The 38+ team from Albany, known as the New England Mutts, put in a superb effort this Independence weekend here in Portland, Maine and finished runner-up. On top of that, your president, John Reel, made the 6-hour trek to come and watch! I thought that was wonderful. The players showed a lot of class and respect for the game and their coach, Don Dunham "Double D" was great at working everyone into the lineup. Nice job guys! I look forward to cruising down to Albany this Labor Day and playing for the Mutts (with hopes of improving on out dismal showing last year). And John, I'll see you with your RG Johnson's in hand. Take care, Lenny Fox
Just to take those comments one step further: This team did our league real proud! Every player contributed both defensively and offensively. During the round robin, pitching and defense were spectacular. Phil (Mash) Gadomski and Ralph Caputo both got impressive wins on day one as they both kept their defensive players alert by throwing lots of strikes. The first three innings had the Mutts turning double plays in each inning. The bats came alive in the final game of the round robin as the Mutts swept to a 3 and 0 record, with a 7-0 drubbing of the Central Maine Dodgers. The semi final game had more good pitching (Ted Poleto and John Martin) and defense as the Mutts dispatched the New Hampshire Patriots 10-3. The championship game did not go as planned, with the home team (Maine Diamond Dogs) errupting for 5 in the top of the first, but the Mutts showed lots of heart battling all the way through their 43rd and final inning of the three days, finally succumbing 15-10. John and Diane Reel showing up was a great surprise and is evidence of their class!!! The three guys that we picked up from the host league to fill out our squad were great guys and boy were they players. As a Rookie to the "Maine Trip" I couldn't have been happier with how the weekend went. The veteran wives of the trip showed my wife how to enjoy herself while the men had just a great time playing super baseball. Thanks alot guys!!! We are hooked!!! This won't be our last Maine trip!
