As threatened, the Dodgers and the Cougars got together in Kinderhook on Sunday for what would seem to be their last meeting of the season. Mind you, this wasn't an official game. And while we did keep score, there was nothing riding on it. It was just a scrimmage.
So why am I here yapping about a crummy scrimmage? Well, simply because it wasn't crummy at all. In fact, everyone seemed to have a great time, notwithstanding that it was a bit too cold, there were no umps, the field wasn't manicured, and it turned out to be one of those hopelssly lopsided games. After all, we were doing what we love to do: playing baseball. (And, thankfully, no one got hurt.)
Yes, for many of us, playing is its own reward. The glory, the honors, the stats and all of the bragging rights that go with it--that stuff is fine. But for a sizable minority of players, it's really about the competition, the comraderie, and the sportsmanship. But most of all, it's about just getting out there and playing.
The Cougars, who have been decimated by injuries, could muster only four regulars: Andy "The Rocket" Andros; Read Shepherd; Rob Rugen; and Frank Montagano. As always, guys, it was a pleasure and an honor to put on the purple with you.
Filling in for the Cougars were Jim Brearton (manager, Hawks); John Hayden and Bob Weitz (Blue Thunder); John Vidor (Veterans); and Brian Cannon, who deserves special mention for going two for three at bat and doing a phenomenal job in his first start ever behind the plate. Thank you, guys.
Ed Rogers, I'll leave it to you to list the names of the seven regulars and two fill-ins who came all the way to Kinderhook to play for you. Obviously, you and your guys are serious about baseball, and we were grateful once again for the opportunity to play against you. Your sportsmanship and good will are truly admirable. Sincerest thanks, Ed, and congratulations on your...uh...thoroughly decisive win.
In conclusion, let me just say that should we be graced with an unexpected spell of warm, sunny weather in the next few weeks, there's a good chance that the Cougars will once again be looking for one last game or two. Anyone else?
Thanx to the Dodgers and Cougars for a fun day in kinderhook last sunday.What a fun bunch of baseball diehards playing in windy 50 degree whether on a rough field. Hopefully we can do it again next week,but that's probably pushing it.
On another note I just seen the movie "Uncivil Liberties" which stars CDMSBL very own Tony Grocki ( Dodgers/ Shaskys).not only does Tony do a fantastic acting job, but is also a producer and does a world class editing job on this movie. I loved the part when one of Tonys comrades gets his brains blown out at point blank range and the splattering Brains actually cover Tonys Face. Scorcesse and Tarantino would be proud. Tony anytime you need to cast a Drunkin Irish loser in a movie let me know ,I could just be myself. Good luck Bro, You got what it takes as this performance will surely demonstrate your ability to any movie fan.
Yes, my good friend Rich "The Silent Assassin" Feir had a superb day, smoking two long shots that had our outfielders scampering, and going 3 for 5 overall. He was easily the best-hitting U.S. government tax auditor on the field that day.
Modest to a fault, Rich is a great guy. And he loves playing for the Dodgers.
