Softball Season is Underway

The 2010 softball season got underway last week for Gardenside Christian Church.

The team enters the 2010 campaign with many questions. The biggest one being which Gardenside team will show up in 2010? It could resemble the 2008 edition that went 7-5 and were one out from reaching the semi-finals of the city tournament. However, it could also be like last year’s disappointing 3-7 season. That team forfeited their first-round city tournament game and looked anything but impressive at the National Christian Church Softball Tournament in Bright, IN, over Labor Day weekend.

Russ Bruins ended a long holdout and signed on for another season in late March. He only threatened to quit the team three times before the season started. Those who’ve been with the team for a few years know it’s only “Russ being Russ.”

Russ’ brother, Nick Bruins, has been a regular fixture and solid contributor, but his future with the GCC team is somewhat in doubt as he waits to be placed as a fireman (potentially in another city).

Third baseman turned outfielder Ryan Smith looks to shake off a sub-par 2009 season and return to his 2008 form.

So far, the 2010 season is off to a good start. The G-men won their opener last week (April 8th), 15-7, over the college group from Porter Memorial Baptist Church.

Here’s the rest of the schedule (all games at Athens Complex/Field C):

Apr 15 – vs 1st & 2nd Presbyterian (7:30 pm)

Apr 22 – vs Highlands Baptist (7:30 pm)

Apr 29 – vs Victory Baptist (8:30 pm)

May 06 – vs Eastland Church of God “B” (6:30 pm)

May 13 – vs Ashland Baptist #2 (7:30 pm)

May 20 – vs St John’s Lutheran (8:30 pm)

May 27 – vs Highlands Baptist (6:30 pm)

June 03 - vs St John’s Lutheran (9:30 pm)