By Rubin E. Grant Conner Eberhardt was just a toddler when he became interested in playing baseball. His older brother Reece was playing the sport, and Eberthardt said, “I wanted to get out and try it. I was 2 or 3, about the time I could walk.” When Reece got to high school, he had switched sports, playing soccer for Spain Park. But this time, Eberhardt didn’t follow in his … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. Grant The Hoover Bucs figured their best chance to defend their 2019 Class 7A boys soccer state championship was in 2020. With 13 seniors on their roster, the Bucs were off to a hot start with an 8-0-2 record. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a pause and eventually the cancellation of the rest of season. “It was hugely disappointing,” Hoover coach Kris … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. Grant Braxton Wetzler is once again enjoying the sounds of spring, especially the crack of the bat. A year ago, after the Mountain Brook baseball team had gotten off to a 16-2 start, its season was shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Wetzler was a junior on a squad that had 15 seniors. He felt bad for them when the season was halted. “It was really … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. Grant Senior Night for the Vestavia Hills baseball team became more than just a special evening to recognize 16 seniors. It also was an evening to witness a profile in courage. Senior right-handed pitcher Alden Windham has been battling a mysterious illness for months, dealing with agonizing pain, first in his legs and then in his back, with his condition … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. Grant John Carroll Catholic softball coach Jeri Beck doesn’t have any qualms about fielding a young team. In fact, she rather enjoys it. “We’ve got young kids on the field this season and we always do,” Beck said. “One of the advantages I have is I get them in the seventh grade and get to work with them for six years. “I’m never shy about putting seventh graders … [Read more...]