WHITE Win - 15 - 5

As is often the case so far this season, White had a skeleton staff of just 11 players today. Notably we were without Ron Payne, leaving us with only one of our regular pitchers, Glenn Marshall. And what a day on the mound it was as Glenn pitched well over all nine innings, including striking out the side in the third.

In the field it was the Tony and Ron show with Tony Foscarin and Ron Linklater scooping up everything within reach, including an excellent out at second by Ron and Tony after an overthrow to first.

As far as hitting was concerned, today was characterized by mostly singles and walks with both Al Stokes and Roger White chalking up 5 for 5 days.

BLUE Loss 5 - 15

Winless after 6 games, now 7, to start the season, the Blue team is the definition of insanity: "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result." Obviously the Blues are a bunch of Wild and Crazy guys.  Starting the game with an overmanned number of players, it wasn't until the 4th inning that the lineup returned to the top of the order and scored 3 runs.

Following this offensive display of timely hitting, the next three innings saw the Blues send the minimum 9 batters to the plate.   Recent farmhand callup Mike "the better" Way had 3 hits and scored twice. Doug Ford, Peter Freund, and Mike Albert rounded out the scoring with a run apiece. Pitcher Bert Therrien allowed only 2 earned runs and contributed a pair of singles.  The Blues narrowly avoided another mercy game when the Whites broke the game open with a five spot in the 8th. Make the final 15-5. 

Now there are advantages to scoring a miniscule number of runs: 1.) No need for the scorekeeper to worry about the lack of lead in his pencil 2.) No need  to worry about where your inning-ending 5th run is located 3.) No need to worry about being complacent.    "What, me worry?" Alfred E. Neuman (MAD Magazine)

GOLD Loss 16 - 26

Gold Loss 16 – 26. How did we match our score to the date? Amazing. We do have talent !!

It’s never a good idea to report after Barny, but like an idiot, I did. There were the usual number of fans at the game… 1. If Lawrence Peter Berra “Yogi” were there he might be heard saying, “Nobody goes there anymore.  It’s too crowded.”

A few more players will be returning their gloves to the manufacturer.  I know I did last week.  It looks like Ted, Rick, Len, Mac, George and Greg had a good day at the plate.  I apologize for others that I may have missed.  Len had an RBI.  George had 2 RBI.  There was insufficient data to confirm that anyone else had an RBI, although we did score 16 runs.

In the fifth inning we were only down by one run.  However, our determination to lose the game finally won out.  As someone recently pointed out to me, “You only really have to win the last three games.”  We don’t want to peak too early so I say we a had a good day. Lots of sunshine and wind. Good Day, eh?

RED Win 26 - 16

All 12 Red players reached base twice or more.  STEVE Isaacs had an exceptional day, he went 5/5 hit for the cycle and had 7 RBI'S.  TED Wierda was 3/5 also a Sac Fly and HR & 7 RBI'S.  Then there is veteran Rick Cummings 4/5 today but has a phenomenal O.B.A. of .903 after 7 games 28/31  Most of Rick's hits are line drives to all fields. These 3 players were outstanding today .  The pitching was shared by Rick Bradley,  Brian Sheridan and Dave Missions 

WHITE Win 18 - 17

Today saw the Whites playing a little flatter than normal. Throughout the game, Whites never really took control of the game and never managed to take the lead.
There were some nice plays in the field including key catches by Bob Edmondston and Roger White and hitting was steady up and down the lineup including a 4 for 5 day by lead off hitter Vince Chietera.

By the bottom of the ninth inning Reds were up 17-13 and things looked bleak. But then a collection of singles and walks saw Whites load the bases with Roger White coming to the plate. Roger hit a monster to right centre that went to the fence for a Grand Slam that tied the game.
With one down, Al Stokes walked. Then there were two outs with Don Evans at the plate. At this point, coach Lloyd Johnston gets the nod for some heads up coaching, putting Roger on first to pinch run for Al Stokes. The move paid off as Roger rounded the bases after Don’s double to eke out the walk-off win!

BLUE Tie 10 - 10

Ripped from the pages of a Dickens' novel, there were Great Expectations on the pregame Blue bench. Afterall, the team with 5 consecutive losses to open the season would be facing the Golds, the only team in the league who hadn't laid a mercy beat down on the forlorn Blues.  The Blues held an early 4-1 lead after the first frame. By the time the Blues came up to bat in the bottom of the 7th inning, they still had those 4 runs, but the Golds had scored 9 more to take a seemingly insurmountable 10-4 lead. 

