Tip your Caps

Jess Bolen, 70, is entering his 46th year as the manager of the Capahas baseball team, and after three wins and one loss by the Plaza Tire crew this week, Bolen has now pushed his overall record to 1,410-380. The Boys of Summer are a little younger this year, according to the longtime manager and Missouri Sports Hall of Fame inductee.

It's been a good week for local baseball news. Southeast Missouri State University players Shae Simmons, a pitcher, and Trenton Moses, the reigning OVC Player of the Year, were selected in the Major League Baseball draft and will begin their professional pursuits.

If you like baseball, we encourage you to take some time to enjoy the Plaza Tire Capahas this season. The Caps have been around since 1894. For ages, the team has consisted of young players trying to catch a scout's attention, college players trying to stay sharp and out-of-college players who just love the game too much to leave it. It's good baseball, free of contract disputes and labor interruptions.

Bolen has cemented his place in the region's baseball history, along with his wife, Mary, who has done so much to help Jess and the boys over the years. Thank you, Jess and Mary, for all you do. And to Plaza Tire for sponsoring the team.

The Capahas start a five-game homestand when they play tonight at 8 against Fairview Heights. That game will be followed by two doubleheaders this weekend. They play Springfield, Ill., at 1 p.m. Saturday and at 1:30 p.m. Sunday against the St. Louis Bulls.

Good luck to this year's Capahas.