After two one-run games, game 3 of the 55 Championship between the Nolan Propane Cardinals and the Platinum Marlins proved to be not quite as close. The Cardinals picked up a complete game performance from John LaTorre on Friday evening, allowing only four hits in a 14-3 victory. LaTorre, third baseman Frank Tarrantino, and DH Harold Jenkins each went 3-for-3 to pace the Cardinals, while manager Jim LaTorre added a home run and a double.
The Marlins got on the board first, scoring two in the first inning, but after plating a third and final run in the third frame, it was all Cardinals.
Just about everbody contributed, including Paul Watson, who drove all night from West Virginia to join his teammates for the final game, and delivered a base hit. Catcher Jerry Solomon also had two hits, while Bob Yakatan, Jerry Hawkins, and Read Shepherd had a hit apiece.
Thanks and congratulations to the Marlins and manager Ed Diegel for a great season and a memorable series. They're a class bunch of guys, they played tough, and never gave up, most notably when they scored four runs in the 7th inning of game 2 to pull out an improbable 5-4 win.
For the first-year Cardinals, it was a fabulous summer. Everyone contributed during the season and the playoffs. If there was an MVP, it would have to be Jerry Hawkins, whose bat and unwavering excellence at shortstop led the way all summer long.
Special shout-outs to C and coach Skippy Lyons and infielder Rodney Dunbar, injured and unable to play in the final game. Both were there in uniform, and both were leading the cheers for their team.
Huge thank you to Jim LaTorre, who took over as manager, and kept everybody on their toes all season. Jim told us it was his job to teach us how to win, and he did his job well.
And, how could we not say thank you and congratulations to Fred and Susie Phillips, whose dream became a reality this year. Fred got us started, and Susie became the spiritual leader of the team, always there, always cheering. And a couple of base hits, too! You both will be missed, and we wish you the best in South Carolina!
Individually, the Cardinals are: Jim LaTorre, mgr and P Paul Watson 1B Dave Plew 2B Harold Jenkins 2B Jerry Hawkins SS Frank Tarantino 3B Read Shepherd LF Bob Yakatan CF Mark Josefski RF Rick Loffredo 3B and P Skippy Lyons C Jerry Solomon C and P John LaTorre P, 3B, and 1B Rodney Dunbar SS and 1B Doug Zmyewski Susie Phillips, Fred Phillips, team founders
