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Celebrating their “School’s Out” championship in the faraway North Jersey land of Sparta are Hamilton 10U Hurricanes players (front row, from left) Megan Brugnoli, Alexis Davidson, Casey Giordano, Kaylee Whittaker, Kely Keane, Serena Campanella, Ashley Gershnicker, Morgan Comfort.; (second row) Carli Backlund, Courtney Danzer, Brianna Dunmeyer and Taylor Hawkes; and (back row) coaches Tommy Davidson, Jeff Backlund, Jim Dunmeyer and Pauly "Books" Campanella.
10U Hurricanes knock out School’s Out foes with ease
School’s out and the fun has started for the Hamilton 10U Hurricanes All-Star team.
The ‘Canes invaded Sparta for the School’s Out Tournament last weekend and ripped off five straight shutouts in defeating the Raritan Bay Xplosion (2-0), Denville Blue Devils (8-0), Rockaway Rampage (11-0), RB Explosion (9-0) in the semis and the Lady Pirates (4-0) in the championship game.
In outscoring their foes 33-0, Hamilton came up with 32 hits. It got outstanding pitching from Alexis Davidson, Kasey Giordano and Morgan Comfort, who each threw a no-hitter while getting outstanding defense behind them.
The Canes allowed just an amazing three hits the entire tournament and are 18-4 this year as they prepare for the Southern New Jersey Babe Ruth State Tournament. The event will be at the HGSA complex July 8-12.
Hamilton Hurricanes 14U Blue third baseman Alexa Nyktas tags out a baserunner during Saturday's World Series qualifier tournament at the HGSA Complex. The Hurricanes went 6-0 to qualify for the big one (Purchase photos at bgsportshots.com).
Hurricane 14U Blue sweeps through World Series qualifier
The 14U Hamilton Hurricanes Blue went 6-0 this past weekend to win the Eye of the Storm WFC World Series qualifier.
On Saturday, the Hurricanes opened with a 3-2 win over the New Jersey Thunder. Alyssa James singled in a run; Gerri "Bear" Laird doubled in another and Amber Dietrich doubled home the game-winner in the sixth. Laird fired a two hitter with six strikeouts to record the win.
In Game 2, the Hurricanes edged the Howell Heat 5-4. Valerie Suto singled, walked and stole a pair of bases to lead the offense. Jamie Terry tossed a seven-hitter with 4 strikeouts to pick up the win.
The Hurricanes routed the Shore Shock 13-1 in three innings in Game 3. Jess Giordano knocked in two runs and tossed a three-hitter with three strikeouts to record the win.
Different day, same results on Sunday, as the Hurricanes opened with a 7-5 win over the Howell Heat. Courtney Whittaker, Mackenzie Ewell, Giordano and Terry all doubled to lead the offense and Laird and Giordano combined on the win.
In Game 2, the Hurricanes beat Top Gun 9-1. Alexa Nyktas slammed a three-run homer and Brooke Alagona knocked in one run and scored twice to lead the charge. Giordano tossed a six-hitter with four punchouts to pick up the win.
In the championship game, Dietrich knocked in three runs and Whittaker and Caitlin Brugnoli knocked in a pair to lead the Hurricanes to a 13-1 rout of the Central Jersey Cyclones. Terry fired a three-hitter to collect the win.
A special mention goes to Courtney Schwarz, who was out all season with a fractured pelvis. Schwarz led the cheers all weekend as the Hurricanes improved to 20-1-1 on the season.
The Hamilton Hurricanes 8U All-Stars celebate after winning the Carteret Slide into Summer tournament. Showing off their trophies are (front row, from left) Kara Huchel, Alex Haley, Amy Jones, Lauren Coiante, Haley Lestician and Shae Harrill; (second row) Ashley Veisz, Jessica Pirozzi, Nicole Cerasi, Becca Ludowig, Natalie Mehl and Emily Ludowig; (third row) coach Joe Cerasi, coach Cindy Pirozzi, manager Matt Mehl and coach Pete Lestician.
