Anyone who thinks that women softball players aren`t as serious about the sport as their male counterparts has never been to Highland Park`s Sunset Park on Tuesday nights to see a women`s tavern team named Rainbow`s Mopes, and affectionately called ”Da Mopes.”
”We were `Da Mopes` way before `Da Bulls,` ” said pitcher and team leader Lisa Bock.
The Mopes started playing together eight years ago while students at Highland Park High School.
Listening to the team talk it up on the field, even the casual fan can tell that enthusiasm for the sport is never in short supply on this team.
”It`s awesome. We live for it every day. We count down the days until we start,” said Audrey Sebastian.
The Mopes have had some very successful seasons, including the current one. Though enthusiasm must play a major role in their victories, skill factors in also.
”They`re great, unstoppable, unbeatable,” said Eric Thoennes, team supporter.
”They`re really feisty, but they play really good ball,” said Marko Milone, team coach. ”They`re all fundamentally sound. They know the game as well as the guys. They know to make the double play.”
”There are two kinds of women player: ballplayers and creampuffs. My girls aren`t creampuffs, which is not to say they`re not feminine. They play hard,” Milone said.
Bock credits the team`s success to Coach Milone.
”Marko`s given us guidance and confidence,” Bock said. ”He is a member of the opposite sex and he could say, `They`re just girls.` ”
”But we`re his girls,” said teammate Jodi Jacobson.
