Last year the A.L. Thompson Drills
were just another newcomer to local softball. Now the team is one of the
sport’s most dangerous squads.
The Drills climbed another notch in
the proverbial ladder to success by winning this season’s B league title. The
side beat the Master Batters 9-8 in last week’s championship game. The Master
Batters feature a bevy of female sluggers and local hockey talent including
Scott Gossen and Mark Missal. With the victory the Drills now move up to the A
league ranks. For the Drills it’s their second straight promotion after moving
up from the C league earlier this year.
Serving as captain for the team was
Earl Smith. An employee at A.L. Thompson’s hardware store, Smith is known in
most circles for his connection to the sport of darts. But as evidenced by his
pitching and batting the last 12 months he’s no slouch on the field.
Smith, who played fast-pitch
softball in the past, states earning the B league championship is motivation to
compete in the upper echelons of the sport.
“This is great,” Smith said. “Last
year we made it to the finals and technically we lost (to the Ritz Carlton
Lions) but the other team dropped out so we moved up. This time around though
it feels like a real accomplishment. Everyone is well and happy for this. If we
go to the A league and win that the guys are going to feel invincible, like no
one can beat them.”
Smith had help earning the
championship from a number of unsung heroes. From the mother-son combination of
Nancy Watler and Dalton Watler Junior to cricket star Kevon Bazil and athletic
talent Yosvani Ebanks many players stepped up. As a result Smith is confident
in the team’s chances going forward.
“At first the guys were a little
hesitant to go but after thinking about it they were OK with it. The competition
will be a lot better and I’m sure they’ll be ready for that. Personally I’m
looking forward to it. Even though the competition will be real good I know
we’ll be in the playoffs. In fact I’d love for the season to start next week.
“One of the teams we’re looking
forward to beating is the A.L. Thompson Hammers. We took them down before and
we can do it again. They’re no threat to us.”
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