USCG Use Last Out to Extinguish Bombers
BY SPARKY CHALMERS
Park Ridge, NJ - Should fans have expected any different? When USCG and B&T play you shouldn’t leave your seats, don’t arrive late, and don’t leave early. Get to the concession stand and plant yourself before the first pitch because you might be in for a classic.
Tuesday night in Park Ridge rewarded those brave enough to taunt the freshly parched skies and take in the action. Both teams, that own the last three Pearson Championships, brought the game to the last out in the 7th, with USCG singling home the winning run in an 11-10 victory over B&T.
The two teams moved to the 7th and final inning with a 10-10 tie. The Bombers uncharacteristically went 1-2-3, and left the door wide open for USCG to plate one measly run and move on to the Championship. USCG led off the inning when their left-fielder hit a double down the left field line. A great play by catcher Janine Lucas to knock a foul ball into fair territory and pitcher Ian Gold to collect and keep the runner at second while getting the out at first gave the Bombers life. The next USCG batter, one of the best in the league, would strike out, and leave USCG with one lifeline to win the game.
“I thought we had them,” Captain Patrice Jones said. “I thought when we got two outs that we would get one more, score a bunch of runs, and put them away. Have to tip your cap to them, they played a great game.”
A semi-intentional walk to a dangerous lefty brought up a manageable batter, who in typical clutch fashion, hit a ball that dodged second-baseman Marta Karell’s glove by inches. The winning run would easily come home from second and USCG was moving on.
The Bombers had won both regular season games against USCG, one with ridiculous defense, another with ridiculous firepower. Tuesday night, USCG did their part in keeping the Bombers defused.
“Most of the time in softball the team that makes less mistakes wins,” pitcher Ian Gold said. “Not that we made many errors, but USCG doesn’t make any. When we score only 10 runs it’s not one or the other, it’s both, we didn’t play our best and the other team did.”
For a layman, B&T is a Ferrari, shiny, sexy, and fast—with the ability to just awe their opponents into a quick fatality. USCG is a Ford Crown Victoria, reliable, generic, and law enforcements car of choice—they don’t make mistakes, they come at you in waves and basically Chinese water torture their opponent.
Without feeling guilty or restricted, a person could say the Pearson softball rivalry between B&T and USCG hasn’t always been sunshine and flowers. It’s natural to play up to the moment and target your main competition wearing a different color jersey. But on a humid day in Park Ridge the game itself brought both teams together in respect to their tightly contested spirit. We may not be sharing a lunch table, but maybe B&T will dodge some auditing that a third straight Championship would have guaranteed.
Once again, it’s been a pleasure covering the team for a fourth straight season. Thank you to the team and its fans—and of course, thank you to Sparky’s loyal readers.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Bombers Advance to Semifinals with 14-10 Victory
BY SPARKY CHALMERS
MONSEY, NY - For the fourth straight year the B&T Bombers will advance to the Final Four. Even with yearly attrition, the squad continues to overcome their opponents, and last night’s 14-10 victory over AE&S was a typical survive and advance performance.
The Bombers jumped on their opponents with a seven-run 2nd inning and limited AE&S in the five innings that followed. The scarlet and grey defense frustrated AE&S who continually attempted to remind each other, “Just chip away, keep chipping away.” In the inclement weather, and the wet conditions, and with Bomber players dressing up as silly mud monsters to protect the lead (Ashlee Bradbury), a comeback became an even tougher climb.
“We’ve had big offensive innings in the playoffs before,” Boombox award recipient and catcher Janine Lucas said. “Psychologically, when we jump out to a big lead, the other team kind of concedes. They’ve seen that script before, at this point, they’ve all seen it.”
Jon Bryant opened the big 2nd inning with a hard hit through the infield and stayed on his feet long enough to come through with the innings first run, opening the flood gates for the Bomber inning. The next six batters would all reach base, and eventually score. The most emphatic hit was a moon-shot from Patrice Jones that Elena Picinic claims landed in her backyard, and unlike the friendly gentlemen that caught Jeter’s 3000th hit, Picinic is not returning the ball.
“I wouldn’t expect her to,” third baseman Brian Mickelson said. “I don’t have anything against Elena, I think she is great, but that’s a monumental homerun hit by a Pearson legend. Ebay is calling.”
