Blog will Be discontinued as of 4/27/09

I would like to thank everyone who read the Blog over the past two years of Sparta Baseball. It is time consuming for me and my wife, but not something that we "have" to do. Due to some negative comments left on the blog, it will be discontinued. It was supposed to be a positive outlet for players and followers of the game. Instead it has turned into a complaint forum with "anonymous" comments.

Coach Dodge

Sparta vs Logan

Sparta 0 Logan 1

One run allowed Logan to hold on to a 1 to 0 win Tuesday at Logan. Josh K. struck out 11 batters and had a hit for the Spartans. Craig M. also had a hit that put runners in scoring position, but unfortunately the Spartans didn't plate any runners. "We had chances to score, but didn't come up with the big hit. Our defense could have been better, but it was our offense that cost us the game. Josh pitched extremely well and kept us in the game. We need some guys to step up and come through when the situations arise." - Coach Dodge

Integrity

“It's not what we eat but what we digest that makes us strong; not what we gain but what we save that makes us rich; not what we read but what we remember that makes us learned; and not what we profess but what we practice that gives us integrity.” Francis Bacon, Sr.

“One of the truest tests of integrity is its blunt refusal to be compromised.”

“Integrity is not a conditional word. It doesn't blow in the wind or change with the weather. It is your inner image of yourself, and if you look in there and see a man who won't cheat, then you know he never will.” John D. MacDonald

Sparta Baseball Players - What do you see?

Sparta VS Wisconsin Rapids

Cancelled - No Make up Date set

Sparta vs Holmen

Sparta 6 Holmen 11

Five errors and some timely hits by the Holmen Vikings sunk the Spartans Thursday night here in Sparta. Josh N. led the Spartans with three hits while Josh K. and Jon F. contributed with extra base hits to score some Spartan runs. " Its hard to win a ball game with five errors against a solid team like Holmen. We made mistakes and they capitalized on them." - Coach Dodge

Sparta vs Central

Sparta 0 Central 10

Josh K. led the Spartans on the mound against Central and had a first inning single to start the game. Josh N. had a nice hit in the fourth inning to start the inning but in both cases the Spartans were unable to capitalize. Defensive errors and lack of contact at the plate held the Spartans to zero runs. "Josh K. pitched a great game holding Central to five hits. I am still struggling on how we can get 10 runned when our pitcher only gives up five hits to the number one ranked team in the state. We need to work harder, bottom line." - Coach Dodge

Pictures from 4/16 vs Tomah

Sparta VS Tomah

Sparta 13 Tomah 2

Tomah jumped out to a 2 - 0 lead Thursday evening until Sparta finally woke up and started hitting the ball. Sparta had 7 hits in the third inning to take a 5 - 2 lead. Josh N. had a double and Grand Slam to lead the Spartans while Josh K. had two hits of his own. Matt B. pitched five solid innings and Kevin S. finished up in the sixth inning. "We Started out really slow tonight and didn't pick up the intensity until we were behind. The guys did a nice job of getting back in the game and staying focused the last four innings. " - Coach Dodge

Sparta vs Eau Claire Memorial

Sparta 2 Eau Claire Memorial 14

Sparta faced a very strong Memorial team at Carson Park Tuesday night. Kevin S. was the highlight for the Spartans ripping a single and double. "Fundamentally they were better than us. Defensively they made all the plays and offensively they went with the pitch and didn't try to do too much with what was thrown at them. Hopefully we can rebound against Tomah on Thursday". - Coach Dodge

Pictures from 4/13 vs Onalaska

Sparta 0 Onalaska 3

Sparta and Onalaska were scoreless until the sixth inning. Two errors and a base hit plated three runs for Onalaska putting the game out of reach for Sparta. Sparta faced an 87 mph fastball most of the night and was able to get runners on, but couldn't get the run across. Andrew S. pitched great keeping Onalaska hitters off balance until the unfortunate errors in the sixth. "Our conference is tough and never disappoints as far as up and coming talent. We needed some guys to come through tonight but we were unable to execute on some key situations." - Coach Dodge

Pictures From 4/11- Field Clean-Up/Alumni Game

Minor fix-ups.

Field work.

Foss's brats for lunch.

Home run contest.

Alumni Game

Thank you to those that showed up to help with the Alumni game. It was fun to watch the past Spartans play again. Have a great Easter!

