After the Union College men's team finished their spirited practice, the Yanks and Cubs got down to business.
The Cubs got off to a flying start in the top of the 5th when Andy Hoyle and Ron Massaroni worked walks to lead off the inning. Jim McQuade followed with a perfect sacrifice bunt, moving both runners into scoring position with one out. Alex Marin singled home Hoyle and moved Massaroni to third. Carlos Espada followed with a deep sacrifice fly to give the Cubs a 5-run cushion, at 8-3.
Mike Girard gave up a one out double to Rich Royka, in the bottom of the 5th, but got a comebacker and a ground out to short, to end the inning. After a scoreless top of the 6th for the Cubs, the Yanks got to work on narrowing the gap. Number 2 hitter Ryan Johnson nubbed a dribbler to third base, but beat it out to start the rally. With Johnson running on the pitch, Bob Altobelli ripped a liner into the gap. It looked like a sure double, so Johnson rounded 2nd and kicked it into high gear. Chris Dunn got a great jump on the ball and ran full tilt to get to it. He made a great play to get to it, so now it looked like a sure double play. Well, the ball somehow bounced out of his glove and the play ended up with Altobelli on second and the lead cut to 8-4 as Johnson scored easily. Still nobody out. Darrell Duncan singled Altobelli to 3rd and stole second. Joe Careccia then worked a walk to load the bases and bring the tying run to the plate with nobody out. Girard was in trouble. He proceeded to get a grounder to third that was turned into a force out at home by Sherwin So. Girard then struck out the Yanks next batter, and got a slow roller to third for the final out. The Houdini act by Girard was just what the doctor ordered for the Cubs.
The Cubs went down in order in the 7th, making the bottom of the 7th all important. A fly out to right, a pop out to third, and a 6-3 ground out ended the game and started the Cubs Championship celebration! That celebration went well into the night.
A tip of the cap to the Yankees who had a great season, and are set up to contend for future championships for years to come. On a sad note, Rich Royka announced his retirement after the game. In a typically classy move, Rich came over to the Cubs' dugout as we were packing up our stuff, to congratulate us and tell us how much he enjoyed sharing the field with us for many years. Rich has always been a great player, and a class act in victory and defeat. All of the CDMSBL will miss Rich. Enjoy the time spent with your family buddy. We will miss you.
-- Edited by mgirard11 on Friday 11th of October 2024 02:37:55 PM
This championship was a total team effort. From the 16-2 regular season with all of its challenges, to the 4 game sweep throughout the playoffs. WE have some headliner talent, but championship teams also need great supporting players who put away their egos and do whatever the team needs of them. Most of these "supporting players" would have starring roles on other teams in the league, but they choose to be part of something special. The chemistry we have on the Cubs is the real secret to our success. As Manager of this team, I personally want to thank all 14 of my guys for a terrific ride! Some day soon this will all be over, but for now we are going to enjoy the heck out of it! God! I LOVE THIS GAME!
Congrats to the Cubs! This team is stacked at every position and to Mike's point - they all know their roles and execute when called upon.
Thanks for the kind words. I have been blessed to play with and against great players. Some of my teams won, some did not, but the enjoyment was always there. We are so fortunate to live in an area of the country that allows us "old" men to play baseball. My 18 year old self would never believe that I would play the game into my 60's. It's been a blast!
Congratulations to the Cubs for yet another championship to add to their illustrious history. If the Good Lords willing and the creeks dont rise, well see you all next season.