While attempting to “chip away” the Bomber offense sputtered and allowed AE&S to get a glimmer of hope. A handful of shaky plays in the field allowed the green team to get as close as 10-8 in the 5th inning. A titanic blast by pitcher Ian Gold in the bottom of the inning didn’t put AE&S on ice, but did change the momentum and put the Bomber defense back on track. Pop fly outs and a rangy play from second basewoman Marta Karell protected a three-run lead.
“I don’t think we took our lead for granted, but we certainly lost a little focus as well as ease at the plate,” Karell said. “For the last inning Patrice and Steve brought us all in, told us to chill out, and reminded us that it was slo-pitch, the ball goes really slow. Just hit it. After that it was all gravy.”
Michael Barbara took the hitting advice to heart and started the inning with a double to right field, and was driven in a batter later by Steve Sartori. B&T would score an additional three insurance runs, an essential skill to practice moving forward in the playoffs.
The win moves the Bombers into the semifinals against USCG. Anyone that is a regular reader of this column knows the history between these two teams, if you are new to this company or planet, here is a brief synopsis. USCG ruined the Bombers perfect 2008 season and won the Championship, and then they proceeded to take the next three games from B&T. A reversal of fortune occurred last year, when B&T smoked Corporate Accounting in the Championship, and swept the 2011 season two-game series, providing USCG with their only losses of the year.
If you like softball, or your co-workers, a short trip to Suffern/Monsey should be in your afternoon plans. And pray for sunshine.
MONSEY, NY - For the fourth straight year the B&T Bombers will advance to the Final Four. Even with yearly attrition, the squad continues to overcome their opponents, and last night’s 14-10 victory over AE&S was a typical survive and advance performance.
The Bombers jumped on their opponents with a seven-run 2nd inning and limited AE&S in the five innings that followed. The scarlet and grey defense frustrated AE&S who continually attempted to remind each other, “Just chip away, keep chipping away.” In the inclement weather, and the wet conditions, and with Bomber players dressing up as silly mud monsters to protect the lead (Ashlee Bradbury), a comeback became an even tougher climb.
“We’ve had big offensive innings in the playoffs before,” Boombox award recipient and catcher Janine Lucas said. “Psychologically, when we jump out to a big lead, the other team kind of concedes. They’ve seen that script before, at this point, they’ve all seen it.”
Jon Bryant opened the big 2nd inning with a hard hit through the infield and stayed on his feet long enough to come through with the innings first run, opening the flood gates for the Bomber inning. The next six batters would all reach base, and eventually score. The most emphatic hit was a moon-shot from Patrice Jones that Elena Picinic claims landed in her backyard, and unlike the friendly gentlemen that caught Jeter’s 3000th hit, Picinic is not returning the ball.
“I wouldn’t expect her to,” third baseman Brian Mickelson said. “I don’t have anything against Elena, I think she is great, but that’s a monumental homerun hit by a Pearson legend. Ebay is calling.”
While attempting to “chip away” the Bomber offense sputtered and allowed AE&S to get a glimmer of hope. A handful of shaky plays in the field allowed the green team to get as close as 10-8 in the 5th inning. A titanic blast by pitcher Ian Gold in the bottom of the inning didn’t put AE&S on ice, but did change the momentum and put the Bomber defense back on track. Pop fly outs and a rangy play from second basewoman Marta Karell protected a three-run lead.
“I don’t think we took our lead for granted, but we certainly lost a little focus as well as ease at the plate,” Karell said. “For the last inning Patrice and Steve brought us all in, told us to chill out, and reminded us that it was slo-pitch, the ball goes really slow. Just hit it. After that it was all gravy.”
Michael Barbara took the hitting advice to heart and started the inning with a double to right field, and was driven in a batter later by Steve Sartori. B&T would score an additional three insurance runs, an essential skill to practice moving forward in the playoffs.
The win moves the Bombers into the semifinals against USCG. Anyone that is a regular reader of this column knows the history between these two teams, if you are new to this company or planet, here is a brief synopsis. USCG ruined the Bombers perfect 2008 season and won the Championship, and then they proceeded to take the next three games from B&T. A reversal of fortune occurred last year, when B&T smoked Corporate Accounting in the Championship, and swept the 2011 season two-game series, providing USCG with their only losses of the year.