8U Hurricanes can do no wrong singing their song
June 19-20: Matt Mehl finally has the best of both worlds. The Hamilton Hurricanes 8U All-Stars manager has worked hard to try to get his serious group of softball players to sing the sport’s traditional songs in their dugout.
Well, the Hurricanes were in a singing mood this weekend even while they remained all business on the diamond.
There was plenty to sing about, too, as the Hurricanes won all six of their games to capture the eight-team Carteret Slide into Summer tournament.
The title was the second in three tournaments for the Hurricanes, who outscored the opposition by a combined 90-14. Hamilton defeated Hazlet, 11-2; South Brunswick, 16-5; Matawan/Aberdeen, 15-2; Carteret, 20-0; Manalapan, 13-3; and North Edison, 15-2, in the championship game.
Lauren Coiante sparked the offense from her leadoff spot, going 16-for-18 with 13 runs, while leading off games with homers in three contests.
There was excellent depth throughout the lineup, including Natalie Mehl (13-for-19, 12 runs, six RBIs), a defensive standout at shortstop; Becca Ludowig (15-for-16, 11 runs); Amy Jones (13-for-16, 11 runs, seven RBI); Ashley Veisz (12-for-13, nine runs); Nicole Cerasi (13-for-16, 11 runs), Emily Ludowig (13-for-16, six RBI), Jessica Pirozzi (10-for-15, five RBI); Alex Haley (11-for-16, six RBIs); Kara Huchel (6-for-15); Shae Harrill (7-for-13); and Haley Lestician (4-for-6).
In the championship game against North Edison, Veisz went 2-for-2 with two runs and three RBIs, and Becca Ludowig hit a two-run home run. Jones also drove in a pair of runs.
Rip, rip, rip a hit. Now that’s a winning tune for the Hurricanes.
* * *
Next up for the 8U’s the Babe Ruth district tournament, which it will host at Hamilton Girls Softball Association complex June 28-30.
Rita's of Hamilton Square show off their trophies after defeating Kagel's to win the HGSA Minor Playoff Championship. The happy team members are (front row, from left) Jessica Angelini, Morgan Comfort, Megan Misciascio, Jenna Misciascio; (middle row) Alexandra Dunigan, Courtney Danser, Karen Prihoda, Gabby Bennett, Stephanie Turner, Danielle Adams, Dana Demeo; (back row) coaches Don Donigan, Frank Danser, Dave Turner, Frank Bennett and John "NCAA Guru" Comfort.
HGSA Minors
Rita’s playoff championship something to Gab about
June 16: Gabby Bennett’s walk-off double gave Rita’s of Hamilton Square a 2-1 victory over Kagel’s Heating and Air Conditioning in the HGSA Minor League championship game tonight.
Karen Prihoda and Morgan Comfort combined on the pitching, as the game remained scoreless entering the sixth inning. After Kagel’s took a 1-0 lead, Rita’s went to work in the bottom of the sixth.
Dana Demaio led off with a walk, stole second and went to third on Danielle Adams’ single. Comfort hit a game-tying double, and Bennett followed with her dramatic hit to end it.
Rita’s, which finished second during the regular season, was managed by Frank Bennett and coached by Dave Turner, John Comfort, Frank Danser and Don Donigan.
Hurricanes 18U team goes 5-1 in West Deptford event 
After losing their opener, the Hamilton Hurricanes 18U softball team roared back with five straight victories in West Deptford’s “Outlaws East Coast Showdown” this past weekend.
The ‘Canes opened with a 6-5 loss to the Boyertown Storm, despite three hits from Sydney Lipskind and two each by Janelle McDowell and Lexi Chianese.
Hamilton bounced back for a 5-1 win over the Bordentown Bandits, as Erica Benedetti threw a three-hitter and struck out five in notching her seventh win. Amanda Toomer (pictured on right) had three hits and Breanna Castellano had three
RBI.
The Hurricanes completed Saturday’s action with an 8-3 win over the Delco Rage. Sydney Worek picked up her second win by scattering four hits. Jen Petrilla and Jessica Fremgen each had three hits and three RBI while Julie Rossi had two RBI to seal the win.
