Thanks to all the players that participated on the Fall Classic 52 over club (Wayne Newcomb,Paul Celentano,Steve Vangelder,Mike Eplite, John Reel, Dennis Scimenca,Bill Kervan, Dave Plew,Tim Brown, Pete Geanelis,Larry Pape, Don Wixon,Brad Buchan, Jerry Solomon.
Even though we did not fair well (0-5) we had a great time, plus the weather was just perfect.
We did have the Clearwater Patriots (Team USA) in our sights, coming back to come within 2 runs, 10-8 in the 7th inning but couldn't get any closer. The Patriots had a number of former MLB players playing in this game. Dave Plew really took one for the club, probably throwing at least 130 pitches.
In our first game against the Rhode Island Salt Dogs, we had a lead of going into the 5th inning with Jerry Solomon on the mound. A few key errors hurt our chances of starting the tournament with a win.
I would urge players to try and participate next year in the 52 and over division. Please let me know if you would be interested next year. The competition is great and meeting other players around the country was most enjoyable.
Would like to acknowledge the HOT hitting of Wayne Newcomb. Wayne went, I believe Wayne went 10-16, with a few walks in the tournament. Bill Kervan was our most consistant pitcher. Tim Brown also had a very good tournament, both at the plate and in the field. Also, Steve Vangelder, Pete Genalis and Mike E had a decent tournament as well.
Defensively, we had to play guys out of position for the most part, and a few key errors really hurt us. Two of the games we had a chance to win, we couldn't catch the ball in key situations.
Of course, it wouldn't be fitting not to mention Don Wixon, as he fittingly came thru with some bumps and bruises as usual. In our first practice, he took one of the lip at 2B, then went down against the Patriots club just to the 3rd base side of home plate when his knee locked up on him. Against the So. Maryland team, Donnie went to his left (3B) and went down once again !!! He was carried off the field and driven by golf cart to our rental car. That night, Donnie was feeling no pain!! Thanks to Steve Vangelders supply of stimulants and pain killers!!!
We all love Donnie !!! In addition, he served as houswife and did a fine job knocking down the OLD BUSHMILLS!!!
If any other guys would like to add anything that I may have missed, please feel free to submit a post.
Oh, let me also mention Dennis S's fantastic kariokee (spelling!)) performance as he brought the house down at Friendlys Lounge our favorite week long watering hole. In additon, I'd like to congratulate Wayne Newcomb and Donnie Wixons numerous duets, TRYING to sing!!! They did perform a great love ballad glancing at one another face to face singing I GOT YOU BABE!!!
Can't wait till next year !!!!

MIKE EPLITE