Austin County
THE
BUSINESS GUIDE INSIDE
Serving Sealy and Austin County, Texas since 1887 • Home of Tami King Volume 129 Number 4
THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016
20 pages, $1
SUPER STARS Opponents in the Super Bowl have local ties
www.DenverBroncos.com
Emmanuel Sanders of Bellville is headed to Super Bowl 50 as a wide receiver for the Denver Broncos. He graduated from Bellville in 2005.
www.Panthers.com
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton leads his team to Super Bowl 50 after winning the NFC championship game. He led Blinn College to a junior college national championship in 2009.
Sealy ISD students meet state standard Texas Academic Performance Report is good news for district By JASON B. HOGAN reporter@sealynews.com
The Sealy News/COURTESY PHOTO
The new Austin County Tourism Commission received a $20,000 tourism grant through the Houston First Matching Grant Program on Jan. 21 at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Pictured left to right are John Moore, Bellville Chamber vice president, Karla Kitterman, tourism ambassador program director, Nancy Doron, Bellville Chamber president, Sealy Mayor Mark Stolarski, Denyce Treybig, co-owner of the Yellow Brick Road Winery, and Tammy Hall of the Sealy Chamber of Commerce.
Austin County receives $20,000 Houston First grant for tourism By JASON B. HOGAN reporter@sealynews.com
On Thursday, Jan. 21, the newly formed Austin County Tourism Commission received its funding through the first ever Houston First Matching Grant Program, an initiative launched in spring 2015 and enacted as a campaign in September to increase partnerships that will skyrocket tourism for all of southeast Texas. Houston First held a press conference at the Houston Museum of Natural Science and awarded 14 large-sized checks totaling approximately $250,000 to programs that submitted applications for grant money dedicated to tourism. Members of Houston tourism agencies were on hand to present the checks, including Jorge
Franz, senior vice president of Tourism for Visit Houston, Mike Waterman, president of Visit Houston, and Jonathon Glus, co-chair of Houston First Corporation and Visit Houston Joint Tourism Committee. “This is the ground floor of Houston tourism. Other cities have been doing this for years what Houston is doing now,” said Denyce Treybig, a member of the tourism commission. Treybig and six other community members were in Houston to receive the grant: Gerry Math, co-owner of Yellow Brick Road Winery along with Treybig; Karla Kitterman, ambassador program director for the tourism commission; Nancy Doron, Bellville Chamber of Commerce executive director; John Moore, Bellville Chamber of Commerce vice president;
Tammy Hall of the Sealy Chamber of Commerce; and Sealy Mayor Mark Stolarski. The commission was awarded $20,000 in grant funding, among the top six in recipients. The smallest award amount was $10,000 and the largest was $25,000. The commission’s award amount is on par with the famed Tony Award-winning Alley Theatre, Treybig said, an amazing feat to her. The commission was spearheaded by the City of Sealy because some form of a governmental agency or nonprofit was required to cosign for the grant. City manager Larry Kuciemba is the grantee of the program, although it’s a collaborative between government and business, one team and one commu■ GRANT, page 15
Sealy Independent School District met standard at each of its campuses for the 20142015 Texas Academic Performance Report, which was presented to the school board at its Jan. 20 meeting. Asst. Superintendent Nicole Poenitzsch said TAPR primarily looks at STAAR performance, or State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, for the overall district by population and testable areas, such as reading, writing, math, science, social studies, English I and II, Algebra I, biology and U.S. History. Math scores were not reported in 2015 as it was only field tested this year due to newly revised Math TEKS, or Texas
Essential Knowledge and Skills, according to the report. The district achieved distinctions in science for the intermediate and high school levels, and Algebra I, biology, U.S. History and postsecondary readiness for high school. TEKS standards have been changing for a number of years. Teaching in the district has adapted most in regard to reading and writing. Reading is a huge focus in the kindergarten through fifth grade levels since it used to be lacking in alignment and consistency in approach. Foundational skills hold as much power as content when it comes to reading. Now the district uses a ■ SCHOOLS, page 15
SISD school board changes attorneys By JASON B. HOGAN reporter@sealynews.com
At a Jan. 20 meeting, the Sealy Independent School District board of trustees hired a law firm and will eventually drop one that it currently retains. Presently, the district keeps the services of two law firms, one being Powell & Leon, LLP, out of Austin and
Thompson and Horton, LLP, from Houston. “Thompson and Horton, that we use primarily for Special Ed, does not have the phone-a-friend service,” Superintendent Sheryl Moore said. That option is available for Powell and Leon when the board has simple questions ■ ATTORNEY, page 16
The Sealy News • 193 Schmidt Road • P.O. Box 480 • Sealy, TX 77474 • phone: (979) 885-3562 • fax: (979) 885-3564 • www.sealynews.com
BIBLEQUOTE
INDEXINSIDE
Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Luke 6:30
Church...............11 Classifieds...13-14 Community....8-10 News Bits.............2 Obituaries.........10 Opinion................4 Sports..............5-6
This week's weather
Tigers beat Columbus PAGE 5
Day/High/Low/Rain Thursday 65/38/0% Friday 70/48/0% Saturday 74/57/10% Sunday 77/59/10% Monday 76/58/10% Tuesday 69/40/0% Wednesday 61/36/0%
This week's weather art is by Jessie Spurrier, 6, a student at Selman Elementary School.