If you like softball, or your co-workers, a short trip to Suffern/Monsey should be in your afternoon plans. And pray for sunshine.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Patrice Jones gets a win, so do Bombers
BY SPARKY CHALMERS
Bomber Captain Patrice Jones had the dubious distinction of being the leagues best player without a victory.
A lucky horseshoe borrowed from superfan Mary Kate Murray didn’t work. A month-long diet of simply lucky charms and rabbits’ feet produced little more than upset stomachs. Even a hockey beard appeared to be trumped by poor luck. That was until eight other Bombers grabbed their proverbial razors and helped Jones get back to normalcy yesterday with an 18-9 drubbing of rival USCG.
“I mean, back-to-back-to-back All-Star Game appearances in centerfield?” Captain Steve Sartori said of his previously winless teammate. “But we were starting to get worried. The jinx is real. A jinx is very real.”
B&T rallied around a common goal. This was of course their bitter rival standing in their way. But recently, a bitter rival that has worn neck braces the morning following games against B&T. The Bombers are aptly named for power, and for years have stockpiled the attribute in droves. No team knows this better than USCG.
In the top of the first inning the first four men of the game hit homeruns over the left field fence. Andrew Gilfillan (who also hit a game-breaking grand slam in the 4th inning), Patrice Jones (who took luck into his own hands with three homers in the game), Ian Gold (who is currently riding a seven-game homerun streak), and Michael Barbara (who is giving an intern presentation this afternoon on how sweet his summer has been and would appreciate all the support, or heckling, in the cafeteria conference room).
After the bodybuilding exhibition around the bases, USCG fell pray to shellshock, while B&T continued to flash the “Awe.” Never before has a team employed two extra outfielders—not legal ones, but extras in the woods. With all the long homeruns flying off the Bomber bats, USCG completed a cost-benefit analysis and calculated that they should expend team resources to save lost softballs.
“Never seen that before,” Jones said.
The Bombers continued to tack on runs via the homerun, but also incorporated their elite speed on the bases to steal run after run; equally as demoralizing as the long ball. Janine Lucas batted at the end of the lineup but made multiple clutch plays that allowed for additional runs. A timely two-out walk gave Gilfillan the chance for his grand slam, and an RBI single later turned the lineup over and continued to push the deficit.
“Our defense was on-point tonight,” pitcher Ian Gold said. “Out of all the teams in the league it’s the first place squad that hates facing our defense most. When they were scratching and clawing to make up two runs of the deficit, and then we come right back and score another three? That kills your spirit.”
All efforts for a comeback were thwarted when the infield locked down. Gold, the pitcher, took a line drive off the chest and managed an out at first. James Heine moved back to last year’s position (third base) and made multiple strong throws to get runners, and in the last inning Kim Lovato made a stab in the hole between first and second to shut the door.
“We just wanted Patrice to get a win already,” Lovato said. “That and I just wanted to get back to my penthouse in the city as soon as possible. Povo drives me crazy. Know what I mean?”
The Bombers are back in action tonight in Park Ridge, they’ll take on SSA.
Bomber Captain Patrice Jones had the dubious distinction of being the leagues best player without a victory.
A lucky horseshoe borrowed from superfan Mary Kate Murray didn’t work. A month-long diet of simply lucky charms and rabbits’ feet produced little more than upset stomachs. Even a hockey beard appeared to be trumped by poor luck. That was until eight other Bombers grabbed their proverbial razors and helped Jones get back to normalcy yesterday with an 18-9 drubbing of rival USCG.
“I mean, back-to-back-to-back All-Star Game appearances in centerfield?” Captain Steve Sartori said of his previously winless teammate. “But we were starting to get worried. The jinx is real. A jinx is very real.”
B&T rallied around a common goal. This was of course their bitter rival standing in their way. But recently, a bitter rival that has worn neck braces the morning following games against B&T. The Bombers are aptly named for power, and for years have stockpiled the attribute in droves. No team knows this better than USCG.
In the top of the first inning the first four men of the game hit homeruns over the left field fence. Andrew Gilfillan (who also hit a game-breaking grand slam in the 4th inning), Patrice Jones (who took luck into his own hands with three homers in the game), Ian Gold (who is currently riding a seven-game homerun streak), and Michael Barbara (who is giving an intern presentation this afternoon on how sweet his summer has been and would appreciate all the support, or heckling, in the cafeteria conference room).
