Laservision focused on Classic
By Ryan Howard | (sports@thedailytimes.com)
Brett Helmer, sponsor for Laservision/Anni/Supr/D2/Easton looks forward to this time of year, July and the Smoky Mountain Classic, almost as much as he anticipates October. “It’s my favorite regular season tournament that we play in,” Helmer told The Daily Times. “I love it. Other than the World Series itself, it’s my second favorite event all year.”
Helmer doesn’t remember exactly how many Classics he has played in, but the catcher said the tradition has become one of his favorites.
“I’ve been playing in it a long time,” Helmer said. “I’ve played in about maybe 17 or 18 in a row. It never gets old, and I always love coming to the area. The crowds on Friday and Saturday night are always great.”
In last year’s tournament, Laservision, out of Kent, Wash., finished fifth place overall.
Helmer thinks his team — entering the Classic as the USSSA No. 3 ranked major team — is fairly different from last year and said he likes his team’s chance for this year’s Classic.
“We’ve got plenty of new faces on this year’s roster,” Helmer said. “Specifically, we have a lot of power, even a lot more than last year. That’s what we’re going to try and win ballgames with.”
Laservision is currently second place overall in points for the conference, the United States Specialty Sports Association.
“So far, the season has been not too bad,” Helmer said. “I guess I can’t really complain about second place. I think we’ve been consistent up to this point, but the key is going to be to maintain that.”
Helmer also thinks his team is coming into this weekend well-rested, and with the high temperatures this summer, he said a team can fatigue quickly traveling and playing softball tournaments every weekend.
“It’s been awhile since our last tournament and the Smoky Mountain Classic,” Helmer said. “We really needed a break, and I think that will end up playing to our advantage.”
Laservision is entering this weekend at full strength with the extra time off also giving players who were dealing with injuries a chance to heal.
“It’s been rough the past month and a half,” Helmer said. “We’ve been dealing with about four or five guys being injured, so luckily, we had some time off and will be ready for this weekend.”
Laservison received the second of the first-round byes in the Classic and will play the winner of Game 14 — between PrimeTime and local EcoPest Control — at 9 p.m. Friday at sandy Springs Park.
