New Cal softball returns, a target

MARYSVILLE The softball team from the New California Tavern has trophies boasting their success in the city's leagues.

After winning last summer's with a nearly perfect record, the New Cal finished the spring 2008 season with the best record, placing second after the playoffs. More than half of the same guys make up the tavern's roster this summer, with a couple of additions from the Longhorn Tavern team that has played in Arlington leagues past.

But while the team is in top shape to rise once again to the top ranks of the Marysville parks softball league, one force is beyond their control the return of the always competitive Marysville Police squad.

But that battle still looms in the young softball season.

In the league's second week, New Cal took on Bud Barton's Glas Co. in an Aug. 1 doubleheader, winning both decisively to remain undefeated through four games. In game two, the New Cal defense shut out Barton's completely, allowing just five hits while scoring 27 runs of their own on 30 hits.

Leadoff batter Steve Parrish was one of five batters to bat 1.000, scoring a grand slam home run in the top of the second inning. Norm Trowbridge was another to accomplish the feat, leading off and getting two of his hits in the gangbusters third inning where New Cal extended their lead by 15 runs. Three different players homered in that inning alone.

But while the guys didn't let up through four innings of play, they didn't seem to take particular pleasure in their 27-0 win.

"We've been on the other side too," said shortstop Billy Whiteside.

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