Support a local ball team

Published 1:10 pm Thursday, April 19, 2018

The Valley High School baseball team made history last week by pulling off the improbable.

Down 1-0 in a best-of-three series to Class 5A, Area 5 rival Beauregard, the Rams swept a doubleheader on Thursday at Crestview Field to clinch
the area title for a second consecutive season.

They had not won back-to-back championships in more than two decades.

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Valley was able to rally from its deficit behind a lively batting lineup, dominant pitching and clean defense. Many of the team’s seniors stepped up to the plate.

Valley used Thursday’s sweep as a springboard for Saturday’s game, which saw it clobber 7A Smiths Station, 14-3.

It was the Rams’ ninth victory in the past 10 games, making them one of the hottest squads in the state.

They will attempt to carry their momentum into the playoffs, which begin on Friday at home against Sylacauga, the ninth-ranked team in 5A.

The first two games in the best-of-three series will be held at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. (EDT) on Friday at Crestview Field. If necessary, a deciding third game will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m.

It would be worth your time to stop by, at least for a little while.

High-quality baseball and unrivaled passion will be on display, as each team’s season hangs in balance.

The weather is forecast to be pristine, with sunshine and a high near 70 degrees.

Plus, the venue is iconic. Crestview Field has stood for more than 75 years and features an enclosed, wooden grandstand behind home plate.

The setup, which beckons to a different era, was refurbished before the season began.

If you have yet to check it out, now would be an ideal time. It is unlikely that Valley will play any more home games following the series. 

Should the Rams advance, they will be on the road for the next couple rounds. They need your support to get there.