Sunday was not a particularly good day for the Hornets, but it probably was for the League. The Dodgers rose up like the Bums of Flatbush in the first game, crushing the Hornets 10-3. The lefty pitcher, Reardon, had batters off balance for five innings. When we did connect, it seemed to find leather at the most crucial times. Eight hits, little to show for it. The only serious challenge came in the bottom of the sixth when the Hornets loaded the bases with no outs and the heart of the order coming up. Dodger manager Ed Rogers wisely pulled a tiring Reardon and replaced him with the righty Conlin, who proceeded to induce two popups and a line out to end the inning without a run scoring. It certainly wasn't a well-played game on our part, but that isn't an excuse. We simply got beat by a team that really wanted to win.
Then the Cougars gave us all we could handle in the second game 5-1 win. The excellent Hornet lineup was held to seven hits by Montagano and a second pitcher whose name I unfortunately don't have. Konstantakis and Wolfer, along with a good defense, kept the Cougars away from the plate for most of the game. It was not a comfortable win for us by any means.
It shows that the so-called bottom-tier teams play as hard as the so-called juggernauts. And isn't that why we are all out there? Yes, it's great to win, but at least for me it's the just the chance to be on the field again at our age and giving it as much we have that's equally important. Sometimes a little magic - the unexpected - happens, something that makes all the lopsided losses, the pulls and bruises, and the bad days worth it. When it does happen, the exhilaration stays with you a long time and you remember why you are out there: to enjoy playing baseball - again.
My hat is off to Ed Rogers and his Dodgers as well as to Frank Montagano and his Cougars. My Hornets match up well against any team in the 47 Division and I am proud of them, but I'm also pleased to see so many guys who may not have a winning record play like winners on the field.
Tom, Thanks for your words on the Cougers. It is our first year and we all are having fun. Most importantly each week we all play hard and we play together as a team. That is what baseball is all about. ED
My sincerest thanks to Tom Henderson, one of the true gentleman of this league, for his gracious words. I, for one, would be honored to play for any team he managed. Manifestly, he gets it.
In actuality, the Cougars used three pitchers in our game with the Hornets. Besides yours truly, Andy Andros and Dave Plew took their turns on the mound.
And, as is so often the case where there is no official scorer, we show just four Hornets base hits, rather than seven. But, then, with my wife Sandra and my ten-year-old daughter Astrid keeping the book, I suppose I do get the benefit of the doubt in any scoring decision!
The Hornets are a fine bunch of guys with a flawless defense and an imposing line-up. We look forward to another good game with them.
