The sun wasn't shining and the wind was strong, but nothing could dampen the spirits of the young Metro East Softball Association players celebrating opening day. The beautiful softball complex at Forney Community Park is home to MESA, and on Saturday, March 31, 2012, hundreds of players, parents, coaches, and spectators gathered to kick off the season. Girls ages 5 years to 14 years old, play a 12 game season on the four softball fields at the park.
The sun wasn't shining and the wind was strong, but nothing could dampen the spirits of the young Metro East Softball Association players celebrating opening day. The beautiful softball complex at Forney Community Park is home to MESA, and on Saturday, March 31, 2012, hundreds of players, parents, coaches, and spectators gathered to kick off the season. Girls ages 5 years to 14 years old, play a 12 game season on the four softball fields at the park.
On this opening day, each team was announced to the crowd before the Trinity Valley Young Marines presented the flags. After the flag presentation, Ashly Bryant and Colter Leftwich sang a terrific rendition of the National Anthem. North Forney High School's ace softball pitcher Shelby Hedrick was chosen to throw out the first pitch. The young catcher, Katelyn Davis, seemed extremely honored to catch that first pitch and she asked Hedrick to autograph the ball for her. Hedrick's smile was just as bright as the catcher as the two trotted off the field. Hedrick was chosen not only for her outstanding ability as a softball pitcher, but because she takes time to give young MESA pitchers free lessons and serves as a good role model for the girls.
The Founder, CEO and President of MESA is Jeff Fudge. Fudge started the league in 2004 and by 2011 it had grown to 65 teams from 17 cities. MESA is so successful that each of the past few years they have lowered the fees for players to join. The fees range from $10-$50 and are amongst the lowest in the state. The league flourishes thanks in part to the Pink Elephant concession stand at the softball complex, and the fact that MESA hosts nearly 20 softball tournaments each year. They also have generous sponsors such as, Care United, The Hole Thing Donuts, Best Western and Medical and Dental Family Circle. Fudge said, “We are very thankful for our sponsors!”
Five and six-year-old girls dressed in neon pink uniforms, took fielding practice with enthusiasm. Patient coaches crouched down to instruct the small players face to face, and parents wondered if their little girls will be the next high school or college softball stars. Unlike many softball facilities, the softball complex at Forney Community Park is simply outstanding. Jeff Fudge said, “The facilities are gorgeous. Teams from everywhere compliment this place. The fields are beautiful because we have a wonderful Parks and Recreation Department in Forney. I believe this is the best softball complex in the state.” In July, the 10U Softball World Series will be hosted by MESA at the softball complex.
Fudge is not only the CEO, Founder, and President of MESA, he also coaches three of the teams. He said he started out as a coach and still loves doing it. It is clearly a team effort to keep the league running as smoothly as it does. Board members, coaches, parents, and even the players have their parts in making MESA a successful league. The softball complex is certainly a source of pride for Forney and games are played every day but Wednesdays and Sundays. If you find yourself driving by the fields and you see a game going on, stop by and watch for awhile. It's free and definitely entertaining.