PAGE 4 ■ THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016
YOUR
Right to carry handgun versus right to now allow handguns
The Sealy News is posing the following question to our readers: Super Bowl 50 will feature the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers. • I think the Broncos will win • I think the Panthers will win • I want the Broncos to win but think the Panthers will • I want the Panthers to win but think the Broncos will
Last week’s question was: How are you doing on your New Year's resolutions? • I didn't make any 70.8% • I blew it already 8.3% • I've kept some 16.7% • I've kept them all 4.2% Number of votes: 23 Log on to www.sealynews.com to let your voice be heard. We will bring you the results of this poll and a new question every Thursday.
WHERETOWRITE U.S. Senator Ted Cruz B40B Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-5922 U.S. Senator John Cornyn 517 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-2934 U.S. Representative, Dist. 10 Michael McCaul, 2000 S. Market St., Ste. 303 Brenham, Texas 77833 (979) 830-8497 Texas Governor Greg Abbott P.O. Box 12428 Austin, Texas 78711-2428 (512) 463-2000 State Senator, Dist. 18 Lois Kolkhorst P.O. Box 1867 Brenham, Texas 77834 (979) 251-7888 State Representative, Dist. 13 Leighton Schubert P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768 (512) 463-0600 Austin County Judge Tim Lapham 1 East Main Bellville, Texas 77418
(979) 865-5911 County Commissioner, Precinct 1 Reese Turner One East Main Street Bellville, Texas 77418 Barn - (979) 865-2126 County Commissioner, Precinct 2 Robert "Bobby" Rinn P.O. Box 275 Industry, TX 78944 Barn - (979) 357-4780 Office- (979) 357-4785 County Commissioner, Precinct 3 Randy Reichardt 166 Jefferson Cat Spring, TX 78933 Barn - (979) 865-5441 County Commissioner, Precinct 4 Douglas King P.O. Box 754 Wallis, TX 77485 Barn - (979) 885-3829 Office - (979) 478-7121 Sealy City Manager Larry Kuciemba 415 Main Street Sealy, Texas 77474 (979) 885-3511 Sealy ISD Superintendent Sheryl Moore 939 Tiger Lane, Sealy, Texas 77474 (979) 885-3516
Serving Sealy and Austin County since 1887 (USPS 487260) Entered at the post office at Sealy, Texas, under the Act of Congress of June 2, 1897. Periodical Rate postage paid at Sealy, TX 77474. ■ READER SERVICES Main number (979) 885-3562 Fax (979) 885-3564 Mailing address: P.O. Box 480, Sealy, Texas 77474 Known office of publication 193 Schmidt Rd., Sealy, Texas 77474 The Sealy News is a weekly publication distributed on Thursdays. ■ STAFF DIRECTORY Publisher, Karen Lopez publisher@sealynews.com Bookkeeper, Sandy Davis billing@sealynews.com Managing Editor, Joe Southern editor@sealynews.com Reporter, Jason B. Hogan reporter@sealynews.com Sports, Mindy Blankemeyer mnblankemeyer@aol.com Advertising, Alex Sanders sales@sealynews.com Circulation, Sandra Weeber ■ DEADLINES The deadline for editorial submissions is Friday at 3 p.m. for the Thursday edition. Retail display deadlines are Friday at noon for the Thursday edition. The deadline for classified word and display ads is 3 p.m. on Friday for the Thursday edition. ■ LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Sealy News publishes letters to the editor on most topics. Send your letters to: Letters to the Editor, P.O. Box 480, Sealy, TX 77474, email to editor@sealynews.com or fax 979-885-3564 by 5 p.m. Friday for the Thursday edition. Letters should be hand