After the bodybuilding exhibition around the bases, USCG fell pray to shellshock, while B&T continued to flash the “Awe.” Never before has a team employed two extra outfielders—not legal ones, but extras in the woods. With all the long homeruns flying off the Bomber bats, USCG completed a cost-benefit analysis and calculated that they should expend team resources to save lost softballs.
“Never seen that before,” Jones said.
The Bombers continued to tack on runs via the homerun, but also incorporated their elite speed on the bases to steal run after run; equally as demoralizing as the long ball. Janine Lucas batted at the end of the lineup but made multiple clutch plays that allowed for additional runs. A timely two-out walk gave Gilfillan the chance for his grand slam, and an RBI single later turned the lineup over and continued to push the deficit.
“Our defense was on-point tonight,” pitcher Ian Gold said. “Out of all the teams in the league it’s the first place squad that hates facing our defense most. When they were scratching and clawing to make up two runs of the deficit, and then we come right back and score another three? That kills your spirit.”
All efforts for a comeback were thwarted when the infield locked down. Gold, the pitcher, took a line drive off the chest and managed an out at first. James Heine moved back to last year’s position (third base) and made multiple strong throws to get runners, and in the last inning Kim Lovato made a stab in the hole between first and second to shut the door.
“We just wanted Patrice to get a win already,” Lovato said. “That and I just wanted to get back to my penthouse in the city as soon as possible. Povo drives me crazy. Know what I mean?”
The Bombers are back in action tonight in Park Ridge, they’ll take on SSA.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Shorthanded Bombers Fall to Wounded PT – The Sonnet
BY SPARKY CHALMERS
B&T fought, clawed, scratched and battled back
But PT followed its bloody inspiration and won 13-12
The Bombers were far from perfect but played to hack
So perk up dear players, no further into loss shall we delve
O no, tremendous plays were made in the field and at the plate
Diving plays by Patrice Jones in center allow us to shake off strife
James Heine learned with two strikes to swing and not wait
While Nicole Sam played third and thanked her glove for her life
Jones, Michael Barbara and Ian Gold hit balls over the fence
To make up for playing the field with only nine
Steve Sartori’s leadership tutelage will keep “loss” past tense
Even Heine will get hits, collect a Boombox, and be fine
The Bombers return to action next Wednesday in Park Ridge
Lets pray that third baseman from PT did more than bandage
B&T fought, clawed, scratched and battled back
But PT followed its bloody inspiration and won 13-12
The Bombers were far from perfect but played to hack
So perk up dear players, no further into loss shall we delve
O no, tremendous plays were made in the field and at the plate
Diving plays by Patrice Jones in center allow us to shake off strife
James Heine learned with two strikes to swing and not wait
While Nicole Sam played third and thanked her glove for her life
Jones, Michael Barbara and Ian Gold hit balls over the fence
To make up for playing the field with only nine
Steve Sartori’s leadership tutelage will keep “loss” past tense
Even Heine will get hits, collect a Boombox, and be fine
The Bombers return to action next Wednesday in Park Ridge
Lets pray that third baseman from PT did more than bandage
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Shorthanded Bombers Surprise Rival, 9-6
BY SPARKY CHALMERS
MONSEY, NY: When BEIT squares off against their fiercest rival usually the pre-game hype reaches Ali V. Frazier. Of course I’m referring to USCG, and typically both sides bring everything and the kitchen sink. But caught in the middle of travel season, the more vulnerable Bombers took the field with nine players, one shy of a full team—and won 9-6.
With the victory, BEIT moved into a tie for first place and held a team that averages 16 runs a game to a season-low 6. The defensive effort started on the mound as pitcher Ian Gold stymied opposing hitters with a career-high of five strikeouts. All night USCG hitters basically watched the ball dance across the plate and tried to straighten out the hurler’s best stuff.
The Bomber pitcher was backed up again by terrific games from the defense. Even with missing one position player on defense, the Bombers made USCG earn every run. Hard hit balls were tracked down by shortstop Michael Barbara and deposited at 80 mph into the glove of sure-handed Steve Sartori. Fly balls, line-drives, and lollipops alike, were tracked down by “Boombox” Award recipient Andrew Gilfillan, James Heine, and Ashlee Bradbury—who were missing an outfielder and had to cover even more territory than usual.
