Thanx Brad for the kind words, but you did a remarkable job when it counted most, getting to the semis. Not easy to do in this highly balanced and competitive division.
Giants in fact did move to their third straight finals appearance in the 45+ Division with a 9-2 win Sunday over the talented, gutsy and classy Vets at New Scotland.
The Giants took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first on a clutch 2-out single by Dick Stark. But Vets pitcher Dave Hartman wiggled out of a bases-loaded jam on a strikeout to end the inning without further damage.
But it was actually in the bottom of the first where I believe the Giants may have sent a message that it just might not be there day. The Vets got their first two hitters on base off Bobby Bolt via an error and hit batsman. The Vets No. 3 hitter (sorry, can't read the scribble in the book), followed with a wicked liner that was heading toward center field when 2nd-baseman Tony Nardacci made a diving catch to his right and then flipped to SS Ron Smaka for a double play. Dave Hartman then followed with a booming double to the fence in right to tie it before Bolt fanned the next hitter to end the inning. Without Tony's play, it's a different game.
From there, Bolt faced just 2 batters over the minimum in innings 2-5 before Mike Kane came on for the final two innings to send the Giants to the finals.
Meanwhile, the Giants also plated single runs in innings 2-5 to take a 5-1 lead entering the sixth. But also left 7 runners on base along the way as Hartman continued to work out of jams. But with Hartman now on the bench, the Giants opened the 6th with a single by Jim Whitford. After a ground out, Mike Lannon walked and Joe Careccia was plunked by a pitch. Nardacci then unloaded a bases-clearing double to make it 8-1. He then stole third, his 4th theft of the game, and scored on Smaka's grounder to short to cap the Giants scoring.
And my truely sincere apologies to John Atwell of the Vets. He pitched a magnificent game in the 3-2 opener Saturday. But he was forced to catch Game 2 Sunday with an arm he could hardly lift. But this is the playoffs, so we had to take advantage and run. I actually did feel badly, but again, it's the playoffs.
The Giants now move to the finals to face the power-laden Marlins. If you want to see good baseball, then the price is right for this matchup. Bring your cooler, a few snacks, your lawn chairs and enjoy. Steve Lounello and Randy Craft alone will be worth the price of admission.
Plus, this finals series will be Dick Stark's last appearances in CDMSBL. He's moving to North Carolina. Not many have had the stellar career he's had over the years. Class guy, funny guy, great teammate and b-buster - and one heckuva competitor.
Meanwhile, thanx to all the managers, players and Commissioner John Reel for all the work you've done to make this a great division. As a Board member, it is a privilege to serve all of you.
And, also a hearty thanx to umpire assignor Mark Fitch, the officers of the umpires' organizations (SBUO/ENYUA) and the crew of umpires for their dedication and efforts. It's a privilege to also be one of them.
