FOX Sports Southwest, ESPN Dallas square off in Spring Classic Wiffle Ball game
Just a couple hours before first pitch between the Royals and Rangers on Saturday, FOX Sports Southwest and ESPN Dallas squared off in the first-ever Spring Classic Wiffle Ball Game. Proceeds from the game will benefit the Texas Rangers Foundation.
Cowboys Ring of Honor member Drew Pearson, Rangers Hall of Famer Jim Sundberg and Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne headlined the ESPN Dallas team that prevailed 7-6 in a walk-off win at Rangers Youth Ballpark. Former Rangers outfielder Kevin Mench, who pitched for ESPN Dallas on Saturday, provided the biggest hit of the game with a 3-run homer to center field.
Tempers flared early when former Rangers and Mariners great Mark McLemore, pitching for FSSW, beaned Matt Mosley with a two-seam fastball. Mosley rushed the mound, but much like Robin Ventura all those years ago, he appeared to lose his nerve at the last minute and was manhandled by McLemore.
ESPN Dallas was able to take a 2-0 lead in the first inning. But FSSW pitcher/Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle settled things down when he took the mound in the third inning. Carlisle was joined by former Dallas Star Craig Ludwig, Basketball Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman and the pride of Bishop Lynch High School, Stephen Howard.
ESPN Dallas had a live broadcast during the game, and FSSW’s Rangers pre- and postgame duo of John Rhadigan and McLemore went on TV wearing their jerseys. A lively crowd braved some threatening weather and then hung around to watch the Rangers face the Royals.
The play of the game was made by longtime Stars play-by-play announcer Ralph Strangis, who snagged a sinking line drive in right field in the fourth inning. FSSW manager Jon Heidtke had placed Strangis in right field in hopes that he could prevent a ball from flying in that general direction. But Strangis answered the bell and then added to his day with an infield single.