Gilfillan was awarded the silver necklace for his speed and hustle in the outfield. On three separate occasions Gilfillan’s hustle brought him into a mud bath, and while his skin is now smooth and clear, he sacrificed his body for the shorthanded team. The inspiration rubbed off and Janine Lucas made her third pop-up out in as many games (and yelled “Three!” while making the catch) at the plate.
“I felt like I could play on either side of the plate, and get strikes when I needed them,” Gold said. “It’s a great feeling knowing if I mix things up the defense will get the outs. We’ve been successful for some time, it’s what we expect.”
The Bombers dodged kite-flying families and gate climbing kids to hold USCG and their dangerous top-of-the-order to one run in the top of the 1st inning. The two heavyweight teams would exchange big hits and runs until the bottom of the 5th inning when BEIT gave up 3 runs and looked uphill at a 3-6 score.
Gold led off the inning with his second homer of the game, and Barbara would cement his passion for back-to-back yaya (homeruns). Kim Lovato rode the momentum and hit a ball through the left side of the infield and then hustled around the bases on clutch hitting by Sartori and Heine. When Lovato crossed the plate, she tied the game 6-6, setting up two perfect defensive innings and a bottom of the 6th that featured the Bombers at their clutch best.
Andrew Gilfillan led off with a single and was eventually driven in by Barbara, who was advanced by Lovato, who was driven in by Sartori, who was advanced by Heine while scoring Barbara.
Confusing?
It was for USCG because they saw their lead, and first-place standing, crumble. The heavy favorite now was in the dire position of scoring three runs against this stingy arrangement. No deal—the Bomber defense wrapped up their dominant present by doubling off a runner on second and converting on a fly-ball to center.
“I was Bradcurious to see how we’d play shorthanded,” Ashlee Bradmerry said while dodging autograph requests from pre-pubescent fans. “We needed to be patient; there was no need to Bradhurry. It was my first time in the rivalry game, and just hearing about past losses made me Bradfurious.”
More spectacular is the fact that once again the Bombers had to piece together a defensive arrangement just minutes before the game. The long awaited return of left-fielder Andrew Gilfillan was a shot of confidence for the 3-person outfield. And even Nicole Sam strapped on her riot gear and held down the hot corner.
“They actually threatened to tether me to third base,” Sam said. “I usually play in the outfield, and I’ve got too much of a face to be that close to the ball coming off the bat. Pearson is lucky nothing happened, if USCG derailed my modeling career I would have been rich.”
MONSEY, NY: When BEIT squares off against their fiercest rival usually the pre-game hype reaches Ali V. Frazier. Of course I’m referring to USCG, and typically both sides bring everything and the kitchen sink. But caught in the middle of travel season, the more vulnerable Bombers took the field with nine players, one shy of a full team—and won 9-6.
With the victory, BEIT moved into a tie for first place and held a team that averages 16 runs a game to a season-low 6. The defensive effort started on the mound as pitcher Ian Gold stymied opposing hitters with a career-high of five strikeouts. All night USCG hitters basically watched the ball dance across the plate and tried to straighten out the hurler’s best stuff.
The Bomber pitcher was backed up again by terrific games from the defense. Even with missing one position player on defense, the Bombers made USCG earn every run. Hard hit balls were tracked down by shortstop Michael Barbara and deposited at 80 mph into the glove of sure-handed Steve Sartori. Fly balls, line-drives, and lollipops alike, were tracked down by “Boombox” Award recipient Andrew Gilfillan, James Heine, and Ashlee Bradbury—who were missing an outfielder and had to cover even more territory than usual.
Gilfillan was awarded the silver necklace for his speed and hustle in the outfield. On three separate occasions Gilfillan’s hustle brought him into a mud bath, and while his skin is now smooth and clear, he sacrificed his body for the shorthanded team. The inspiration rubbed off and Janine Lucas made her third pop-up out in as many games (and yelled “Three!” while making the catch) at the plate.
“I felt like I could play on either side of the plate, and get strikes when I needed them,” Gold said. “It’s a great feeling knowing if I mix things up the defense will get the outs. We’ve been successful for some time, it’s what we expect.”
The Bombers dodged kite-flying families and gate climbing kids to hold USCG and their dangerous top-of-the-order to one run in the top of the 1st inning. The two heavyweight teams would exchange big hits and runs until the bottom of the 5th inning when BEIT gave up 3 runs and looked uphill at a 3-6 score.
