The Albany Bombers hopes of making the finals were ended in a tough defeat at the hands of the Detroit team that had handed the Bombers their only defeat in the round robin. Albany took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning, when Mike Girard led off with a double and scored on a RBI single by Ted Poleto. Detroit answered right back with two in the bottom of the inning on four singles and three stolen bases. The Bombers took the lead back in the top of the third when with Tom Maney on third and Tim Brown on second Ralph Caputo hit a ball that went through the shortstops legs. Mike Girard then lifted a fly ball down the right field line that was misplayed by the Detroit right fielder for a 3-2 Bombers lead. Pete Westphal then retired the Sixties without a run in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th innings. The Detroit ballclub then scored two runs to take the lead 4-3 on a HBP, two singles and two stolen bases. The game really got away from Albany in the bottom of the seventh, when Detroit plated 3 runs. The final was 9-3, but the game wasn't decided until the 7th. Now boys night out!
The Detroit Sixties team that eliminated the Bombers, and gave them their only loss in the round robin play, won the championship game against (the previously unbeaten) Long Island Yankees 3-2. Every player on the Albany Blue Bombers will tell you, that we certainly had the ability to beat that team. We just didn't get it done when it counted either time that we played them. Makes us want to re-loaed and go back next year for "OUR" rings!
On a side note - I've seen a lot of baseball over the years, but I can't remember a player puttting together a stretch of games the way Mike Girard did this past week. Offensively, he was something ridiculous like 20 for 25 with hard hit balls everywhere. Defensively, outstanding at 1st, or wherever we put him, and on top of that, no problem leading the off- field activities as well!! A pleasure to watch. Thanks Mike, and the rest of my Blue Bomber teamates for another memorable trek to Florida.
Jonny
BTW - Crafty if you were there, I'm being sized for a ring!!
