Category: Sports

Titans, RB Derrick Henry Agree to Terms on Multi-Year Contract

By Jim Wyatt – TennesseeTitans.com

Derrick Henry [AP Photo/Mark Zaleski]

The Titans have agreed to terms on a multi-year contract with running back Derrick Henry. Earlier this offseason, Henry signed a one-year franchise tag and the two sides began working on a long-term deal.

The deal got done Wednesday prior to the NFL’s deadline for extensions with franchise-tagged players. Henry turned in the best year of his NFL career in 2019, when he was named the FedEx Ground Player of the Year and a Pro Bowler for the first time.

Henry was also named second-team All-Pro by the Associated Press after leading the NFL with a career-best 1,540 rushing yards on 303 carries. Henry indicated earlier this offseason he wanted to remain with the Titans.

“I want to stay with the Tennessee Titans,” Henry said. “They are the ones that took a chance on me – 31 teams passed on me on the draft and they selected me. I have a lot of love for Tennessee. I have a lot of love for everyone in that organization.

“And we have grown from the time I got there. (In 2016) we just missed the playoffs, (in 2017) we got into the playoffs and went into the second round. This year we went to the AFC Championship. We have grown as an organization and as a team and I think that speaks volume for the direction we’re headed.”

Henry ranked third in NFL with 18 total touchdowns in 2019, and he ranked second in the AFC and fourth in the NFL with 1,746 yards from scrimmage.

Henry was a real workhorse in the postseason, setting a franchise playoff record with 182 rushing yards at New England (1/4/20) before resetting it with 195 rushing yards at Baltimore (1/11/20). Henry gained 69 yards on 19 carries in the AFC title game loss at Kansas City.

Henry was the only running back in the NFL to average more than 100 rushing yards per game (102.7) this season. From Weeks 10-13, he joined Pro Football Hall of Famers Jim Brown (1985), Eric Dickerson (1984) and O.J. Simpson (1976), as well as Adrian Peterson (2012) as the only players to record at least 145 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in three consecutive games in NFL history.

Over the past three seasons, Henry has tallied seven touchdowns – five rushing and two receiving – that have gone for 65 yards or more, which leads the NFL (Tyreek Hill, 5) and his 28 rushing touchdowns over the last two years rank second in the NFL (Todd Gurley, 29).

For his NFL career, Henry has rushed for 3,833 yards and 38 touchdowns in 62 games for the Titans. He also has added 630 rushing yards and three touchdowns in five postseason contests. Henry joined Tennessee as a second-round selection in 2016, as a Heisman-trophy winner from the University of Alabama.

Jim Wyatt is the Senior Writer and Editor for TennesseeTitans.com

Braves Sign Free Agent Outfielder Yasiel Puig

Free-agent outfielder Yasiel Puig has agreed to a deal with the Atlanta Braves, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand on Tuesday afternoon. The reported deal is pending a physical, as well as a negative test for COVID-19 before Puig could join the club at camp.

The Braves are waiting on Puig to pass his physical before formally announcing the signing. 

Puig, a 29-year-old outfielder, played for both Ohio teams last season, hitting .252 with 22 homers and 61 RBIs in 100 games for the Reds before being dealt to the Indians in a three-team trade at the Trade Deadline. He hit .297 over 49 games for Cleveland, with a couple of home runs and 23 RBIs over 182 at-bats.

Puig should bolster the corner outfield in Atlanta after veteran Nick Markakis elected not to play in 2020. He’ll join a Braves outfield corps that includes Ronald Acuña Jr., Ender Inciarte, Adam Duvall and fellow free-agent addition Marcell Ozuna.

Puig’s addition to the Braves’ roster could also give the defending National League East champs more flexibility with the designated hitter position. The bat-first Ozuna, for example, might fit best at DH.

The Orioles were the only other team known to have made Puig an offer, as Feinsand reported on Saturday.

One of the bigger names left on the open market, Puig spent his first six big league seasons with the Dodgers, bursting onto the scene during the 2013 campaign, for which he finished second in NL Rookie of the Year Award voting.

