Coach Upp (center) is flanked by his team after his 400th career win.
Story and photos by Mike Kellems
(Click on photos to enlarge)
What’s in a number? Many people look at the number 13 as being unlucky. Interestingly enough, the
Rose Upp, the coach’s mom, brings cupcakes into the dugout to celebrate.
Slicer baseball team won its final regular-season game on Memorial Day by a score of 13-1. Then Wednesday night, May 27, in round one of sectional play at Crown Point, LaPorte defeated Michigan City 13-1. By my reckoning, 13 has been a lucky number for the Slicers this week.
Even more impressive: 400. With the sectional semifinal win, LaPorte Coach Scott Upp achieved a great milestone with 400 career wins.
Wednesday’s game against City started out looking like a pitcher’s duel with both teams going 3 up and 3 down in the first inning. The Slicers turned up the heat in the second inning by scoring three runs and another 8 runs in the fourth. The offensive effort proved too much for the Wolves, who made several pitching changes in an effort to cool down LaPorte’s hot bats. The Slicers added two more runs in the 5th. The Wolves scored their lone run in the second inning.
Coach Upp downplayed his milestone achievement and spoke highly of winning pitcher Jake Teets’ 8th win of the season as well as the team’s offensive efforts.
The Slicers will face Valpo Friday afternoon in the sectional final at Crown Point. Game time is 4:30 p.m.
If loyal WNLP fans will permit me a moment … a few weeks ago Bill Nelson wrote a guest column for WNLP sharing his views of this year’s team. He spoke of their unselfishness, their leadership and their passion for winning. I consider myself fortunate to be able to spend time in the dugout during the games shooting photos. Bill hit the nail on the head: This team gets it. Their chatter is loud, it is encouraging and it is motivating. On top of that, with the final turn of the weather, the games have been downright enjoyable to attend. On Monday, I was almost disappointed that the game ended early by the 10-run rule as it was a perfect baseball atmosphere. Wednesday night’s game at Crown Point had that same feel; great weather, great team effort, great enthusiasm.
If you’re looking for something to do Friday, take the family for a drive over to Crown Point and watch this team play. It’ll be well worth your time.
And, again, if you’ll allow me one more shameless plug, the Slicer girls softball team will be playing for the sectional championship at Chesterton Friday night. Either way folk, you can’t miss.
On behalf of the WNLP staff, congratulations, Coach Upp!
Jake Teets, who went the distance, winds up for a pitch.
First baseman Travis Upp goes “Upp” to grab a high throw for the out.
Cameron Watt crosses home with a bit of a “confident” grin.
Jake Teets announces to the team that this was Coach Upp’s 400th victory.
Final