Friday March 5th Wrap-Up

Stickballers United,

Old players continue to come back,

They are not talking smack,

They just give the spaldeen a whack!

Dave Scherr and Steve Woods returning to the field as if they never missed a step as well as the trend of returning players continues. The long awaited return from injury and COVID concerns was well worth the wait – spectators and players were treated to an assortment of talent as both hit and fielded on their way to Co-MVP performances on the losing end. Steve performed well with a new hip and what must have been some steroid treatments as his hitting was much improved. Dave was as laid back as ever with a new batting style – using the handle end to hit and the barrel as a grip :-0 Welcome back Steve and Dave!!!

Once again a good turnout of 5 man teams until Roger showed up late missing the opening fireworks but was on hand for the reemergence of Dave and Steve.

----- ‘Blues’ taking on the ‘Reds’ ----

Blues – John, Manny, Keith, (mighty) Max, Denis, Roger (I’m late and hungry)

Reds – (upside down) Dave, Norm (left turn Clyde), (hippy hip) Steve, Gordon (the Bolt), (I woke up) Bob L.

Scorer: Denis (Was going to be all time offense) Euchre

Teams having been setup by the time Roger arrived, it looked like a massacre as the first two visitor, Blues, innings “Maxed” out at 5 runs apiece; literally as MAX hit 2 HRs, Manny and Keith contributing 1 as well. Following up on the Blues performance, the home Reds maxed out only their 2nd inning with triples from both Dave and Steve – Gordon and Dave contributing a HR as well.

Second twinning saw Roger leading off after complaints from the Reds he should stay on their team in the field- little did they know he was destined to be one of their best assets, handicapping the Blues with his performance at the plate, right or left handed. Oddly enough it was noted that more confrontation on rules and such have come up since new players have returned, hmmmmmm. Sounds like the old gang IS back together again!! J

The next 2 twinnings, however; tightened up the game to within 3 runs as the Blues lulled after their initial burst allowed the Reds a max 3rd run inning and a few more trickle in runs while only scoring 6 more of their own. After plenty of offense shown on both sides, the Reds needing 4 in their final inning to win wound up going down easily with only a leadoff Dave HR and then 3 up 3 down.

Some great catching displayed as defensively players are learning more and more about how to catch a ball, the spaldeen, that doesn’t want to be caught – spinning and bouncing off anything it touches! Many a robbed HR as Max fielded his left side of the outfield earning his MVP status on he day, while being his usual ambassador to the game, reeling in spectators with his silver tongue rolling out stories and invitations. Roger at least caught a few on the right side and kept Max alert to the game at hand ;-) Dave played an impressive field in his first appearance in quite some time as did Steve looking very confident in right field, while Norm LEFT no doubt he has mastered the catch of the spaldeen in his own inimitable style both infield and outfield. Bob L had a better day defensively than offensively as it appears he has been awakened from his dream – since his return – go back to sleep Bob and dream of those long ball hits again ;-)

HOME RUNS: Keith (2 – plus batting for the cycle), Manny (2), MAX (3!), Dave (1, maybe 2, can’t read the scorebook correctly?), Norm (2 + 3 singles), Steve (new Hip and all !! – juiced???), Gordon (plus 4 singles, with bad back !!)

TRIPLES: John (2! – super shots plus 2 singles), Keith, Dave, Steve (2! + 3 singles 6/8 on the day)

DOUBLES: Denis (2), Keith

SINGLES: Bob L. (lone single awake from a dream, though he was robbed of a HR/Triple by Roger)

Denis had a PO on his first AB, not sure if he was mad or just put out?!?! :-/

**** FINAL: ‘Backing the Blues’ – 16,

‘Dead Red’ – 14 ****

Quote of the Day – “I don’t know what to say about THAT batting style” – of the upside down bat of Dave Scherr

Honorable mention: “Seems like we’ve had more rules discussions since he new guys have shown up?!?!” – gotta get back into the swing of things…

Stickball Y’all, be there for the next game ->

------------- SUNDAY 3/7 @ 2:00 ---------

AS WE APPROACH THE OPENING DAY OF 3/21 …

Roger and Out