As predicted by many the tournament Championship came down to Bellevue vs. Magnolia. Many predicted a high scoring game, which most likely would have favored Magnolia, but the game was a defensive duel and was won 2-1 by Bellevue in the bottom of the seventh.
Tino Peliti pitched well for four innings, allowing just four hits and striking out three. Jake Hawken was effective as well in his three innings, allowing three hits and striking out four. They each yielded a run, and the Mag boys could only match one of those runs.
Down 1-0 in the seventh Mitchell Smith was plunked by a pitch. Speedy Mitchell stole second and was bunted to third by Nick Reeves. The Bellevue bunch wanted no part of Tino Peleti and took their chances with Stuart Fairchild, who clutched up and delivered a sacrifice fly.
Magnolia was held to just four hits, delivered by David Becker, Nick Reeves, Spencer Hogger and John Peterson.
John Peterson was named MBC's tournament MVP. John earned this honor by winning two games on the mound, and batting .750 (6-8) with a double and home run.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Revenge on the Merchants
Our second game of the season, fresh of a superb win over the O'Brien Bunch. Walking tall and proud, we stumbled and had one of most disappointing games of the season. We suffered from a surprise walk off defeat to the Kirkland Merchants. We had a chance of facing them in the 4th of July tournament, but did not. We faced them today and proudly I can write that we defeated them soundly, 7-1.
Nick Reeves mowed for four innings, and could have gone all the way but the tournament rules forbade that, four inning max. Chris Luttinen came in and shut them down the rest of the way.
The lone Merchant run was controversial, and cost Coach Cougan his front row seat. With a runner on slow rolling ground ball was hit to third. After the throw to first (runner safe) the runner tried to move third and was gunned down by Spencer Hogger, the umpire at home called him out. The other umpire (if one could call him that) never saw the play, but remained at first. The Merchants argued the call and asked the home plate umpire to get the base umpire's opinion. But the first base umpire only had an opinion on the play at first (the only play he saw) and replied "safe" and the home plate umpire changed to his call. No amount of sophisticated debate by a (fuming, ranting, spitting mad) Coach Cougan could get the home plate umpire to understand that his partner was answering the wrong question. And I guess the home plate umpire could not seem to understand the base umpire repeatedly saying he did not see the play at third.
Coach Cougan then watched the rest of the game from far away in left field.
Offensively Stuart Fairchild, Nick Reeves, Spencer Hogger and Chris Luttinen all had two hit games. Mitchell Smith, Campbell Queen and John Peterson also added hits.
Nick Reeves mowed for four innings, and could have gone all the way but the tournament rules forbade that, four inning max. Chris Luttinen came in and shut them down the rest of the way.
The lone Merchant run was controversial, and cost Coach Cougan his front row seat. With a runner on slow rolling ground ball was hit to third. After the throw to first (runner safe) the runner tried to move third and was gunned down by Spencer Hogger, the umpire at home called him out. The other umpire (if one could call him that) never saw the play, but remained at first. The Merchants argued the call and asked the home plate umpire to get the base umpire's opinion. But the first base umpire only had an opinion on the play at first (the only play he saw) and replied "safe" and the home plate umpire changed to his call. No amount of sophisticated debate by a (fuming, ranting, spitting mad) Coach Cougan could get the home plate umpire to understand that his partner was answering the wrong question. And I guess the home plate umpire could not seem to understand the base umpire repeatedly saying he did not see the play at third.
Coach Cougan then watched the rest of the game from far away in left field.
Offensively Stuart Fairchild, Nick Reeves, Spencer Hogger and Chris Luttinen all had two hit games. Mitchell Smith, Campbell Queen and John Peterson also added hits.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Complete and Total Admiration
Above; Old, Older, Oldest
I am old. I am old by the standards that I developed as a youngster. Waaay old. At age 14 I made up my mind that I did not want to EVER be 45. Seriously. Those were the 60's and we were not supposed to trust anyone over 30, I was pretty sure the revolution WAS going to happen and I for one never wanted to get old.
I am old. I am old by the standards that I developed as a youngster. Waaay old. At age 14 I made up my mind that I did not want to EVER be 45. Seriously. Those were the 60's and we were not supposed to trust anyone over 30, I was pretty sure the revolution WAS going to happen and I for one never wanted to get old.
My parents were old, and in those days; and with my eyes THEY were old. I never EVER saw my old man in shorts, NEVER saw him move fast, I mean NEVER. If he had to walk briskly he had to have his hand over his pocket to keep his change from jingling.
In those days Jack LaLane was considered a bona fide FREAK because he believed in exercise.
