Magic Number of 12

Anderson Killed by Shattered Dreams in Season Opener

So much expectation. So many highlights. So much fun. Where to start?

Shattered Dreams left it all out on the field in their 2009 run to the Yorkville Finals. SD was one inning away from a championship that has eluded them for nearly a decade, but once again, the hard luck Dreams fell just a little bit short to a tough opponent in a well played Yorkville classic. However, the 2009 march to the championship gave this team a renewed confidence and excitement.  With the 10 man core intact and the returning rookie of the year, what looked to be a team on the decline now seemed poised for glory. The fall brought us time to think about how close we were to a championship. Old man winter brought us snow and....the Big Stick!

So now SD was 12 strong...the most solid squad this team has ever had. Despite some concern about batting 12, it was opening day and everyone needed to get some action. It proved to be a good decision as the deep lineup flowed well and exploded for 12 runs. Was that Jeff Dubs behind the bench yesterday or Bobby Cox? In mid-season form, Jeff managed a full bench and kept the defensive alignment solid, despite multiple substitutions. He even did his best to get kicked out, arguing balls and strikes, fair or foul balls and what shape to draw the "runner's first base" in the dirt. It was playoff passion in Game 1 of the season and it was contagious.

12 men. 12 runs. 12 wins to go for a perfect championship season. I don't see any reason why not...

With some defensive lapses and several runners LOB in the first two innings, SD clearly had to shake off some cobwebs. But from the third inning on, we locked it down and there was little doubt who would prevail. Perhaps we should've started every inning with 2 outs? With two dead and losing 5-0 in the 3rd, the Dreams rallied for 7 runs. Three more 2 out runs in the 4th effectively sealed the victory and sent the attorneys across the field into a frenzy. Their objections to our charge - OVERULED!

Is there anything more clutch than a 2 out rally? This is a team of heart and of comebacks which brings us to the three stars of the game...

Big Stick is back but don't call it a comeback. He's been here for years...rockin his peers, puttin the Grapefruit leaguers in fear.... and has now returned to be the final piece in a championship puzzle. We remember him socking HRs on 128th street and in his first game back went 3-4, with a 2 out towering 3 run HR in the 4th inning. Some things change but some things stay the same. Anna may no longer be setting her hush puppies down in front of us, but Craig is still the most feared #2 hitter this side of 110th street.

and how about Hans? Rookie of the Year in 2009 and picking up where he left off. Sophomore slump? I don't think so. Order me up another Jack & Ginger and some more clutch hits, please. Hans was last seen getting a 2 out hit against the Frozen Ropes to pull us even in the championship. And in 2010, more of the same with a 2 out bases clearing double to cap the third inning rally. Outstanding. He's entering his prime (Happy Birthday today, Joel) and while some things change, some things stay the same. Maya may have matured from corn dogs and gators, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a "Kathy Morris likes this" on the Shattered Dreams Fan Page.

Finally - BP was again tremendous. Picking up where he left off, Perles fought through some early trouble and held the opponents in contempt for the rest of the game. He also was integral to both big rallies. It is clear that BP is going after it this year with as much tenacity and focus as Jessica Leccia is in her quest for a Daytime Emmy. 

Great team effort all around. Some more highlights:

- 1-3 in the lineup reached base an extraordinary 10-12 plate appearances, with 5 runs and 5 RBIs (Ed - a steady 3/4, 3 RBI, run)

- Rohin reached base 3 times with Collins, Hans, and Duff all getting on twice (Duff walked 2x!!!!)

- BOL started both big 2 out rallies

- great D for 5 innings tonight. special shout outs to Hans, Craig L and Hansen who were tremendous playing every position on the field last nite

There are few certainties in life, but it's nice to count Shattered Dreams among them. Season 1 there was a Nucci playing for us. Season 9, Nucc was on the short end of a 12-5 pounding to the Dreams.

Great game and fantastic start to what should be an awesome season. I have a feeling that the summer of 2010 will be a memorable one. Enjoy the ride!

see ya'll next week

SD4L

I think I'll name him Chizzle