HBQVB’s 14U Girls travel team, Thunder, is a very dedicated yet fun fast-pitch team looking for a few additional players. Joel Bernstein, Thunder’s manager, is very passionate about leading the girls travel program for HBQVB.
“My personal goal,” Bernstein said, “is to see every Thunder 14U player reach their own, individual peak level.” The 14U manager was very excited to embrace his new role as he volunteered to further dedicate himself to softball soon after joining the ranks of the HBQVB Auxiliary Staff this past season.
Bernstein knows that softball offers his players many real life lessons along with how to keep physically fit. “This helps them now,” he said, “and will help them later on in life.”
“Playing softball on the Thunder team has taught me so many real life lessons,” said shortstop and pitcher Tara Bernstein. “Some of the lessons are how to work as a team, always try my best, how to be fair, [and] there is nothing like the excitement of playing in a competitive game. I love it.”
Each player compliments the talents of her fellow teammate to scoop up a hard ground ball by executing a four-six-three double-play or knowing just how to hit a pitch so to advance the runner or score a RBI. It’s the commitment to learn how to support your teammate that allowed Thunder to have a 36-6 record last season.
“I like playing on Thunder because we are a dedicated team,” said first baseman Danielle Plomitallo. “Everyone works hard and the all the girls are really good players.”
Danielle Michaels, Thunder's shortstop and center fielder said “Playing for Thunder is a great experience. A group of such great girls coming together to play the best game in the world, sharing fun and stories give you an amazing sense of belonging. And belonging is the foundation of our team.”
Coach Bernstein said “The Thunder 14U team has a tremendous camaraderie and friendship amongst each other. And it all started with a common interest—their love for playing softball.”
You can see Joel Bernstein managing and practicing with his girls on and off the field, as Thunder is a year-long effort to become well-rounded individuals and athletes in all ranges of the sport.
Anticipation, excitement and intensity all put together. We call this mix of emotions Thunder. For more info, visit www.eteamz.com/hbqvbthunder, or contact Joel at 347-564-7083 or at hbqvb_thunder@rocketmail.com. Check back on our Web sites HBQVBAA.org and hbqvb.blogspot.com for further information.
