Saints Update – March 11

After two big wins to open the season and a few days off late last week, St. Mary's got back to work Saturday morning to get ready for two more big games this week vs. archrival EDS and First Academy.

But near the end of practice Saturday, we got another scare as another of our key players went down with a freak injury.

Less than a week after we lost captain Sam Few to season-ending knee surgery, Carson Simmons was involved in a collision while playing first base during "12 Outs" – a drill that simulated game situations and that requires a defensive team to record 12 consecutive outs without an error.

Simmons was hit in the mouth in a collision at first base and suffered a nasty gash to his upper lip. He ended up going to his orthodontist and then to an oral surgeon Saturday afternoon, and needed 10 stitches (10 to the inside of his upper lip and two to the outside of his upper lip). But the Saints pitcher/outfielder/first baseman said Sunday he will be ready to go for practice Monday and for our game Tuesday.

The thought of losing another key player made for some uneasy moments this weekend, so hearing that Simmons would be OK was great news.

Speaking of great news, Sam Few appeared to be feeling much better Sunday as he continues his recovery from knee surgery Thursday, Over the weekend, many of our players stopped by Sam's house to visit and hang out with our captain, and the visits definitely seemed to have lifted his spirits. Sam and his family send their regards and appreciation to everyone who has stopped by to spend some time with Sam at their home.

Sam said Sunday he hopes to return to school on Tuesday and is planning on being on the sidelines with us Tuesday when we take on EDS.

Check out the St. Mary's Baseball photo galleries for photos of several players at Sam's home over the weekend, and thanks to all the players who stopped by the Fews. The friendship and camaraderie is a testament to how special a group we have with the 2007 St. Mary's Baseball team.