Not sure where to begin, so let me say this was the most fun I've had around CDMSBL since I joined it in 1999. Though I had to sacrifice my own playing time, it was well worth it. I'm not sure how many managers really want EVERY one of their players to return the next season, but I hope every one of my guys return. Class, great teammates, and solid baseball players. We got the 4 seed, and we deserved it, esp. after starting 1-4. Despite the season-ending loss to the two-time defending champion Marlins, we have every right to look forward with even higher expectations for next season. After that 1-4 start, we went 14-2 before facing the Marlins. And we had our chances in both games, losing 10-9 and 6-5.
More importantly, they made my life as a manager easy. With the size of the roster we had, we never wanted for players. And the starters all made sure their teammates who played the same positions got into games. All I did was make out the lineup and give signs from 3rd. But even before that, they paid up front, they communicated re: attendance, they never whined, and they picked up each other all year long. Before the season began, I said this would be my last year in the 38s. I was adamant about it. But I've been convinced to return, so I will.
To the game. The visiting Marlins jumped to a 3-0 lead in the second inning, the big blow a solid 2-run double down the left-field line by catcher Curt Coons, who in my opinion was the Marlins MVP based on his defense alone. He saved the Marlins at least 3 runs by blocking wild pitches in the dirt with the bases loaded. He kept those pitches close enough to keep the runners from advancing.
The Giants countered with a run in the second when Dan Maguire singled in Carlos Llera with two outs. On the play, a Giants runner heading for home from second base was held up a bit late and slipped on the wet grass. Randy Craft (there's that guy again) took the relay, ran at him and threw him out at the plate to end the inning.
The Giants then got to within 3-2 when Rob Malachowski singled, stole second, and eventually scored when Jack Perry walked with the bases loaded and just one out. But the next Giants batter whacked a smash to Ron Lochner at 3rd, and he turned a 5-4-3 double play. Yes, we had our chances.
The Marlins then came in and scored three more times in the 4th to take a 6-2 lead. Singles by Darrell Duncan, Jim Ansel, and that damn Coons guy again set the stage for Mike Clary. Down 0-2 on the count, he slapped a two-run singled to CF on a pitch clearly out of the zone to cap the inning.
Joe Rispole then came in in relief for the Giants and stopped the Marlins the rest of the way, setting the stage for some dramatics. Still down 6-2 entering the bottom of the 7th, Maguire led off the inning by lining his second hit of the game to center for a single. After Malachowski walked,, Mash, in relief of Jim LaTorre, K'd the Giants leadoff hitter. A wild pitch moved the runners up. And Dick Stark, who had a sensational season, ripped a single to center to make it 6-4. Veteran slugger and 2006 all-league 2nd-baseman Jimmy Keegan then ripped a single to right, sending Stark to 3rd. With runners at the corners and still one out, Mash K'd the Giants cleanup hitter for the second out. Then came Bill Smith, who has been the heart of this team all year. He hit a sharp grounder between first and second that was heading to RF, But Marlins 2nd-baseman Paulie Miles, in full sprint, hit the turf to field the ball, but just missed nailing Smith, who dove head first into the bag to just beat the throw. Stark scored on the play to make it 6-5. Rispole then walked to load the bases for Carlos Llera, who had been 2-for-3 with a double, and hit a legit .500 for the season. Carlos just got under a pitch and hit it to left-center, where the left-fielder cradled it into his chest, fell down, but hung onto the ball for the final out.
What was especially tough for me was to have 2006 all-league player Wayne Phillips out with a pulled/strained hammie. He was in full uniform, ready to play/pinch hit if needed. But in all his class said winning came first. He kept the book and encouraged his teammates all game. This is the example he sets for his two young kids who were at the game along with his family. (I know, I've embarrassed you. Sorry, I think).
I couldn't be more proud of this team, and I already look forward to next year. I'll be at the finals watching a rematch of the O's-Marlins championship series. You'll see me; I'll have my Giants shirt on.
nicely said, jim. glad you're coming back. i echo your sentiments about your teammates - from across the diamond, i could see what you say. congratulations to all the giants on a great year.
Great job by that Giants team!!! Down 6-2, in the seventh, to rally like they did, was great to see, unless you happened to be a Marlins supporter. There were two big hero's for the Marlins in this one! Jimmy already touched on the first and most important: Curt Coons. He blocked about 15 balls in the dirt at key times including the ones with the bases loaded that Jimmy already mentioned. Just an incredible performance, sacrificing his body for the team. The second was Tommy Maney: who made that incredible catch with two outs and the tying and winning runs about to score. He had to run all out from the crack of the bat to the spot where the ball came down while trying to judge it under the poorest of lighting conditions. The ball came down over his shoulder as he held out two hands to try to snag the ball. The ball missed the glove but ended up in his bare hand and he cradled it into his chest as he fell to the ground. At the cooler session after the game, we agreed that from this day forward, the catch would be called "the clevage catch". The win came at a hefty cost, as the Silver Marlins most valuable player, Randy Craft, severely sprained his ankle going after a pop-up to center field in the bottom of the sixth. He had to be carried off and is very doubtful for the Finals.
Ya know, Mike, that freakin' guy doesn't let me beat him in darts either. I had him 173-0 with the board cleared except for bullseyes. And Tommy still beat me.
Hey, being that my eyes are now 57, last I saw Maney he was in RF. I didn't realize it was him in left who made the catch. And I didn't realize he bobbled the ball and caught it off his chest. In a tough year for him with injuries, etc., well, it hurts to lose, but how can anyone deny him that catch. Great players, as you know Mike, make plays that create their own greatness. Which essentially means, it wasn't lucky. When all is said and done, Tommy will also be in the CDMSBL Hall.
As someone who has played both with and against Tom Maney, I can state unequivocaly, that he is the most passionate player I've been privleged to know. With all the injuries he's had (has), he doesn't know the meaning of the word quit... his last injury was a dislocated shoulder a few weeks ago.. I think it was two weeks later, he was on the field again... not sure if it's his tolerance for pain or passion for the game that keeps him on the field... perhaps a little of both... Tom epitomizes what a team player is all about.... helpful but not critical of his teammates and always encouraging... he is what a Hall of Fame player is all about... I'm sure his selection will not be too far off...
Hey Dennis Thanx for the compliment, but I truely had nothing to do with the Giants success on the field this year. All I did was throw out the proverbial ball and let them play. And play they did. With class, dignity and passion. And with that came some success.
Those damn 28+ Cubs will be tough. Plus, the age group goes down to 37. That automatically makes me two years older in one year! Hell, I might turn 60 by the end of the season.
