As you may have heard from fellow classmates, junior Jimmy Piscopo has instantly entered George Mason High School folklore after dramatically hurdling and somersaulting over a Clarke County catcher in Mason’s important and dramatic 3-2 victory over the Eagles last Tuesday. The play took place in the fifth inning, with Piscopo on second base and sophomore Alex Prewitt at bat. To advance Piscopo to third base, Prewitt laid down a sacrifice bunt that rolled to the Eagles’ second baseman, who threw out Prewitt at first base. Meanwhile, third base (and head) coach Adam Amerine waived Piscopo home instead of settling for third base. The throw from first base was in time and placed perfectly four feet in front of and slightly to the left of the home plate for the catcher to tag out Jimmy. Instead of taking the out, Piscopo leaped over the Eagles’ player, twisting mid-air to avoid the tag and planting his hand on home plate. After somersaulting back on to his feet Piscopo looked to the umpire for the call, who unfortunately called Piscopo out. The official rule book does clearly state that runners are not allowed to leap, jump or hurdle defensive players, thus the call from the umpire was valid. In spite of the call, the sheer drama and athleticism of the attempt wowed the spectators and was fortunately caught on tape by Mr. Don Foley. Students, coaches, parents and administrators throughout George Mason have been a-buzz with the exciting story, and surely this play will be remembered for years to come.
(Report by Jared Allen, video recorded by Mr. Don Foley) - 4/29/06