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By LOU HATTER
Rappahannock News Staff Writer
Rappahannock County High School’s spring sports teams were looking toward a new beginning this season: rebuilding of the baseball team and a first-ever full season of play for the softball team.
But rain, wind and cold is making the season look more and more like a repeat of last year, when torrential downpours for almost a month forced the postponement of nearly one-third of the season.
Last week, the teams played two games each, but have been unable to practice, much less play, since last Wednesday. Though both the baseball and softball teams lost both games, coaches Dee Van Horn and Renee Leake were optimistic about their teams’ chances.
This week, both coaches are worried. The long layoff will affect their players’ preparation, particularly with teams who are relying on young players. They need, Coach Van Horn said, not just playing time but practice time as well. “It hurts us by not being able to work on the little things, the fundamentals like relays and cut-offs.”
He resorted to “parking lot practices” on Monday and Tuesday, marking off plates and pitching rubbers on the asphalt so his pitchers could keep their arms loose, while his fielders worked on throwing and catching.
And, the team spent some time refurbishing the field, which was reduced to a muddy morass by last week’s rain and snow. “It’s been so wet, we couldn’t even drag the field,” Coach Van Horn said. After sweeping the standing water off the infield dirt, the players worked on the worst spots with a mixture of sand and dirt to soak up the moisture.
“They have really worked hard on the field,” the coach said. “If we can’t play ball I can rent these guys out as a yard crew. They’ve been super.”
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