Friday night was the perfect night to see Italy Baseball at its finest. Not only were the Gladiators great defensively, they had their bats swinging too. Waxahachie Faith Family could not get on base and lost the game 15-0.

To begin the game, the crowd and the teams helped remember an old friend. In memory of Bobby Itson, Italy’s number one fan, the Gladiators did not have a center fielder for the first pitch. The crowd was in awe. Itson did not miss games-baseball, football, basketball. He was an Italy Gladiator through and through.

On December 3, 2009, Bobby, age 61, passed away and the coaches, teams and the crowds will miss his loyal support and presence in the crowd. His chair will be empty behind home plate but his memory will live on.

Coker said, “I am so happy to remember Bobby at this game. Coach Ele (Wax. Faith Family head coach) allowed us to do this, that was a classy move. Itson was a loyal member of our fan club and Italy baseball will miss him.”

Coach Coker was proud of his boys on Friday night but still wants to see improvement, “These guys did a great job, a fantastic job. Everybody pulled together and it was a total team effort,” Coker said. “We can’t get satisfied, however, we need to keep getting better.”

Sophomore Justin Buchanan pitched a perfect, no hitter game. When asked how he felt about it, Buchanan said, “I am really excited about this. I didn’t realize it but this is the first time I have pitched a perfect game. Coach told me and it is so great. I am ready to play more competitive teams.”

Coach Coker wants to remind everyone that the team plays Monday, March 15 at home beginning at 6:30 against Waxahachie Advantage. Also, something new this baseball season is the JV team. The team will travel to Axtell on Tuesday, March 16 and play their first game at 4:30.