Berry's Bat Bolsters Demons' Resurgence
Nov 24, 2021 20:07:59 GMT -6
Post by CLDemons on Nov 24, 2021 20:07:59 GMT -6
After trips to the post season in 11 out of 12 years, the Clear Lake Demons have found themselves in the bottom half of their division for the last 8 seasons. Their prospects to start the season looked equally dim, even with young talent seemingly on the verge of turning the corner towards a competitive streak once again. The pitching staff looked solid, but the hitting looked less than inspirational. What no one predicted however, is the explosion of Ken Berry's bat in the heart of the Demon lineup. His presence in the cleanup spot of this batting order has bolstered the Demons to a record of 38-24, good for sole possession of first place in the Crackerjack League.
A career .248 hitter, Berry currently leads the league in batting average at .407, on-base percentage at .452, and with only 5 home runs this year is 4th in slugging percentage at .566. "I'm seeing the ball well right now, and I'm able to find the gaps and leg out those base hits," said Berry. When asked about his impact in the lineup, Berry shared, "Hey, I'm just one guy. a single or a double from me means nothing without Jose, Donnie, or George on base, or Manny or Jack driving me in. This is a team. I just want to do my part well." Manager Johnny Mize was asked why Berry was still hitting cleanup when that kind of bat at the top of the lineup would be a real table setter. His reply, "Are we winning ballgames? Then stop asking why we're doing what we're doing."
The success of the Demons now has fans wondering if this is the year that they finally begin to make the trades and moves that would bring them another trip to the playoffs. Fans are itching to post season baseball that has eluded them for 8 long years. This year's season is bringing renewed hope and optimism to the Demon faithful.
I thought it would be fun to post our own write-ups of noteworthy performances/games. Feel free to join in!
A career .248 hitter, Berry currently leads the league in batting average at .407, on-base percentage at .452, and with only 5 home runs this year is 4th in slugging percentage at .566. "I'm seeing the ball well right now, and I'm able to find the gaps and leg out those base hits," said Berry. When asked about his impact in the lineup, Berry shared, "Hey, I'm just one guy. a single or a double from me means nothing without Jose, Donnie, or George on base, or Manny or Jack driving me in. This is a team. I just want to do my part well." Manager Johnny Mize was asked why Berry was still hitting cleanup when that kind of bat at the top of the lineup would be a real table setter. His reply, "Are we winning ballgames? Then stop asking why we're doing what we're doing."
The success of the Demons now has fans wondering if this is the year that they finally begin to make the trades and moves that would bring them another trip to the playoffs. Fans are itching to post season baseball that has eluded them for 8 long years. This year's season is bringing renewed hope and optimism to the Demon faithful.
I thought it would be fun to post our own write-ups of noteworthy performances/games. Feel free to join in!