And as a boy I had Robin Roberts' baseball card. Even back then I thought, wow this guy is old, this guy has been around; how does he get anyone OUT?
Maybe you think this way about Jamie Moyer. If you listen to the press and media, all you hear about is how old Jamie is. How he gets hitters out with smoke and mirrors. How he cannot last, how he MUST be living on borrowed time.
Here is my take. I have always thought this and after today EVEN I came away MORE impressed than ever, but I am old.
Yeah, he only throws 83 or 84 tops. In the days with closers throwing 99 this sounds like easy pickings.
Only 83 84. Well let me tell you, that is plenty fast. It ain't that bad; most mortals cannot touch it, and even guys like Ted Williams have to concentrate to hit it. Especially when it is located, especially when it moves.
I have known Jamie for six years now. I was a former catcher. I caught guys that were pretty damn good. Mark Bishop was pretty damn good. A big winner in college and Mark pitched well into his late 30's for the Seattle Studs Semi Pro team. Mark was a thinker, a competitor and a scrapper. I caught Wyatt Tonkin who threw absolute gas and got a cup of coffee with the Braves in the early 80's. I caught Floyd Bannister, Kennedy High School super star, ASU premier pitcher, and number 1 draft pick of 1976 and Mariner stand out.
I caught Jamie today and he WOWED me. He hit spots. HE HIT SPOTS. He hit spots in long toss. He hit spots from the mound. He made it move in. He made it move out. He made it move down. And he made it move to his spots. And each time HE CALLED HIS SHOT.
I have always been a fan, I mean how can I not be, but today I FOUND OUT WHY he still gets big leaguers out.
COMPLETE AND TOTAL ADMIRATION
Saturday, July 10, 2010
MBC Edges Woodinville to Win Tournament Pool
MBC beat Woodinville 7-6 to advance as Pool B's number one seed. A trio of Spencer Hogger, Mitchell Smith and John Peterson combined for the win, with John gaining his second win of the day!
And what a day it was for John Peterson, 2-2 with a double in game #1, pitched four two hit six strikeout innings in game #1 and was the star of game two as well. John was 2-2 in game #2 with a two run home run and RBI single, both with two outs. He had better eat the same thing for breakfast tomorrow!
Stuart Fairchild, who has spent the entire season bouncing balls off of fences FINALLY got one to travel over the fence with a mammoth blast to left center. Jake Hawken smacked a triple to right, but came up lame running the bases, he is now listed as day to day.
Magnolia Voted Best 14 Year Old Team in Olympia Area
Last week MBC 14's beat the Capital City Halo's and this week they man handled the South Sound All-Stars. If we all moved down there we would be kings!
MBC made quick work of it besting South Sound 11-1. John Peterson was dazzling, but suffered from Coach "Should Know Better" Bishop's comment that John was perfect through two innings. He ended the game with six K's and allowed only two hits.
John was part of the story offensively as well, both he and Tino Peleti were 2-2, John with a big RBI double and Tino with a grand slam home run.
Stuart Fairchild doubled to the wall as well, and both Campbell Queen and David Becker added hits.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
FYI
A quick look at the Koufax standings show us at 10-10 and out of the play-offs. Just so you guys know, I took a look at the other division and noticed that the top two teams in that division are the Stealheads and the Moon Valley team. Life is full of would'a, should'a, could'a's, but I am pretty sure we would have run away with the Cascade Division and be in place to be the team to beat in that tourney.
But I also want to add, I talked some with the Stealhead coach and he confirmed that there were teams in that division that they beat just by showing up, that he had some regrets that his team did not face the level of competition that he would have liked.
So, you got that going for you.
But I also want to add, I talked some with the Stealhead coach and he confirmed that there were teams in that division that they beat just by showing up, that he had some regrets that his team did not face the level of competition that he would have liked.
So, you got that going for you.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Take a Look at These Averages!
Some highlights from the Tourney
Tino .714, 2 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 5RBI
Start .353, 2 2B 10 RBI
John .500, 5 RBI
Nick .429
Jake .455, 3 2B
David & Mitchell both .412
Keenan .333, 2B, 5 RBI
Campbell .308, 2B 4 RBI
And this is not official but Mitchell Smith was named Pitcher of the Tourney and will be featured on next year's T-shirt (assuming he can come to financial terms with the Kirkland Merchants)
Tino .714, 2 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 5RBI
Start .353, 2 2B 10 RBI
John .500, 5 RBI
Nick .429
Jake .455, 3 2B
David & Mitchell both .412
Keenan .333, 2B, 5 RBI
Campbell .308, 2B 4 RBI
And this is not official but Mitchell Smith was named Pitcher of the Tourney and will be featured on next year's T-shirt (assuming he can come to financial terms with the Kirkland Merchants)
A Snowman in July Brings End to MBC's Championship Run
Things looked bright for MBC in the Championship game until a rare siting of a snowman on the fourth of July brought their run to an end. Who knew, who could have seen this coming, but an 8 run fifth inning spelled the end for MBC as they lost 12-9.
