Good Shabbos

Dreams Edge Snafu in Unorthodox Style

 

For a team which boasts a starting lineup chock full of Jews, Shattered Dreams refused to rest Friday evening before securing a victory against the Yorkville veterans, Snafu. From the very outset, this game was far from normal. During pre-game warmups, Flatline surveyed the field and commented, "This definitely has that rag-tag Shattered Dreams feel to it....but I am confident". And with good reason, Ed...This team has chutzpah.

 

The Dreams were without two of their most important hitters but were looking to improve to 6-1 on the season and set up a showdown with UBS next week. Both Ian Rohin (who has more big hits than Neil Diamond) and Jon Seltzer (who has been hotter than brisket on Passover), were noticeably missing from a lineup which has averaged more than 19 runs/game. Two newcomers donned the SD uniform for the first time ever. With a doctor in right field and a guy nicknamed for the 3 Stooges at first base, this night would certainly be different than all other nights.

 

As sundown approached, there was still no sign of anyone from Yorkville to call the game. Tension and anxiety levels rose as both teams pondered whether the umpire had started the Sabbath early. As the sun set in the western sky, we desperately tried to recruit an old man on Amsterdam Ave, in knee high black socks, to stand in as umpire for a $20 stipend. Finally, coach Dubs made like Yitzhak Rabin and struck an accord w/the opposing team - we'd officiate the game ourselves and both phone in the results to the venerable Al Morales. This was not be the last heroic act for our fearless leader on Friday night....

 

With uncertainty in the air, the Dreams struck the initial blow, posting 2 runs in the top of the first, as both place setters at the top of the lineup reached base and scored. This had all the makings of another SD blow-out. We were gonna light these guys up like a Menorah on the last night of Hanukkah. But wait - not so fast!!!...The usually reliable Brian Perles, couldn't find the plate and Snafu loaded the bases with only one out. From the stands, Alana and Brenna speculated as to what was causing Brian's wildness. Was he thinking about the classic El Duque-Nick Swisher matchup going on but 15 miles away at Shea Stadium? Was he bothered by the artificial turf? Or was he pondering new features of Slingbox mobile? 

 

Three events defined this game.  The numbers 9-2-5 defined this inning. On a hard shot to right center field, Robbie Hansen scooped up the ball and fired a bullet to home plate. From left field, I felt like I was watching a Tom Emansky instructional video. Jerry Miller caught the ball, ran the runner back to third and fired a strike to Flatline who promptly applied the tag. One run scored, but the rally was over. Well done fellas...

 

The game then became a defensive struggle - neither team doing much damage with the bats. The Dreams tallyed only a meager 7 hits and posted matzah balls on the scoreboard for most of the game. However, after the third inning Perles changed his shoes, got a new ball, regained his focus and was once again as solid as the Rock of Gilbralter. As Duff and I watched him warm up from the outfield, we saw a noticeable change and we knew this game was far from over. For the next 4 innings, an invigorated BP went after the opposing hitters like they were a plate of humus meat at Nargila.

 

Finally in the top of the sixth inning, the waters parted for Shattered Dreams and a flood of clutch play fell upon Snafu. This was the second pivotal event of the game. A timely Collins double was followed by Flatline weilding the bat like a giant lamb shank and laying down an important sacrifice. Then Robbie Hansen, who at the beginning of the inning prophetized "I am going to get it on the ground", came through yet  again and hit a chopper to the left side. Craig Collins distracted the third baseman and then scored the tying run. After I caused some controversy with an unsure call on a near double play, Jeff Dubs came to bat. What a mensch! Jeff blasted a double into the gap, giving Shattered Dreams a 4-3 lead that they would not relinquish.

 

After a quick bottom 6th and top 7th, Snafu came up for their last licks. Again - it became time for JD to shine. A runner on second with two out and a bloop was sent into right center field.... BP later exclaimed, "Oy veh!!! I thought it was trouble as soon as it came off the bat". Then the Shaft put the icing on his flourless cake with a web gem for the ages. Jumping into the stratosphere like Ozzie Smith, Jeff showed unparalleled agility by snagging the ball in midair, and diving to the turf below - securing the ball and another SD victory in the process. Apparantly Brenna's gymnastic prowess has rubbed off on Jeff (perhaps he is practicing his floor exercises with all that space in his new Brooklyn pad?). In any event - Mazel Tav, Jeff. Way to save the game....

 

Friday night's victory was unorthodox for many reasons and so I think it would be ok if we make like King Soloman and split the gator in half. Robbie and Jeff - well deserved!

 

The post game was also not your traditional party, but the PBRs did flow. Not exactly the Rat Pack - but Jerry, BP, Dr. Coppa, Mo, Hollie (trying to fill the sarcasm void left by the absent Craig Collins) and myself - did dial it up at Brother Jimmy's. While Jerry and I reminisced over pictures on the Jimmy's bulletin board and re-counted highlights of SD yesteryear, Coppa MD gave his prognosis for the '07 Dreams. "I think this team has what it takes. Good pitching, solid defense, timely hitting and most of all heart. My diagnosis: You guys have a fever and the only remedy is  - Playoffs!". It was certainly not the typical party, but in true SD tradition, the bartender did shout out "hey Shattered Dreams" and lined up free shots for the boys in blue. L'Chaim!

 

Hopefully, the game counts, but if it doesn't - this team has once again displayed its resiliency that has made our people, er our team, strong. I don't have to even say how looking forward to Wednesday I am. It's a short week - so let's keep the momentum going and leave it all out on the field. To be the best, you have to beat the best.....These guys bounced us in the playoffs last year and stand firmly in our way of immortality again - so let's shake the demons and send them a loud message two nights from now.

 

6:30 PM. 110 Street. Our home turf. See ya'll there.

SD4L