road, we saw maybe a dozen or so vehicles parked along the side. Once we turned onto Maurice Ballance Road, we saw many more vehicles, all nicely stacked side-by-side along the sandy drive. I was impressed by how many vehicles could park on the road while still allowing for other motorists to travel on the lane. There was also a substantial amount of bicycles near the bridge that takes you into the Park, but due to the wind they’d all been blown over.

As Chelsea and I parked our bikes and headed over the bridge, we could hear announcer Tommy Hutcherson calling the game and providing a variety of sound affects to compliment his commentary. We also heard cheering and clapping, so we picked up the pace, paid the entrance fee, and found a spot on the grass behind first base. Shortly thereafter, friends Kim, Stephanie, and Sam arrived, so we all sort of huddled up, and watched and cheered and chatted. 

The bleachers were completely packed. Local children and their parents were bundled up like they were heading out on an Arctic expedition, not attending a spring softball game, but they were talking, laughing, and all-in-all appeared to be really enjoying themselves. There were also a lot of spectators standing and sitting on the grassy areas by first and third bases, as well as small groups of kids playing games, not seeming to mind the cold weather. Locals Sarah and Brad, as well as Alice, had the brilliant idea to pack blankets for lawn seating. Others around us were wrapped up in blankets in an effort to stay warm.

The seven-inning match-up was filled with action and tension, celebration and frustration. Ed Fuller – who was playing with the Cops – hit two homeruns, and Bill Cole, John Kattenburg, and Brian Sammick – all on the Coaches team – hit in-park homeruns. Leading hitters for the Cops were Matthew Sitterson, Spencer Gaskins, Rob King, and Corey Cutright. Walt Padgett and Adam Burleson (more commonly known as Coach B) led the Coaches team with five hits each, and every single player on both teams had at least one hit! The Coaches team also had two wonderful women playing: running coach/art teacher Kitty Mitchell and soccer coach/guidance counselor Mary McKnight!

There were several intense sliding plays, which always add a little sandy/cloudy bit of excitement, and one big collision when Denny Widener (Coaches) ran to home plate and Cops catcher Shane Bryan ran into Denny. Hits reaching into the outfield got the crowd riled up, and close calls as hitters sprinted to the bases got the crowd cheering too!

The Cops were trailing the Coaches for much of the game, but were able to close the gap as the game progressed. The Cops tied the Coaches with a score of 21-21, but the Coaches were able to slip passed the Cops and clinch a 23-22 victory.

Ocracoke School Principal Walt Padgett reported the game earned $1,900! Between the minimal entry cost and sale of commemorative t-shirts, the fundraiser was a huge success! Padgett said we should be ready for a rematch in future and is “…pleased with the turnout and support for our fundraiser. Thanks to all the coaches, law enforcement, and EMT guys who participated, and everyone who helped make this fundraiser possible. Thanks to Coach B for putting this event together.”

Cops Team Roster: Ed Fuller, Carson O'Neal, Spencer Gaskins, Blackburn Warner, Shane Bryan, Jason Daniels, Corey Cutright, Logan Jenkins, William Boyd, Matthew Sitterson, Rob King, Bill Caswell (Coach), Howard Bennink (Coach)

Coaches Team Roster: Walt Padgett, Adam Burleson, Brian Samick, Bill Cole, Charles Temple, John Kattenburg, David Scott Esham, Ernie Doshier, Tyler Gilbert, Kitty Mitchell, Denny Widener, David Allewalt, Bill Evans, Scott McNally, Jason Wells (Coach)

Umpires: Jim McClain and Tom Pahl