Gold led off the inning with his second homer of the game, and Barbara would cement his passion for back-to-back yaya (homeruns). Kim Lovato rode the momentum and hit a ball through the left side of the infield and then hustled around the bases on clutch hitting by Sartori and Heine. When Lovato crossed the plate, she tied the game 6-6, setting up two perfect defensive innings and a bottom of the 6th that featured the Bombers at their clutch best.
Andrew Gilfillan led off with a single and was eventually driven in by Barbara, who was advanced by Lovato, who was driven in by Sartori, who was advanced by Heine while scoring Barbara.
Confusing?
It was for USCG because they saw their lead, and first-place standing, crumble. The heavy favorite now was in the dire position of scoring three runs against this stingy arrangement. No deal—the Bomber defense wrapped up their dominant present by doubling off a runner on second and converting on a fly-ball to center.
“I was Bradcurious to see how we’d play shorthanded,” Ashlee Bradmerry said while dodging autograph requests from pre-pubescent fans. “We needed to be patient; there was no need to Bradhurry. It was my first time in the rivalry game, and just hearing about past losses made me Bradfurious.”
More spectacular is the fact that once again the Bombers had to piece together a defensive arrangement just minutes before the game. The long awaited return of left-fielder Andrew Gilfillan was a shot of confidence for the 3-person outfield. And even Nicole Sam strapped on her riot gear and held down the hot corner.
“They actually threatened to tether me to third base,” Sam said. “I usually play in the outfield, and I’ve got too much of a face to be that close to the ball coming off the bat. Pearson is lucky nothing happened, if USCG derailed my modeling career I would have been rich.”
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Bombers Win in Seventh, 9-8
BY SPARKY CHALMERS
PARK RIDGE, NJ - Just minutes earlier AE&S had mounted a two-run rally to tie the game before 7th inning—could they have been thinking sweet revenge for the Bomber Championship comeback of 2009? Or were they just concentrating on beating the Pearson League powerhouse for the first time?
Either way, the resilient BEIT squad shook off the AE&S momentum and made the necessary plays to come away with a 9-8 victory. With two outs in the top of the 7th inning, Ian Gold put himself in scoring position with a double and came through with the winning run a pitch later, when Boombox award winner Michael Barbara singled through the left side of the infield.
Of course, a one-run lead in softball is no safer than a sunny day this summer—it can turn to clouds and rain quickly. The insurance for the win looked bleak when AE&S put the leadoff runner on, only three bases away from tying the contest. But the next hitter afforded Janine Lucas the opportunity to make the defensive play of the inning. On a wicked cutter, the AE&S batter swung and popped the ball up behind the plate. Lucas ripped her mask off, spit out a couple sunflower seeds, and made the catch for the first out of the inning. An induced grounder and a fly-ball out later, the Bombers (2-1) earned the victory.
“Holding a good team to eight runs is not easy so I knew our defense was up to the task,” Captain, and first-baseman, Steve Sartori, said. “After the way we played last game we needed a big win, we needed to respond. Winning a one-run game in the last inning was just what we needed.”
Still playing shorthanded, the Bombers needed a complete effort to get back on the winning side of .500. While the manager still figures out who should bat where and continues to switch fielding assignments moments before the first pitch, BEIT is figuring things out on the go. Winning is possible because defense never disappears. Home runs come and go, and players can go through slumps, but good defensive teams always play good defense.
“Chicks dig the long ball, but I also build my team on defense,” owner and general manager, Sally Yagan, said. “I had a long talk with my manager, but I’m happy with the performance from yesterday.”
The Bombers switched Jon Bryant to third base and Brian Mickelson to left field moments before the game, and both performed well in their new positions. Once again Ashlee Bradbury made a nice play on a long fly ball to right center and James Heine provided steady play and leadership from centerfield.
“As a Buckeye, I know that legacies and dynasties are built upon defense,” James Heine said. “In the countless hours since Michigan has last beat Ohio State, defense has ruled the rivalry. I stress to my constituents a combination of focus, discipline, and hustle. If you apply those three things, you can be a great defensive team.”
Familiar Bombers powered the offense with Ian Gold scoring three runs and hitting a two-run homer in the top of the 3rd and Michael Barbara going 3-for-4 with three RBI, including a “Sveny” opposite field inside-the-park home run.