A five run rally ensued, followed by a singleton in the 8th to tie the game at tens. Neither team was able to score in the 9th to make the final 10-10. Yes it was "only" a tie, but the Blues players celebrated the result the same way excited Leaf fans plan a Stanley Cup parade after the Leafs win their first game of the season.  The Blues offence was aided by the speedy baserunning of 60s farmhand Mike Way who demonstrated why a third base coach is overrated. Doug Ford, John Good, and Peter Freund accumulated 7 hits which resulted in half the team's run total.   Next week against the Whites we'll see if the wheels stay on, or fall off, the Blues Bandwagon.

GOLD Tie 10 - 10

It never pays to volunteer. When I offered to report on our game I expected the usual – at least 40% of the players would screw up at least once and give me something to have fun with. What happened – both teams played well [for septuagenarians].  It’s hard to make it interesting  when you can’t pick on a few players.

Oh well, on with the report. 

The Blues started fast, dozed for a few innings, then finished hot [well they were hot in the 8^th inning]. The tying run came in the bottom of the 8^th when someone, probably a Blue, with 2 out , yelled 5 on 2.  Actually 4 was on 2  and a very suspect home run followed as Goldies walked off the field when the ball got through the infield. 

Some highlights. After taking some hard bruises in the first inning, Paul Hunter made a game saving grab at the hot corner off the bat of Doug [Mendoza] Ford in the bottom of the 9^th and forced the speed lead runner Mike Way at 2nd. 

Gold Pitcher Rick Halik [ERA 1.38 for the season] was caught off guard when Lawrence Drew [ actually the game was a Draw] hit a 9 hopper to the mound and beat it out for an infield single [maybe it was the runner from the screen that Rick didn’t notice].

Ted Talbot was responsible for a serious error in judgment by letting an unnamed southpaw teammate replace him in left-center for an inning and a fly ball was actually hit right where Ted’s glove would have been. The replacement glove was there but did not perform to the manufacturer’s standards. 

The Golds top 4 hitters scored 8 of 10 runs and had 11 hits, led by Len Wise 3 for 4, 3 runs scored....... Final 10-10.

BLUE Loss 5 - 17

Your humble reporter remembers when summertime TV was mostly all reruns. Well the Blue team has been following that template since the beginning of the season: mercied, mercied, not mercied, mercied, mercied.   The Blues did keep it close in the initial inning with the game knotted at 3 runs apiece. Unfortunately the Blues would add only 2 more runs while the Reds just kept hammering hits and recording runs to make the final 17-5...after 7 innings.  Offensively for the Blues, manager Johnny B Good was 3 for 3 and a pair of ribbies. Also contributing with their bats were Tom Hunter (who was called up from the 60s league farm team), Peter Freund, and Dave Adams who collectively garnered 6 hits and scored 5 runs.  Now getting mercied 80% of the time does have its advantages: 1.) You secure the closest and safest parking spots in the bar's lot 2.) You get to claim the choicest, most comfortable seating on the patio 3.) It's easier to have genuine, in-depth conversations with your teammates before the patio becomes a chaotic wall of talk 4.) Your server can focus entirely on your table rather than juggle multiple orders 5.) You can leave the bar before the other 2 teams arrive without having to answer questions like, "How did your Blue team do today?"


WHITE Win 22 - 19

We went into today’s game expecting a dog fight against the formidable Gold team. And the smattering of fans in attendance (all two of them) were heard to exclaim that it truly was an exciting day at the ballpark. “Worth the price of admission”, one lady said. Before the game even started, new terminology was coined by Glenn Marshall that gave game strategy new meaning. Jim Barton, fresh off the D.L. , wouldn’t be hitting from the last position but rather, the all important “pre-lead-off” spot.

White jumped into a 4-0 lead right off the bat, only to be bested by the Golds, leaving the score 5-4 at the end of one. Inning number three saw Whites jump back into the lead as a see-saw battle ensued. Eight consecutive hits racked up 5 runs before there were any outs, with Golds coming up bupkis in the bottom of the third. Factoring in his advanced age, Al Stokes proved to be one of the fastest men alive as he legged it out to first over and over.  A mid game error-laden slump saw Golds creep back into the lead by one after six. The fans were on the edge of their seats. 

