Even though the only result that would have satisfied the Albany Cubs would have been a Triple A championship, we are left to face a different fate with grace and class. We ran into a very good Milwaukee Rangers team that was the better team in the Semi-finals of the Roy Hobbs tournament. The pitched better; hit the ball better, and played defense better, in an 11-2 victory, enroute to their eventual Championship. The Albany Cubs were left to just tip our caps to the better team, and wish them luck in the championship game. Something every Cub player did like the class acts they are.
We accomplished all we wanted out of this week, except one thing. We did our league proud playing some inspired baseball for 7 games, before falling in the 8th game. I believe we are the only Albany team playing in a national tournament ever to go 7-0, before losing our first game. People from Nebraska, Florida, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Missouri all have been introduced to the brand of baseball we play here in upstate NY. Everybody on this team made significant contributions, whether they were on offense, defense, or pitching. With two late defections we were left with just 14 players (11 players fewer than most of the better teams in this tournament). Every single player on this team gave all they had, and then some. Jim McQuade did a fantastic job managing, from inning number one through inning number 76. I am proud to have ben a member of the 2021 Albany Cubs and can't wait until our next trip, wherever it may be. God willing!
To gather 7 wins in any tournament is an incredible feat. As our Albany league starts to send teams to the Hobbs tournament and gets used to the format of the 5 different divisions of B, A, AA, AAA, and AAAA, I will comment that the AAA division the Cubs landed in is full of talent. You never known when you will come against a team that will be the roadblock in your week. To accomplish a semifinal appearance on their inaugural trip is quite the accomplishment. Congrats to the Cubs! Mike
Hey Just Mike Appreciate you defining the differences in the divisions, however winning it all in any division is quite a feat. Congratulations, you guys did it!
