Shattered Dreams Beat the Wiz
Coming off an emotional win the prior week, the Dreams set out to even their record against the "performance based online specialists", Media Whiz. This was a big game for the boys in blue. It would be their fourth straight road game to start the season and the prelude to another classic matchup with perennial arch rivals, the Frozen Ropes.
There was lots of "Shatter Chatter" on email throughout the day and in the hours leading up to game-time, the anticipation was certainly high. The rain looked like it would hold off and as the clock neared 6PM, Shattered Dreams gathered at Thomas Jefferson #3. But, as has been the trend this season, the game would not begin without controversy.
First – no catcher's mask and an ornery umpire. Then – the World Cup in Harlem. Now – the NYC Parks Department. Both teams and two umpires stood by helplessly as the field was padlocked shut. Only the pigeons could enjoy the freshly seeded field as 20 dudes and one girl in baseball pants and stirrups stood idly by.
This was an ugly start to what would be an ugly game. Surely "cousin Jeffrey" from the Parks Department would acknowledge our permit. While Flat and Jerry schmoozed the ump, Rohin practiced his newly refined swing and Collins sized up the competition. In the "clubhouse", Robbie, Duff and Seltz discussed the benefits of Google Sketch. One has to wonder if Beltran, Reyes and Castillo also ponder the various architecture software options during a rain delay.
Finally at 6:29, John Falzone gave the go-ahead, the field was unlocked and the game could finally begin. We've played Collins' former mates and now we were playing a crew that runs in my wild circle of internet marketing. What's next? A game against the conference producing, Terrapin Terrors or a match up against the Douglas Ellman Towers. Media Whiz may provide "360 degree marketing solutions" but they couldn't provide a battery that could pitch or catch.
Their pitcher's claims of tossing no-hitters in "his other league" were about as dubious as his company's claims of a "double optin database" (you know what I'm talking about Jerry). After MW took a 1-0 lead, their pitcher couldn't find the plate & the Dreams capitalized with an early 7 run inning. But as is our tendency, we didn't put the game away and somehow this subpar team clawed back to tie the game. In the top of the 6th inning, with the score tied at 7, the Dreams were inspired by the gritty performances of hurler, Brian Perles. BP was hit square in the face by a line drive in the 5thand fell like internet stock in 2001. The team rushed to the mound and brought him to his feet. Through the applause, Perles muttered – "If I am not dead, I am pitching the rest of this game". And pitch he did.
In the top of the 6th, SD responded with a rally sparked by BP. Perusing the scorebook for that half inning was like reading the lineup card before the game. In succession: Will, Rohin, Flat, Seltz and Collins crossed the plate to give the Dreams the cushion they would not relinquish.
We scored 14 runs but while this was a necessary win, it was not an impressive one. The offense was stagnant - scoring only in spurts and many times only because of Whiz miscues. We slept-walked through this one w/a dull emotional effort. The only thing sharp was Collins' tongue as he chatted with Sophie (the catcher) and berated the erratic opposing pitcher. Jeff D was even lulled into the dorkiness of our opponents as he tried to motivate Jerry with a Grand Theft Auto IV reference. wow…
On the bright side, the defense was again solid as we have allowed less than 6 runs per game. A shout out to Seaford - Nice play to end the game by Jeff D and great positioning by Duff in short center all game.
While our effort was just good enough, there were three clear stars of the game:
1. Rohin and the Swing Doctor – Did Tony Gwynn give Ian lessons at Chelsea Piers or was it some 25 year old goon from Boston? Either way – it worked. Rohin had big hits to drive in runs in 2 key spots. Also some great "saves" at 1B.
2. Perles – smacked by a line drive and still kept his perfect hair. A true gamer. Pitched 2 flawless innings to end the game and sparked the winning rally. In true SD style, he iced his sore face with a cold PBR.
3. Flat – continued his outstanding play at 3B. Fine glovework at the hot corner!
It may not have been pretty, but we beat a team we needed to. These guys were more interested in email blasts than home runs and we chalked up a victory. We even rallied to get a table for 7 at Brother Jimmy's for a post game beer. That's a good sign.
No more sleepwalking next Wednesday. It's the Yorkville game of the week. Primetime. They know us. We know them. Frozen Ropes & Shattered Dreams. Go to the cages, get a session with your batting coach, spend Tuesday night in a hotel if your baby (or dog) is crying, and most of all…get psyched. 2 in a row and counting…. Let's keep it going
Bring your gloves, bring your tape-measure and bring your passion… See ya'll Wednesday at TJ #3
SD4L
SD4L
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