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signed and include the writer’s full address and daytime and evening phone numbers. Letters to the editor should be as brief as possible. We reserve the right to edit all letters. Anonymous letters will not be published. Letters should be 500 words or less. ■ EDITORIAL REQUIREMENTS Lifestyle announcements — weddings, obituaries, anniversaries, engagements, newborns and birthdays — are run as paid announcements. Please call for current rates. Submitted photos may be picked up at The Sealy News after it appears in the newspaper. We are only responsible for photos for 30 days after it runs. All items are subject to editing for style and content. ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS The Sealy News is published weekly on Thursday. Subscriptions in Austin County, are $42 per year; outside Austin County in Texas, $52; outside Texas, $70 per year. Notices of change of address should be mailed to The Sealy News, P.O. Box 480, Sealy, TX 77474-0480. ■ AFFILIATIONS The Sealy News is a member of the National Newspaper Association, the Texas Press Association, the South Texas Press Association, the Texas Gulf Coast Press Association. ■ CONTENTS © 2016 by Sealy Publications Inc. Written consent is waived when permission is gained in advance and full credit is given to The Sealy News for material reprinted or reproduced, in whole or in part, electronically or otherwise. © 2016 Sealy Publications Inc. All Rights Reserved
Should we, as business owners, have the right to tell concealed carry license holders that they cannot carry into our business? Does it violate their rights or ours? I had a small conflict with a man last week over this very question. He came into our office and requested to speak to the person in charge; I’m assuming that was me. His stance and tone told me right off the bat that he was irritated about something. I was OK with that; it’s my job to settle issues. First he wanted to know why I only had the concealed ordinance on my door and not the open carry. I then pointed out we have both ordinances, 30.06 and 30.07, in English and Spanish. When we were ready to purchase our sign I checked with the Sealy Police Department to make sure that it was correct. The man wanted to know what has changed over the last 20 years since we were allowed to conceal carry that we, The Sealy News, felt the need to place the concealed carry ordinance sign now. This is a great question and I didn’t mind answering it, but
before I do let me tell you a little about myself. I was brought up in the country. I started hunting when I was about 6 years old and still hunt today. My rifle choice is a Browning A bolt 30-06 with a Boss system. I also hold my concealed handgun license and have since 2003. My wonderful husband just bought me a new gun for Christmas. It is the new Smith and Wesson 9mm Shield. Yes, I know there are many of men impressed and jealous right now while reading this story. Ladies, just as a side note, if you are looking for a gun, this is the one to get. I love it! But to get back on track, I have nothing against guns. I have everything against people to want to show them off for no reason or just for attention. If you have yours concealed, just as I have, you know that there are places that you cannot carry them. When you take the concealed class you take an oath to abide by the rules and laws. If someone has a sign in their window or door stating that they prefer you not to carry a weapon into their business that is their rule, not yours. Abide by it. The law states that you HAVE to.
KAREN LOPEZ Publisher, The Sealy News
If you come in to try and have them take it down and state that it takes away your right, aren’t you doing the same thing by trying to take away their right of saying “No, we don’t want you to carry here”? No, I’m not a hypocrite. I just don’t want to stop what I am doing and watch you while you are in my place of business because you decided to cowboy up today. So today I am asking Mr. X, whoever you are, please stop trying to persuade businesses to take down their concealed and open carry signs. Assuming you are a concealed gun license carrier I am asking you to abide by the laws of this state and do the right thing; don’t carry where it states not to carry.
