SOME MEMBERS of the Ohio Jaguars traveling party toured the John Deere Museum in Moline, Ill. after their morning game at the USA-ASA 18-and-under National Tournament on Wednesday. Pictured are (from left) Julie Ezzo, Hannah Francis, Callie Busch, Courtney Francis, Jenn Tennant and Rachel Francis and (top) Evan Francis. MELINDA FRANCIS / Star Beacon
Published July 31, 2008 01:30 am - MOLINE, Ill. — Yes, the Ohio Jaguars are here to play some serious softball at the USA-ASA 18-and-under National Tournament.
Jaguars Notebook: Using the down time Jaguars seeing the sights in Moline, Ill.
Star Beacon
MOLINE, Ill. — Yes, the Ohio Jaguars are here to play some serious softball at the USA-ASA 18-and-under National Tournament.
But while they're here, they're also having a ball off the field.
On Sunday, the team gathered at a pier on the Mississippi River and watched some local fishermen at work, one of whom landed a giant catfish that caught the attention of all of the players.
Many Jaguars took in a concert on Monday night that featured Mitchel Musso of “Hannah Montana” fame and ”High School Musical” star Corbin Bleu as part of a hysterical crowd of 3,000 at Modern Woodmen Park in nearby Davenport, Iowa.
While some players were there, a few of the adults ventured to one of the several riverboat casinos.
On Wednesday, several players and their parents toured the John Deere Museum. The nation's largest tractor manufacturer has its world headquarters here.
And Wednesday night, a bunch of players, coaches and parents took in a doubleheader featuring the Quad City River Bandits hosting the West Michigan Whitecaps, also played at Modern Woodmen Park. The team was welcomed on the public-address system at Modern Woodmen Park.
The River Bandits are a Class A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals and play in the Midwest League.
Rare fizzle
Wednesday's 3-0 loss to the South Dakota Flash in the opening round of double-elimination championship play was an unusual occurence for the Jaguars.
Consider, the contest marked the 45th game of the season for Jaguars and it was only the third time this summer the Jaguars did not score a single run.
The first was in Game 28 on Saturday, July 5 to the Ohio Attack, 4-0, at Genshaft Park in Massillon.
The second came last weekend in the championship game of their own tournament, a 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Tri-County Hurricanes at the JAGS Complex in Game 42.