Written by Mahaley Wise

On Saturday, July 5th, the Olney Cropdusters hosted the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts for a night of fastballs and fireworks. Stadium seating sold out long before the night's events, but people could still purchase parking tickets to watch the game and fireworks in a nearby field, all from the comfort of their lawn chairs. Families from around the area came out to enjoy the special night and celebrate with the Cropdusters as they beat the Thunderbolts, 8-4, in an electric game.

Cars filled with fans eager for entertainment streamed into the field’s parking lot until every inch of space was filled. Those who couldn’t make it in parked on the side of the road waiting for the night sky to light up. It seemed like the entire community had come out for the Saturday night lights, equally enjoying an exhilarating baseball game and other activities. 

Cropdusters President Brad Scott said they were inspired to create the event because, “We felt like there was a really great opportunity that we didn’t have any fireworks in our community…so we felt like it would be a good idea to mix a baseball game so the community could come and enjoy the Cropdusters and the fireworks.” 

Scott continued, saying he felt that the fireworks were a good opportunity to bring the community together and celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. “There is no other chance for the Olney community to see fireworks, so it's an excellent opportunity to bring everyone together for the holiday.”

The night was filled with activities for the fans to get involved in and enjoy their evening. In the third inning, kids were allowed to run the bases, just as their favorite Cropduster players do. Then in the fourth inning, kids chased Assistant Coach Cam Hyder between the foul poles, racing to catch him in a spirited game. By the fifth, the players participated in the Olney classic Cotton Eye Joe line dance, drawing cheers and laughter from the crowd. 

When asked what he hoped fans took away from the night, Scott said, “I just hope they have a great night. I hope they enjoy it. Enjoy the show. Enjoy the game. I hope that the people who came for the fireworks portion will come back to some more Cropduster games as well.”

The night began with the National Anthem, as the players took to the field in their stars and stripes-themed jerseys. Scott said the special jerseys were created by the board with the help of Riverside Sports. 

“We put something together, hoping to hit the theme of the night, which was USA. Give the players something fun to wear,” he said. 

The night’s game started with an exciting one-run advantage for the Cropdusters as Zayke Hawkins (Utah) scored by a single from Jimmy Kirk (Millersville). However, in the fourth inning, they lost their advantage with a run surge from the Thunderbolts, who put together a four-run inning. 

In an exciting eighth inning, the Cropdusters bounced back with five runs to seal the victory. A single by Walker Zampella singled in the first run of the inning to tie the game at 4-4. Another run-scoring single gave the Cropdusters the lead and the crowd became hysterical. 

As the inning continued, two runners waited on base, and the fans vibrated with excitement. Ayden Frey (Delaware) came up to the plate, taking the first pitch over the right field wall into a group of onlookers sitting by the fence. The park erupted with cheers as Frey and his teammates rounded the bases, dancing more than running. The Cropdusters brought the field to life, putting on a show only baseball could deliver.

The game ended in a beautiful three-strikeout inning by the Cropduster pitcher Gavin Lill (Millersville). It was a perfect finish to a night of celebration and fireworks – one the Cropdusters couldn’t have scripted better. The audience, buzzing with victory, turned their attention to left field and settled in for a dazzling display of fireworks.