Over seven big league seasons, Puig has hit .277 with 132 homers and 415 RBIs. He’s put up a .823 OPS in 3,376 plate appearances, accumulating 18.9 WAR (according to baseball-reference) during his career.

Manchester Youth Baseball Association Results for July 14th

Landon M. of Cooper Sports rips a single on Tuesday night in 6U action of the Manchester Youth Baseball Association

The Manchester Youth Baseball Association hosted 9 games on a hot Tuesday night at Fred Deadman Park. 

In the 6U division, Cooper Sports bounced Star Physical Therapy 21 to 13 and Manchester Tire and Brake tripped up Lovelady Auto Parts 26 to 5.  In the first game, Cooper erupted for 9 runs in the 4th inning to blow open a tight game and get the win.  Levi had 2 doubles and a single to lead Cooper and Blaine hit a grand slam in the big 4th inning for Cooper.  Laine Jones had a homer and 2 singles and scored twice for Star.  In the 2nd game, division leading Manchester Tire and Brake stayed perfect as they banged out 26 hits.  Kasen Shelton, Trey Stevens and Knox Cashion all had home runs for MT&B.  Owen, Kayde, Jax, Patrick, Dominic and Madison all had singles for Lovelady. 

Kyson(left) of KK’s waits on a throw at 2nd base as Thomas(right) of Dr. Jay’s is safe at the bag on Tuesday night in 8U action of the Manchester Youth Baseball Association

In the 8U division, Dr. Jay’s dusted off KK’s 16 to 3.  Dr. Jay’s scored in every inning and their defense held KK’s scoreless until the 5th inning.  KK’s strung together 4 hits to plate their 3 runs in the 5th inning rally. Jackson led Dr. Jay’s in hitting with 2 singles, a triple and a home run while scoring 3 times.  Kolton also had a homer for the Doc squad.  Walker had 3 singles and scored once for KK’s.  The win for Dr. Jay’s sets up a match up with Freedom Automotive on Friday for the division championship.

Xander Meeks(#99) of State Farm slides safely into home after hitting an inside the park home run on Tuesday night in 10U action of the Manchester Youth Baseball Association

In the 10U division, State Farm spilled Coffee County Bank 15 to 8 and First National Bank dropped Chico’s Bail Bonds 9 to 8.  In the early game, State Farm scored 7 runs in each of the 1st two innings to take a commanding lead.  Xander Meeks had a home run and Randall Harrison added a triple to lead State Farm.  Clayton Keele had a 3 RBI triple to lead the Coffee County Bank attack.  In the nightcap, First National Bank built a 9 to 4 lead entering the 4th inning and had to hold off a frantic Chico’s rally to grab the win.  Chico’s came up just short as they had the tying run at 3rd base.  Preston Alford had a single, a double and 2 RBI and Keldon Jolly added a 2 RBI single for First National.  For Chico’s, Kaden Brewer had a 2 run home run and Aaden Spry ripped a double. 

Ian Smith(left) of Shelter Insurance legs out an infield hit as Bush Insurance’s Aiden Melton awaits the throw on Tuesday night in 12U action of the Manchester Youth Baseball Association

In the 12U division, Bush Insurance topped Shelter Insurance 10 to 9 and First Vision Bank held off Powers Storage 8 to 7.  In the 1st game, Bush built a 10 to 2 lead before Shelter grabbed a pair of runs back in the bottom of the 3rd and struck for 5 more in the 4th before the time limit caught up to them.  Ashton Radenmacher had a solo home run and Sy Owens and Kasen Shores each added a double and a single for Bush.  Matt Moore had a triple and a double and scored 2 runs for Shelter.  In the 2nd game, Powers Storage pushed across 2 runs in the top of the 5th inning to tie the game but First Vision plated the winning run in the bottom of the frame to get the upset win.  Keith Hayter had a triple and a single while Boone Floyd added a double and a single for First Vision.  Trevor Jesse had 2 doubles and a single to pace Powers. 