On Sunday, the ‘Canes topped the New Jersey Rampage, 7-0, as Petrilla scattered five hits for her fifth win. Cass Chianese and Toomer had two hits apiece.
Angela Marinos rocked a monstrous three-run homer and Benedetti threw another gem for her eighth victory in the ‘Canes’ 5-1 win over the Freehold Tornadoes.
In the weekend’s final game, Petrilla tossed a shutout for her sixth win and had a key hit as Hamilton topped the West Windsor Wildcats, 1-0. Marinos also had a big hit in the win. (Amanda Toomer photo by John Blaine/purchase photos at bgsportshots.com).
Hurricanes 8U’s rebound to take third in Burlington
June 12: A sure sign of an excellent team is the way it bounces back from a disappointing loss. The Hamilton Hurricanes 8-and-Under All-Stars hope to look back on the first loss of its tournament season as being the catalyst for a big summer.
The Hurricanes overcame an 11-9 setback to Sacred Heart to open the Burlington Fun in the Sun tournament today, and took two straight victories to grab third place in the competitive, six-team event.
“In the long run, I think it was good for them to face some adversity,” said Hurricanes manager Matt Mehl, whose team was coming off the title at the Xtreme Classic in Marlboro.
After falling behind early against Sacred Heart, the eventual tournament champion, the Hurricanes rallied and nearly tied the game in its late stage. Game MVP Natalie Mehl went 3-for-4 with a home run and two runs, while Shae Harrill went 3-for-3 with two RBIs, and Emily Ludowig went 3-for-3 with three runs.
The Hurricanes bounced back to defeat Marlton, 12-4, behind plenty of big hitters. Lauren Coiante went 3-for-4 with three runs and two doubles, Mehl went 3-for-4 with three runs and two RBIs, Game MVP Rebecca Ludowig was 4-for-4 with two runs and two RBIs, Nicole Cerasi went 4-for-4 with two runs, Haley Lestician drove in two runs with two hits, and Amy Jones and Emily Ludowig collected two hits each.
The Hurricanes capped their tournament run with a 10-2 win over Woolrich. Cerasi, the Game MVP, and Coiante both went 3-for-3 with three runs, Emily and Rebecca Ludowig were both 3-for-3 with a run, and Jones had two RBIs.
The Hurricanes, whose roster also includes Alex Haley, Jessica Pirozzi, Ashley Veisz and Kara Huchel, represent Hamilton Girls Softball Association. Next up for the Hurricanes is the Carteret Summer Slide.
HGSA Minors
Hamilton Dental scores first-round playoff victory
June 8: Hamilton Dental took a 6-5 win over Quakerbridge Radiology in a first-round playoff game as Kayla Peterson went the distance and key hits came from Carli Backlund, Robyn Clifford and Lauren Texany in a four-run rally.Hamilton Dental got excellent defense from Mia Salenetri, and Barb McTamney snagged a deep fly in left field to end it.
Brooke Alagona returned from a broken wrist and promptly singled in her first plate appearance in helping the 14U Blue Hurricanes to a championship in the Backbreakers Tournament (Photo by Ken Weingartner).
Hurricanes 14U Blue breaks the backs of all comers
June 6: The 14U Hamilton Hurricanes Blue team went 4-0 today to win the seventh annual Backbreaker tournament.
Following a 7-0 forfeit win over Princeton, Hamilton beat the Hillsborough Hurricanes 19-2 as Val Suto, Alexa Nyktas, Courtney Whittaker and Amber Dietrich each collected a pair of hits. Alyssa James scored twice and Brooke Alagona singled in her first at-bat in her return from a broken wrist. Jess Giordano allowed two hits, walked three and fanned four to record the win.
The Hurricanes then beat the Amwell Attitude, 8-1, as Giordano went 4-for-4 with a double and Gerri “Bear” Laird scored twice to make a winner of Jamie Terry, who allowed two hits and struck out three.
In the championship game, the Hurricanes beat the Tidal Wave, 5-0, as. Nyktas, Whittaker, Terry and Caitlin Brugnoli knocked in runs for the 'Canes. Giordano surrendered four hits and fanned six in her second win of the day.