It was a gallant effort for this team. Low on pitching coming in, the team played five games in four days. Everyone stepped up, everyone did their best, but it was just not enough.
MBC scored first in the second inning. Campbell Queen led off with a single but two infield ground balls left Nick Reeves on first with two out. Jake Hawken then crushed a double into the gap which scored Nick and gave MBC an early lead.
In the third MBC went up 3-0. After two outs Spencer Hogger singled and after another single by Tino Peleti, Stuart Fairchild launched a triple deep into the gap to score them both. What could have been a bigger inning ended on a questionable call (one of TOO DXXN many from the field umpire in my IRATE opinion) at first on Campbell Queen's ground ball.
The Bombers Navy scored two in their half of the third as the field umpire concluded to the surprise of our team that Keenan Heller had not fully secured a ball on a force at second. Apparently he could "sense" that the ball was "loose" in Keenan's glove, grrrr.
Two more runs in the fourth put MBC down as they batted in their half of the fifth. Mitchell was plunked to start the rally and after one out the Bombers had seen enough of Tino and intentionally walked him. I guess that in all the excitement this weekend they hadn't noticed how deadly Stuart Fairchild's bat was as well. Stuart launched a booming double to score them both and Campbell Queen immediately changed places with Stuart with his own double. MBC proceeded to load the bases and then things started to get ugly, for us!
He should'a been released last year, and I am sure he will never be back, but that old stinker Bubba Galush was picked off third, and then in a crazy circus atmosphere that I just do not want to dwell on the SNOWMAN in July appeared and MBC was down 12-5.
There was last minute hope. MBC did make them nervous in the seventh. They scored two runs on hits by David Becker, Nick Reeves, John Peterson and Keenan Heller and had the bases loaded with the Bomber's worst nightmare on deck and in the hole, Tino and Stuart. But it was not to be. A high infield chopper and a race to third base was won by the Bombers, and it was over.
It was a gallant effort for this team. Low on pitching coming in, the team played five games in four days. Everyone stepped up, everyone did their best, but it was just not enough.
MBC scored first in the second inning. Campbell Queen led off with a single but two infield ground balls left Nick Reeves on first with two out. Jake Hawken then crushed a double into the gap which scored Nick and gave MBC an early lead.
In the third MBC went up 3-0. After two outs Spencer Hogger singled and after another single by Tino Peleti, Stuart Fairchild launched a triple deep into the gap to score them both. What could have been a bigger inning ended on a questionable call (one of TOO DXXN many from the field umpire in my IRATE opinion) at first on Campbell Queen's ground ball.
The Bombers Navy scored two in their half of the third as the field umpire concluded to the surprise of our team that Keenan Heller had not fully secured a ball on a force at second. Apparently he could "sense" that the ball was "loose" in Keenan's glove, grrrr.
Two more runs in the fourth put MBC down as they batted in their half of the fifth. Mitchell was plunked to start the rally and after one out the Bombers had seen enough of Tino and intentionally walked him. I guess that in all the excitement this weekend they hadn't noticed how deadly Stuart Fairchild's bat was as well. Stuart launched a booming double to score them both and Campbell Queen immediately changed places with Stuart with his own double. MBC proceeded to load the bases and then things started to get ugly, for us!
He should'a been released last year, and I am sure he will never be back, but that old stinker Bubba Galush was picked off third, and then in a crazy circus atmosphere that I just do not want to dwell on the SNOWMAN in July appeared and MBC was down 12-5.
There was last minute hope. MBC did make them nervous in the seventh. They scored two runs on hits by David Becker, Nick Reeves, John Peterson and Keenan Heller and had the bases loaded with the Bomber's worst nightmare on deck and in the hole, Tino and Stuart. But it was not to be. A high infield chopper and a race to third base was won by the Bombers, and it was over.
MBC Needs Big Inning to Beat Stealheads
MBC relied on one big inning to beat the Stealheads and advance to the championship game.
The fireworks came in the fourth with MBC down 5-0. Mitchell Smith led the inning off with a walk which was followed by a Spencer Hogger single. Steals put the runners on second and third with Tino coming to the plate. Tino launched a towering home run to bring MBC back to a 5-3 deficit. But the inning was just starting.
