Billys Bulletin Vol II: Baseball Giveth and Taketh Away
Welcome to the online exclusive Billys Bulletin, where we run through the week that was in Rockabillys baseball, and highlight some of the most notable on and off the field moments. Reader beware, this article will ask intense questions such as, "Is cereal a soup?" Or, "Are hot dogs technically a sandwich?" And we may cover topics such as Star Wars, Adam Sandler, the ever-changing landscape that is collegiate pickleball, among many other things. If you're sensitive to Grown Ups 2, or if you're holding out hope for the sequel, then reader discretion is advised.
DANG.
"Be humble," is a direct quote from singer, songwriter, producer, and poet Kendrick Lamar. And it's fitting, given that this online exclusive covers a sport that is nothing short of humbling. The Rockabillys discovered this firsthand with a six game free fall at end the first half of the season that saw them drop from first in the South, all the way down to fourth. In this stretch, the pitching staff allowed just over ten runs per game, while the offense failed to churn out any meaningful production, sitting around three runs scored per game.
It was an uncharacteristic stretch, with some shocking performances nearly equivalent to Netflix's most recent season of Ginny and Georgia. So, after some deep pondering, soul-searching, and even, dare I say, introspection, the answer to the problems lied in a simple truth; baseball will giveth, and baseball will taketh away. It's one of few sports that is built around failure, and the best players will fail 70% of the time. So, the ending to the first half, while disappointing, was seemingly just baseball collecting its dues. There is much more Billy Ball to be played in the Big '25, and the second half has already begun with a new look Goats squad that seems rejuvenated and ready to go.
Creamer in Your Coffee, Sir?
The Rockabillys shed the first half ending, and with a new half underway, they were immediately tested at Rockabillys Stadium. The Terre Haute REX stopped into town for a little two game series, and they came off of a dominant first half which saw them not only win the Central division, but also single-handedly take the Eastern Conference.
So, with the 'Billys in a slump, and the REX riding high, there seemed to be a concrete answer to how the game should go. But, should and did are two different words for a reason. The Goats looked renewed, and the fresh start helped them ambush the REX in what became a dominant win for Jackson. Jack Pitts hit his fourth homer of the year, and his catcher buddy Ivan Vega followed suit by sending a ball into orbit. I mean seriously, that thing might have a chance of returning to Earth if the asteroid Apophis gives it some help in 2029. Regardless, that pair, along with another signature Cooper Casteel outing, saw a return to form. It felt loose, it felt fast, and it felt inspired, which was something that had been missing in their most recent games.
More than just the win, they stunned a REX team that looked sluggish. That's something that is rare, especially for a squad who's named after a coffee brand that was patented in 1905. It might be coffee that is "fit for a monarch" but Jackson dethroned the champs, and started off the second half strong.
I'll Take Pitching Stats for 500 Please
I think everyone can agree we miss the late and great Jeopardy host Alex Trebek quite a bit, and so, to make him proud, we're going to do a mini game of Jeopardy right here. The question is as follows: which Prospect League team is top five in pitching, while leading the league in strikeouts and K/9?
If you smacked the button and said the Jackson Rockabillys, you'd be spot on! This staff, in spite of their recent struggles, has been the crutch this team can rely on for quite some time and they continue to stay that way. Opposing teams have looked more confused than a GPS in the Bermuda Triangle when this group is at their best, and they have the talent to make some noise in the second half.
Bouck Bows Out
Parks Bouck hasn't appeared in many games for the 'Billys as of late, and some may be wondering why. Well, for the second time this year, a Rockabillys player has signed a professional contract, putting Bouck in an exclusive club with Trey Watson. Watson signed with the Northern Colorado Owlz of the Frontier League earlier this season, and Bouck joined his former teammate in the Frontier League by signing with the Evansville Otters.
It's a tough blow for the Goats, as they lose a hitter who was batting around .350 and getting on base at a .520 clip, but the opportunity to play professional baseball is something that should not be turned down.
Jimmy Dugan: The Interactive Experience
The last order of business for this edition of 'Billys Bulletin takes us to Tuesday night, when the Rockabillys had a scrimmage on the road against Thrillville. While that was happening, waves were being made at Rockabillys Stadium and it was because of "A Game of Their Own." Inspired by the award-winning movie "A League of Their Own," the 'Billys hosted a formal scrimmage between the Rockford Peaches and the Racine Belles.
Racine got off to a hot start. Out the gates they were up by eight, and that set the tone for the rest of the contest. At a point, it was 17-0 in favor of the Belles, however, the Peaches slowly started to come back late in the game. Unfortunately, it was too late for the Peaches, and they'd drop this year's rendition of the matchup 18-7, but it wasn't without many laughs along the way.
In one of the most exciting and entertaining events of the year, a large crowd showed out to cheer on these two squads and the feedback was nothing short of spectacular after the event. Along with the game, there were also reenactments of scenes from the movie, including the famous "There's no crying in baseball" scene. Once again, Jackson finds unique ways to engage fans and entertain the community, and it's one of many reasons why YOU should stop out to Rockabillys Stadium!
Goats Notes
Well that is all for our second volume of Billys Bulletin! Be sure to stay involved here at rockabillysbaseball.com to get your fix of Goats news, articles, and more!