El Dorado’s softball youth movement never really got going in the spring, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Lady Wildcats played just four games, going 2-2, before the season ended.
The lineup, loaded with freshmen and sophomores, showed some pop, averaging 10.25 runs in the four games.
A pair of ninth graders, Cammie Gadberry and Raielynn Fudge, played in all four games, making an immediate impact.
“It was heart breaking to see the season cut short, and not be able to see my teammates,” said Gadberry. “I can only imagine how it was for the seniors - Ava Dunn and Julia Peace. COVID-19 also affected my travel team by limiting the number of tournaments that we have played this summer.”
The infielder batted .462 with six hits and seven runs scored in 17 plate appearances (13 official at bats).
Fudge, playing shortstop, was one of the team’s leading hitters, batting .538 with seven hits, including four doubles, in 16 plate appearances (13 official at bats).
Like her friend, Fudge was also distraught at how her rookie season ended.
“I feel COVID-19 robbed me of my freshman year and the chance at any awards that I could have earned,” said Fudge. “It is disappointing because I have waited a long time to play high school ball. I was so ready for my first season.”
The coronavirus wrecked their high school season. They were determined to get some games in over the summer. Both girls play for Arkansas Platinum, a travel team based out of Hot Springs.
Despite the pandemic, both worked on their skills, even during the quarantine.
“As competitive athletes, we are encouraged to practice at home to keep our skills sharp,” said Gadberry. “I have spent many hours hitting at home and doing fielding drills. As our state and local governments began to remove the restrictions that were set by the pandemic, we started practicing in small groups again.”
In addition to family members, the girls, both El Dorado volleyball players, said they also practiced together when they could.
After taking up softball as young ‘uns, the sport has started to transition from a fun activity into more of a serious endeavor.
“I started playing summer ball because I love the game and as I have gotten older, it has become a passion to play college ball someday,” said Fudge. “I started softball with the South Arkansas Slammerz when I was 8-years-old and played 10U tournament ball where we went to the World Series in Panama City, Florida.”
Fudge played with So Cal Athletics in 2019, traveling to tournaments in California, Colorado, Georgia and Texas. She started playing leftfield for Arkansas Platinum this year. So far, she has 11 championship rings, 12 medals and four trophies.
“My dream one day is to play college ball, while getting a degree in education and training to become a teacher and a coach,” said Fudge.
Gadberry said she started playing softball at 8-years-old. Primarily a second baseman, she’s also played first and third for the travel team.
“Softball, for me, is a mixture of fun, improving my skills, and learning life lessons such as commitment, teamwork, and social interaction,” she said. “Arkansas Platinum has given me the opportunity to do all of these things. Softball has always been a passion and something I enjoy doing. It is a huge part of my life. As the years have passed, I have realized that softball is also work. Just as an employer recognizes individuals for doing good, college coaches make those same recognitions. With hard work, discipline, and dedication, softball will possibly be able to help provide further education for me.”
After the high school season ended, the girls returned to game action with a tournament June 5-6 in Malvern. Arkansas Platinum has competed in five tournaments with two more scheduled.
“I practice with Arkansas Platinum every Thursday in Malvern, hitting lessons once a week, tournaments on the weekends, El Dorado practice with Coach Ezell twice a week when scheduled,” said Gadberry. “I currently participate in conditioning practice through EHS volleyball and an occasional trip to the track for some cardio. Despite the recent pandemic, I continue to look ahead for opportunities to make me a stronger athlete.”