Stuart Fairchild then drove a ball to the wall for a double and was scored when Campbell Queen singled. After two quick outs the bats came alive again when Jake Hawken doubled, Chris Luttinen walked and both were doubled home by Keenan Heller. When the dust settled MBC had the lead 7-5.
Oh but things are not so easy for this team and they promptly let the Stealheads right back in by giving up three runs in the fifth.
Mitchell Smith led the MBC half of the fifth off with a big double and was quickly brought home by Tino's next big hit, a triple. Stuart Fairchild then hit a possible sacrifice fly, but a strong throw by the Steelhead left fielder stopped Tino at the plate.
But MBC now had the lead and it was Jake Hawken time, and he did not disappoint. The big guy came in and blew away the Stealheads striking out four in his two innings to seal the deal.
His job was made somewhat easier when after two were out in the sixth consecutive hits by Nick Reeves, Jake Hawken, John Peterson, Keenan Heller and Mitchell Smith gave MBC three more runs.
The fireworks came in the fourth with MBC down 5-0. Mitchell Smith led the inning off with a walk which was followed by a Spencer Hogger single. Steals put the runners on second and third with Tino coming to the plate. Tino launched a towering home run to bring MBC back to a 5-3 deficit. But the inning was just starting.
Stuart Fairchild then drove a ball to the wall for a double and was scored when Campbell Queen singled. After two quick outs the bats came alive again when Jake Hawken doubled, Chris Luttinen walked and both were doubled home by Keenan Heller. When the dust settled MBC had the lead 7-5.
Oh but things are not so easy for this team and they promptly let the Stealheads right back in by giving up three runs in the fifth.
Mitchell Smith led the MBC half of the fifth off with a big double and was quickly brought home by Tino's next big hit, a triple. Stuart Fairchild then hit a possible sacrifice fly, but a strong throw by the Steelhead left fielder stopped Tino at the plate.
But MBC now had the lead and it was Jake Hawken time, and he did not disappoint. The big guy came in and blew away the Stealheads striking out four in his two innings to seal the deal.
His job was made somewhat easier when after two were out in the sixth consecutive hits by Nick Reeves, Jake Hawken, John Peterson, Keenan Heller and Mitchell Smith gave MBC three more runs.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
A Tie is a Big Win For MBC in Final Game of Pool Play
MBC played its last game of pool play knowing it had qualified for a berth in the championship round. Having the ability to "save" a pitcher, MBC tapped on catcher Mitchell Smith to start the game at pitcher.
What a wonderful surprise. Mitchell threw 2 1/3 innings of perfect ball before walking his first batter and took a no hitter into the fourth. This news source is prohibited from describing the events of the fourth inning, but let us just say the circus came to town and set up a tent in the MBC infield. At the end of the fourth inning MBC's 8-0 lead had become a tie game, 'nuff said.
MBC was rolling in running up the 8-0 lead. Mitchell Smith had three hits, Spencer Hogger, Tino Peleti, David Becker and Nick Reeves had two hits and John Peterson had a hit.
The tie actually gave MBC all it needed to win its pool and send it them into the Championship Round as the number 1 seed, plus saving some arms for the chore ahead!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Hot MBC Wins Game Two of 4th of July Tourney
Same score, same results, different hero's, MBC wins again against the Capital City Halos.
MBC fell behind 1-0 early, tied it, fell behind 3-1, tied it and fell behind 4-3 before exploding in the fifth to put the game away.
Crafty John Peterson pitched five strong innings bending slightly but never giving in. His grit and determination kept MBC close the entire way. After MBC took the lead in the fifth Jake Hawken came in for a two inning close for the save.
Jake's arm also made a giant play early in the contest. With a their lead off man on first the Halos put on a hit and run. The batter hit a ground ball to third and the base runner kept on running to try to take third. Jake threw a laser beam strike to Keenan Heller to just nab the runner for a double play.
MBC score in the third when Nick Reeves led off with a single. Nick stole second and took third on a wild pitch. After two were out and he looked to be stranded, Mitchell Smith rocked a solid single to score him.
In the fourth a lead -off walk to Spencer Hogger was followed by a mammoth double by Tino Peliti. Tino then scored on David Becker's single.
In the sixth Coach Cougan pulled out his crystal ball to predict good things for the MBC team. After a walk to Keenan the Halos recorded two quick outs. While Spencer Hogger was at the plate Coach Cougan told Stuart Fairchild to "get ready, Spence is getting on and they are going to walk Tino". Sure enough the Halo pitcher plunked Spencer, and would not throw a ball near Tino bringing Stuart up with the bases loaded. Stuart then showed the Halos why he bats behind Tino by driving a ball all the way to the left-center fence to score all three runners.
