Root, root, root for home team

The crack of bats, the cheers rising around the diamond, clouds of dust in the springtime air – it’s time again for “America’s pastime” right here in Franklin County.

When high school football season ends, basketball season is right there to take its place. When the last basketball swooshes through the hoop and the final buzzer sounds, baseball is there with the first pitch to make sure sports fans still have something to get excited about.

All across this county, we have talented student-athletes stepping up to the plate and preparing to round those bases, for softball as well as baseball.  These students have worked hard in the offseason to stay in shape, build their team and put their best foot forward as these sports return for another season.

Red Bay, Vina, Belgreen, Phil Campbell, Tharptown, Russellville – all boast both baseball and softball teams. We hope you are making plans to get out there and support our local student-athletes as they show their skill and discipline.

Whether in the outfield or infield, on the mound or at bat, each of these students shows a commitment to their sport that is to be commended and cheered on. They all have other responsibilities and activities as well – from school clubs, to other extracurricular activities, to church involvement, to their studies – and we know it can be a challenge to balance all of those obligations. We think these students deserve a pat on the back for their dedication to making it all work together.

Although baseball and softball are perhaps the biggest spring sports in our area, we also want to encourage people to consider supporting our local tennis, golf and soccer teams. These student-athletes each coordinate loaded sports schedules with full academic and personal schedules, too, and give their all for their teams.

We hope you attend these local games as often as you can, and be sure to give these students a word of encouragement or a simple high five whenever you get the chance.