Jerry Miller
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — By the time players reach the 12U division, their drive to succeed on the field has been honed through countless hours in the batting cage and the bullpen. Many of these talented young ladies work tirelessly to improve their fielding and throwing. That dedication is noticeable and opens the way for many as they pursue a future in elite travel ball, interscholastic competition, and hopefully opportunities at the collegiate level.
Although there are numerous quality 12U programs in the Metro Kansas City area and across the Midwest, the MC Creepers, based out of Paola, Kan., take a backseat to no organization. In the recently-concluded Alex Gordon Classic, the Creepers swept to the C division championship, going a perfect 6-0 on the weekend, outscoring their opponents by a combined score of 35-11. Their pitching staff threw two shutouts en route to the coveted PG silver trophy.
What strikes any observer about this group is how attentive they are to detail. They are fundamentally sound and guided by a staff of true teachers of the game. The Creepers have fun and their enthusiasm for the game is palpable. They have a collective mindset that is usually reserved for players and teams much their senior. More than anything, however, they have fun on the field.
The players and coaching staff will be the first to tell anyone that although they played well for the two-day run of the PG Gordon Tourney, they are still a work in progress. It is readily apparent that this Creepers squad will continue to work individually and as a unit, to improve their skill level. They are a solid bunch that will unquestionably get better, with both their mental approach and in their physical ability, as the summer unfolds.
The Creepers have many players who have great futures in the game. The “team first” approach that has obviously been drilled into this squad will not only play dividends this spring and summer but will certainly help guide these players as they move up in competition.
The Creepers have impacted the 12U-C division already this year and will, without question, be heard from often before the end of the competitive summer schedule. They can compete at any level of the 12U division and should continue to be at the top of the always entertaining C level. Watch out for this fine group of talented up-and-coming softball players. They will impact the sport for the next few years.