Griffin Meeker of the Mets delivers a pitch on Tuesday night in 18U action of the Manchester Youth Baseball Association

In the 18U division, the Mets scalped the Christiana Braves 9 to 4 and the Yankees cancelled the Expos 8 to 6.  In the opener, the Mets started strong with 4 runs in the 1st inning and held off a late rally from their Rutherford County competitor.  Griffin Meeker got the win on the mound for the Mets.  Trent Thompson had a triple, double and a single and scored 3 times for the Mets.  Ty Reynolds had a double and a 2 RBI single for the Braves.  In the nightcap, the Yankees pushed 5 runs across the plate in the 2nd inning and made it stand up against the Expos from Murfreesboro.  Dylan Koon had a double and a single while Wyatt Nugent added a pair of singles for the Yankees.  Walker had a double and a single and scored twice for the Expos. 

Braves Notes: Soroka ‘Never Felt Better’; Hamels Update

By Mark Bowman – MLB.com

Mike Soroka – Atlanta Braves[Photo by MLB.com]

It will be hard for Mike Soroka to top what he did last year when he drew National League Cy Young Award consideration and finished second in NL Rookie of the Year balloting.

But the 22-year-old hurler delivered an exciting message for Braves fans after throwing four innings in an intrasquad game at Truist Park on Monday night.

“To be honest, my stuff has never felt better,” said Soroka, who is expected to draw his first Opening Day start on July 24, when he’ll likely match up against Mets ace Jacob deGrom at Citi Field.

Soroka certainly has the potential to continue improving this early in his career. It will be a challenge for him to top last year’s 2.68 ERA, which ranked third in the NL. But if he starts this season like he did 2019, he will again be a strong candidate for postseason awards.

With this year’s schedule reduced to 60 games, most starting pitchers will not make more than 12 starts. So there will be a desire to get off to a hot start, like Soroka did last year, when he posted a 1.38 ERA through 10 starts and a 2.12 ERA through 12.

But Soroka knows dwelling on last year’s success could prove detrimental.

“Going back to that time last year, I didn’t know if I was going to make my next start, in the sense we were all kind of battling for that spot,” Soroka said. “So, I think it will be important to put myself back in those shoes and understand the only game that matters is the first one, and then move on from there.”

Ozzie Albies and Marcell Ozuna both recorded a pair of singles to account for the four hits Soroka allowed. Incidentally, Ozuna recorded both of the hits Soroka allowed while limiting the Cardinals to one run over seven innings in Game 3 of their NL Division Series last year.

‘A slow process’ for Hamels

When triceps tendinitis prevented Cole Hamels from throwing a side session on Saturday, he told the Braves it was a minor issue he’s often experienced during Spring Training. His explanation seemed to hold true, based on what he said to manager Brian Snitker on Monday.

“He’s feeling better,” Snitker said. “Everything is progressing. It’s just going to be kind of a slow process for him.”

This has been an extremely slow process for Hamels, who did not throw a pitch in Spring Training because of left shoulder inflammation. It likely would have sidelined him through May had the season started on time. When the Braves opened Summer Camp on July 3, Hamels was not ready to throw batting practice like the other top rotation candidates. So he was already behind schedule before this bout with tendinitis.

Still, Snitker was not ready to rule out the possibility of making the Opening Day roster. With active rosters consisting of 30 players through the season’s first two weeks, the Braves could choose to carry the 36-year-old lefty even if he were ready to throw only two or three innings as part of the piggyback system they plan to use.

COVID-19 updates

With Opening Day a little more than a week away, the Braves are preparing for the possibility of beginning the season without MVP candidate Freddie Freeman and offseason acquisition Will Smith.

For now, Snitker is choosing not to provide any details about Freeman, Smith, Touki Toussaint and Pete Kozma, who all tested positive for COVID-19 when Summer Camp opened.

Freeman has felt good for more than a week. But like Smith, Toussaint and Kozma, he will not be permitted to rejoin the team until he tests negative twice within a span of more than 24 hours.

“They’re all still in that protocol,” Snitker said. “Really, it’s beyond how they feel and all that. Until they’re cleared, they’re away. When they get here, I’ll know they passed all the protocols. But until then, there’s not a whole lot to say about it.”