The Hamilton 8U Hurricanes softball players proudly display their championship trophies after winning the title at this past weekend's Marlboro Xtreme Tournament. The team members include (Front row, from left) Kara Huchel, Haley Lestician, Shea Harrill, Lauren Coiante, Natalie Mehl, Amy Jones; (middle row) Becca Ludowig, Emily Ludowig, Jessica Pirozzi, Ashley Veisz, Alex Haley, Nicole Cerasi, (back row) coach Pete Lestician, coach Cindy Pirozzi, mentor Kim Murl, manager Matt Mehl and coach Joe Cerasi.
Hurricanes 8U team Xtreme-ly happy with title Classic
The weatherman doesn’t always get it right. The one in Marlboro Township forgot to forecast that Hurricanes were in town on Sunday.
The Hamilton Hurricanes 8-and-under squad, that it.
The ‘Canes opened their tournament season by storming through the competition at the Xtreme Classic, outscoring three opponents by a combined 46-3 en route to the title. Coach Matt Mehl’s squad defeated South Brunswick, 14-1; the host Marlboro Xtreme, 17-1; and Aberdeen/Matawan, 15-1.
Against South Brunswick, Lauren Coiante had three hits and two runs, game MVP Ashley Veisz belted two doubles and played a sparkling first base, and Emily Ludowig and Amy Jones both had two hits and two runs.
Natalie Mehl was game MVP in the win over Marlboro, collecting two hits and two runs. Haley Lestician had three RBIs, two hits and a run, Alex Haley had a double and a run, and Nicole Cerasi added two hits and a run.
Coiante, a defensive whiz at pitcher, was game MVP of the win over Aberdeen/Matawan. At the plate, Becca Ludowig and Jessica Pirozzi both collected two hits and two runs, while Kara Huchel and Shae Harrill both had two hits and a run.
Joe Cerasi, Cindy Pirozzi and Pete Lestician are serving as Matt Mehl’s assistant coaches, while Nottingham High senior Kim Murl is the team's mentor.
HGSA Minors
Kagel heats up for a cool regular-season title
Kagel's Heating and AC finished in first place in the HGSA Minor League regular season, shutting out Colgate 16-0 in four innings. Pitchers Kristin Hallam and Jaclyn Pasierb combined for seven strikeouts.
Offensively, all 10 batters had hits and either scored runs or drove them in. The attack consisted of Jaclyn Pasierb (triple, walk, 2 runs), Danielle Anthony (single, 2 walks, 3 runs, RBI), Kristin Hallam (single, walk, 3 runs, 2 RBI), Brittany Kelly (2 walks, 2 runs, 2 RBI), Kelly Schwager (single, run, RBI), Grace Sperrazza (3 singles, 3 RBI, run), Anna Kerekes (2 walks, 2 runs, 2 RBI), Alyssa Bowling (2 singles, 3 RBI, 1 run), Hannah Wilert (single, 2 RBI), Samantha Manz (single, run).
HGSA Minors
Kagel’s, Rita’s set the pace as playoffs approach
Kagel's Heating and Air Conditioning improved to 11-2 in the HGSA Minor Division after taking an 11-0 win over R&R Auto Body. Kristin Hallam led the way with two hits, two walks, three runs and multiple stolen bases, while also striking out eight in the complete-game shutout. Also helping the offense were Jaclyn Pasierb (3 runs, RBI), Brittany Kelly (home run), Danielle Anthony (2 hits, 2 RBI), Anna Kerekes (2 hits, 2 RBI), and Alyssa Bowling (2 RBI).
Rita's of Hamilton Square took an 8-3 win over Chez Alice behind winning pitcher Karen Prihoda. Gabby Bennett, Steph Turner and Prihoda led the offense with two hits each.
Kagel’s will play on Monday night with first place in the balance. A Kagel’s win gives it the regular-season title, a loss or rainout gives Rita’s first.
The playoffs begin Tuesday night.
HGSA Minors
Peterson provides strong all-around Dental work
Hamilton Dental notched its fourth win of the year, 9-7, over Quakerbridge Radiology as Kayla Peterson went 2-for-3 and made several outstanding defensive plays at third base.