Right field is often a wasteland in this league with nothing much happening. But on this day a rope of a blast was launched that way, only to be deftly caught, juggled and caught again by today’s stalwart journeyman, Steve Houston, possibly saving the game.  The 7th, 8th and 9th saw White’s bats come alive again with virtually the entire squad getting hits. Golds narrowed the gap once more in a nail biting ninth but White prevailed, reminiscent of the Randy Bachman hit “Taking Care of Business”. “We’re working overtime!”

GOLD Loss - 19 - 22

Glenashton East provided the perfect setting in terms of weather and field conditions for an exciting game between the Golds and the Whites and the game lived up to its expectations.  It featured 41 runs, 19 unfortunately were provided by the Golds.  There were two fans in the bleachers, neither of whom were pro scouts which was a good thing!  The game was closely fought with 5 lead changes, spurred on by innumerable runs resulting from fielding miscues.  As a result of the errors all pitchers would not be wrong in claiming an ERA of Zero. The batting standouts for the Golds were Len Wise with four hits and Bob Earl, Paul Hunter , Gregg Aubert, Bill Johnson and Tom Locke with three hits each. The spirit of our league is that we play to have fun. In keeping with that spirit both managers, Gregg Aubert and Lloyd Johnston, declined to walk good hitters when it was strategically advantageous to prevent runs scoring. KUDOS to both Gregg and Lloyd.

WHITE Win 21-7

For a while today, one might have thought one was attending a production of All Quiet on the Western Field or Quiet Slow Pitch Place as Whites got off to a slow start. But then, in the second inning, the bottom of the order kicked things into gear with a handful of dingers culminating in superb doubles by Vince Chietera followed by Tony Fratia at the top of the order to move Whites into the lead.

Later, some big blasts by Roger White, Tony Foscarin and Ron Linklater sealed the deal. And who could forget Don Evans’ immaculate bunt triple.
Some excellent fielding is noteworthy, in particular by Roger White at third and Tony Foscarin at rover.

BLUE Loss 7-21

The Boys in Blue began the game with a four-run first inning to take a 4-2 lead into the top of the second. While the Whites added to their run production, the Blues scored no runs in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th innings. By the time the beleaguered Blues batted in the bottom of the seventh, the score was 21-4 and the Blues would need 6 runs to prolong this contest. Only three runners made it home safely to make the final 21-7. 

The non-singing quartet of Roy Kitching, Lawrence Drew, Eric Burton, and Manager Johnny Good provided 8 hits which resulted in all 7 runs.  After 4 games in May, the Blueboys have played 9 innings only once, with 3 mercy results, and have been outscored 90-31. Cries of "Break up the Blues" could be heard wafting across the diamond (mostly from the Blues' players).   Manager Good believes the team should improve its run production next month as there are 5 games scheduled in June.

GOLD Loss 8-17

The golds almost got through the month of May without a defeat but that changed today as the Reds humbled the Goldies 17-8.
Tough day for manager Greg Aubert dealing with a full lineup [minus Doc - IL] and fitting in 14 players and the 27 gents who had to sit an inning somewhere during the day.  It appeared the confusion carried from dugout to field to plate as the Golds seemed off all morning.  The team batted just over .525 for the day and couldn't get anything going which is what the score reflects as they only managed 2 runs in each of the 1st; 2nd; 4th and 6th.  However, while the game was still in reach in the 6th and down by one, this writer came up with the bases loaded and no one out, screamed a line drive down to third, where a good play was made to knock it down; touch 3rd and throw home … mama said there would be days like this …

A few Goldies contributed over and above as Bob Earl, Gregg Mac, Greg Aubert and Rick Halik were all 3-4 white Gary Schultz led the way going 4-4.
The positive vibes at the Pump indicated the Golds are ready to start a new win streak in June !!

