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SPRING 2007 MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: RON BAPTISTE

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Ron Baptiste
Spring 2007 MVP
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 On March 4, 2007, Jay Hatfield received the following Email:

"Good Morning,

I’m interested in joining your team this spring. I currently reside in Alexandria, VA and as a medical student I may not be able to make all of the games, but I’m definitely interested in coming out as much as I can...

Ronald Baptiste"

The rest is team history. Ron Baptiste blasted his way onto the new U.S. Exporters team during pre-season, winning friends and admirers all along the way.

In a shortened season due to his heavy study schedule (and a well-deserved summer vacation) Ron Baptiste walloped a team leading 5 home runs, knocked in 19 RBI, had an .810 batting average, an .840 on base percentage, and a 1.762 slugging percentage. Had he been able to attend just one more game, Ron might have set the team records for batting, on base percentage, and slugging.

Along with Ron's speed and power at the plate, he prowled left field with solid reflexes, a sure glove, and a powerful throwing arm. What an impressive package, and how fortunate we were to have him join our new team!

Ron Baptiste was undoubtedly the most skillful ballplayer on the new U.S. Exporters softball team, and he has been rewarded by his teammates as the Spring 2007 U.S. Exporters Most Valuable Player.

Congratulations, Ron!

Ron Baptiste wrote:

"Thanks everyone not only the opportunity to play on the team, but for also awarding me the MVP award. I'm excited to come back and play with you all in the post-season tournament." (6/15/07)


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DENNIS POTTER WINS SPRING 2007 BEST GLOVE AWARD

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Dennis Potter
Best Glove, Spring 2007
 Oddly enough, this season's Best Glove recipient began the pre-season as an outfielder, but finished the season at a completely different position!

During the pre-season, the new U.S. Exporters were desperate for some middle infield help. The team auditioned at least a half-dozen candidates for the shortstop position, but none could satisfy the team elders. Finally, a fellow who had earned a starting position on the team because of his splendid outfield play approached the manager and volunteered to handle the spot.

Dennis Potter went on to lead the team in assists (31), and came in second in total put outs (28), and had an excellent .967 fielding percentage after 75 tough innings in one of the most critical defensive positions on the field.

Dennis may not have the strongest arm or the flashiest glove, but he was positioned and ready to play at every pitch, he knew when and where to calmly deliver the ball for a timely assist, and he showed tremendous hustle on the field. Despite his well-earned reputation for being the team's official "Ornery Cuss" on the bench, Dennis Potter has garnered the respect of his teammates for his spirit and drive, and the gratitude of his team manager for a job well done.

Congratulations, Dennis! You are the Spring 2007 Best Glove Award winner!

Dennis Potter wrote:

"Thanks to Roger for inviting me out to play in the first place, Coach for the PT, and the steadier half of the middle infield combo, Pete [Palmieri]. My humble apologies to that poor sign in the dugout for beating it's ass after every at bat. Here's to kicking some tail in the playoffs." (6/14/07)

Pete Palmieri wrote:

"Thanks for the compliment, Dennis. After trying to fill in for you this week, I think we all know that you're well deserving of the award." (6/14/07)

Todd Pace wrote:

"Congrats Dennis, well deserved. Now your name will be on Jay's website for YEARS and YEARS to come." (6/14/07)


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JEREMY LEWIS AND MIKE DESTEFANO ARE SPRING 2007 TOP ROOKIES!

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Mike DeStefano ~ Jeremy Lewis
Spring 2007 ROY's
 In March 2007, the new U.S. Exporters softball team did not look like it was going to be able to compete in the Arlington softball league. Manager Hatfield had communicated with the league that he would likely request a refund on the league registration fee he had paid, and he informed team elders Roger Morse and Kelvin Foreman that a 2007 season was hopeless.

League Commissioner Ed Robinson recommended that Hatfield look at a league sponsored bulletin board with players looking for teams. On the list was a fellow named Jeremy Lewis!

With barely a few weeks to go before the opening game of the season, Hatfield was also introduced to something he had never heard of before: Craig's List. There was a section where players looking for teams listed themselves, and Hatfield furiously sent messages to the players who indicated that they would play in (or lived in) Arlington County. One of those players was Mike DeStefano!

Wow! In 2007, the internet built this team!

Mike and Jeremy made huge impacts on the team during the spring voyage of the new U.S. Exporters softball team, and they volunteered for service at every and all positions where the team needed help. Mike led the team in at bats (55), runs (23), hits (32), batting (.582), and OB% (.661) and was the starting pitcher in four games, while Jeremy led the team in RBI (23) and held down the hot corner at third base (...and he was also prepared to pitch after Kelvin Foreman's injury).

The team honors the hard work and dedication of Mike DeStefano and Jeremy Lewis with the Spring 2007 ROY Awards!


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