“We haven’t yet had a steady and complete lineup,” second baseman Kim Lovato said. “Sitting at 2-1 with a couple big wins is a nice position to be in.”
PARK RIDGE, NJ - Just minutes earlier AE&S had mounted a two-run rally to tie the game before 7th inning—could they have been thinking sweet revenge for the Bomber Championship comeback of 2009? Or were they just concentrating on beating the Pearson League powerhouse for the first time?
Either way, the resilient BEIT squad shook off the AE&S momentum and made the necessary plays to come away with a 9-8 victory. With two outs in the top of the 7th inning, Ian Gold put himself in scoring position with a double and came through with the winning run a pitch later, when Boombox award winner Michael Barbara singled through the left side of the infield.
Of course, a one-run lead in softball is no safer than a sunny day this summer—it can turn to clouds and rain quickly. The insurance for the win looked bleak when AE&S put the leadoff runner on, only three bases away from tying the contest. But the next hitter afforded Janine Lucas the opportunity to make the defensive play of the inning. On a wicked cutter, the AE&S batter swung and popped the ball up behind the plate. Lucas ripped her mask off, spit out a couple sunflower seeds, and made the catch for the first out of the inning. An induced grounder and a fly-ball out later, the Bombers (2-1) earned the victory.
“Holding a good team to eight runs is not easy so I knew our defense was up to the task,” Captain, and first-baseman, Steve Sartori, said. “After the way we played last game we needed a big win, we needed to respond. Winning a one-run game in the last inning was just what we needed.”
Still playing shorthanded, the Bombers needed a complete effort to get back on the winning side of .500. While the manager still figures out who should bat where and continues to switch fielding assignments moments before the first pitch, BEIT is figuring things out on the go. Winning is possible because defense never disappears. Home runs come and go, and players can go through slumps, but good defensive teams always play good defense.
“Chicks dig the long ball, but I also build my team on defense,” owner and general manager, Sally Yagan, said. “I had a long talk with my manager, but I’m happy with the performance from yesterday.”
The Bombers switched Jon Bryant to third base and Brian Mickelson to left field moments before the game, and both performed well in their new positions. Once again Ashlee Bradbury made a nice play on a long fly ball to right center and James Heine provided steady play and leadership from centerfield.
“As a Buckeye, I know that legacies and dynasties are built upon defense,” James Heine said. “In the countless hours since Michigan has last beat Ohio State, defense has ruled the rivalry. I stress to my constituents a combination of focus, discipline, and hustle. If you apply those three things, you can be a great defensive team.”
Familiar Bombers powered the offense with Ian Gold scoring three runs and hitting a two-run homer in the top of the 3rd and Michael Barbara going 3-for-4 with three RBI, including a “Sveny” opposite field inside-the-park home run.
“We haven’t yet had a steady and complete lineup,” second baseman Kim Lovato said. “Sitting at 2-1 with a couple big wins is a nice position to be in.”
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Bombers Fall to H&C, 15-6
Bombers Fall to H&C, 15-6
BY SPARKY CHALMERS
MONSEY, NY - “Oh, mercy mercy me, oh, things ain't what they used to be,” Marvin Gaye said 40 years ago.
Odds are that Gaye wasn’t referring to the BEIT Bombers run of dominance in contrast to the 15-6 mercy-beating they received Tuesday in Monsey, NY. But who knows, the man had premonitions, and the lyrics fit.
Health and Career’s Captain, Jackie Riotto, politely asked for the attention of BEIT Captain, Patrice Jones, after the 6th inning, and once again politely asked, “I hate to even bring this up, but is the mercy rule 10 or 15 runs?”
Jones with little hesitation (because the Bombers have handed out so many mercy-rules quickly responded), “Its 10.”
“Never happened to us before,” Jones said. “First time in four years (which included an undefeated run to the Championship and two Pearson Trophies) we were ever mercy ruled. I told everyone after to move forward, but don’t forget what that feels like because it didn’t feel good.”
The Bombers looked out of their element playing in Monsey. Without the friendly confines of Park Ridge, hitters had trouble adjusting to the defensive adjustments of H&C and the defense faltered under the muddy conditions.
“We have to adjust,” second-base girl Kim Lovato said. “We played great the first game in Park Ridge, but if we have games scheduled in Monsey, we have to learn to play there.”
