Sweet and Sour

Game one saw Howard lead from the first inning while we just hung around watching Oscar keep their run production down to a total of seven. Mike kept digging them out of the dirt at first saving his fellow infielders from embarassment. Trailing 7-2 in the bottom of the last inning, Blue came to life starting with John's hit to be followed by batter after batter. Mel's single to the outfield with two outs while trailing by one run loaded the bases. When Tinker next stepped into the batters box he looked down to Evers on first base and wanted to shout, "Thanks, pal, for putting me in this situation!". I'd be lying if I said my hands were sweating but the adrenaline was flowing! Do or die time...Blue 8-Howard 7!!!!
Game Two..."the sour". While the wind played havoc with Ray's curve ball, his defense also allowed too many 4 and 5 out innings. Perhaps it was our let down after the exhilarating game one win or the change in weather conditions, but a 20-10 loss was disappointing. Time to start the next winning streak Monday at Bowie!
Other noteworthy items: Dave's HR and Triple that caused their right fielder to continually go deeper while wanting to subject Dave to a steroids test; yet another homer for John and Mr. Hoffman's 4-6 performance.
Harry and John should remember to congratulate Hank on joining their "Age Related" Club come Friday!!!!!And, Hank, thanks for playing ole Tinker today: My femur contusion should heal by tourney time.

Home Opener

I applaud the exuberant loyal fans who endured chilly air and misty weather to witness their Blue boys' home opener! As it is early in the season, we continue to work on different game situations. Today's test was to rebound from a 6-0 deficit in the second inning. Larry went the distance to capture his second win of the season by a score of 22-16(sorry guys, but I had to mention Larry first in hopes of getting out of his dog house). Again, saving one snafu, our aggressive base running was fruitful! Home runs were provided by Tom, Dave, and Jim. For the second game in a row, I must compliment our barrister for his outfield prowess as well as 3-3 with yet another hit to right. Rookie, John, again put a sting on the ball (witness their SS dropping his glove and briefly halting the game after stabbing John's line drive; he even had a batting glove on!). Our infield turned a DP and our outfield played well. My greatest joy of the day was having Ray Owings in attendance. Ray was 100% into the game as witnessed by his shouting when Blue tried to come off the field after only the second out of the inning. I remind you that the legendary Hank Zuretti (aka Chance) will be assuming the helm next week for our Wednesday game at home (that means "WHITE" shirt Pete). That game will also be Hank's last game of his current decade of life! Hank, please note that I gave you multiple mentions.....may I play Wednesday? Tinker

Season Opener

mm! It's been a while, so accept this post as my Spring training expose. On this crisp April morn Blue caravaned to Howard County to play the Hawks. We experienced some of the old as well as saw our future with the new. Before detailing the game allow this to be my capsular statement....YMM!(We played like Young Macho Men). Blue's complement saw action on the field, saving yours truly, with multiple defensive looks. Everyone hit, and with power, but I single out Jr. for his 5-5 including two homers, only lacking a triple for the cycle. Neal was stellar in left field but most impressive with his power hit to right. Harry continues to hit the holes while the shortest base hit is awarded to Al with his gyroscopic seven footer. Larry summarized our performance by stating we came out relaxed. I wish to add that we started confidently and played aggressive ball, expecially on the base paths. Our rookies justified their tremendous signing bonus dollars........John just plain out hammers the ball and Oscar, "O", is now our ERA leader, 0.00. It was Blue 28 Hawks 5. Home opener is Wednesday....wear the whites!

Exhibition Opener

The initial tuneup fared well...no major injuries, three different
pitchers and a victory by a three run margin. If Tom can keep the
times straight, to allow for BP, he'll hit further than four feet!
Larry, Ray and Oscar pitched well, but "of course" their defense
provided the support! Frank appeared to be in mid-season form with
the round-trippers while once again Harry defied his age when making
an unassisted putout at 3rd subbing for the right Reverend Jim Pugh
who had been dispatched again to the wilderness of the outfield.
Rookies, Joe, Oscar and JC performed well, but, they're rookies so we
have to stay on them! Tinker missed his pal Evers who is apparently
still sunning himself in Florida. No other noteworthy news, but at the
encouragement of my "right-side" friend, I thought a post would boister
his spirits (remember to stay alert when you hear "comin' down)!