Bombers Begin Quest for 3-Peat

Bombers Begin Quest for 3-Peat
BY SPARKY CHALMERS

Bombers centerfielder and Captain Patrice Jones has used unique tactics in the past to inspire his BPIT Bombers. And after back-to-back Pearson Championships he may have to dig deep into his bag of tricks.

Rumors circulated that Jones tried to use his brother Bomani’s connects to bring NBA legend Phil Jackson to Upper Saddle River. Jackson knows a thing or two about 3-Peat’s, winning three consecutive championships twice in Chicago and once in Los Angeles. But since retirement, Jackson has refused to deal with egos (Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant), and, after her move to New York City, second-baselady Kim Lovato is more than he could handle.

Jones didn’t give up though, and managed to book one icon to break things down for his 2011 squad.

http://youtu.be/Ijae2WHdc9I (for some reason you’ll have to refresh the page).

As it turned out, all 16 members (even the interns) of this year’s squad knew how to count to three, how to account for the losses of Jason Calcano, Elisabeth Scarpa, and Eric Svendsen (The 1, 2, 3 hitters from a year ago), that will be the real challenge.

“Every year is a challenge,” Captain Steve Sartori said. “People thought we had too much to replace last year, but then people like Kimmy Lovato stepped up, Michael Barbara was a huge addition—what I’m trying to say is, we find ways to get it done.”

If BPIT is to continue its league dominance the responsibility will surely fall on its core of players, but the burden will have to be shared by the newcomers. Calcano’s departure has triggered a defensive rotation that results in Barbara, an outfielder from last year, moving to shortstop, newcomer Brian Mickelson, a pleasant surprise, moving to third, and James Heine who will rotate into left field to replace Eric Svendsen. But certain questions do remain—how will the Bombers manufacture the production lost and who is going to play right-center field?

“I think we have some answers, but you don’t really know until the product is on the field,” reigning Cy Young award winner Ian Gold said. “We’ve had a couple practices, and I certainly like what we’ve seen. The league may not have been aware, but our AAA squad was strong last year. There were a couple moves we could have made at last year’s deadline, but we value our young talent, and that should pay dividends this year.”

Part of the youth movement that Gold spoke of includes talented call-ups Gary June 14th, Nicole Sam, and Ashlee Bradbury. June will have plenty to say about the right-center position, and Sam and Bradbury should be platooning at second base and right-field but one thing is clear, they all can hit and Sam, especially, can run.

“We all know that we’ve joined a Class A organization,” Sam said. “When you join the Bombers you know you’re going to work hard, win, and then play hard. I run a sub 4.6 40 yard-dash and I pull my weight at the after party—lets just say I had plenty of suitors, I picked BPIT because of the culture. We plan to uphold our end of the bargain.”

The Bombers will get their first test of the season tomorrow when they square off against SSA in Park Ridge, NJ. For those interested in getting directions or attending the game please contact Ian Gold, until Sally Yagan takes over her duties as Fan Queen. Below is this year’s regular season schedule:

Wednesday 6/15 @ PR SSA
Tuesday 6/21 @ MW @H&C
Monday 6/27 @ PR @AE&S
Tuesday 6/28 @ MW USCG
Tuesday 7/5 @ PR PT
Wednesday 7/13 @ PR H&C
Monday 7/25 @ PR @USCG
Tuesday 7/26 @ PR @SSA
Thursday 7/28 @ MW @PT