Dental overcame a three-run deficit with five runs in the fifth. Giordano scored twice and recorded the victory in the circle. Nina Schirmer scored twice and pitched a scoreless sixth for the save, and Taylor Hawkes had two hits for the winners. Rachel Taylor threw a complete game for Quakerbridge Radiology.
18U HGSA Hurricanes roll to three straight victories
The Hamilton U-18 Hurricanes took a 5-3 win over Indian Mills as Jen Petrilla had two hits and two RBI, while Angela Marinos, returning from an ankle injury, Breanna Castellano and Sydney Worek each contributed two hits. Petrilla (pictured at right) struck out six in picking up her second win of the season.
The Hurricanes followed up with an 11-6 win over the Hillsborough Hurricanes, as Erica Benedetti had two hits and notched her fifth win of the season (with three strikeouts). Julie Rossi and Lexi Chianese added RBIs.
Sydney Lipskind’s two hits and clutch RBI sparked a 10-9 win over the Pennsbury Gems. Cass Chianese, Petrilla and Castellano each drove in two RBI and Worek notched the mound win.
Busy summer on tap for Hamilton Hurricane teams
Some top flight travel softball will be played in New Jersey this summer, and a lot of it right in Hamilton Township.
The HGSA’s Hamilton Hurricane squads will be hosting a number of tournaments in June and July. The events will be at the HGSA Complex, unless otherwise noted:
June 5-6: 7th Annual Backbreaker (10U, 12U, 14U).
June 19-20: WFC World Series Qualifier (14U, 18U).
June 26-28: Babe Ruth District One Tournament (8U).
July 8-12: Babe Ruth Southern NJ State Tournament (10U, 12U).
July 17-18: ASA NJ State/Eastern National Regional qualifier (16U, 18U) at Armstrong Park in Ewing.
This year’s Hurricane head coaches are Matt Mehl (8U), Jim Dunmeyer (10U Blue), Frank Bennett (12U Blue), Jerry “Not to be confused with Bear” Laird (14U Blue), Tara Harrigan (16U White) and Chris Chianese (18U Blue).
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FISH TALES
(Also known as
Rich Fisher's blog)
Feb. 5 2012
Former GAK player
fondly remembers
coach Nick Wiener
Feb. 5: Hamilton Township and Mercer County soccer lost one of the most influential men in their rich history this past week when Nick Wiener passed away at age 73.
The Yardville resident coached German American Kicker teams for over 40 years and was responsible for not only winning championships, but for making better players.
Chris “Buzz” Barlow, a producer for NFL Films, played for Hightstown High School and the University of Pennsylvania, but learned much about the game playing for Nick on the GAK.
Chris was kind enough to share his memories of the legendary coach, which are as follows:
Mercer County lost a great man last Sunday with the passing of Nick Wiener, and the Mercer County soccer community lost a legend.
In the late 80s and early 90s I was fortunate to play for Nick on his German American Kickers team. I had been playing for the GAK youth team for a few years when Nick decided he wanted me to join the men’s team. I don’t remember how that conversation went, but I’m sure it was something like this:
“Chrissy…” (Yes, he called me Chrissy. No one else did but for some reason it didn’t bother me when he did it. Of course, I would come to learn that Pete became Petey, Ed became Eddie, Jim-Jimmy, Dave-Davey, and even Nick’s two sons on our team, Nick and John were Nicky and Johnny). . .
“Chrissy, we have a game Sunday at 2, you’ll be there.” I wasn’t sure if it was a question or a command, and even though I was living in Philadelphia at the time going to school, I made sure I was at the game. I couldn’t say no to Coach Nick, but then again, why would I want to? I would be playing for a coach with a masterful knowledge of the game, and be playing with guys whom I’d admired and emulated for years.
Nick was a coach who trusted his players and treated them like men. He saw no need to run up and down the sidelines yelling (unless he was after an official). And Nick could say just as much with a glance or a look as with a phrase. But either way, he was going to get his point across, and if personnel changes needed to be made, he didn’t hesitate to make them. It was so obvious how much the game meant to him and how much he cared. You couldn’t let him down.
