Once again it is that time of year, where the Chargers of Spring Hill look to climb out of the banks of snow and into the batters box. The Chargers eagerly await the smell of fresh cut grass and the sound of Moscho’s dogs barking.
The Chargers have not seen the field since their push toward a State Tournament berth in 2012, which fell one game short at the hands of New Munich in the Region 15C Tournament. Posting a 17-9 record in 2012 the Chargers outscored opponents 152 to 89, and spring training has proven that the men in maroon are as offensive as ever. The Chargers are now patiently awaiting the arrival of summer where they will use can coolers to keep their beverages cold rather than their hands warm.
Some familiar faces will once again take the field for the Chargers. At the helm this year is again the coaching duo, with arguably the best mustaches on the Hwy 4 corridor, Randy Schoenberg and Gordon Barten. The combo is embarking on their 9thseason and looking to keep the team sailing smoothly. Seasoned veterans such as Chris Spanier, Nathan Terres, Shawn Schoenberg, Jamie Terres, Brandon Welle and Eric Schoenberg all entering 10 plus years of service each will try to lead the Chargers to a winning season once again. A few faces who will be seen sparingly this summer will be a combo of Chargers who brought Sunday Funday’s to historically weird levels are Louie Opatz and Ryan Spanier. These two players brought the fun factor every week and leave some big shoes and in Louie’s case moccasins to fill. Spanier is leaving the team after an impressive batting practice display in late summer of 2012, it will be hard to replace raw power like his and ability to make any situation awkward.
The Terres combo of Brad and Brent Terres will be looking to eat up some of the innings that Opatz chewed up during the 2012 season. Opatz dealt 10 wins to the Chargers in 2012, and in his absence Spring Hill will be looking for someone to step into that role. Brent who threw 29 innings for the Chargers in the 2012 season is coming off of an intense rehabilitation assignment during the off-season. Cupcakes assignment of milking, fishing, playing pool, and doing research in the Dairy Star will help his strength, endurance, and baseball knowledge to take the hill with authority like he did during the 2011 season. Brad, the only member of the team eligible for the Special Olympics, is also looking to eat up some innings for the Chargers. The only Charger pitcher returning with significant innings pitched is Shawn Schoenberg. Schoenberg had a 2.31 era over 50 plus innings. Schoenberg also holds the position of team statistician, and eye black applier. Most of Shawn’s innings came late in the season, he has been the ace over the years as a starter and stealing wins as a closer.
Offensively the Chargers are returning a lot of fire power having four players who hit over .300 and three of which had multiple home runs. [Jamie Terres], Shawn and Corey Schoenberg lead most of the offensive categories for Spring Hill. Terres along with leading the team in average knocked in 22 runs and stole 9 bags from opposing SCL teams. [Corey Scheonberg] blasted 5 homers and was as fast as a streaker on the base path. [Nathan Terres] who some may say has lost a step managed to rob 3 bases during 2012 and is relying on his crafty veteran skills to keep producing numbers this season. Younger sibling Eric Terres who had multiple hit games without the ball leaving the infield, has great ball placement skills. Other players who are penciled in to make an offensive contribution are Cody Eichers, Eric Schoenberg, and the Charger with literally the most fire power on the team Kyle Bertram. Grant Schoenberg threw off the skates once again and laced up the cleats. He did a lot of running for the Chargers in 2012, and now that he knows to slide feet first into home should be very dangerous for all teams who take the field.
The Chargers have always been a solid defensive team with great play in all positions. [Chris Spanier] helped the defense and pitching staff out immensely with his play at first base. The Chargers know not to gamble on defense and the combination of Joe and Jordan Welle is always a good bet for chemistry on and off the field. The addition of Austin Schoenberg will add provided stability at any position on the field. Austin also a great conversationalist will provide the team with extra chatter from the dugout.
All in all the Chargers will be looking forward to another successful season in 2013. They have all the right “tools” for a great SCL North season. If you can’t catch these handsome young men on the diamond they are sure to be at a watering hole or dance floor of your choice. Till next time baseball fans
AP Richmond