FAITHFAMILY&FUN
Broncos are showing Texans potential of what they had JOE SOUTHERN Managing Editor
The Houston Texans have to be looking at the Denver Broncos and thinking about what could have been. Patience and a good quarterback puts Houston, not Denver, in the Super Bowl. As it is, most of the former coaching staff for the Texans and a handful of players are headed to the NFL’s title game garbed Broncos orange and blue. Were the Texans premature in jettisoning Gary Kubiak, Wade Phillips and company? Probably, but it no doubt seemed like the thing to do at the time. Ties between the Broncos and Texans have always been strong. The Texans borrowed heavily from the Broncos when the team entered the league. Over the years there has been a lot of crossover between the two teams from the front office to the field. Kubiak and Phillips have had stints as the head coach of both teams (albeit Phillips was an interim in Houston). Currently there are eight former members of the Texans coaching staff and five former players on their way to Santa Clara, Calif., and Super Bowl 50 against the Carolina Panthers. For years I have often referred to the Texans as Denver South. The Houston Chronicle ran a story Sunday referring to the Broncos as Houston North. No matter how you look at it, the two teams share a great deal of history and personnel. That’s why I think it won’t be a stretch for Texans fans to join me in rooting for the Broncos. Locally, we have Emmanuel Sanders from Bellville catching passes from Peyton Manning for the Broncos. (At the very least you can show gratitude to the team that kept New England from going back again.) Naturally I am a huge Broncos fan. I was born and raised in the suburbs of Denver and my family has had season tickets since the late 1980s (and it goes back to the 1960s if you consider we got them from my ex-wife’s family). I’ve been to more Broncos games than I can count, including having a sideline photo pass when the Broncos played the Texans in the preseason this year. Walking on the field after the game it was like watching a
The Sealy News/JOE SOUTHERN
Gary Kubiak, left, the former Texans and now current Broncos coach, visits with Texans player J.J. Watt after a preseason game last August.
The Sealy News/JOE SOUTHERN
Former Texans Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips, left, currently with the Denver Broncos, poses with Darryl Morris and Ross Madison after a preseason game. family reunion with all the Texans and Broncos coaches and players hugging, shaking hands and giving well wishes. Now comes two weeks of ecstasy and agony for my inner Bronco. I am thrilled beyond belief to have my beloved team playing in the Super Bowl again. That is tempered, however, by a 2-5 Super Bowl record. The wins are glorious but the losses are equally unbearable. We are facing an imposing opponent in the Carolina Panthers. They’ve only lost one game and it was a throwaway game late in the season to the Falcons. The Panthers are my favorite team in the NFC because I lived in North Carolina when the team was founded and I did some coverage of their launch. I will have to set that aside for the next two weeks as they become a rival and obstacle to another world championship. In all fairness, I should note
that their quarterback, Cam Newton, did lead Blinn College to a junior college national championship in 2009, so there is an understandable reason why some here may want to root for the Panthers. In my humble opinion, the hometown ties with Sanders trumps that – just sayin’. Many are saying that this Super Bowl is Peyton Manning’s swan song. He is the oldest quarterback to lead a team to the Super Bowl and I hope to God he goes out a champion. It’s only fitting for the man who owns so many NFL records. In the meantime, the Houston Texans and the rest of the NFL can only sit back and dream about what might have been and what still can be. Next year Houston hosts Super Bowl 51. No home team has ever hosted the big game, but maybe that will change. I hope so. It would be glorious to see and to celebrate. Until then, go Broncos!
