No matter what happens on the field for the Pharoahs, they win as a team and lose as a team.
Sherman Martin Jr. likes that.
“Nothing is going to come between that,” said the 2017 Fenwick graduate and Pharoahs shortstop. “That’s the biggest thing I’ve noticed the past couple of years.”
Martin and his Pharoahs’ cohort, including co-owners Clarence “C.C.” Woulard and Cliff “Sport” Perry, will throw it all out there July 23-26 in the No Glove Nationals 16-inch softball tournament at the Park District of Forest Park.
How serious are these guys about winning?
They rented a nearby Airbnb so they can be closer to the Harrison Street fields but also hang out together in between games.
It’s a cool concept, Martin said.
“Last year we did it and it bonded us even more,” he said. “We jelled together.”
Woulard said the tournament is arguably the most important one the Pharoahs will participate in this season, so keeping everyone relaxed is important.
“We always have goals to strengthen our brotherhood,” he said. The Airbnb is not only an interesting sidelight, but also crucial.
“It’s really a bonding thing for us,” he said. “We play cards, we watch sports, we play cornhole. And of course, we have our libations.”
He said that last part with a bit of a chuckle but make no mistake. No Gloves, in its 58th year, is serious business for a serious team.
Woulard said his group is probably the youngest major team in all of softball. But it oozes with talent, starting with Martin.
“He can hit with the best of them and he makes plays that on one hand you can name the players who can do that,” he said. “One of his better attributes is you can move him around where you’re weak. He’s that good of a player.”
But Martin is just the beginning.
The outfield corners are solid. Right fielder Lavell Harris is 21 years old and Woulard calls him the baby of the bunch. James Hopson checks in in left field and plays the game with a lot of emotion, Woulard said.
The Pharoahs are tough up the middle with Shavontae Samuels as the short-centerfield roamer, while third baseman Justin Mack and Martin anchor the left side of the infield. Veterans Mike Long and T.J. Reidel are the team’s top utility players.
“We’ve got a bunch of players on that threshold of being at the same level like Sherman,” Woulard said, and his co-owner Perry agreed.
No Gloves “is the biggest tournament in softball and everyone’s goal is to compete in this tournament and win this tournament,” Perry said. “Justin Mack, Lavell Harris and James Hopson, we’re looking forward to a tremendous tournament from those guys. Justin Mack can have a tremendous impact at any time.”
But it’s Martin that might be the catalyst.
“He has an unbelievable skill set for a player who has been playing 16-inch ball for five or six years now,” Perry said. “His skill set defensively and his hitting, we’re a different team when he’s on the field. It’s been great to have him. He brings a lot of leadership.”
Martin, who also plays in the Blue Island League men’s baseball circuit, said 16-inch softball isn’t as easy as he and his teammates might make it look. Try playing shortstop on a blistering hot July day, for example.
“You’re always the moving part of the defense,” he said. “You’re the leader of the infield so you have to make sure everyone is in place, and if they aren’t, then it’s on you.”
That’s defense. What about hitting?
“I think the hardest part is going up with a plan,” Martin said. “If you’re indecisive, nine times out of 10 you’re out.”
Motivational speeches might work, Woulard added, but as the primary field manager, he relies on the six Ps.
“We definitely push across practicing and proper preparation preventing poor performance,” he said.
And then there’s that team bonding piece, Perry added, hence the Airbnb.
“It keeps us close together,” he said. “The laughs don’t stop. It’s a comedy show.
“Win or lose, we’re going to have fun.”