Pache scare

Top prospect Cristian Pache gave the Braves a scare when he jammed his right ankle while attempting to steal second base on Monday. He remained on the ground in pain, and the medical staff called for a cart on the field.

Pache rose to his feet, walked toward the cart, then made his way toward the clubhouse under his own power. Snitker said the young center fielder will likely be available to play in Tuesday’s intrasquad game.

“It looked to me when he walked off, he probably could have kept going,” Snitker said. “It looked to me like it was just something that scared him a little bit.”

Pache doubled off the top of the left-field wall against Josh Tomlin in the second inning. It brought back memories of 2018, when Pache surprisingly hit two homers off Sean Newcomb while playing against the big leaguers in a spring exhibition game.

Before that, Pache had never homered in his professional career. The 21-year-old outfielder now ranks as baseball’s No. 13 prospect, per MLB Pipeline.

Mark Bowman has covered the Braves for MLB.com since 2001.

Titans 2020 Training Camp Preview: A Look at the Quarterbacks

By Jim Wyatt – TennesseeTitans.com

Ryan Tannehill[Photo by Associated Press]

TRAINING CAMP PREVIEW: QUARTERBACKS

In camp (3): Ryan Tannehill, Logan Woodside, Cole McDonald.

Offseason developments: The Titans re-signed Tannehill to a lucrative multi-year deal back in March, making it known to everyone he was the team’s quarterback of the future all along after rumor mill speculation erroneously focused on former Patriots QB Tom Brady, who eventually signed with the Buccaneers. Marcus Mariota, the No.2 pick of the 2015 NFL Draft who went from starter to back-up last season in Tennessee, signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. The Titans drafted former Hawaii quarterback Cole McDonald in the seventh-round of the 2020 NFL Draft. McDonald signed his rookie deal last month. With the team’s facility closed to players, Tannehill spent most the offseason working in South Florida with tight end Jonnu Smith, although he traveled to Nashville for some work with teammates as well. Woodside was a regular at throwing sessions with teammates on fields in Nashville, building chemistry with many of the team’s receivers and tight ends.

In the spotlight: Tannehill. Acquired last March in a trade with the Dolphins, Tannehill was named the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year after leading the NFL with a 117.5 rating in 2019. During the regular season, Tannehill threw for 2,742 yards with 22 touchdowns and six interceptions, and he guided the Titans to a 9-4 mark after replacing Mariota as the starter in Week 7. In 2020, Tannehill will be counted on to pick up where he left off last season. With plenty of weapons around him, and a year under his belt working with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, Tannehill seems poised to keep the momentum going.

Battle to watch: Logan Woodside vs. Cole McDonald. Woodside, who joined the Titans in 2018, is the favorite to win the No.2 job behind Tannehill. Over the past two years he’s impressed those around him with his work ethic, and when he got a chance to play in last year’s preseason, he showed something, completing 46-of-76 passes for 539 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions with a passer rating of 99.6. Woodside completed 17-of-29 passes for 212 yards and two touchdowns (with a 104.4) while starting the preseason finale at Chicago. But the Titans didn’t draft McDonald to keep the Hawaii connection going after Mariota’s departure. The 6-foot-3, 218-pound McDonald finished his career at Hawaii fourth on the school’s passing yards (8,032) and passing touchdowns (70) lists, and he’s an impressive athlete as well. McDonald will try to topple Woodside in camp.

Keep an eye on: The possibility of adding a veteran QB. Neither Woodside nor McDonald want to see this happen, of course, and it won’t if either of them plays well enough to convince coaches and the front office the team is in good hands at QB2. Woodside has paid his dues, and he needs to prove he’s capable when the training wheels come off and he goes for a ride. The lack of an offseason program, OTAs and minicamp hurt McDonald’s chances of developing in Year 1, and it didn’t help Woodside either. Both QBs would have benefitted from the extra work. But no one wants to hear any excuses. Veteran QBs will be available in August, and there’s a chance the Titans could add one then if they aren’t comfortable with what they have behind Tannehill. Will they need to pick up the phone? Again, this will be up to Woodside, and McDonald.

