After Simon Barnett CONSTANTLY mentioned his Ashburton Intermediate School ‘softball record throw’ - a title he has proudly held since he was 12 years old - to fellow More FM co-hosts Lana, Speedy, and Bondy, they wanted to put his skills to the test.
They each took turns pitching the ball as far as they could through Christchurch’s Hagley Park to determine who would hold the team's record throw.
With a 1km run-up, it was nearly over before it started for Speedy, who slipped near the throw line. However, he still managed to secure a respectable 38 metres from his efforts.
Meanwhile, Bondy stunned everyone with his ball flying a massive 68 metres - it’s just a shame that while his ball soared, he lost his balance and fell to his knees.
The pressure was on for Lana, especially with her wife, Katie, being a current softball player. Unfortunately, her throw fell short of Bondy’s, reaching only 58 metres.
It all came down to Simon as he faced arguably the most crucial throw of his life.
Sporting skinny jeans - interesting choice of athleisure, we know - and his trusty Converse sneakers, Simon was ready to defend the title he had held since his pre-teen years.
Luckily, it all paid off, measuring in at a whopping 77 metres.
He could finally rest knowing that he’d reclaimed what he called “The biggest softball throw in the entire universe”.
But, just as we’d thought the softball saga ended, Lana threw in one more challenge - could Si take on a pro?
We called in a favour from a special player - Katie (Lana’s Wife), who has previously played for New Zealand.
The task was simple: just hit one of her pitches and secure a home run.
Despite his early confidence, Si quickly found himself 0-2 in strikes after two pitches.
But on the third and final pitch, the impossible happened - Si connected with the ball perfectly, smashing it out of the park.
He took his opportunity, did his dash around the bases, chanting: “I’m getting $200”.
Will there ever be a challenge he fails? We’ll have to wait and see.