RED Win 17-8

On a warm and sunny spring afternoon at Glenashton East, the RED squad welcomed the mighty GOLD team for what promised to be a classic senior men’s slo-pitch showdown. RED arrived with a full roster and even fuller ambition, clearly intent on toppling the gold-clad giants.For the first four innings, both teams politely agreed to keep things interesting, matching each other run for run until the scoreboard sat at a friendly 6–6. Then RED decided they’d had enough of this “evenly matched” business. Their bats suddenly discovered vast, unexplored regions of the GOLD outfield, producing three straight multi-run innings. Meanwhile, RED’s defence slammed the door on two GOLD bases-loaded threats, proving that drama is fun only when it happens to the other team.The game delivered plenty of highlights:
 - A handful of double plays that made everyone look younger than they felt Outfield catches that defied both gravity and age
 - A slick out at third followed by a relay home for a razor-thin play at the plate
 - And, stealing the spotlight, Steve Isaacs’ bases-clearing inside-the-park home run, which will likely be retold with increasing distance and speed for years to come

Pitching duties were expertly shared by Rick Bradley and Brian Sheridan, who kept GOLD guessing and occasionally swinging at pitches they probably wish they hadn’t. At the plate, RED’s hitters were in midseason form:Ted, Rick C., and Brian each went 4-for-4, Mike delivered a strong 3-for-4, Doug went a perfect 3-for-3, earning the unofficial Cross-Country Award for bravely navigating the geological depression in centre field without the aid of a map or compass. Not everything went smoothly, though. Rick C. and Alec both picked up minor injuries courtesy of the infield’s “rustic” surface—proof that the diamond may be senior-friendly, but not necessarily senior-safe. When the dust settled, RED emerged victorious with a convincing 17–8 win over GOLD. A fine day, a fine game, and—most importantly—no one lost their car keys.

BLUE Loss 16-18

Entering the game - the Blues (0-2) and Golds (2-0) put their opposite direction game streaks on the line in a tighter than expected exhibition of hitting and fielding.  And surprise, surprise, the winless Blues took advantage of several Gold defensive miscues and took a 10-9 lead at the game's halfway point. The Golds shook their heads in disbelief, looking as confused as a Chameleon in a bowl of Smarties.  The Blues kept the pressure on until the bottom of the 8th when the Golds scored five. A 3-run ninth for the Blues was not enough, and their streak continues with an 18-16 loss. Offensively for the Blues, Doug Ford, Roy Kitching, and Aarne Kartna combined for 14 hits and 6 runs. After hitting a triple, an exhausted Kitching begged for oxygen. When told it would be administered mouth-to-mouth, he respectfully declined. I guess I applied the Lypsyl for nothing. Also contributing to the offence were Eric Burton, Magic Mike McFadden, Ty Crawford, and Bert Therrien who donated 9 hits and 6 runs to the cause.

WHITE Win 14-12

A lovely but breezy day had the ball moving from side to side, confounding pitchers, fielders and batters alike throughout the game. Nevertheless, Whites came out strong with some solid and often spectacular fielding, pitching and batting. Baseball is one of the very few team sports where the defence has control of the ball. In the case of the May 19th game, defence was key.

There were some great run-saving snags by Roger White and Tony Foscarin.  And of particular note was the fielding of Don Evans at shortstop. Play after play saw Don make difficult snags and catches, throwing player after player out at first and second. A crucial fifth inning saw Reds load the bases with none out. A blast to the outfield headed for the fences was caught after a big stretch by Roger White for out number 1. Then a shot to, you guessed it, our shortstop Donny; a quick relay to Tony Foscarin and over to Ron Payne for the inning-ending double play. Despite a valiant comeback mounted by the Reds in the late innings, White hung on to secure the victory.

GOLD Win 18-16

Leading up to Tuesday’s game it appeared obvious that the Blues were tanking, hoping for that coveted first draft pick in 2027. Naturally the Golds did their best (actually worst) to try to stymie the Blues plans. Alas the Blues were more determined. Tied at 13 in the top of the 8^th the Golds had no runs in but the bases were loaded with 2 out and John (Puma) Plaskon at the plate. John hit a sharp grounder to 3rd, and with the play to first to try and get the Gold speedster, the Golds caught a break and all were safe. Top of the order, Bob Earl came to the plate and hit a bases clearing triple. He subsequently scored giving the Gold an 18 -13 lead going to the Blues top of the 9^th. 

The Blues tallied 3 in the 9^th but that was it and the Golds held on for the 18-16 win.  It should be noted the game kept the Gold fan on the edge of her seat while the Blue fan left in the bottom of the 7^th. Gold pitcher Rick Halik lowered his ERA, giving up only 2 earned runs. Gold continues their absolute dominance of the league, now 3-0 and increased their run differential to a staggering plus 4. Bob Earl was the star of the game going 3-5 with 5 RBIs. Good hitting was spread out: Len Wise, George Cushing, Greg Aubert, Rick Halik and Barny Henderson all going 3-4. Garry Schultz went 2-3 with a walk, 3 runs scored and 3 RBIs.

