| Carl and Jake Underwood to Join Street Kids for 2008 Season |
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New Buffalo, MI-
The Street Kids Softball team continue to build for a big season in 2008, and
this past weekend, agreed to terms with two huge additions.
Carl Underwood, one of the greatest power hitters to ever come from the area,
along with his son, Jake - one of the best young and talented players around -
have both agreed to join the SKS team in 2008. TJ Jorgensen, director of
SKS, has had several conversations with both players, as well as members
of his own staff and teammates, to determine if the fit was right. After meeting
with both Carl and Jake in person this weekend, Jorgensen committed to the
Underwood's.
"This is a huge day for this organization," said Jorgensen. "Carl Underwood is a veteran that has seen it all
and done it all and his knowledge, combined with other veterans like Lanny (Fisher), will help some of our
talented buy young players on the team. Jake has one of the hardest swings I have ever seen and coming
from that family, its no surprise. He is still young, but with more potential than any other player around. He
defense and his quick, powerful swing, will be a huge lift for us this year."
The elder Underwood is entering his 31st year of softball, and has won 12 state titles and one world
championship. Even though many stats were not kept over the years, it is believed that Carl has hit around
4,500 career home runs, or an average of about 150 per year. So, does he have a shot at Joe Horvath's
single season HR record of 85, set in 2007?
"I doubt it," joked Underwood. "I'm here to help this team win and if that means hitting home runs, or hitting
singles to right, thats fine with me."
When asked today why he chose Street Kids over five other serious offers
for 2008, he said it has a lot do with the character of the team.
"I chose to come here because I feel this team, especially with the new
additions, gives us the best chance to win," said the veteran. "But most of
all, this team features some really good guys and this season will be fun."
Jake Underwood, who just turned 25 years old, has played for six years
and is still searching for his first title. He has grown up in a household with a
father who has played for so many years, so he has been exposed to the game his
entire life.
"My dad and I hit (softballs) almost everyday if our schedules allow," said Jake. "I put a lot of pride and
effort into being the best I can be and helping any team I am on to win. I am excited about the SK team this
year, and with the talent we have I don't see many teams getting in the way of our goals."
When asked about some of the negative reports that have spread about Jake, Jorgensen brushed them
aside.
"No one is going to be happy about anything we do unless they are a part of it," he said. "None of us are
perfect. Yes, I have heard some of the negative things said about Jake and frankly, I really don't care what
people say. Jake is an outstanding player with an enormous amount of talent. Jake knows what the Street
Kids team is all about and we know how much heart and pride he puts into his game. We both know how
we pride ourselves on our character and reputation so I believe Jake will impress a lot of people this year."
Other SK teammates that were told about the agreement were also excited.
"By adding these two players to this team, we immediately became a serious contender," said Lanny Fisher,
who was involved in the discussions with both players. "This gives us one of the best veteran players
around along with one of the best up and coming players around. I'm really excited for 2008."
Dan Garey, who just agreed to a deal with the SK team last month, also was happy about the news:
"Adding one of the area's all time best power hitters is awesome. He can teach so much to guys like myself
and others who are still growing in the game."
"I love that we have added two guys with explosive swings," said Michigan State Tournament MVP Nick
Bishop. "The leadership Carl brings will be a huge help late in tournaments."
Adding Jake and Carl to a team that already features the powerful bats of Joe Horvath, Hank Minix and
Jamie Everett will be something special to watch this season.
Both players are set to join the team on January 12th for the first tournament of the season in Jackson,
Michigan.
The Street Kids Softball team continue to build for a big season in 2008, and
this past weekend, agreed to terms with two huge additions.
Carl Underwood, one of the greatest power hitters to ever come from the area,
along with his son, Jake - one of the best young and talented players around -
have both agreed to join the SKS team in 2008. TJ Jorgensen, director of
SKS, has had several conversations with both players, as well as members
of his own staff and teammates, to determine if the fit was right. After meeting
with both Carl and Jake in person this weekend, Jorgensen committed to the
Underwood's.
"This is a huge day for this organization," said Jorgensen. "Carl Underwood is a veteran that has seen it all
and done it all and his knowledge, combined with other veterans like Lanny (Fisher), will help some of our
talented buy young players on the team. Jake has one of the hardest swings I have ever seen and coming
from that family, its no surprise. He is still young, but with more potential than any other player around. He
defense and his quick, powerful swing, will be a huge lift for us this year."
The elder Underwood is entering his 31st year of softball, and has won 12 state titles and one world
championship. Even though many stats were not kept over the years, it is believed that Carl has hit around
4,500 career home runs, or an average of about 150 per year. So, does he have a shot at Joe Horvath's
single season HR record of 85, set in 2007?
"I doubt it," joked Underwood. "I'm here to help this team win and if that means hitting home runs, or hitting
singles to right, thats fine with me."
When asked today why he chose Street Kids over five other serious offers
for 2008, he said it has a lot do with the character of the team.
"I chose to come here because I feel this team, especially with the new
additions, gives us the best chance to win," said the veteran. "But most of
all, this team features some really good guys and this season will be fun."
Jake Underwood, who just turned 25 years old, has played for six years
and is still searching for his first title. He has grown up in a household with a
father who has played for so many years, so he has been exposed to the game his
entire life.
"My dad and I hit (softballs) almost everyday if our schedules allow," said Jake. "I put a lot of pride and
effort into being the best I can be and helping any team I am on to win. I am excited about the SK team this
year, and with the talent we have I don't see many teams getting in the way of our goals."
When asked about some of the negative reports that have spread about Jake, Jorgensen brushed them
aside.
"No one is going to be happy about anything we do unless they are a part of it," he said. "None of us are
perfect. Yes, I have heard some of the negative things said about Jake and frankly, I really don't care what
people say. Jake is an outstanding player with an enormous amount of talent. Jake knows what the Street
Kids team is all about and we know how much heart and pride he puts into his game. We both know how
we pride ourselves on our character and reputation so I believe Jake will impress a lot of people this year."
Other SK teammates that were told about the agreement were also excited.
"By adding these two players to this team, we immediately became a serious contender," said Lanny Fisher,
who was involved in the discussions with both players. "This gives us one of the best veteran players
around along with one of the best up and coming players around. I'm really excited for 2008."
Dan Garey, who just agreed to a deal with the SK team last month, also was happy about the news:
"Adding one of the area's all time best power hitters is awesome. He can teach so much to guys like myself
and others who are still growing in the game."
"I love that we have added two guys with explosive swings," said Michigan State Tournament MVP Nick
Bishop. "The leadership Carl brings will be a huge help late in tournaments."
Adding Jake and Carl to a team that already features the powerful bats of Joe Horvath, Hank Minix and
Jamie Everett will be something special to watch this season.
Both players are set to join the team on January 12th for the first tournament of the season in Jackson,
Michigan.