Jim Wyatt is the Senior Writer and Editor for TennesseeTitans.com

Manchester Youth Baseball Association Results for July 13th

Walker Lovelace of KK’s throws the ball to first base to get an out on Monday in 8U action of the Manchester Youth Baseball Association

The Manchester Youth Baseball Association opened up the final week of the regular season on Monday night with a full slate of games at Fred Deadman Park. 

In the 8U division, Dr. Jay’s edged KK’s 13 to 12 and Freedom Automotive dropped Interstate Auto 16 to 9.  In the opener, Dr. Jay’s had to rally for 3 runs in the bottom of the 5th inning and then hold off a 6th inning rally from KK’s to get the win.  Jackson and Abe each had 3 hits and scored 3 runs to lead Dr. Jay’s.  Lhane had 4 hits and scored 4 times for KK’s.  In the nightcap, Interstate took a 1 to 0 lead into the 3rd inning before Freedom’s bats finally woke up.  Aiden, Jaden and Deacon all ended up with 3 hits and 3 runs for Freedom.  Lawson, Keyton and Gauge all had 2 hits and 2 runs for Interstate. 

Dayton Cole of Chico’s Bail Bands(in white) slides safely into home under the tag of Viam pitcher Xzavier Layne(in blue jersey) on Monday in 10U action of the Manchester Youth Baseball Association

In the 10U division, Chico’s Bail Bonds locked up Viam 13 to 12 and First National Bank bested Coffee County Bank 16 to 14.  In the first game, it took extra innings, but Chico’s held off a furious rally from Viam to get the win.  Chico’s built a 9 to 3 lead only to see Viam rally for 2 runs in the home half of the 3rd inning and 6 more in the 4th inning to take their first lead.  The teams reached the time limit tied at 11 and Chico’s plated 2 runs in the extra inning.  Viam got 1 run in and stranded the tying run at 3rd base in the loss.  Kaden Brewer had a home run, a single and 2 walks to lead Chico’s.  Bryce Spencer and Caleb Leonard had triples for Viam.  In the second game, Coffee County got off to a red hot start scoring 7 runs in the first inning to take a 2 run lead in the of the Battle of the Banks.  First National scored 6 more runs in the 2nd, but Coffee County knotted the score with a 4 run rally to send the game to the 3rd tied.  In the 3rd inning, First National outscored Coffee County 5 to 3 to grab the win.  Gavin Smith had 3 singles for First National while Kolton Strickland scored 3 runs after walking twice and being hit by a pitch.  For Coffee County Bank, Levi Dotson had a double and a single and Blaine Bonner also scored 3 runs after walking twice and getting on via getting hit by a pitch.

Trevor Jesse(in red jersey) of Powers Storage slides safely into 3rd base as Shelter Insurance 3rd baseman Johnathan West(in blue jersey) awaits the throw from teh catcher on Monday in 12U action of the Manchester Youth Baseball Association

In the 12U division, Powers Storage beat Shelter Insurance 9 to 6 and First Vision Bank shaded Bush Insurance 11 to 10.  In the early game, it was a painful start for Powers as Shelter jumped out to a 3 to 0 lead in the top of the 1st inning powered by a pair of home runs.  In the bottom of the 1st inning, Powers’ pitcher Keaton Rowe fractured his wrist after getting hit by a pitch.  From there, Powers settled down and rallied to grab their 9th win of the year.  Trevor Jesse and Austin Gibson each had a pair of singles and scored twice for Powers.  Ian Smith and Trace Stevens had the home runs for Shelter.  In the late game, First Vision jumped out to an early lead and held on in the final inning to get the one run lead.  Bryceton Bunch went the distance on the mound for First Vision to get the win.  Boone Floyd had a home run, a double and a walk and scored 3 times for First Vision.  Kasen Morrison had a double, 2 walks and scored twice for Bush Insurance. 

