Hammond Softball on a tear, baseball 2-1 in region

By WORTHY EVANS

The Hammond softball team (9-1, 3-0 SCISA Region 1-3A) is off to its strongest start in decades.

While head coach David Beacham knew his team was loaded with talent and potential, it took him as a bit of a surprise when the MaxPreps website had Hammond as 14^th team among the top 150 teams in the state.

“We barely crept into the top 100 last year, and at the beginning of the season they put us at 17^th,” he said. “When we moved up to 14, it’s certainly an improvement, with wins over Ben Lippen and Wardlaw. We’re having the best season that I can think of, absolutely.”

A big reason that the team of six seniors, three juniors, and a lot of eighth graders and sophomores has been doing well is several seniors leading by example.

Senior Sadie Meacham, a University of the South at Sewanee commit, has a .406 batting average with 13 hits, two home runs and 11 RBI. Two-time SCISA Player of the Year Grace Beacham is not only batting .576 with 19 hits, 3 homers and 17 RBI, she’s also the team’s ace pitcher at 7-1 with a 1.51 earned-run average and 59 strikeouts. 

“Grace usually hits more home runs than she’s allowed (2). She’s kind of an anchor for the team,” Coach Beacham said about Grace Beacham. “Sadie has had a batting average higher than .450 most seasons. She’s our third baseman and centerfielder, and they have her slated for centerfield in college.”

Behind Beacham and Meacham are up-and-comers. Sophomore second baseman Madge Miller has a .538 average, and sophomore rightfielder/centerfielder Ada Sapp is hitting .459 and is 1-0 with a 2.86 ERA and 9 strikeouts in four appearances as a pitcher.

“She’s been a very consistent backup pitcher,” Beacham said. “Anytime I call for her, she always gets the job done.”

Behind the plate is junior Elizabeth Spratlin, who has returned to the team after a torn ACL injury a year ago. She’s batting .250 with a home run and 10 RBI.

“She’s a clean catcher behind the plate, and takes care of business,” Beacham said. “She gives my pitchers all the confidence in the world.”

Eighth graders Olivia Wiske (.200) and Karson Riddle (.393, HR, 6 doubles) also contribute regularly, with Wiske pitching, playing at first base, and using her speed and fielding capabilities, and Riddle at shortstop and pitching. 

“We have more travel ball experience than we’ve had in a while,” Beacham said. “We have six players with travel ball experience, and that’s helping us a lot this year.”

The Hammond baseball team (7-4, 3-1 SCISA Region 1-4A) is also off to a good start in region competition. The Skyhawks overcame a 5-2 loss to Ben Lippen March 19 to beat the Falcons 16-4 the next day. They followed up with shutouts of Heathwood Hall March 25 (10-0) and 26 (15-0).