When you played for Nick, you would play anyone, anywhere. And for many years, it seemed like we did--from Farcher’s Grove in Union, (which did not have a blade of grass on it) to Perth Amboy—where we played underneath the Outerbridge Crossing, from Kearny to Newark to East Orange. It seemed like we spent most weekends going up and down the Jersey Turnpike.
But there was nothing like a home game at the GAK club on Uncle Pete’s Road. It was soccer Camelot, and with Nick serving as our King Arthur, we hardly ever lost there. But there was so much more than just the game. After each win we’d be treated to dinner inside the club. We’d replay the game, tell tall tales, and think about the next time we’d be lucky enough to play there.
My most vivid memory of playing for Nick came the year that we made a deep run in the State Cup and found ourselves in the final at Thompson Park in Lincroft. We gave up an early goal and then had a player sent off with a red card, so we had to play the remainder of the game a man down. Nick never panicked though, and because he didn’t, we didn’t. We managed to tie the game and won in penalty kicks.
Eventually, Camelot had to end for me. Real world responsibilities like a job and family took precedent over soccer.
But I’ll never forget what I learned from Nick Wiener and how much fun I had playing for him with GAK.
And I’m sure that right now, Nick is in a perfect place, preparing a side to play a game on the perfect pitch. In my mind, that place looks exactly like GAK, and Nick is standing at midfield ready for kick off.
Rest in peace, Coach Nick.
Jan. 6, 2012
Here’s to those
who never quit
Before getting to the headline item, I just want to wish a Happy Birthday (two days late) to my wonderful mom, Dianne Fisher. Love ya mom! Good luck in your Super Bowl pools. From what you tell me, they can’t get any worse than the regular season!
* * *
I have some new heroes.
They are athletes I’ve come to respect after a couple of years covering high school swimming (which I never did before this website). You will probably never hear of them by the time they graduate.
At least not for their swimming exploits.
My heroes are the boys and girls who will never be listed in the Top 3 when (if) the results are printed in the paper. Heck, even if they printed all top-five place finishers you wouldn’t see them.
They’re the ones who finish dead last.
By a lot.
Believe me, I am not trying to be witty or sarcastic or smart-assy about this.
It’s one thing for a swimmer at the top of their craft to bust a gut trying to break a record, win a race or, in some cases, win a meet. There’s plenty of adrenaline to push them and the crowd is cheering wildly, whether they can hear it or not.
It’s an entirely different matter when the race is over where points are concerned, and there is just one swimmer still in the pool. Everyone is waiting for that person to touch out so they can get on to the next event.
I’m talking mostly about a distance event since that’s where a swimmer can get behind by a really lot.
And some do. It would be sooo easy for them to just say ‘Heck with this’ and climb out of the pool before their last lap. What the heck, whether they finish or not, they still get the same zero points.
But you know what. They don’t do that. They churn and churn and churn, determined not to give up.
They have the pride and the guts and the conviction to see it through. What doesn’t matter one iota in the grand scheme of the meet, matters to them. They’ve done all the work in practice, they’re sure not going to just give up on it when the actual meet takes place.
To me, there’s something darn heroic about that. I admire the heck out of it.
So next time one of you swimmers is dragging along in last place, thinking no one is watching and that no one cares, just know it's enough that you care.
And keep it up.
It will serve you well later in life.
(Feel free to re-read this during track season, as it is applicable then as well).
* * *
How about Jeff Lurie saying Andy Reid isn’t arrogant?
During his silly Tuesday press conference Lurie said the Eagles season was unacceptable. Well Jeff, nothing in the world is more unacceptable then the ludicrous comment that Reid is not arrogant.
All that was left was for Lurie to say "And he's not overweight either, that's just your perception."
Some day I’m gonna find out just what incriminating pictures Reid has of Lurie.
* * *
Of course, there’s arrogance, and then there’s arrogance.
Tony Mack wants more money.
Seriously? I mean. . .seriously?
There weren’t enough LOLs, ROFLs, LMAOs or LMFAOs in the world to describe how hard I laughed when I read that.
