HOME Schedule Box Scores Stats Team Store Player Info Video Tournament Schedule

Fisher Returns For 2007

Former 10-time state champion looking forward to big year

South Bend –

One of the area’s best hitters and top pitchers will return in 2007 in a Street Kids uniform.

Lanny Fisher, the former 10-time state champion and former men’s major world champion, decided to return to the Zolman Tire/Street Kids/Tanel softball team this season after meeting with Street Kids manager TJ Jorgensen Wednesday night. As part of the agreement, Fisher will play on two league teams and will be part of the Street Kids return to the National Softball Association, one of only a few dark spots on an otherwise remarkable season in 2006. Last season, the Kids went 27-14 in tournament play, but only 3-7 in NSA qualifying tournaments. With Fisher in the lineup, the Kids went an amazing 26-2 in 2006, including 5-0 in tournament action, winning the Fall Mishawaka Tourney. Fisher is looking forward to 2007.

“I’m happy to be back in a Street Kids uniform,” said Fisher from Hacienda Restaurant Wednesday night. “I’ve been working out since December and I have some personal goals that I want to reach by April and I am looking for this season to be one of my biggest and best ever.”

Fisher, son of legendary coach and Hall of Famer Al Fisher, batted a baffling .871 last season in 27 games, and also hit 19 home runs and drove in 75 runs. He led the entire team in the fall leagues in doubles, hits and runs scored, and is widely regarded as one of the best lead-off hitters around. So, with a proven lead-off batter in Tony Hardiman already on the Street Kids roster, does that cause a concern for Jorgensen?

“I don’t think so,” Jorgensen said. “Tony has been a great lead-off hitter for us for a long time, but I also know that he care’s more about this team than he does about where he bats. But Lanny is the same way as well. We’ll see how things develop this Spring and go with it from there.”

The Street Kids struggled in tournament action for the first half of the season before winning 24 of their last 32 tourney games, including winning their final two events. They won three tournaments last season and had two top three finishes. Jorgensen feels that by adding Fisher to the tournament team, that will bring a proven leader both on the mound and in the dugout.

“He’s a proven champion,” he added. “When he played with us this fall, the younger guys watched the way he played the game. He offered advice to a few guys who were struggling and led by example on the field. Another thing we have struggled with over the years is a solid leader on the mound. Randy Krill was a great pitcher for us last season but he never really healed from his leg injuries, thus limiting his mobility. Lanny knows how to play the five-man and more importantly, knows how to bring the best out in his teammates. He is the kind of player you build a championship team out of.”

Fisher assures his teammates that he will give his all. “You can count on me to give 100% on the field and to be a positive role model for the younger guys on the team. Obviously someone who has played as long as I have ends up with some options prior to the season, but this was an easy decision for me to make. I like the chemistry of the guys on this team and I see great potential. Playing with this group is motivation for me to continue to workout hard in an effort to get ready for the long season.”

Building that championship-caliber team is one of the major goals for the off-season. The team also announced Wednesday the return of infielder Jeremy Meadows to the team. Meadows struggled last season at the plate, batting just .483 with 12 home runs and 58 runs batted in, but missed the entire fall season to spend more time with his family. His defense was very good, however, and made very few errors in 2006. With the increase of awareness that Street Kids Softball has created, Meadows is excited about his return.

“I’ve been really looking forward to getting back out there with the guys,” Meadows said from his home in La Porte, Indiana Wednesday night. “But the one thing I am most excited about is being part of this organization. With all that TJ has done to get us where we are, and the charitable work that Street Kids Care is doing, it makes you proud to put that jersey on and play for Street Kids.”

The Kids are also in the works of bringing another defensive specialist to the team. Jorgensen is working on signing veteran shortstop Brian Lang to the league team as well as the tournament team. Lang, who is referred to by Fisher as a Class A infielder, will either play shortstop or the middle infielder position, depending on the situation. Meadows has known Lang for a long time and was excited to hear that he may be joining the team.

“Langer is one of the best infielders I have ever seen,” Meadows added. “And he’s a great hitter who just goes out there and does his job and never complains. Great team guy.”