THROWIN' BBs
By Ira Hertzoff, PC Sports Information Director

All Jimmy Wells wanted was a chance. He had just finished his senior year at Fountain Hill High School and knew that he could pitch at the next level. He just needed the opportunity.

Bears' Head Coach Ryan Reynolds gave Wells that opportunity and the rest of the ACCAC has been sorry they didn't. Wells is currently 5-2 for the Bears, who are fighting for their lives to get into the Division II playoffs.

Wells is finding this year's pennant race a lot of fun. "It's my first real pennant race and the regular season really means something now."

The reason for that is that three other schools joined Phoenix as a member of Division II this season. The stretch run could get really hot as the Bears play current Division II leader Mesa in the final series of the year.

With his Phoenix College career winding down, Wells, who carries a 3.75 grade point average in Political Science, is looking to move on to either Hawaii Pacific or Belmont Abbey. One of the main things about Phoenix that he will miss are his teammates, "Just sitting around and chewin' the fat with the guys will be one of my best memories of Phoenix College.

One thing Wells will have to worry about if the Bears advance into the playoffs is the use of metal bats. The metal bats, which have been replaced by wooden bats in the ACCAC this season, will be used in District and National playoffs and being 60 feet away from those can be a scary. However, Wells isn't worried. "The way I pitch is going to be the same," said Wells. "I can not worry about a liner coming at my head.