Knox Wimberley of the Manchester Braves delivers a warm-up pitch on Monday in 18U action of the Manchester Youth Baseball Association

In the 18U division, the Mets bounced the Manchester Braves 7 to 6 and the Christiana Braves chopped down the Manchester Braves 7 to 6.  In game 1, the Mets sent 10 batters to the plate in the 1st inning as they scored 5 runs to take a commanding lead.  The Mets added 2 more runs in the 2nd before the Braves late inning rally came up short.  For the Mets, Trent Thompson had 2 hits and scored twice while Griffin Meeker walked twice, singled and scored 2 runs as well.  Gauge Marcrom had 2 singles for the Braves.   In game 2, the Christiana Braves got a late rally to spoil the Manchester Braves upset bid.  With Manchester leading 6 to 2 entering the 5th inning, the Christiana tribe tied the game with a 4 run 5th inning.  The Rutherford County Braves notched the winning run in the 6th to complete the comeback.  Christiana was led by Kameron Smusz who had a double, a single, a walk, 2 runs scored and the game winning RBI.  Wyatt Lowe rapped a triple and a single and scored a run for Manchester. 

Tuesday MYBA Schedule

6U Division at T-Ball Field

5:00 PM – Cooper Sports vs. Star Physical Therapy

7:30 PM – Manchester Tire & Brake vs. Lovelady Auto Parts

8U Division at Fast Pitch Field

5:00 PM – Dr. Jay vs. KK’s

7:30 PM – KK’s vs. Freedom Automotive

10U Division at National League Field

5:00 PM – Coffee County Bank vs. State Farm

7:30 PM – Chico’s Bail Bonds vs. First National Bank

12U Division at Aaron Miller Field

5:00 PM – Shelter Insurance vs. Bush Insurance

7:30 PM – Powers Storage vs. First Vision Bank

18U Division at Looney Riddle(Babe Ruth) Field

6:00 PM – Mets vs. Christiana Braves

8:00 PM – Expos vs. Yankees

The pictures, material and information contained in this story may not be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten, or redistributed, for commercial gain, without the express written consent of Coffee County Broadcasting.

Preds Stanley Cup Qualifier Schedule Announced

Hockey is set to return.  The Nashville Predators are scheduled to participate in the NHL’s first-ever Stanley Cup Qualifying Round, and the dates of their matchups against the Arizona Coyotes have been confirmed.

As the NHL and NHLPA ratified a four-year extension to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (through 2025-26) and a Return to Play Plan on Friday evening, the League also announced the schedule for the 2020 Stanley Cup Qualifiers.

After traveling to the Western Conference hub city of Edmonton on July 26, the Preds and Yotes will meet in Game 1 of the best-of-5 series on August 2 at Rogers Place.

Here is the full schedule for Nashville’s Qualifying Round:

Game 1: August 2

Game 2: August 4

Game 3: August 5

Game 4: August 7*

Game 5: August 9*

*If Necessary

As far as timing is concerned, the NHL released this information:

“Games have been scheduled on a staggered basis, providing hours of continuous action. The start times for the 10 days of Stanley Cup Qualifiers in Toronto (Eastern Conference games) will be: Noon, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. ET. In order to maximize the viewing experience for fans across North America, the start times for the three game windows in Edmonton (Western Conference games) – 2 p.m. ET, 6:30 p.m. ET and 10:30 p.m. ET – may fluctuate by up to 30 minutes during the qualifying round.”

Official timing and broadcast information will be announced at a later date.

Stay tuned to Thunder Radio in the days and weeks to come for more information on the official schedule and broadcast information.

Brave’s Coach Washington Reinventing Himself During COVID-19 Pandemic

By Mark Bowman – MLB.com

Ron Washington of the Atlanta Braves [Photo by USA Today]

Ron Washington’s decision to quit smoking four months ago has not removed him from the high-risk category for COVID-19. But the willingness to break this longtime addiction is proof the 68-year-old Braves third-base coach is committed to doing whatever he needs to remain healthy and on a baseball field over the next few months.

“It’s mind over matter,” Washington said. “I’ve been a strong-willed and a strong-minded person my whole life. You have to do what you have to do. Life changes. You just have to go with it. Hopefully, the day will come when we get back to normal.”

