No rivalry for Bell’s baseball-softball siblings

For this season and next, the Newman siblings have a chance to do something they have wanted to do since childhood – play at L.D. Bell together.

Junior Preston Newman is a pitcher and first baseman for the Raiders baseball squad, while his sister, freshman Peyton Newman, is a first baseman and right fielder for the Lady Raiders softball team.

“When I was growing up, I went to all my brother's baseball games. He made me want to play softball,” Peyton said. “It has always been cool having the same passion.”

Preston has been playing for the past 13 years, ever since he was five, while Peyton has been playing softball since she was four. Their parents have had plenty of games to watch over the years and have sometimes had to split to be able to see both of them, such as last Friday, when the teams played home games at the same time. That trend has continued over to high school.

Both siblings grew up playing multiple sports, but fell in love with playing on the diamond.

“Baseball is where I had the most passion,” Preston said.

“I had to finally make a choice, and softball has always been my passion,” Peyton added. “It's where I can just play the game I love.”

Their mother, Janet Newman, has helped Peyton become the player she is while father Hunter Newman has helped Preston with his baseball development.

Hunter coached Preston when he was young, and Janet did the same with Peyton and also played select ball when she was her daughter’s age. Preston always attended Bell baseball camps, where he met head coach Paul Gibson.

“I couldn't wait for the day that I got to play for him,” Preston said.

Janet has always encouraged Peyton to be her best, never to settle. Both parents have told the siblings to play up to their abilities but remind them to always have fun. Peyton met Ken Graves, her hitting coach, when she was seven, which has helped her growth through the years.

“He pushes me and my teammates to our limits and encourages us while doing it,” Peyton said. “I respect him and his love for softball – he means a lot to me.”

Ever since they knew they would attend Bell, they couldn't wait to share the experience.

“It has always been something we looked forward to, and it's finally here,” Peyton said. “I am very proud of my brother and the love and support he gives me. He is not just a brother, but a best friend.”

“We do get to support each other every chance we get,” Preston added. “I am very proud to be the older brother of a Bell softball player. Peyton and I share the love of the game together and I appreciate all the moments we get to share with each other along this road.”

This story was originally published April 6, 2015 at 11:27 AM with the headline "No rivalry for Bell’s baseball-softball siblings."