Did you know that -- In 1944 - All major-league baseball games were canceled as the country's focus turned toward the Allied invasion of occupied France.
Ray Mills returned to finishing cleaning out the house and picking up his car in order to head north. John Gibson convinced him to come out and play. It was great to see him and despite not being the winning pitcher, he seemed to really enjoy seeing everyone and lacing up his cleats. Twenty eight players came out today and so everyone did extra duty by either coaching, umpiring, running for teammates, or playing for the other team. With everyone cooperating and Steve Hill umpiring behind the plate, we were able to put three teams on the field and a great game was played.
The hitting team was managed by Richie Moots. His players were Herbie O, Constantine, Edwards, Zelazny, Jacobs, D. Hill, Wells, Moots, and G Baker. They started strong by scoring five runs in each of the first two innings. Frank Jacobs provided the power with a home run in the second.
The sitting team was managed by Ron Butler. He was supported by Dampier, Coffman, Witmer, Marino, Simon Butler, Chrest, Thompson, and L. Baker. They started strong but went cold stranding three runners in the first. In the second they were three and out and facing a big challenge if they were going to win this one.
The fielding team was managed by Fred Gonzalez. His roster included himself, T Smith, C Duff, DeRidder, Hite, Matta, Bess, Merritt,, Wells, and Gibson. They got triples by Hite and Matta in the first inning to score four runs. In the second, Gonzalez hit a double and scored the second of two runs in the second.
With the score,10-0-6, the only team that had any success in the third was Team Butler as they scored three runs to tighten up the game. In the fourth, the fortunes turned again and this time it was Team Gonzalez that put up the big numbers. Team Moots scored a lone run while Team Butler tallied two. In the meantime, Team Gonzalez put up four aided by a big triple by Duff. There was only one run scored in the ensuing two innings and that run came when Edwards, for Team Moots, lead off with a double.
Going into the ninth it truly was anyone's game. Team Moots was in the lead with twelve runs.Team Gonzalez had ten runs, and Team Butler held close with six. Team Moots went four and out and so had to play strong defense and then hope Team Butler could shut down Team Gonzalez Team Butler started strong and scored one early. Unfortunately D Hill's play up the middle shut them down with a great double play. It was now Team Gonzalez' to win or lose. They needed two to tie and three to win. With the first two batters making outs, Team Moots was starting to feel pretty confident. That was until Matta and Bess both reached base. With the winning run at the plate, Ray was biting his nails as he saw a chance of going out a winner within his grasp. Unfortunately it was not to be as the next batter flew out to end the game. Team Moots 12, Team Butler 6, and Team Gonzalez 10.
Key Performances
Bob Zelazny 4 for 4
Frank Jacobs 4 for 4 with a homer
Josh Wells 3 for 4 and winning pitcher
Rich Moots 3 for 4
Jeff Simon 3 for 4
Fred Gonzalez 3 for 4 with three triples
Chuck Duff 3 for 4 with a triple
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