I want to take this time to thank the players who came down with me to Florida to play and represent the CDMSBL 47+ division. They made us proud. We ended up with a 3 and 3 record and made the playoffs. In spite of a very grueling schedule with an extra game that gave us 2 back to back double headers prior to the playoffs our players never quit and even with injuries stayed with it. We were shorthanded by a no show and injuries but everyone picked it up. We all had a great time and with some depth in pitching and in the field we can have a shot at a championship next year. I want to thank Steve Van Gelder, Wayne Newcomb, Paul Celantano, Pete Geanellis, Jay Hayner, Chuck Stanley, Don Wixon, Larry Pape, Gerry Solomon, Bob Lawyer, John Reel and Dennis Simeca (our singing Tenor and pitcher) for all their outstanding play.
I want to congradulate Larry Pape, Peter Geanellis, Paul Celantano, and Steve Van Gelder for having an excellent hitting tournament as they all batted well over 500 and closer to 700 in some cases. I want to thank Gerry Solomon, and Dennis Simeca for outstanding pitching performances in several of our wins and Peter Geanellis who gave us a gutsy pitching performance at a time we needed to rest arms and almost pull off a victory in a second game of double header.
Again, my deepest thanks to all those players for making it a pleasure to manage and fun to play and "hang out together".
Archie is too modest, but he pitched a hell'va game against the Bucs... he went into the 9th inning nursing a 5-3 lead. After he gave up a single and walk, Jerry Solomon was called in to put out the fire and on the third pitch got the batter to pop up a bunt attempt. Jerry caught the pop up, threw to first to get the seond out and Paul Celantano who was playing first walked halfway to seond and threw and got the third out - three pitches and a triple play...
It was a good time for the 47's - 6 nine inning games in 4 days was a bit much for this old man - but the group hung tough and played through their injuries. Of course, the hot tub saw lots of action...
A good time was had by all... can't wait to do it again... A good bunch of guys who weren't afraid to laugh at themselves and left everything between the lines. Albany was proud of all of you... Thanks for putting it together Archie...
Dennis- I appreciate the mention- but in fact I was RUNNING to second base- you probably just didn't recognize my own particular brand of deceptive speed. I would have taken the ball all the way (not wanting to even risk a short throw) but I began to fear for my safety the way people were yelling at me to "Throw the %@#&ing Ball . . ."
Anyway- it was a great week playing with a bunch of guys who really "get it", that is to say, they understand the reason why we still play- thanks to every one of you guys for making it a most enjoyable trip.
P.S.- Special thanks to the Albany 47+ Synchronized Swimmimg Team- (Yes- there are pictures- blackmail demands to follow . . .)