Coach Dodge

Alumni Game April 11th

Field Clean - 9 - 12
Lunch - 12 - 1
Homerun Contest 1 - 2
Game 2

Come on out and watch or even better play!

Sparta vs Aquinas

Sparta 4 Aquinas 6

The first inning went great for the Spartans Tuesday against Aquinas. Josh K. started the game with a double. Jake B. hit a homerun to left field along with Josh N. hitting a homerun two at bats later. From their Aquinas was able to capitalize on walks and some untimely errors by the Spartan defense. " We were up 4 - 2 going into the fourth inning and for whatever reason we relaxed and started throwing the ball around. It wasn't a matter of talent tonight, but a matter of who wanted it more." - Coach Dodge

Sparta vs Wisconsin Dells

Sparta 22 Wisconsin Dells 2

The cold weather must have reminded Craig M. of hockey. He went 4 for 4 with a double and 5 rbi's. Jordan J. was 3 for 4 with 3 rbi's and Alex H. made his way into the varsity limelight going 2 for 3. Matt B. led the Spartans on the mound going the distance. It was a cold day to be a pitcher and Matt did a good job. "We had 17 hits on the day in a very cold and windy game. It was nice to see the guys hit so well regardless of the cold temperature." - Coach Dodge

2 - 0...Good start

Game 1 - Sparta 14 Baldwin-Woodville 9

Andrew S. and Jordan J. split time on the mound. The Spartans had 13 hits on the game. Josh K., Jordan J., Josh N., Andrew S., Jordan L., and Dan W., all had timely hits that drove in runs for the Spartans. "We hit the ball extremely well and had some quality at bats, while limiting our swings to pitches that were in the strike zone. We need to improve on a couple things on the defensive side of the ball, but overall we had a great first game." - Coach Dodge.

Game 2 - Antigo 4 Baldwin Woodville 3

Game 3 - Sparta 7 Antigo 3

Sparta had their hands full with a very solid team in Antigo during the third game. Josh N. went the distance giving up 5 hits and two earned runs. With the game tied at three going into the sixth the Spartans were able to draw three walks in a row to plate the go ahead run. Josh N. helped his cause by smashing a two run single to center field securing the win for the Spartans. Jordan L. continued to have a hot bat earning two more hits in the contest. "Antigo has a solid team. Our guys made some key plays and timely hits. We were very patient at bat and aggressive on the base paths. Jake B. made a catch to end the game that would have been number one on ESPN's Top 10 plays." - Coach Dodge

OUCH...

We're ready to go!

We had a good first week of practice. Thursday and Friday we were able to get outside which helped with drills and the kids excitement to play.

Thank you to all of the parents that helped with our last fundraiser. I am optimistic with the results. I'll keep you posted.

Reminder of our Alumni Game April 11th. If you are going to be out of town for Easter weekend do not feel obligated to come to the game. If you are going to be in town please stop out.

9 - 12 - Field Clean-up
12 - 1 - Lunch
1 - 2 - Homerun Contest
2 - Alumni Game

Practice starts Monday!

At the Middle School Gymnasium.

Monday through Wednesday -

Varsity tryouts 5:30 am to 7:00 am

VR/JV 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Thursday and Friday depend on the weather.

Must have a physical to practice!

Smelt Fry/Chicken Wings Fundraiser a success!

Thank you to all of you that battled the weather to help out with the fundraiser and eat the food. We were busy right up to 5:30 or so. The kids did a good job and the desserts were great! March 21st we are helping the rotary club at the hunting expo. Take a look at the schedule outside of Coach Dodge's or Coach Beckstrom's office to see when you work.

Smelt Fry/Chicken Wings Fundraiser

Smelt Fry Tickets (Sold or not sold) need to be turned in to Coach Dodge. If you enjoy new bats and other equipment you really need to make an effort to sell your tickets.

Make sure to check out the work schedule located outside of Coach Dodge's or Coach Beckstrom's office. See you on Sunday.

Remember to bring a Dessert!

Baseball Apparel

Baseball Players,

Order forms are due by the end of the day Friday! Drop them off with Coach Dodge or Coach Beckstrom.

Freshman, reminder you need to purchase a hat!

Baseball Sign up

February 17th - 7:30 am - Coach Beckstrom's room - See you there!

Dates to Remember

Open Gym Dates - See previous post

March 8th - Smelt Fry/Chicken Wings Fundraiser at VFW

March 21st - Rotary Club Hunting Expo

March 23rd - First day of practice

April 11th - Alumni Game