2016 stories of the year

14. Simmons perfect as 'Canes drop Sentinels

Posted 1/12/17

It was a beautiful, mid-April day, and just about everyone knew the stakes but Dave Simmons. The lofty Vets pitcher kept setting Smithfield down in order, and the tension grew as the innings passed. He was aloof, that is, until he was one batter away

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in
2016 stories of the year

14. Simmons perfect as 'Canes drop Sentinels

Posted

It was a beautiful, mid-April day, and just about everyone knew the stakes but Dave Simmons.

The lofty Vets pitcher kept setting Smithfield down in order, and the tension grew as the innings passed.

He was aloof, that is, until he was one batter away from perfection.

“I had no idea,” Simmons said. “They told me last at-bat that it was a perfect game if I get him out, so I just threw my hardest.”

Simmons got Josh Gorgone to pop out to shortstop, and the celebration ensued. Simmons tossed a perfect game on just 75 pitches, a feat few can accomplish at any level of baseball.

“It was a great experience for me,” Simmons said with a smile. “I love it. I’m willing to do it again soon.”

- J.M.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here