The Matinee Division wrapped up the 2022 season with another crisply played, competitive game as the Good Guys held on for the 6-4 victory. This was another back-and-forth affair at the A Diamond as Jimmy K's team opened the scoring in the bottom of the first with two runs. The Good Guys answered with one run in the second and two in the top of the third to take a short-lived lead. The Bad Guys tied the score in the bottom of the inning and the game went to the fourth knotted at three apiece. The fourth inning proved pivotal as the Good Guys pushed across three runs in the top of the inning and the lead was suddenly 6-3. Pitching dominated the game from that point as there was no further scoring into the bottom of the ninth. Closer Ron Massaroni took the mound and was greeted by a lead-off single by Jimmy Hicks who quickly came around to score to make it a 6-4 game. With the tying runs now on base and two outs Massaroni then snared a rocket headed for centerfield for the game's final out and the Good Guys survived!
After the game both teams enjoyed a special BBQ/Cooler session to celebrate another fun season. One highlight of the game to mention was an appearance by CDMSBL Hall of Famer Randy Craft who of course promptly doubled in his first at bat! Also joining us for the BBQ from the injured reserve list was another Hall of Famer Tom Maney, accompanied by his two usual bodyguards.
Hopefully the off season goes by fast and we can all look forward to a bigger and better Matinee season in 2023!!
The attached photo includes the following players from left to right: (Photo by Beth Maney) First row Matt Miles, Ted Valenti, Shawn Martin, Jim McQuade, Alex Marin, Jimmy Konstantakis, Jon Martin, Greg Mangione, Ron Massaroni Back row Jim Hicks, Tim Brown, Eric Kohls, Steve Van Gelder, Ralph Caputo, Dave Mitchell, Dan Durback, Jerry Rosen, Randy Craft, Rick Saidenberg, Mike Girard, Tom Maney, Rick Knipper
Hat's off to you, Jim, for doing this. Not sure what season 2022 was, your second, third, fourth? Whatever the number, congratulations, and thanks, to you for giving guys more ball. That work can be a weight, but you done dragged it well.
Thank You Mike! This was the fourth year that Jimmy K. and I have done the Matinee Division and we usually have great games and always have good times after the games. Looking forward to Year 5 in 2023!
I also think as you mentioned that our League is special in the opportunities that we have to play baseball, for as long as we can each year. With Jim Ansel's Capital Division, Don Ball's Fall Ball and our Matinee Division along with 18+, 33+, 45+, 55+ and 62+ I doubt there are many leagues if any, in this country that provide so much. Certainly a testament to John Reel and all the guys on our Board that run the CDMSBL! Very Grateful!
