... Sorry to say that Giants catcher Bill Smith, whom I've had the privilege of playing with for several years now, has called it a day in the 45+ Division. Billy is a helluva competitor and teammate and I'm also proud to call him a friend. No one plays this game with more determination, character, heart and passion. I couldn't talk him out of it, so, not only will I miss him, the 45+ Division is losing a quality person and player. I know I can speak for a lot of guys in saying he is a class act and a guy you'd look forward to playing with and against as well as having a cold one in his company after a game. Hopefully, he'll stick with the 55+ Division where we are teammates on the Whiz Kids ...
... Forgive my melancholy moments here, but another sad farewell. Dick Stark, whose job is taking him and his family to North Carolina, played his last game in CDMSBL Sunday. I've been with him since he joined the 35+ Giants in 2006. He immediately helped the Giants established themselves as a top-level team in that division. With him, The Giants went to two straight finals, losing to the Cubs in one of the most memorable series and Game 3s I've ever witnessed. One of the best pure hitters I've seen in this league at any level. Consider, Dick played 15 years in CDMSBL, was a NINE-time All-League player, and because of his selflessness, he refused consideration on teams he managed.
Dick won a 35+ batting title; was 25+ Manager of the Year; won titles in the 25+, 35+ and 45+ Divisions. He managed teams to titles in the 25+ and 45+ Divisions, the last in 2009 when the Hornets won their first title ever. He managed teams for 7 years and was also the 25+ Commissioner for 3 years.
But baseball aside, one funny, b-busting man who took it as well as he gave it. Always kept his teammates loose, yet focused on the field. All of CDMSBL will miss him dearly. Dick, keep the phone close; I'll be calling for advice next year! ...
... And the beat goes on. Mike Lannon, a teammate since we both came into the league in 1999, has also told me he's done with the 45+ Division as well. Mike and I became friends in Little League. He's now 59 and I'm 60. Man, life flies by! In each other's weddings, too. No where is there a more class act than Mike. Never a bad word to say about anyone and I've never heard a bad word about him. A GREAT family man who lives life as he preaches it. He played for Tony Rossi at Siena and again with me in the Twilight League. All the tools of a great player: Hits for average; hits for power; can steal bases and play right field like few others.
But alas, it's really not quite over just yet. Billy, Mike and I will be playing - and rooming - with Tom Maney and Ted Poleto, in Florida in November. Certain to create some zany memories! ...
... The Marlins! Here's a small example of why CDMSBL is all about the cameraderie. Giants CF Bob Bolt leaves his glove at his son't LL practice for Game 1 of the finals. He's a lefty. Tom Maney, as you all now know, is the Marlins CFer and is fast learning to be a lefty. Tommy graciously offers to leave his glove in CF between innings for Bob to use. Thing is, Bobby keeps finding some uncomfortable items in the finger slots of the glove every time he takes the field. ... And the Marlins are an extension of that. Yes, fierce competitors and play the game like few other teams around. But if laughter is indeed medicine, hang around those guys and you'll live to be 100! They all truely are good people ...
... The Giants! I am a fortunate man, indeed. So many great players who exemplify what baseball is all about - at any age or level. This team played selflessly and with passion. Guys who'd be there for each other when times get tough - on and off the field. Thanx for the memories this year, boys. ...
... This was a perfect season in the 45+ Division. Great weather. Superb competition. Great guys to play with and against. My, how this Division has evolved in 6 or 7 short years. Started with 4 or 5 teams; now have 10 with more seeking entry. A tribute to Commissioner John Reel and all the managers whose efforts over the years are much appreciated by the CDMSBL board and officers - and haven't gone unnoticed.
thanks for writing this, jim. your postings sunday are a pleasure to read.
and you're right - billy, mike and dick are all terrific guys and the league won't be the same without them. next season's a mere 206 days away - so maybe they'll change their minds by then. dick has said he's thinking about hanging up the spikes when he hits n. carolina - here's hoping not.
i saw the first giants-marlins game and the talent on the two teams is impressive. i can still hear the bat's loud crack after tom maney's swing about the fifth or sixth inning and still see ball flash and disappear between the center and right fielders.
