The Avalon Park Wolves entered the USSAA Civil War Classic as an unknown entity and caught the attention of several team in the area.  While the Wolves did not come out with a victory, over the course of the weekend, the Wolves learned several valuable lessons. “We are taking the long term view.  When I look back from the beginning of the season to this weekend, we have made a great deal of progress in a short period of time.  We are much better in the field and the kids really showed a lot of heart this weekend,” said Manager Ray Elwell in the post game press conference. “Especially in the second game where we fell behind against the Central Florida Havoc and managed to close the game before just coming up short by one run.” On ESPN’s radio show, Manager Ray Elwell stated, “Sure, we are disappointed in the Sunday game, but I am sure we will see them again.  Once we do, I am confident the result will be really different. (Author’s note: more colorful commentary  and predictions were also included by Manager Elwell, but have been edited out.)

“As much as the players learn about the game, the coaches learn a lot as well. “ Elwell continued, “As a team, we will continue to get better.”  Commentator Mike Greenberg of ESPN’s Mike and Mike in the morning said, “You can just see the Avalon Park Wolves coming together.  All the hard work will pay off.  It’s a journey.   The road may have a few bumps, but somehow I have this feeling this team will be something special.”

Over the weekend all of the players contributed in different ways.  Here are some highlights:

Connor:  Smashed a double against Red Raiders. I think you could hear the distinctive “ping” from the bat all the way into Volusia county.

Bradley: Got on base several times. Also,  fielded two hard hit ground balls for outs and ran all over the bases in Saturday evening’s game. 

David: Threw a rocket from third base to first in the Sunday game and got the guy out. 

Andrew: Showed signs of brilliance by fanning the first two batters in Saturday evening’s game. I can’t wait until I can yell out “Get me the lefty !” said Coach Paul (also a lefty).

Peyton:  A rock solid hit into left on Sunday and pitched a solid game - even though the umpire’s strike zone was something that not even Nolan Ryan could hit consistently.

Trevor: Consistent hitting and brought into close up a few games. Looked solid on the mound.

Alec: Hit the ball hard and pitched extremely well for several innings.

Jake:  Aggressive at the plate and at second base and really encourages his teammates in the Saturday evening game.

Caleb:  Made a great play at the beginning of the Saturday evening’s game vs the Havoc in left field with a running catch.

Paul: Solid hitting despite being really sick on Sunday.   Showed a lot of courage on the field.

Matthew: Picked off a kid a first base on Sunday and caught a solid game.  Allowed very few pass balls throughout the weekend - not an easy job in 90 degree heat after you have caught 100+ pitches.