RED Loss 12-14

After a scoreless 1st inning, the Reds got 5 and the Whites 4 runs in the 2nd inning. Then veteran Glenn Marshall zeroed the Red offense for 5 straight innings.  Reliever Ron Payne closed for the win.  In the top of the 9th , with 2 out and the tying run on 2nd, Lloyd Johnston made a very good catch in R/C field to seal the victory.   The top hitters for the Red were Mike Boyle 4/4, Rick Cummings 4/5 and Tony Lima 3/4.

BLUE Loss 6-25

Right from the first pitch, the Blues seemed to be following the script from last Tuesday (which didn't work out so well). Falling behind 9-1 after two innings, the Blues held the Reds scoreless in the third, while scoring a trio of runs to make the score 9-4, which would be the closest they would come. By the end of this 7 inning affair, the Reds had more runs than if they'd eaten a trayful of tacos. When the mercy rule kicked in (again!), the Blues were on the short end of a 25-6 score.    Offensively Lawrence Drew and Doug Ford led the way with 3 for 3 performances and a pair of runs. Ray Kitching, Dave Adams, and Bert Therrien contributed half a dozen hits and 3 runs.  The Blue Team, despite losing by a lopsided score (again!!) did show improvement in 3 key areas: 1.) Blues run total was up 300%  2.) Opposition run total was lower than the previous week  3.) No one got bloody well hurt.

RED Win 25-6

The Reds were firing on all 8 cylinders today, both offensively and defensively.   Alec Duncan 5/5 and Rick Cummings 4/4 were 100% OBA. Tony Lima had 4 singles, a BB and scored 5 runs. BTW his bat was much better than his " dance moves" at 1st base.  Steve Isaac's was 4/5 as was Ted Wierda with 2 solid doubles and scored 4 runs.  In the bottom of the 1st inning the Reds made 3 special defensive plays.  The premier play was made by Ross MacIntosh in left field, when he dove to catch a sinking line drive.  Pitcher Brian Sheridan ran out from behind the pitching screen, fully extended to catch a pop fly and the 3rd gem was by 1st baseman Dave Missions who was totally stretched out to capture an offline short hop throw while keeping his foot on the base to get the out.  I thought we might have to call the paramedics to help him up off the diamond but he got up unassisted.  Rumors were circulating at the Pub that Dave has been attending the Women's Hot Yoga Spa Club.  I think we should inquire about team discounts for early Spring Training next season 

WHITE Loss 10-11

Being around as long as the old sods that continue to play in this league, anytime when you’re comfortably in the lead, that haunting warning uttered by the great Yogi is always lurking in the recesses of the mind: “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over”.  This may explain why, to a man, the Whites are not a cocky bunch, for they know life can rise up quickly and bite.  White started off strong, scoring multiple runs including a 5 spot in the second.  Impressive doubles contributed by Lloyd Johnston, Tony Fratia and Tony Foscarin plus timely singles here and there had Whites comfortably in the lead 9-1 after four innings. The duo of Ron Payne and Glenn Marshall did a masterful job keeping Golds off the scoreboard.

However, five runs by the Golds cut things down a bit going into the ninth. We’ve all been there before when the dark clouds of momentum roll in and seem to be unstoppable. And sure enough, the never-give-up Golds continued their march, scoring 5 in the ninth to take a come from behind 11-10 win.
An exciting, well played and entertaining match.

GOLD Win 11-10

Last week the Golds came out swinging, scoring 10 runs in the first 3 innings. This week, they showed they can also finish strong, coming back from a 10-1 mid-game deficit to pull out an 11-10 victory with a 5 run bottom of the eighth against last week’s powerhouse White Team. The guys never gave up, cheering each other on in true teammate fashion. Everyone in the lineup contributed at least one hit. Among the standouts at the plate were Bobby Earl with a single, double and walk; Paul Hunter with a single and double; Manager Greg Aubert going 3 for 4 while flashing the leather at rover on several key plays; Bill Johnson with 3 hits and Tom Locke with a walk and 2 hits, one of which was a home run rocket to the left field fence. Rick Halik pitched a complete game for the win, shutting down the Whites in the final four frames when it mattered most. As a result of these heroics, the Golds have now started the season 2-0 with a claim to first place which they will undoubtedly savor over the next 7 days!