NORD to sponsor autograph session
August 7, 2011 - For many in New Orleans, Johnstown is a home away from home, and that spirit is shining through this year with several events and activities sponsored by the NORD Boosters team. New Orleans players and coaches participated in a youth baseball clinic on Saturday at the Point Stadium, and NORD will sponsor a baseball give-away and autograph session on Monday night.
According to Joe Scheuermann, the first 250 children 14-and-under to arrive for the evening game on Monday at the Point Stadium will receive a free baseball courtesy of Sporting Goods Discounters in Johnstown. During the first through fifth innings, they can then have their baseball signed by selected members of all AAABA tournament teams. There will be two players from each team signing autographs at a time and players will rotate through the session. While only 250 kids will receive baseballs, fans can bring their own items for autographs, too.
Manager Billy Babin is back for his third year leading the Boosters. Last year his team lost a close 5-4 battle against Baltimore in the semi-finals.
"We've got a few key returning guys and some new additions that should help," said Babin. "I think we'll be strong on the mound, but the issue is going to be scoring runs. Hopefully we get our bats hot for the tournament." Babin explained that his team faced a lot of strong pitching this summer and a string of bad weather prevented his team from finding its groove.
Some key returning players are left-handed pitcher Brent Bonvillain--the team's ace--who has signed with LSU, right-handed pitcher Joe Broussard (also from LSU) who pitched 3-1/3 scoreless innings against Baltimore last year, second baseman Blake Butera, and left-handed pitcher Stone Speer.