| Street Kids Strengthen Defense, Add Firebaugh to 2008 Roster |
Michigan City, IN-
Just a few days after agreeing to terms with heavy hitter
Jake Underwood and his father, legendary power hitter
Carl Underwood, the Street Kids Softball team added
what could be their final piece of the 2008 puzzle.
Chris Firebaugh agreed on Wednesday to leave the team
he has called home for the past three plus years - PNA -
and join the SKS organization, bolstering not only their
very strong offense, but their defense as well. Firebaugh,
widely regarded as one of the best infielders around, will
play middle infield, replacing 2007 Gold Glove winner
Brian Lange, who retired following the awards banquet.
"This is one of the biggest moves for us this offseason
because Chris brings more than just a good bat, but a
great glove," said SKS director TJ Jorgensen. "We were
concerned at how we were going to replace Langer up
the middle, then the idea of Chris came up and after
several meetings between members of our team, we
made him an offer. I'm glad he chose to come on board."
With only four years of softball experience, Firebaugh is
still growing. He flourished in his three plus years as an
infielder for PNA/AMD, where he learned many aspects
of his game. He was sad to leave his friends and former
team, but he knew the decision was the right one.
"This was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made,"
said the 6'5", 230-pounder. "PNA is really the only team
I've called home and I have some good friends there. I
agonized over this for several weeks. In the end, I knew
that the SK organization was the right fit for me in my
career. The players that have been on that team for a
while, coupled with the new pickups for this season tell
me they are committed to winning in 2008. To be able to
play for a team that has a lot of perks and is so organized
also helped in the decision."
Just a few days after agreeing to terms with heavy hitter
Jake Underwood and his father, legendary power hitter
Carl Underwood, the Street Kids Softball team added
what could be their final piece of the 2008 puzzle.
Chris Firebaugh agreed on Wednesday to leave the team
he has called home for the past three plus years - PNA -
and join the SKS organization, bolstering not only their
very strong offense, but their defense as well. Firebaugh,
widely regarded as one of the best infielders around, will
play middle infield, replacing 2007 Gold Glove winner
Brian Lange, who retired following the awards banquet.
"This is one of the biggest moves for us this offseason
because Chris brings more than just a good bat, but a
great glove," said SKS director TJ Jorgensen. "We were
concerned at how we were going to replace Langer up
the middle, then the idea of Chris came up and after
several meetings between members of our team, we
made him an offer. I'm glad he chose to come on board."
With only four years of softball experience, Firebaugh is
still growing. He flourished in his three plus years as an
infielder for PNA/AMD, where he learned many aspects
of his game. He was sad to leave his friends and former
team, but he knew the decision was the right one.
"This was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made,"
said the 6'5", 230-pounder. "PNA is really the only team
I've called home and I have some good friends there. I
agonized over this for several weeks. In the end, I knew
that the SK organization was the right fit for me in my
career. The players that have been on that team for a
while, coupled with the new pickups for this season tell
me they are committed to winning in 2008. To be able to
play for a team that has a lot of perks and is so organized
also helped in the decision."
Before making his commitment to Street Kids, Firebaugh contacted several SK players, as well as players
outside of the SK family, for advice. It was his phone call to 2007 SK Most Valuable Player Lanny Fisher
that may have made the difference.
"Chris called and said he really wanted to come on board but he wanted to get the opinion of a veteran
player already on the team," said the pitcher. "I told him that he has a good team there in PNA and some
good friends there as well. I told him about the direction we were going, the vision TJ has for the future of
this organization how he would fit into that plan, and basically let him make up his mind."
"Next to veteran Brian Lange, Chris may be one of the best young infielders to ever wear a SK jersey,"
said assistant manager JR Shapiro. "We're lucky to have a player of his ability and strength."
Firebaugh has never won a state title and played in only one national tournament. In comparison, the rest
of the SKS tournament team has a combined 60 state titles.
outside of the SK family, for advice. It was his phone call to 2007 SK Most Valuable Player Lanny Fisher
that may have made the difference.
"Chris called and said he really wanted to come on board but he wanted to get the opinion of a veteran
player already on the team," said the pitcher. "I told him that he has a good team there in PNA and some
good friends there as well. I told him about the direction we were going, the vision TJ has for the future of
this organization how he would fit into that plan, and basically let him make up his mind."
"Next to veteran Brian Lange, Chris may be one of the best young infielders to ever wear a SK jersey,"
said assistant manager JR Shapiro. "We're lucky to have a player of his ability and strength."
Firebaugh has never won a state title and played in only one national tournament. In comparison, the rest
of the SKS tournament team has a combined 60 state titles.
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