VA Raptor - Season Preview: Foot Snipers

Foot Snipers

Team Color: Cardinal Red

Captains: David Dixon and George Vancore

preview by Bryan "No Shoes" Moore, JFK

The Foot Snipers have quite the experienced roster. With leadership cemented by 2011 Circuit captains Vancore (Back in Black) and Dixon (ViDF), the combined talent of this team has enough to topple the division. How is this possible? They may have the best bunt defense in the league, and an offense on par with JFK and the Pounders.

On the mound, you'll find powerhouse Dave Regelsky. Regs has been kickball pitching for at least 6 years now, in one bounce and 2 bounce play. When fresh, Dave has a really fast pitch with tons of movement that will force many of our league's best bunters out of their comfort zone. Your only comfort? The thick Gosnold's Hope Park grass will slow down that nastiness...... a little. Jon Reyes, Vancore and Dixon will sub in for Regs when needed.

At catcher, you have Matt Coup, James Salgado, and Scott Campbell. Coup has got catching down to a science. The guy explodes out of the box, knows when to do the spin throw and when not to, and will snag many of the pop ups that his pitcher forces. Salgado (of VD fame) is already known on the Peninsula for shutting down many an offense. Campbell will use his speed and developing arm to get anyone out that lays down less than a perfect bunt.

Peninsula all team monster charger Ant Williams will be guarding the 3rd baseline. Once you see this guy use his patented laser cannon, you'll understand why the Emperor's Club (VIPs) was so dominant for so long. His experience at the position is often overlooked, so don't expect to poke one by him when you think he's not looking. Reyes, Dixon, and Coup can sub in here, but the Snipers aren't the same caliber without this gun at charger.

1st base is held down by two talented individuals. Peninsula All Star Patrick Jones and Dixon. PJ has the better stretch and faster throw to 3rd, but Dixon has the better mobility and eye to prevent liners past 1st base. Captain Vancore will also sub in at 1st from time to time. The outfield will have speedsters Allen Holt and Justin Schauf covering most (all) of the ground, with the rest of the roster subbed in as needed.

The Snipers women are not to be trifled with. There's more swagger in the girls locker room of this team than half of the Peninsula! BiB/Nation stars Stacey Bolton and Nikki Wilson have excellent enough foot skills and speed to be a threat to the best defenses in the league, and scoff at the thought of dropping a line drive or deep ball in the outfield. Kate Barcus will tag you out as you slide into 3rd, get up with a broken hand, and make fun of you for trying to go 1st to third on her. Like Chuck Norris, Casey Davies doesn't sleep in the outfield, she waits. Woe to the folk that try to burn one past her. Speaking of woe, Betsy Hyman Dixon is doing cross fit, and she will eat your soul if you cross her. She is quite proficient at fielding grounders in between 1st and the pitcher. Take note. Heidi Etter, when not touring Africa for graduate school study, focuses on lock down defense and executing at the plate.

Expect the offensive lineup to have Campbell and Salgado at the top. Salgado is a legitmate threat on offense, having only been out 3 times in the fall season as leadoff for VD. Campbell did much of the same for the Nation on the Southside. The number 3 spot will most likely be filled by Holt, who has a very natural 1st baseline bunt. Other nasty bunters on the squad include Williams, Coup, Reyes, Schauf and Jones. While just about all of the fellows on the Foot Snipers can bomb the ball deep, Regelsky's leg has more than a few grand slams in the books. Watch for the liners from Vancore, Regelsky, Dixon, Schauf, and Reyes. On the girls end of the lineup, Wilson, Bolton, and Barcus can kick very well.

Off the field (at the bar), this a very relaxed group that enjoys socializing. While kickball talk may be dominant in the conversation, this team is quite well rounded and a great group of people. 

Much like 2011, many members of this team will combine forces with members of this winter's JFK in the 2012 Circuit season, and represent the Peninsula in tournaments across the country. Wish them luck!

-No Shoes