The 55 division started last night, with the "older'' guys proving they can play in just about any conditions.
As the temp dipped from 99 degrees to a mere 92 at game time (according to the NWS), the Marlins (managed by Ed Daigel), and the Americans (managed by Tony Scanu), played the inaugural 55+ game at New Scotland Town Park. They got in 6 2/3 innings before darkness stopped the game with the Marlins coming out on top.
Since all I did was umpire (and it was an honor to do so), I can provide no game highlights or final score. But there were several firsts to be recognized.
Dennis Scimeca threw the first pitch. Bob Lounsbury got the first hit. The rest, Ed or 55+ Commissioner John Reel, will have to provide.
The game included double plays, running catches in the OF, stolen bases, superb catching (Yogi, Skip and Joe), great pitching (very few walks, and no, I did not open the strike zone. Just ask Dennis!!!), aggressive hitting and all-around good fundamental baseball.
Not only was the game well-played, it was the essence of what pure, adult hardball is about. They played hard, serious baseball, yet with a display of appreciation and fun that for even a couple of hours removes them from the stress of everyday life. And the swealtering heat, in the words of Satchel Paige "made no never mind.''
Tony Grocki, I hope you include a segment of this division in your documentary of CDMSBL.
Congrats to John Reel, the orchestrator of this four-team division, and to the managers and players. This division, I'm sure, will grow and prosper just as the 48 division did when it began with six teams about six years ago. It now has nine.
Good luck the rest of the year, guys. Be safe, stay healthy, and have fun. I just might be with you next year. JimK
Kudos to JK for some great umpiring... what Jim failed to mention was that he did the game himself, husseling to make calls at the bases... the heat was as tough on him as the rest of us if not more so... he must have gotten hit 4 or 5 times - twice on one pitch alone!!! Jim has a consistent strike zone and lets the players make the game... great job Jim - it was a pleasure to have you ump our first game!!!
It was Marlins, dare I say "Platinums" 14- Americans 7. I assume the other game , the Gray Cougars managed by Frank Montagno vs the Hawks managed by Jim Brearton , was played last night.... and so we're off. What I noticed was they same feel we had back in 1990 when were started the over 30 league and were playing ball again with guys our own age. Most of these new team members have played and competed in the ever younger 46+ division and the creation is of this new division is dedicated to them. And mnay thanks to Frank, Jim , Tony and Ed for working to form teams. We started the 48 division with FOUR teams just 6 years ago and it has grown to 9 now. I expect as the boomers age they'll all have a place to play in these 2 divisions. And as Jim alluded to these guys play the brand of ball we were taught and played growing up. Its a pleasure to be surrounded by the same attitude not only the same age! I'd say this group could put together some awesome travelling teams. I am convinced that we could win some national tournies.
