Creative Glass' Rob Carter reaches for home after a collision with Bryant Appraising's catcher, Kevin Gray, at Rumpke Park Friday. (Jeff Swinger photo) | ZOOM |

        Steve Smith knows what his Creative Glass team must do to advance through the 50th Annual Cincinnati Metro Softball Tournament field.

        “You've got to play solid defensively,” Smith said. “You've got to hit the ball. And you can't give the other team extra chances, especially down here, 'cause it'll cost you.”

        Smith knows this because he and about half his teammates played in the 1998 tournament and placed second overall in the “A” division.

        This time around, they are in the “B” division, one step down the competitive ladder. But make no mistake about it, they are still one of the favorites to win their division during the next two weekends at Rumpke Park.

        Smith hopes their level of experience will be the difference as Creative Glass attempts to repeat its 1998 effort, if not better it.

        “Everybody on this team has been playing in the Metro for at least 10 years, so it's not a surprise,” said Smith, a 36-year-old shortstop. “We were a pretty solid team back then, and we're a pretty solid team right now.”

        Creative Glass showed just how good it is Friday evening, defeating Bryant Appraising 18-6 during Day 2 of the double-elimination tournament. Smith and his team play again today.

        Tournament play this weekend starts at 9 a.m. and runs through midnight.

        To prepare for the Metro, Creative Glass won three tournaments during the softball season.

        The experienced team has players as young as 27 and as old as 40 and plays within its limitations. Everyone knows his role, from slugger to bench player.

        Most of the players have Maineville ties, including Smith, who graduated from Little Miami High School. His baseball career started as a Little Leaguer in the third grade. From there, he played varsity baseball in high school. After high school, he picked up softball.

        Smith is one of the most dependable players on the team, said team manager Wayne Benner.

        “He's very easy-going, a very good fielder,” Benner said. “All-around nice guy.”

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