Whether guiding the Rangers to consecutive World Series appearances or serving as a beloved and significantly valuable coach for the A’s and Braves, Washington has spent the past couple decades proving to be a tireless worker who puffed at cigarettes between early-morning Spring Training drills or whenever he felt the urge to take a few drags away from a television camera.

But to the surprise and delight of many around the baseball world, Washington can proudly say he hasn’t smoked a cigarette since Spring Training was shut down in March. The respiratory realities of COVID-19 were enough for the coach to finally quit a couple years shy of his 70th birthday.

The earliest studies of this coronavirus showed how damaging it could be to lungs that had been weakened by years of smoking. At the same time, Washington knew if baseball was going to be played this year, the players and coaches would be prohibited from smoking, dipping, spitting sunflower seeds or similar activities, which involved the voluntary release of saliva.

“I feel good,” Washington said. “I know I’m one of the high-risk guys. But I trust the protocols MLB has in place, and I trust Ron Washington even more than the protocols of MLB. Sixty games? I can hide out for 60 games. If there’s another 20 or 25 or whatever it is for the playoffs, I’ll hide out for that also and then head home.”

As Washington thinks back on the shutdown of the past few months, he says it was the first time in at least 40 years he spent the spring and early weeks of summer in his native New Orleans. Much of his time was spent catching up on some of the household tasks assigned by his wife Gerry, who has been with the Braves coach for a little more than five decades.

When it came time to travel to Atlanta two weeks ago to begin preparations for the upcoming season, Washington did not have to lobby with family members.

“I’m going to make certain I do everything I have to do to get through this 60-game season and the playoffs, if all that is possible, and to get home safely,” Washington said.

“My wife allowed me to make that decision. As with most wives, with this COVID-19 out here, they would like to have their loved ones at home. She knows this is what I do for a living and she knows how much I love it. She trusts me to do whatever I have to do to stay safe.”

Washington has continued to have fun with the energetic spirit that has made him a popular and well-liked figure within a few organizations. With hugging, high-fives and handshakes prohibited this year, the third-base coach has developed a “foot shake” he plans to use by extending his right foot to a player who has just homered and is rounding third.

“It’s going to be different,” Washington said. “But in the end, it’s baseball. I personally feel the safest place is at the ballpark.”

Mark Bowman has covered the Braves for MLB.com since 2001.

Manchester Youth Baseball Association Results for July 10th

The Manchester Youth Baseball Association wrapped up their 5th week of competition on Friday night with 5 games at Fred Deadman Park. 

Brodie of Lions Club motors into 3rd base after hitting a triple on Friday night in 8U action of the Manchester Youth Baseball Association.

In the 8U division, Interstate Auto took on Lions Club in a doubleheader. The two teams split the 2 contests as Interstate won the opener 18 to 3.  Lions Club bounced back to get their first win of the year in the nightcap 25 to 20.   In the first game, Interstate built a big lead and kept Lions Club off the scoreboard until the final inning.  Keyton Childress had 2 home runs for Interstate while Eli Baker and Lawson Maychrzak added a home run apiece for the Green Machine.  For Lions Club, Mia and Brodie each hammers triples.  In the nightcap, Lions Club plated 5 runs in the first inning, but saw Interstate rally for 9 runs in the bottom half of the inning to take the lead.  Not to be deterred, Lions Club closed the gap with 6 runs in the 2nd inning and 9 runs in the 5th to grab their first win of the year.  For Lions Club, Jace had a home run, a triple and 2 singles while Bentley and Draper each finished with a triple, a double and 2 singles for Lions Club.  Lawson Maychrzak finished with 2 home runs for Interstate while Gabe Elrod and Branden Gammons each had a homer. 

Ethan Reed of First National Bank hurls a pitch on Friday night in 10U action of the Manchester Youth Baseball Association.