The after-game festivities even took a hit as Bomber players disbanded. Because of the failure to celebrate, team Captains asked this writer to notify the public that Janine Lucas will be awarded the Silver Boombox Necklace for her efforts against H&C. Rumor has it Lucas was battling a 104 fever to make the game, so even as her brain was boiled alive by her overheated blood, her 3-for-4 day and hustle on the bases was inspiring to BEIT teammates.
The Bombers play Monday and Tuesday of next week, and are scheduled to be back in Monsey on Tuesday against familiar rival USCG (surprise, surprise). With games on Monday and Tuesday, Jones is confident his team will rebound, regroup, and receive reinforcements. Owner and GM, Sally Yagan, is currently in the final stages of contract negotiations with utility infielder Tim Galligan and outfielder Andrew Gilfillan, or as she likes to call them, her “yearly legal headaches.”
-Front Office Listens to Fans-
Die-hard fans Claudia Fernandes and Mary Kate Murray made the long trip to Monsey, NY and were very vocal during the loss. Fernandes referred to the Bomber performance as “nauseating,” and Murray capped the sentiment by saying “If they keep playing like this, and losing, I’m not coming anymore.”
This wasn’t lost on the BEIT front office, which took a page out of George Steinbrenner’s book and issued the following press release.
“The only parts of this franchise that are safe are the Boombox and the Freak-Bat. Any member of the team that does not fill their role will be traded to HR/Legal, the Kansas City of the Pearson Softball League. Good money is paid to at least five members of the Bombers, and failure on this investment will not be tolerated.”
BY SPARKY CHALMERS
MONSEY, NY - “Oh, mercy mercy me, oh, things ain't what they used to be,” Marvin Gaye said 40 years ago.
Odds are that Gaye wasn’t referring to the BEIT Bombers run of dominance in contrast to the 15-6 mercy-beating they received Tuesday in Monsey, NY. But who knows, the man had premonitions, and the lyrics fit.
Health and Career’s Captain, Jackie Riotto, politely asked for the attention of BEIT Captain, Patrice Jones, after the 6th inning, and once again politely asked, “I hate to even bring this up, but is the mercy rule 10 or 15 runs?”
Jones with little hesitation (because the Bombers have handed out so many mercy-rules quickly responded), “Its 10.”
“Never happened to us before,” Jones said. “First time in four years (which included an undefeated run to the Championship and two Pearson Trophies) we were ever mercy ruled. I told everyone after to move forward, but don’t forget what that feels like because it didn’t feel good.”
The Bombers looked out of their element playing in Monsey. Without the friendly confines of Park Ridge, hitters had trouble adjusting to the defensive adjustments of H&C and the defense faltered under the muddy conditions.
“We have to adjust,” second-base girl Kim Lovato said. “We played great the first game in Park Ridge, but if we have games scheduled in Monsey, we have to learn to play there.”
The after-game festivities even took a hit as Bomber players disbanded. Because of the failure to celebrate, team Captains asked this writer to notify the public that Janine Lucas will be awarded the Silver Boombox Necklace for her efforts against H&C. Rumor has it Lucas was battling a 104 fever to make the game, so even as her brain was boiled alive by her overheated blood, her 3-for-4 day and hustle on the bases was inspiring to BEIT teammates.
The Bombers play Monday and Tuesday of next week, and are scheduled to be back in Monsey on Tuesday against familiar rival USCG (surprise, surprise). With games on Monday and Tuesday, Jones is confident his team will rebound, regroup, and receive reinforcements. Owner and GM, Sally Yagan, is currently in the final stages of contract negotiations with utility infielder Tim Galligan and outfielder Andrew Gilfillan, or as she likes to call them, her “yearly legal headaches.”
-Front Office Listens to Fans-
Die-hard fans Claudia Fernandes and Mary Kate Murray made the long trip to Monsey, NY and were very vocal during the loss. Fernandes referred to the Bomber performance as “nauseating,” and Murray capped the sentiment by saying “If they keep playing like this, and losing, I’m not coming anymore.”
This wasn’t lost on the BEIT front office, which took a page out of George Steinbrenner’s book and issued the following press release.
“The only parts of this franchise that are safe are the Boombox and the Freak-Bat. Any member of the team that does not fill their role will be traded to HR/Legal, the Kansas City of the Pearson Softball League. Good money is paid to at least five members of the Bombers, and failure on this investment will not be tolerated.”
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