You are not going to believe what was going on at Davidson Field Friday night. There was face painting, bubbles blowing, t-ball hitting, softball toss, line dancing and cotton candy. There was even a hot dog eating contest at home plate after the second inning. It was none other than Stafford Night at the Ballpark.

This was one of the themed nights for the Italy Gladiators Baseball team. Hostess, Clover Stiles and Junior High and Varsity Cheerleaders, left no stone unturned when it came to finding things to do for the Stafford students. Wherever you turned, there were children laughing and running. Everyone had a great time. For fun, the first pitch before the district game against Oak Cliff Faith Family, was thrown by Stafford principal, Carolyn Maevers, caught by varsity pitcher, Ryan Ashcraft. Ashcraft has been a student in Italy ISD his entire life and Ms. Maevers is his favorite principal.

One of the preferred events included the elementary students running the bases after the varsity ballgame was complete-some even slid home. Children lined up at the gate and around the dugout to have a go at all the bases. Last but not least, was the competition for a vintage jersey. The varsity team put on the old jerseys and children with the most enthusiasm were picked out of the crowd and stood behind their favorite player. Within the time limit, the varsity baseball player took off the jersey and dressed the child standing behind him. This was a lot of fun to watch and for the children to enjoy.

This was a popular event for the Stafford Elementary Tigers to participate in and for the Italy Gladiators to indulge in as well. Special thanks goes to Clover Stiles and the cheerleaders for all of their hard work. We can’t wait for next year!