THE U-TURN: Dinger Tuesday

U-TurnLifestyle

Sep 16

**The Rollers’ team motto is “We always end on a hit.” Photo by Maizy Weirich.**

PENOBSCOT — “The Rollers” is an adult baseball team that meets every Tuesday at the Jim Henry Field to hit some dingers.

The team began three years back with just the basics.

***Brian Astbury, 73, owner of Short Point Carpentry, pitches some nasty spins. Photo by Maizy Weirich***

Co-founder of the team, Colton Crane of Orland, said, “We grabbed a grade stake and started hitting rocks. Just playing around and we’re like, ‘Well, let’s buy a bat and ball.’ I got hit in the neck, and I’m like, ‘We probably ought to buy a baseball glove,’” Crane said.

The team that started with just two friends has now spread to over 50 people who come by to play some ball. And it's been almost entirely by word of mouth, Crane said.

“Half these guys are plumbers, electricians, painters, contractors,” Crane said. He emphasized that everybody is welcome and encouraged to join.

The team will play on the Jim Henry Field until it’s too cold to continue. He’s already searching for a winter activity to keep the team’s community together.

“It’s giving everybody an outlet, something to do after work. And it’s kind of cool. We just all come out here and hit dingers,” Crane said.

A few of The Rollers will play in the Jared C. Grindle Co-ed Softball Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 19, on the Brooksville Athletic Field. The tournament is in memory of Jared C. Grindle, who passed away in a car accident in 2004. Proceeds from the tournament support a youth sports scholarship in honor of Grindle.