In the 10U division, First National Bank stopped Chico’s Bail Bonds 15 to 11 and State Farm bested Coffee County Bank 18 to 3.  In the first game, First National scored 6 runs in the 1st inning and added 7 more in the 2nd to build a 13 to 5 lead.  Chico’s was able to score in every inning, including 4 runs in the 4th inning but it was not enough to rally for the win.  Davion Dycus had a home run and a single and scored twice for First National.  Steven Lombardo had 2 doubles and a single for the winners.  Aiden Spry had 2 singles and a home run for Chico’s.  In the nightcap, Coffee County Bank got off to a good start scoring 2 runs on 3 hits in the top of the first inning.  Division leading State Farm sent 11 batters to the plate in the bottom of the first scoring 6 runs which was all the offense they would need.  State Farm got home runs from Trey Sullivan and Cooper Hinson to lead their offense.  Levi Dotson had a pair of singles and scored twice for Coffee County Bank. 

Pressley Rooker of Shelter Insurance rips a single on Friday night in 12U action of the Manchester Youth Baseball Association.

In the 12U division, Shelter Insurance took down Peoples Bank 18 to 5.  Shelter jumped on top early with 7 runs in the first inning and 8 more in the 2nd to build an insurmountable 15 to 2 lead.  Pressley Rooker and Kerry Norris each had a double and a single for Shelter.  Matt Moore added 2 singles, a walk and 3 runs scored for Shelter.  Kaysen Lowery had 2 walks and scored two runs for Peoples.  Josh Harris and Isaiah Deadman added singles for Peoples. 

Monday MYBA Schedule

8U Division at Fast Pitch Field

5:00 PM – Freedom Automotive vs. Interstate Auto

7:30 PM – KK’s vs. Dr. Jay

10U Division at National League Field

5:00 PM – Chico’s Bail Bonds vs. Viam

7:30 PM – First National Bank vs. Coffee County Bank

12U Division at Aaron Miller Field

5:00 PM – Shelter Insurance vs. Powers Storage

7:30 PM – First Vision Bank vs. Bush Insurance

18U Division at Looney Riddle(Babe Ruth) Field

6:00 PM – Manchester Braves vs. Mets

8:00 PM – Christiana Braves vs. Manchester Braves

UNOFFICIAL MYBA Standings

6U Standings
Place Team Wins Losses
1 Manchester Tire & Brake 10 0
2 Star Physical Therapy 6 4
3 Cooper Sports 4 6
4 Lovelady Auto Parts 0 10
8U Standings
Place Team Wins Losses
1 Dr. Jay 10 1
2 Freedom Automotive 10 2
3 KK’s 6 6
4 Interstate Auto 4 9
5 Lions Club 1 13
10U Standings
Place Team Wins Losses
1 State Farm 9 0
2 Viam 7 2
3 First National Bank 4 6
4 Chico’s Bail Bonds 3 7
5 Coffee County Bank 1 9
12U Standings
Place Team Wins Losses
1 Powers Storage 8 2
1 Clower Automotive 8 2
3 Shelter Insurance 6 3
4 Bush Insurance 3 6
5 First Vision 3 7
6 Peoples Bank 1 9
18U Standings
Place Team Wins Losses
1 Yankees 9 1
2 Expos 6 5
3 Mets 4 4
4 Christiana Braves 3 4
5 Manchester Braves 1 9

Coffee County CHS Girls’ Basketball Team to Host Golf Tournament

Head coach Joe Pat Cope and the staff and players of the Coffee County CHS Lady Raider basketball team are inviting everyone to participate in their benefit golf tournament. The tournament is scheduled for Saturday, August 1st at Willowbrook Golf Club. Registration for 4 person teams is open and will be capped at 20 teams.

Cost for the tournament is $300 per team and includes greens fees, cart, a swag bag and dinner at Prater’s BBQ. The shotgun start will be at 1 PM at Willowbrook with dinner, a live auction and the Awards Ceremony at Prater’s beginning at 7 PM.

The tournament will be divided into 2 flights with cash prizes awarded for 1st and 2nd place in each flight. If you need more information, or wish to register, contact Willowbrook at 931-728-8989 or Joe Pat Cope at 931-247-6300.