Hillsdale County slow pitch softball team rises to the top

A local MASA men's slow pitch softball team took second place in the Class D State Tournament at  Bay City last weekend.

A team sponsored by Rutz Trucking and S&S Trophy and Embroidery went 7-2 over two days en route to a runner-up finish among 25 squads.

They went 3-0 on the first day of play and 4-2 on the final day. A team from Buchanan went 6-1 to take home first place.

It was just the latest achievement for the group of 30-somethings, and the "legendary" 52-year old Gary Franson, who is called "Rookie" by his teammates, according to Brandon Eador.

The men currently have an overall record of 56-14, including an 18-4 mark in the Thursday Cooperstown League in Jackson.

Eador said the team moved to the Cooperstown League to experience more competition on a regular basis, and it certainly delivered.

"That league is one of the best, if not the best slow pitch softball league in the state," he said. "We were looking for something a little harder, and we have had a lot of good games there."

While the team prepares for another Michigan tournament this coming weekend, they are also gearing up for slow pitch nationals, which take place in Salem, Va. over the Labor Day Weekend.

Eador said no one on the team can even remember the last time a local squad qualified for the state tournament, let alone placed so high.