Original Recipe
Mark Robinson from Kansas City, Mo., wears his team colors proudly. His daughter, Emily, plays for the Originals.
"In all of our softball travels we have never encountered a team with the same name," said Robinson. The origin of the Originals Softball Club can be attributed to some stealing.
"The founder of our club is a man named Earl Tenure, he began coaching his son's baseball team awhile back and named the team Highboy for the Kansas City restaurant chain," he explained. "Tenure decided to coach a softball team with the same name, and another team in the area took the name. So, the team began calling themselves the Original Highboys, and somewhere along the way the team lost the Highboy."
Tenure made a full Originals Softball Club in the Kansas City area.
Robinson said proudly, "Coach Tenure is very well-known for his pitching skills and his success with this ball club."
This Originals Team traveled 11 hours to the ASA championship, but made a layover on the way. "The team stopped to spend the night in Nashville. It was pretty fun, but we have loved Chattanooga!" said Robinson. "I have been to Sticky Fingers three times, love that brisket."
The Originals have been staying afloat during the tournament and their record was 3-2 before Friday's game.
"Everything aside, we are all here for the girls," said Robinson.
Behind the Plate
Gene Hutler, umpire from Hickman County, Tenn., has been watching a lot of softball this week.
"It depends on the day, but we could be out here for three or four games," Hutler said. "There are 38 states being represented at this tournament, and they each have a different way of playing ball. The California and Florida teams have the advantage of being able to play all year long, but I am impressed that the other teams are able to keep up."
Hutler has to drink a lot of water and douse himself with water to stay cool in his uniform.
"We are all here for these girls, and just want to do our best for them," Hutler added, "They are playing some great ball."