A game on Wednesday afternoon (4:00 pm start time) was not really about the score. It was about friends, hell family! The players on both the Angels and Cubs are more like family than friends. It doesn't matter how long it has been since we have seen each other, it always feels like we have never been apart. Most of the Angel players have donned a Cubs or Marlins uniform at one time or another, whether it was in the 30+ division, 45+ division as a Cub or Marlin (same family), the 55+ division, or travel team to one of the national tournaments.
The binding experience was always the cooler session. The one truth was always that we may have won or lost the actual game, but the Cubs ALWAYS won the cooler session! Sharing stories, laughs, and liquid refreshments after a game was always the highlight! It is how we became baseball brothers.
This one wasn't any different! A game was played: Cubs won 10-1, but the end game was always getting to the cooler session to catch up with each other, share stories, laughs, and libations. For this guy, seeing old friends like John Reel, Mash, Teddy Poleto, Jonny Martin (and his two girls), Tom Maney, TJ Scorsone, Beaner Abrams, Jimmy K, and Mal Hinman who I now see far too infrequently, was what this day was all about! We even were treated to a visit from a very special former CDMSBL'er, and great pitcher, Kevin Moon! Great to see you and share a night of baseball and friendship, Kevin. And last but certainly not least, there was a visit from Hall of Famer and newly retired Skip Treece! That was a real treat Skip! Thanks for coming by. We really miss seeing you at the ball park! You will always be part of our family!
Getting together and sharing a game with guys who really love the game as much as I do was the highlight of my 2020 season! I must mention that Scott Ross threw a gem of a game, pitching 6 innings, giving up just one run on 3 hits and two walks, while striking out two. Jerry Rosen and Ron McCarthy led the way for the Cubs offense, with three hits each. Ron Massaroni, Alex Marin, and Mike Girard added two hits each, as all 11 Cubs had at least one hit. Jeff Madden, Phil "Mash" Gadomski, and Jon Martin had the hits for the Angels.
The Cubs improved to 13-1-1, with just one game left in the regular season. Good Luck to the Angels in the upcoming playoff Tournament!
Can't wait to do this again!
-- Edited by mgirard11 on Thursday 24th of September 2020 07:45:56 AM
Well stated, Mike. And thanks for the support when I went down with a groin pull: "Put him down!'' It's great that nothing has changed in 22 years :).
Seeing Skip and Kevin again was certainly a real treat. Only thing missing was Skip's baby-back ribs. NO ONE makes 'em better! Kevin hasn't changed. Same smile and fun-loving guy, well, you know, except when he was pitching!
The cooler session included 21 players, plus a few fans. Can't wait till the next one!
Wish I was there to share a beverage or 2 with my long lost relatives. Miss ya boys.
Crafty
Miss ya too Crafty. Most cooler sessions include you. Your a huge part of our history, and everyone Remembers your contributions. God bless you and your family. mane
