The Yankees and Cubs got together on beautiful Thursday night at New Scotland, for a battle between the 6-2 Damn Yankees and the 5-3 Cubs.
The Cubs were treated to a visit from longtime friend and CDMSBL all-time best shortstop Randy Craft.
Randy is now 68 years old and fighting for his life with a serious lung disease. Despite all of this, he wanted to play with us last night, and
as long as it would not hurt him to do so, we were all giddy about the opportunity to have him join us, even if for just one game.

Well, the stage was set for a miraculous performance. Randy looked great at the plate going 1 for 2, collecting 1 of just 4 hits given up by
Lex Herlett. The real story, though, was Randy's performance at SS. He has always been the smoothest SS that I have ever shared the diamond with.
Being 68 and certainly less than 100%, we did not know what to expect. Well, he handled all 6 chances with the same smooth style that he always has. The real
gem came in the top of the 4th inning with Jack Griffin on 3rd base with 2 outs, down 1-0. Rich Royka (always a tough out) slapped a hard ground ball up the middle
that looked destined to tie the game at 1. Randy sped to the ball reached down, as the ball hugged the dirt, and picked it clean. With all of his momentum headed toward
center field, he righted himself and made an off balance throw to first, in time to nail a hustling Royka at first to end the threat and keep the Cubs up 1-0.
Are you kidding me?!!! Most 28 year old SS's would never had made this play, but a 68 year old with serious heath issues, no way! Yes way!!! All in attendance were left
with the mouths hanging open at first, and then roared their delight, even the Yankees, who were just robbed of a game tying run.

The rest of the game was just as fun to watch, as both starters gave their teams a chance to win. As previously mentioned, Lex was tough, allowing just 4 singles and 1 walk,
while striking out 5 in his 6 innings of work. Meanwhile, Mike Girard threw a complete game shutout, scattering 5 hits, 1 walk, and 1 hit batter (sorry Lex), while striking out 4.
There were only two runs scored in the game, both by the Paul Miles. In the bottom of the 1st, Miles walked and stole second. Two outs later, Jerry Rosen delivered him with
a 2 out RBI single. In the bottom of the 4th, Miles singled to lead off the inning, was singled to 3rd by Randy Craft, and scored on a RBI ground out by Girard.

The Yankees had a lead off double in the first; bases loaded with one out in the third; and a runner at third in the 4th, but were unable to push a run across.
The final drama came in the 7th when the Yankees got a 1 out single by Rich Royka, and Tim Brown drove a ball deep to left that looked like it would hit the left field fence,
scoring at least one run and leaving the tying run in scoring position; but Dave Schillinger made an over the shoulder catch, at full extension to provide the second out, and
send the runner back to first. A routine ground out to 1st ended the game and started a shared cooler session that lasted an hour or two. Not too many people left until
Randy Craft finally packed up his stuff and headed back to his lovely wife, Debbie. Thanks for sharing him with us, Debbie!

Congratulations to those that made it out to the ball park to see this one, and condolences to those that missed it.
The Cubs move to 6-3, with the win, and tie the Yankees in the standings as they fell to 6-3 with the loss.
These two teams meet again on Wednesday night, at the A-diamond for another battle between the two title contenders.
Can't wait!

To Randy Craft: Thank you and God Bless You! Love you buddy!


-- Edited by mgirard11 on Friday 8th of July 2022 09:29:16 AM