Ravenna Softball's Daddy Hack Hat Home Run Ritual Takes Off at Byron Center Tournament

The Daddy Hack Hat Home Run Ritual Takes Off for Ravenna Softball

Some football teams have the turnover chain. Some softball teams have a home run chain. Ravenna's softball team has the "Daddy Hack Hat" as a new home run ritual. The Bulldogs were passing it around in the Blue Chip Best of Michigan showcase at Whistle Stop Park in Byron Center.

The Daddy Hack Hat started when Ravenna coach Gary Gillard decided to have some fun with his team. After his daughter, star slugger Emma Gillard, hit a home run, he took off his hat and put it on her head as she rounded the bases. It became a new tradition - whoever hits a home run gets to wear the Daddy Hack Hat for their trot around the bases.

Daddy Hack Hat Goes Viral on Social Media

Video clips of Ravenna players wearing the Daddy Hack Hat after home runs started going viral on social media. Fans love the fun, lighthearted nature of the new ritual. Clips using hashtags like #daddyhackhat and #catchmarksportsnet racked up thousands of views on TikTok and other platforms.

The hat itself is a grey fedora with "Daddy Hack" embroidered on the front. Gary Gillard is known as Daddy Hack among players and fans. Whenever a Ravenna hitter knocks one out of the park, Gary grabs the hat from the dugout and puts it on their head for the home run trot.

Emma Gillard, Riley Homoly, and other top Ravenna hitters have taken turns wearing the Daddy Hack Hat after long balls this season. It never fails to put a smile on everyone's faces, especially with Gary's enthusiastic celebrations in the dugout after each homer.

Showcase Performance Puts Ravenna on the Map

Ravenna brought the Daddy Hack Hat with them to the high-profile Blue Chip Best of Michigan showcase tournament at Whistle Stop Park in Byron Center. With college recruiters and prep softball fans watching, the Bulldogs delivered an impressive performance.

Behind the power bats of Gillard and Homoly, Ravenna belted several home runs in the tournament. The Daddy Hack Hat was on full display as the duo showed off their skills in front of a big audience. Gillard even hit one over the fence in her first at-bat.

Ravenna finished as runners-up in the tournament, proving they can compete with the state's top teams. Their fun-loving attitude, exemplified by the Daddy Hack Hat ritual, also won over plenty of fans. The Bulldogs are riding a wave of momentum heading into the high school season.

Daddy Hack Hat a Bonding Experience for Ravenna

The Daddy Hack Hat home run ritual has become a unique bonding tradition for the Ravenna softball program. It highlights the close relationships between players and coaches and the family atmosphere within the team.

Gary Gillard coming up with a special way to celebrate his daughter Emma and her teammates brings everyone closer together. The players say putting on the Daddy Hack Hat and jogging around the bases feels like an accomplishment they share as a team.

Even players who don't hit many home runs feel involved. They eagerly cheer on teammates from the dugout and line up to put the hat on the slugger's head after each bomb. The Daddy Hack Hat reminds the Bulldogs to keep perspective and have fun playing the game they love.

Byron Center Tournament Sets the Stage

The Blue Chip Best of Michigan showcase tournament in Byron Center gave Ravenna a chance to make a name for itself heading into the 2022 high school season. Performing well in front of college scouts provided valuable experience for the Bulldogs.

Winning games at Whistle Stop Park also helped earn Ravenna respect around Michigan. Beating some of the best teams from Detroit, Grand Rapids, and other areas proved the Bulldogs will be a forced to be reckoned with.

Most importantly, the tournament allowed Ravenna to plant its flag as an upstart program on the rise. The Daddy Hack Hat persona perfectly encapsulates the team's confidence and carefree attitude. Look for the Bulldogs to build on their Byron Center success with more memorable moments this spring.

Ravenna Softball Primed for Breakout 2022 Season

With a roster loaded with talent, experience and motivation, Ravenna softball appears poised for a big 2022 season this spring. The Bulldogs expect to contend for conference and district titles after their encouraging performance over the summer and fall.

Ravenna now heads into the high school season with momentum and confidence. The Daddy Hack Hat ritual also symbolizes the program's emergence as an exciting team on the rise. Look for the Bulldogs to keep turning heads with their play on the field and lighthearted approach off it.

FAQs

What is the Daddy Hack Hat?

The Daddy Hack Hat is a grey fedora worn by Ravenna softball players when they hit a home run. It belongs to coach Gary "Daddy Hack" Gillard, who places it on the head of any player who hits a homer as they round the bases.

How did the ritual get started?

It started when coach Gillard spontaneously put his hat on his daughter Emma's head after she hit a home run. It became a tradition and then went viral when fans shared videos online of players wearing the hat.

Where did Ravenna debut the hat?

Ravenna first showcased the Daddy Hack Hat at the Blue Chip Best of Michigan showcase tournament at Whistle Stop Park in Byron Center. Clips of players wearing the hat after homers were widely shared on social media.