In the first case, "appreciation" means "thank you."
A few weeks back I mentioned to 45s Commissioner John Reel that the mound at Satellite Field was a hazzard--a steep-sided sand trap, to be specific.
Well, John got right on it and in no time the mound was rebuilt. It was simply yet another example of how John keeps it "Reel" season after season for the benefit of the league.
In the second case, "appreciation" means "a recognition of achievement."
That achievement belongs to Susan Phillips of the 55+ Hawks, who, on June 10, 2009 became the first woman in CDMSBL history--that I've heard of, at least--to get a base hit. Susan (aka, "The Blonde Bomber") was graciously filling in for the Gray Cougars at the time, and her hit was a perfectly placed clean single up the middle.
Congratulations to you Susan, and to your baseball mentor (and husband), Fred Phillips, whose patient coaching has clearly payed off. Continued success to both of you.
On another note,Susan has started the "Phillip's School of Baserunning". New student's will be accepted on a first come basis, as the request for help from this young lady has been overwhelming.
It saddens me to say that I was rejected from being a student of Susan's Baserunning School. Reason given: You must be able to run to take part in the school. I'm most upset. Just because there is a 9-3 putout recorded in the scorebook next to my name should not disqualify me, should it?
Slight correction: I would have to say that this lady would be the second female to record a hit in CDMSBL history. Back in the late 80's or early 90's, there was a woman named Laura, that played in the younger division and played second base for one or two seasons. Mr. Ansel may be able to give you more details. My brain cells are dying at an alarming rate!
Mike.....are you saying that Mr Ansel may have been a Ms Ansel in the past??.....i seem to remember a girl or 2 on the dreaded red team in the Bethlehem Men's League.
-- Edited by johnc on Thursday 16th of July 2009 08:47:46 AM
In the 18+ division, a woman by the name of Trista Russo pitched for the now-defunct Bombers. She had a killer curve ball and mowed down guys younger than she was.
If the league opens themselves up to women, I'd suggest flagging her down and asking her to pitch. She's a very good pitcher and can hold her own at the plate as well.
Seems to me she was really good on the world stage as well:
Thank you for the kind words, Frank. I am not the first woman in the CDMSBL, but that was MY first base hit in the CDMSBL. I am proud of that --but even more so, I am grateful just to be playing.
Sue warmed up with us last year on the field at Cooperstown before the Shaskys game. She also was present during the winter workshops run by Mike Hart at All Stars Academy. I've seen her get drilled by a fast ball at the plate as well as taking her lumps in the field knocking down wild ground balls. This milestone has been a long time coming, and Sue is a great teammate. Her husband, Fred, has made some amazing plays at 3rd base and also played 18 games in the league down south while on a job assignment within the last year. These are baseball players with determination and talent and we always have fun when we play together. It doesn't surprise me at all that Sue drilled a ball for a hit during an official game. Her built in coach Fred hits the ball a ton and I suspect continued success in the future from both of these cool teammates.
Congratulations, all your work has paid off CANNON
