The Sandhills Bogeys went into the playoffs at the top of the Southeastern Division with a 14-9 division record and a 24-15 overall record. However, the team came up short in the championship.
“I think the season was a success,” said Coach Fox. “We won a lot of games, got our players’ reps in preparation of going to their schools in the fall, and represented the Bogeys’ organization well. I think we came a long way from the team that opened up the summer going 0-2.”
This is the team’s third year, and in all three years, they have found themselves in the playoffs. The Bogeys found themselves in their second championship in three years after cruising through the first two series of the playoffs.
In the first round of the playoffs, the Bogeys outscored the Brunswick Surfin’ Turfs 19-8 in two games. In the second round of the playoffs, the Bogeys faced the Tarboro River Bandits, taking them in the first two games and outscoring the Bandits 19-10.
“Charlie Muniz helped carry us in the first two rounds. He had four home runs in four games. But offensively, we just hit. On the mound, we did what we had done the entire summer. Our guys, no matter who, went out there and gave us quality outings to give us a chance to win every night,” said Fox.
The championship was a different story. On Thursday, the Bogeys had the lead late in the game against Clayton Clovers but couldn’t hold on, ultimately losing 7-11. The Bogeys hosted Clayton Friday night with packed stands, watching the Bogeys fight for one more game.
The Bogeys took the lead early, but after a big sixth inning for the Clovers, they pulled away and ended the Bogeys’ hopes of a second-team championship. The final score was 4-9.
“We had our chances in the championship series for sure,” said Fox. We just couldn’t hold them late in the games. I think this is a testament to Clayton. They finished the year 39-3. They were a really good team. The best team we had played all summer. So kudos to them for doing what they needed to do to win the championship.”
Only time will tell if Fox will return next season. After a long season at St. Andrews and with the Bogeys, Fox will take some time for reflection.
“My wife made a tremendous sacrifice in order for me to coach this summer. So there definitely has to be some time of reflection,” said Fox.
“The Bogeys’ organization is top-notch,” said Fox. “In just a few short years, they have put things in place to be successful. Honestly, as a coach, you try to find a way not to mess things up. The success of our team starts with our players. They were a talented group that were also great kids. That makes a huge difference. From an organization standpoint, it is top-notch. From our front office to our interns. Last but not least, our fans. They are the best in the league. They gave us unwavering support the entire summer. I am so grateful for them. I just want to thank the Allred family for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to coach the Bogeys.”
It was a successful season for the new general manager, Karina Cameron.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my first year as GM,” said Cameron. “It has been a learning process, and I’m sure I wasn’t perfect, but I am happy with the way it turned out. Of course, some of the best moments have to include all the wins and making it as far as we did in the playoffs – but that’s all thanks to the guys and coaches! We got better each game, and as the boys were around each other more, they got closer and started cutting up and having more fun together. It’s special to watch. They really had each other’s backs and built some close bonds.”
The Bogeys broke several records this season with attendance, the team’s longest game, and were able to play under the lights for the first time.
Cameron told Sandhills Sentinel how important the host families are to the organization. They open their homes to the players for the summer. The players become like family to their hosts.
“If you listen to the families talk around the park, you’d hear ‘that’s my Bogey.’ It just makes you smile,” said Cameron. The guys play a big part of the households they stay in helping with chores, interact with the kids, and take care of farm animals. “I’m thankful for all the families that hosted a Bogey for the summer, fed the team, donated to the team, and the individuals that would do just anything at all that we needed.”
Photos by Sandhills Sentinel photographer Wendy Hodges.
~Article and video by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Curtis Self. Curtis has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2019.
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