SPORTS
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THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2016 ■ PAGE A5
SEALY NEWS
Area league hosts Miracle of an opener for disabled youth By MINDY BLANKEMEYER mnblankemeyer@aol.com
A strong desire to keep things the same has seemingly made a large difference in many lives. Shane and Jessica Gordon moved to Austin County a few years ago with a son who has a Chiari malformation – wherein a misshapen skull can affect the brain – and had to search hard to find the recreational activity he had enjoyed in their small Ohio town. “We started looking around for a Miracle League,’ Jessica Gordon said Monday. “We wanted as much the sameness as possible.” Miracle League is a baseball program that serves special-needs and disabled people who want to play baseball but don’t really fit within the alreadyestablished leagues. Players are assigned a “buddy” to help them with fielding and batting throughout the two-inning games, in which every player is allowed the chance to bat and score a run. The closest option for the Gordons turned out to be Cypress Spring on the north side of Houston, leading to long car trips in the spring of 2014 so they could give their son Brandon the baseball experience he relished. “We did that every weekend,” Jessica said. A run-in with a grandmother closer to home made her realize that she wasn’t the only one who needed a change in geography. “She saw our son in his uniform and we told her about Miracle League,” Gordon said. “She was excited, but when she found out how far it was, her face just fell.” So Jessica and Shane set out to see what it would take to bring the league to Austin County. First speed bump, though, was a $500 annual commitment. “It’s not a million dollars, but still,” she said. “We paused again, but the idea kept nagging.” The family decided to go ahead and plunk down the money, though it
still took a little more encouragement to get the ball rolling. The idea kept space in her head until she made chance contact with another Austin County mother: Nicole Schaper of Bellville, whose son Hudson has mitochondrial disease, a cellular mutation that can prohibit development. “[Nicole] said that she had also been playing around with the idea of starting a Miracle League here,” Gordon said. The Gordons teamed with Nicole and husband Jake Schaper to establish the area league later in 2014. The league kicked off its first season with 10 players from the general population, aside another 10 from a state school. This year, the league will field 22 players, all from the general Austin County population. The 2016 season kicked off April 2 at Clark Park in Bellville. Gordon, now the league’s director and secretary, said players now come in from as far as Katy, Chappell Hill, and Brenham. Meanwhile, the league’s management structure has stayed close to home: Shane Gordon is now the president of the league, Nicole Schaper is vice president and treasurer. The daunting task of creating regional awareness of the league continues, though much eased from early efforts. “Sometimes it felt like I had a third head when I was present the concept,” Jessica Gordon said. Now, she said, the league is looking toward growth, including an expansion of playing facilities. “When you get a Miracle League, they encourage you to build a handicapped-accessible field,” she said. The resulting complex would include a custom designed field that is completely flat with a rubberized surface and wheel chair accessible dugouts according to the league website. But that’s still a ways into the future. “That’s roughly a million-dollar project,” said Gordon, undoubtedly remembering how formidable the initial $500
John-John points to the fence as he steps up for his first at bat Ava runs the bases with the help of her buddy on Sunday afterSunday at Clark Park in Bellville where the Miracle League of noon at Clark Park. Austin County plays each Sunday at 3 pm. any issues that could arise said under sunny skies at annual investment once a player who is not able with an adult player and a the season opener. seemed. “Until we build to afford their uniform, teenage volunteer. On April 2, players and awareness, we’re not although donations of any “We are open to an their buddies took the field kind are always welcome. adult league in the future,” going to take that on. with exuberance. The bud“We don’t want to grow Registration is always she said. “We just growing dies – mostly area teenagers too fast. We’re happy ongoing and no child will as the needs and desires – assisted their juniors with be turned away if they drive us.” where we’re at.” batting, fielding and running Although the league have a desire to play the The league currently the bases. prefers to have older game. offers two baseball seaAnd of course, Brandon There are no age sons for participants, playyouth, they welcome all Gordon was part of the either. ing six to eight games in volunteers at least 9 years requirements festivities, a return on the old to buddy with a play- According to website, spring and again in the fall. emotional and financial er. Buddies over 18 years “We have taken children The schedule is set, but investment his parents of age do have to submit as young as two years old flexible. made in creating the as well as older players to a background check. “We always take Easter league. The Miracle League has who are considered and Mother’s Day off in the “We’ve definitely gotten a variety of options to adults”. Gordon said they spring season, and of our 500 bucks worth, I can support players, begin- serve players up to 22 course there are always tell you that,” Jessica ning with sponsorship of years old, sidestepping some rainouts,” Gordon Gordon said.
Selman Lunch Menu BREAKFAST:
Photos by Mindy Blankemeyer
Briley, left, awaits her turn at bat in the dugout, keeping buddy Brittney Byrd entertained.
Brazos Lunch Menu
APRIL 18 - APRIL 22, 2016
MONDAY:Pancake on a stick TUESDAY: Mini Pancakes WEDNESDAY: Morning Sausage Roll THURSDAY: Breakfast Burrito FRIDAY: NO SCHOOL!
