Cape team raises funds with bunting event

Cape Girardeau Central High School baseball players may have been seen out and about in recent weeks promising their bunting skills will improve -- and all they want in return is a little bit of money.

Tigers coach Steve Williams said players approach friends, teachers, neighbors and businesses at the beginning of each season to raise funds for expenses the school's budget can't pay for, such as food while on the road to away games, nights spent in hotels while playing in out-of-town tournaments, needed equipment and replacement uniforms.

Assistant coach Darrick Smith brought the idea for the fundraiser to Cape Girardeau. To collect money, players get fundraising goals of $100 each and ask for small amounts for each successful bunt to be pledged. A "bunt-a-thon" event is held following the fundraising period where players take to the cages to try to bunt 100 pitches in a row.

"It's very good practice," Williams said. "They get to dedicate a whole day to bunting."

The Tigers' 2012 season starts when the team takes on Kennett at 4 p.m. Monday at home.

Central freshman Chase Hagerty bunts Saturday during the baseball team's Bunt-a-thon at the high school. Hagerty connected 94 out of 100 balls. (Laura Simon)