Player Profile(s): Chris Powell and Brian Phelps

Why a two-for-one?  Who doesn't love a good deal?

These guys came out for the MBC at roughly the the same time, they grew up together (Novato, son!), back in the day they played in a Novato pickup league, then a Mexican league where they lost a World Series, and I would say that they represent two sides of the MBC baseball coin.

Powell is right-handed, highest fielding average and most consistent SS that we have, makes the no-man's land pop up look easy, hits for power and average, can throw multiple innings when needed, and steals with no fear.

Phelps is all those things too, except he is left-handed, plays 1st, and probably is a better outfielder.

UPDATE: The MBC history on these two.  Apparently, Chris was playing catch in GGP when he was approached by a MBC player to fill the ranks.  Classic story of how about 75% of our players first started.  He then came out a few times, then told Brian about it.

The first mention of Chris is in the 8th post of the MBC blog, back in 2008.   And surprise-surprise, it was for a home run that he hit off of me:

https://missionbaseball.blogspot.com/2008/12/see-saw-battle.html

Not too much has changed in 11 years.  Also, it is said in the write-up that it had happened several times already, so that means that he has been out for more like 13+ years.  That's a career right there.

Brian Phelps is referred to as New Guy Brian, not to be confused with Brian Cagle, who was the Brian back then.  His first mention is in March of 2009. 

https://missionbaseball.blogspot.com/2009/03/game-that-was-then-wasnt-then-was-again.html

These two are the kind of guys that you want on your team.  Good people, even-keeled, always good for a laugh, as well as a great play or a much needed run.  Brian is the more natural pitcher, and has had some epic games over the years. He has a tailing movement on his fastball, and when his curve is working, it is a late hard break.  He is also really adept at fielding off of the mound and he plays a great 1st base.

Chris is the go-to SS, can make plays to the left or the right,  as well as diving or sliding stops, and as mentioned before, has perfected the over-the-shoulder pop fly snare that has saved many a MBC inning from complete chaos.  Not a write up goes by that Powell is not mentioned in some way with a rally, or a big play, or a long hit.  It has been wondered aloud at times why Chris continues to play with us, as his skills are consistently at a higher level in all categories than all of us, and whether playing would continue to be any fun.  Hopefully he is there for the camaraderie, as well as the game.

Chris and Brian are also two of the six* people to hit a home run for the MBC in San Quentin (Chris, Brian, Satch, Carter, Nick's kid)--the * is for James' homerun, which was a long blast that cleared the fence in left, but was called foul for some inexplicable reason.  It is generally accepted that he was hosed on that, so we will count it.

Chris's hit was by far the longest. His HR was so epic that Stretch gave him the ball afterwards: 

https://missionbaseball.blogspot.com/2009/05/we-walked-out-with-our-heads-up-this.html

Brian actually hit 2 HRs in SQ in one day, also a MBC record.  I wasn't at that game, so no recap.

Brian has been in the same boat as Satch for the last few years, missing most games to spend more time with family, but still makes it out, along with Wes, part of the MBC next generation.  Chris is the stalwart attendee, always there, always contributing: SQ, as well as Sunday.

Brian also has the distinction of being the first crowned AOY as it is in its current state.  All previous winners being of the dead-ball era Bad Sportsmanship award.

As both are locally grown, there are also avid Giants fans, I don't know if Chris owns a MBC hat yet, after probably 15 years of play, he is still rocking the Giants hat, and I respect that.

Sentimentality dictates that I say Brian and Chris also represent the first of the new guard of MBC players, who bridge the gap between the original players from the 90's who have drifted away, and the new crop of regulars that we have.  I fall in that same category, and--along with Mitch--I would say these two constitute the team core of my formative years in the MBC.

Cap tip to you fellers, hope we have many years still to come playing ball.

S. Paige