Written by Nathan Rishell
Turks Intern

“Sometimes adversity is what you need to face in order to become successful.”—Zig Ziglar.  

The 2017 season has a been a difficult one so far for the Harrisonburg Turks.  Thursday night, facing the Purcellville Cannons, a team that currently sits atop the North division of the Valley League Baseball standings, the Turks showed character but fell short in a contest that ended 8-3. 

            The pain of defeat was helped by the presence of former coach Brad Babcock, who first appeared at the helm for the Turks in 1971, a team that went 42-9 and included future MLB catchers Steve Swisher and Ron Hodges.  Thursday night Mr. Babcock returned to throw the opening pitch in an otherwise difficult game, bringing back memories to long-time Turks fans and head coach Bob Wease, who was the starting second baseman for the 1972 JMU baseball team.  Brad coached the Dukes for 19 seasons, during which time he lead the 1983 team to a spot in the College World Series.

            The Turks, while mindful of their lapses in defensive concentration–which saw a handful of grounders escape up center field setting up crucial runs for the Cannons–will be encouraged by their batting.  Often, the Turks headed to the dugout with one or more players left on base, and with less pop-up flies the Turks are certain to convert more runs in upcoming games. 

            Friday night the Turks square off against the Charlottesville TomSox, who currently sit atop the South division, in a contest that will prove their mettle in the face of adversity.