GIANTS EXTRA: Up to the challenge

By Corine Gatti

Published: June 4, 2008

They have the bats that have punched holes in opposing pitchers this season.
Eric Hall and Derek Hall made the offensive sledgehammer that kept the Little Giants rolling this season. Many of the Giant players played together as youngsters and by the time they reached their freshmen year in high school, they had an idea about each others personalities and who can do damage on the diamond.
“Growing up, I knew this group would go far, we have played together since we were six or seven,” Eric Hall said. “We always have been good together in all-stars, little league and Babe Ruth. This is no different.
“Jay [Thompson] Derek [Hall] Joseph [Lucas], all of us have been playing together since we were young, so it’s more like a family.”
Giant coach Jim Critzer touted all season that Eric Hall had became the go-to-guy right when the Little Giants needed it most.
“He’s got a hold of the No. 2 spot and was Mr. clutch all year,” the skipper said. “He’s struggled a little in the playoffs. I have confidence in him.”
Eric Hall’s bat helped the Little Giants clinch the Southern Valley’s regular-season title, giving them a berth in the Region III tournament. Now Waynesboro will load onto the bus to Pulaski on Friday to take on Powhatan, looking to advance into the Group AA championship game.
While the players feel like they’ve become family, they also include their coach in the list of relatives.
“It always helps that you have a veteran coach, you got to listen to him and go do it,” Eric Hall said. “You got to do what he says.”
Designated hitter Derek Hall approaches his job with simplicity. No pressure, no dazzle, just Derek Hall.
“It doesn’t bother me. You just gottadu go out there and play.”
He is excited when he talks about another trip to states.
“You know its great playing with everybody and being back in states this year. We are hitting the ball pretty well too,”  Derek Hall said.
The Little Giants will travel to Pulaski on Friday morning. They will go not just as a team but as a group of friends that have built long-term relationships.
“We’re best friends, so it is really easy to play with them,” Eric Hall said. Yes, It makes it a lot easier, so to be able to go play states again is a great thing for us.”