Culpepper zings a fastball at Ormston

"The Challenge" was born back around the first of the year, when Ormston and Rob Reed discussed the potential for the upcoming softball season.  When Reed mentioned that Candace was a talented pitcher, Ormston clamored back with a remark that she couldn't strike him out, and the challenge was answered quickly by Culpepper, and the event grew to huge proportions.  Soon after the challenge was issued, money was pledged by KMIL listeners for a Culpepper strikeout.  With Monday's strikeout, the event drew $1765 for the Yoe Lady Softball fund.  KMIL web page visitors were also able to vote on the Challenge, which drew 153 votes for Culpepper and amazingly, 27 votes for Chris.

Ormston prepares as Candace winds up

uh... Chris... it would help if you opened your eyes...

Ground rules were laid out by the uh... umpire (and we use that term lightly) Mike Zajicek, and then Ormston's bat was confiscated because it was a baseball bat, and not an official softball bat.  A replacement was soon located and the challenge was on.  Candace's first pitch was high and inside, right at Chris's head.  (Wow, this lady came ready to play).  BALL ONE!  The next pitch was in the dirt for BALL TWO!  Candace fell behind 2-0, but she recovered nicely when Chris took a mighty swing and missed.  STRIKE ONE!  The next pitch... another swing and a miss.  STRIKE TWO!  Then, Ormston began to think...  "Hmmm 2-2, I've seen nothing but fastballs...  it could be time for the dreaded change up.."  But Candace laced another fastball to the plate in the dirt... BALL THREE!  And the payoff pitch came across... Ormston took one more mighty swing...and missed.  STRIKE THREE!  The crowd, heavily in favor of Candace cheered, as she struck out Chris to answer the challenge.  

The night began with the annual introduction of Yoe Spring Athletes and culminated with The Challenge, as Yoe faithful turned out to watch the event.

Again, the event raised more than $1700 which will go to the Yoe Softball program.  Thanks to all of the KMIL listeners and web page visitors, who participated...  "The Challenge" was a huge success! 

See events leading up to the Challenge

Candace Culpepper and KMIL's Chris Ormston share one final stare-down before "The Challenge" at Airport Park

Candace talks over some pregame strategy with personal catcher, and former Yoe baseballer Scott Cummings

Honorary umpire Mike Zajicek and KMIL's Rob Reed, inspect the "baseball" bat Ormston brings to the challenge

A crowd looks on as the challenge comes to fruition

Culpepper delivers a pitch to Chris

Culpepper looks for the sign from her catcher Scott Cummings, as umpire for the night Zajicek looks on