4/25/10- Camp Swampy

It was a glorious return to one of the lesser favored fields in MBC's arsenal, and true to Swampy's demeanor, one of us was injured before the day was out. But we had 22 players, and some interesting plays to make the day worthwhile.

Johnny Bartlett was hungry to start and was on the bump before everyone had even warmed up. His defense spread out behind him and then before we knew it, 9 runs had been scored. Yeah, 9. Bloops were popular, as were seeing-eye ground balls, and the occasional misplayed pop up. Johnny kept his composure but we could tell he was not having a very good time. Satch started for the visitors, and set down the homers before they could answer back with any runs. A meeting of the minds decided that a trade was in order, and so Mike Lattig was dealt away to the home team for one Mr. Doc Magrane. We decided to keep going and see how it went. The homers finally got on the board, but quickly the visitors sprang back to take the run away and we entered the 3rd 10-1. And we somehow we stayed in the 3rd inning for about two and half innings, no one was quite sure what happened, but I do know I had thrown 6 innings by the bottom of the 4th.

In any case, the homers kept chipping away, and our big time offense slowed way down to the tune of 2 runs, and by the end of the 7th the score stood 12-7, and Sean was on the hill treating us all to what he does best. Satch gave way to Tony Rojas who threw some dynamite ball, working his new changeup and breaking stuff in. He also had a sly pickoff that saved us from the beginnings of a rally. By the end of the 9th (11th) we were all pretty tired, Greg was on to close it out, and a new guy, also Greg was in for the homers. The sun was in everybody's eyes, and windblown and dried out, we recorded the final out and put a final of 14-8 in the books.

Highlights

• Brian's lady friend and Mrs. Paige were steady spectators through most of the game
• New guy Jeff, who had his first game at GGP, took a ground ball to the finger and had to leave the game, nail gone, blood aflowing, sorry kid, I know it's cold comfort that we have all been there, see you back soon!
• Satch had a mighty wallop, with the old Pete bat, felt good to get solid contact, of course now San Quentin only allows metal bats....
• Greg came from a camping/biking trip at China Camp, and swore he wouldn't catch, only to catch 8 innings, that's why we love ya Greg, you're all heart and soul for the MBC!
• Doc ran faster to get a foul ball that we told him to leave alone, than he has in years, We were saying Let it go, not GO GO GO GO!
• Another new guy Joe, had a deep drive in his first game
• Mr. Bob Carey graced us with his presence and Satch felt compelled to throw at him, but nice and slow, and he moved out of the way, sometimes the gesture is better than the actual
• Brian playing left handed shortstop, sure why not?
• If I remember correctly, Brian Girgus got a hit, and didn't make any errors, does it only happen when I am pitching, Brian?
• Jayson and all who might feel the urge, when one's team is ahead by 10 runs, one probably shouldn't steal second and third. Now you did get plunked, so I can rationalize that, but come on
• A glorious day for a ball game

Saturday in the Big House, squaring up with some killers, Sunday in the Marina, hopefully with some parolees (if the bums show up to enjoy the day)

S. Paige