And there won’t be enough oceans in the world to hold Trenton residents’ tears if they actually give it to him.
More money?
Seriously?
* * *
So, the Miami (formerly Florida) Marlins got Carlos Zambrano.
Yikes!
As a Phillies fan, I should fear the Marlins with all the moves they have made.
But I can’t wait to watch how that whole situation blows up down there.
With everyone making their (pick one – bold, fearless, outrageous) predictions for 2012, I’ll give you one that I feel pretty good about. That entire Marlins scene will be the second coming of the chaotic Bronx Zoo made popular by Yankees of the late 1970s.
Only the Marlins won’t win back-to-back titles.
Just look at the recipe for disaster they’ve concocted.
First you have Hanley Ramirez, who’s not the most grounded guy to begin with and who is already upset that he has to move to third base so Jose Reyes can take over.
Ah yes, Jose Reyes. We know about him in these parts. For all we know, he may get a leadoff single on opening day then ask to be removed from the lineup that day and ask to be used only as a ninth-inning defensive replacement or pinch-runner in order to become the first guy to ever bat 1.000 while playing 162 games.
Now they add Zambrano to the mix. Here’s a pitcher who hits teammates with more regularity than he hits the corners. What happens when Reyes has a bad day at the plate and dogs it in the field when Zambrano is pitching?
Ding, ding, ding! There's a right to the jaw, and Reyes is down!
One of Zambarno’s most recent fights with a teammate came against the White Sox, and he and Guillen went out to dinner afterward. Guillen calls Zambrano his friend and several articles state he was a major player in getting the pitcher.
Of course, we’ve all seen how stable Ozzie has been over the years. He has had more bleeped out post-game press conferences on Sports Center than, um, well than anybody! Managerial skills aside, Guillen is about as loose a cannon as there is among managers.
This, my friends, is gonna be a wild scene.
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Sticking with Fish’s Hot Stove Blog for a moment, I’m going to set an over-under number for local baseball announcers.
The number is the same for all three of them – 200. What that means is, I think they are going to do/say the following things once each game, and more than once in at least 38 others.
Here we go:
--John Sterling will make non-Yankee fans puke.
--A bad play will be made by either the Mets or their opponent, and Keith Hernandez will groan and say “You just can’t do that” and be sincerely offended when the game isn’t played correctly. He will do that a lot, cuz the game’s not played correctly a lot.
--Chris Wheeler will note that it was very important that the eighth hitter in the lineup got on base with two outs, assuring that the pitcher won’t have to lead off the next inning. I’ve also set the over-under at 300 that Wheels will discuss the importance of two-out hits; the benefits of getting them and the emotional distress of allowing them.
I’ll take the over on all of them.
Moving onto the national scene, I’ll set the over-under at 3 for FOX’s crack team that no one seems to like:
--Joe Buck will make an exciting call.
--Tim McCarver will make an observation without trying to make it sound like it is the most important thing ever uttered in baseball history.
I’ll take the under on both of them. By a lot.
* * *.
NFL playoffs baby. Love ‘em!
The next two weekends are awesome. Championship Sunday is good too, but it’s cool to know you have two playoff games on Saturday and Sunday the next two weeks. And besides, Championship Sunday is starting to bug me with the lavish halftime shows that stretch the game out forever, but not quite as long as the Super Bowl.
I'm sure that now I've made my grievance public, the NFL will quickly move to change things.
* * *
Must have been a wild night in Morgantown Wednesday. About 90 minutes after West Virginia’s basketball team torched Rutgers for 85 points, the Mountaineers football team scored a bowl record 70 against Clemson.
Having been to Morgantown before, I’m willing to bet there were more than a few guys (and girls) doing a shot for every point scored by each . . .and nobody passed out.
I actually covered that basketball game and had to laugh at coach Mike Rice, who I think is doing a nice job and will turn things around if given the chance.
Someone asked Rice how far away the win over No. 10 Florida felt after two straight losses. Rice looked at him and said "That's a good question."
Then he had an expression as if he were going to give a well thought out answer, and he just kind of muttered on word: "Far." Sometimes less is better. That pretty much told the tale.
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