LUNCH:
MONDAY: Pepperoi Pizza Salad w/Roll, Turkey Bacon Club Wrap, Bean & Cheese Burrito, Thai Chicken Rice Bowl, Chicken Nuggets w/ Breadstick, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Green Beans & Mixed Fruit TUESDAY: Spinach & Pear Salad w/Roll, Craisin Chicken Wrap, Breadstick w/Marinara Sauce, Turkey BBQ on Bun, Chicken & Black Bean Chili, Steamed Corn, Pineapples WEDNESDAY: Fruit, Cheese, & Yogurt, Ham & Cheese Pita, Hamburgers on WW Bun, Baked Pasta Alfredo w/Breadstick, Orange Chicken, Lo Mein Vegetables, Steamed Broccoli, Applesauce THURSDAY: Popcorn Chicken Salad w/Breadstick, Italian Sub, Taco Loco, Chicken Corn Dog, Potato w/Broccoli & Cheese w/ Roll, Mexican Black Beans, Chilled Pears FRIDAY: NO SCHOOL!!
BREAKFAST:
MONDAY: Pancake on Stick or Cereal w/Wheat Toast, Juice, Fruit, Syrup, Jelly TUESDAY: Muffin w/Wheat Toast or Cereal w/Wheat Toast, Juice, Fruit, Jelly WEDNESDAY: Breakfast Taco or Cereal w/Wheat Toast, Juice, Fruit, Jelly, Salsa THURSDAY: French Toast or Cereal w/Wheat Toast, Juice, Fruit, Jelly, Syrup FRIDAY: Breakfast Pizza or Cereal w/Wheat Toast, Juice, Fruit, Jelly.
MILK AND FRUIT ARE OFFERED AT EVERY MEAL
LUNCH:
MONDAY: Hamburger, Lettuce/Tomato, Potato Smiles, Mandarin Oranges, Mayo, Mustard, Ketchup TUESDAY: Chicken Parmesan w/Pasta, Green Beans, Carrot Sticks, Diced Pears, Ranch WEDNESDAY: Beef Taco Lettuce/Tomato, Refried Beans, Cheese Cup, Chilled Peaches, Salsa THURSDAY: Chicken Smackers, Broccoli/ Cheese Sauce, Black-eye Peas, Orange Smiles, Ketchup FRIDAY: Grilled Cheese, Sweet Potato Fries, Celery Sticks, Fresh Apple, Ketchup
COMMUNITY
PAGE A8 ■ THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2016
SEALY NEWS
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Take me [back] to the ball game America’s favorite “vintage” game leisurely invades Sealy Picnic By JASON B. HOGAN reporter@sealynews.com
In vintage baseball – the time-travelling sport that features old uniforms, old equipment and even older rules - the game and customs were much different from America’s current craft. Baseball, or “base ball” as the game was commonly spelled before the 1880s, was a gentleman’s game. It was a game of respect. On Saturday, vintage baseball resurfaced at B&PW Park in conjunction with the 2016 Spring Picnic. Appropriately, it was the first time the Sealy Area Historical Society hosted the baseball event. Teams spanning from Sealy and eastward to Houston stirred their stumps (hustled) in the outfield for two brief sixinning games. Respect and bonding might be lost art forms in this media saturated period but, then, it was about camaraderie. And while on the field Saturday, players held to the age-old rules, many of which having less to do with game play and more with conduct. No foul or uncivil language. No spitting. No alcohol consumption. No chewing of tobacco. In the 1860s, pitches were also delivered underhand to allow for good striking. There were judges, not umpires. Players were ballists. The game was a match. This weekend, in the second game – er, match - of the afternoon, the Houston Babies faced the Barker Cypress Red Sox in the presence of about 30 cranks, or fans as they are now called.
Photos by Jason B. Hogan
Some teams keep it truly traditional to the era and use made up handles on the field of play rather than their actual moniker, like Pops, Swaggy P, Bam Bam, Chowda and Flash of the Red Sox, as it helped fans to identify with players. The obvious difference in the game of yesteryear and today is the equipment. Bats were more slender and solid, closer in resemblance to bats used in stickball. And the ball itself is more rubberized, called a horsehide or onion, and
harder to get a full swing on. Some players said it feels like you are going to break your wrists when you try to get full contact on the ball. Well, that did not stop Bam Bam from lacing one into an outfield, straight-to-center gap and legging it to second base on an eventual ground rule double over the fence. On that sun-stricken diamond, players reminded those in attendance why baseball – or even base ball - remains America’s favorite pastime.
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