Baseball is America’s sport, and it might be for the Miss-Lou, as well.

Local fans haven’t yet experienced the perfect conditions to enjoy the game, but sixth-graders Christian Jones and Karmen Bernard cannot wait to soak up the sun.

The duo, who both attend Robert Lewis Magnet School, watched Natchez High School play under the lights Friday night at Chester Willis Field, huddling next to each other for warmth as temperatures dropped into the low 50s. But, within in the next few weeks they both expect to enjoy the usual senses that come alongside the sport of baseball.

“I always think of lights,” Bernard said. “Especially at big games. Usually when the sun goes down and they turn on the lights, it really feels like baseball.”

On Friday, the lights in Natchez shined on Jones’ brother, Trayvin Jones, a freshman on Natchez’s junior varsity team.

When that game was finished, Jones and her best friend stayed to see the varsity game, too, when the Bulldogs came from behind to defeat McComb, 12-8.

Though many were wrapped in blankets and large jackets, the stands — protected by a large net — were filled with cheering fans.

“I wish the balls came to the people here,” Jones said. “I like on TV when the people reach for them. If I ever caught one, I’d put it up in my room and keep it with all my trophies.”

Jones and Bernard not only like to watch baseball, but play its close counterpart softball. The pair participates on travel balls teams, while Jones also plays with the Natchez-Adams Girls Softball League.

“I’ve got about three or four rings. Maybe,” Bernard said laughing. “I think I lost a few.”

When she isn’t wearing the rings, Bernard likes to stay prepared for her games noting that one of best feelings is that of a new glove.

“When you first get a new one, its really tight,” she said. “As soon as you break it in, it’s so easy to catch balls.”

With the good vibes that lie ahead, Bernard and Jones agreed that summertime could bring a few unpleasantries, too.

One of the worst feelings, they said, is getting hit by a ball.

“One time I got hit in the ribs,” Bernard said. “I didn’t play for two games. It was terrible.”

Jones is also worried about natural damages.

“The heat can be bad,” she said. “And mosquitos, too.”

Bernard’s favorite fix for the heat, she said, is one particular sweet drink.

“Gatorade,” she said. “I always drink that when I’m playing.”

Of course there is a long list of delicious treats to savor at a baseball game, and the duo agreed this time on a salty snack.

“Sunflower seeds,” Bernard said.

“Well, I like the peanuts, too,” Jones chimed in.

Whether the pair decides to attend baseball games this season for the food or the fun, Jones said it is one of the best times of the year.

“Usually when I watch a game it gives me motivation,” she said. “It just makes me want to go and play, too.”

 

A list of this week’s home varsity games in the Miss-Lou:

Monday

Softball

Georgetown at Delta Charter, 5 p.m.

Family Community Christian School at Vidalia, 5:30 p.m.

Baseball

Epps at Monterey, 4 p.m.

Bowling Green at ACCS, 6 p.m.

Tuesday

Softball

Franklin Parish at Monterey, 4 p.m.

Wingfield at Natchez High, 5 p.m.

Baseball

Franklin Parish at Vidalia, 6 p.m.

Avoyelles Charter at Delta Charter, 6 p.m.

West Lincoln at Natchez High, 7 p.m.

Wednesday

Baseball

West Feliciana at Vidalia, 6 p.m.

Thursday

Softball

Beekman Charter at Vidalia, 5:30 p.m.

Tylertown at Natchez High, 6 p.m.

Baseball

Cathedral at Natchez High, 7 p.m.

Friday

Softball

Holden at Delta Charter, 5 p.m.