Jake Hawken then made quick work of the remaining Halos with a two run lead. Jake struck out four in his two innings and brought home the win.
MBC fell behind 1-0 early, tied it, fell behind 3-1, tied it and fell behind 4-3 before exploding in the fifth to put the game away.
Crafty John Peterson pitched five strong innings bending slightly but never giving in. His grit and determination kept MBC close the entire way. After MBC took the lead in the fifth Jake Hawken came in for a two inning close for the save.
Jake's arm also made a giant play early in the contest. With a their lead off man on first the Halos put on a hit and run. The batter hit a ground ball to third and the base runner kept on running to try to take third. Jake threw a laser beam strike to Keenan Heller to just nab the runner for a double play.
MBC score in the third when Nick Reeves led off with a single. Nick stole second and took third on a wild pitch. After two were out and he looked to be stranded, Mitchell Smith rocked a solid single to score him.
In the fourth a lead -off walk to Spencer Hogger was followed by a mammoth double by Tino Peliti. Tino then scored on David Becker's single.
In the sixth Coach Cougan pulled out his crystal ball to predict good things for the MBC team. After a walk to Keenan the Halos recorded two quick outs. While Spencer Hogger was at the plate Coach Cougan told Stuart Fairchild to "get ready, Spence is getting on and they are going to walk Tino". Sure enough the Halo pitcher plunked Spencer, and would not throw a ball near Tino bringing Stuart up with the bases loaded. Stuart then showed the Halos why he bats behind Tino by driving a ball all the way to the left-center fence to score all three runners.
Jake Hawken then made quick work of the remaining Halos with a two run lead. Jake struck out four in his two innings and brought home the win.
MBC Wins Thriller in Game One of 4th of July Tourney
Big bats, good plays (some bad plays), a lot of arms and timing combine for a win for Magnolia.
Two triples, another pirouette move by Keenan, some first base mystery men and an entourage of four pitchers.
Tino Peleti started and pitched three wonderful innings, but tired in the fourth. Staked with a two run lead going into the fourth a tired Tino gave up four runs to Moon Valley. A tired Spencer Hogger pitched a nice fifth, and Jimmy Sheldrup pitched a solid sixth.
MBC was slow to score. It was not until the third inning, and even then not until two were out that they showed any offense. Hot hitting John Peterson started things with a sharp single and was followed by a walk to Keenan Heller. Mitchell Smith quickly got to two strikes before launching a ball way over the head of the left fielder for a two run triple.
MBC threatened in the fifth by loading the bases, but once again came up empty.
After one out in the sixth MBC tied the game. Tino belted a booming triple (perhaps hitting it further than his home run on Monday) and was promptly driven in by Stuart Fairchild single. After a walk to Campbell Queen, Jimmy Sheldrup singled to load the bases. John Peterson scored a run with his second hit and a walk to Keenan Heller tied the game.
In the seventh Moon Valley had seen enough of Tino and they walked him. After a single by Stuart Fairchild (and a steal) MBC had men on second and third for Campbell Queen. Campbell hit a deep fly to left to give MBC the go ahead run.
John Peterson closed the game out. Coming in with no out and a man on first, John was aided by a great throw by Cambelll Queen to nail the baserunner as he tried to move up on a blocked ball in the dirt. John then retired the side with a pop up and a flyball to center.
Two triples, another pirouette move by Keenan, some first base mystery men and an entourage of four pitchers.
Tino Peleti started and pitched three wonderful innings, but tired in the fourth. Staked with a two run lead going into the fourth a tired Tino gave up four runs to Moon Valley. A tired Spencer Hogger pitched a nice fifth, and Jimmy Sheldrup pitched a solid sixth.
MBC was slow to score. It was not until the third inning, and even then not until two were out that they showed any offense. Hot hitting John Peterson started things with a sharp single and was followed by a walk to Keenan Heller. Mitchell Smith quickly got to two strikes before launching a ball way over the head of the left fielder for a two run triple.
MBC threatened in the fifth by loading the bases, but once again came up empty.
After one out in the sixth MBC tied the game. Tino belted a booming triple (perhaps hitting it further than his home run on Monday) and was promptly driven in by Stuart Fairchild single. After a walk to Campbell Queen, Jimmy Sheldrup singled to load the bases. John Peterson scored a run with his second hit and a walk to Keenan Heller tied the game.
In the seventh Moon Valley had seen enough of Tino and they walked him. After a single by Stuart Fairchild (and a steal) MBC had men on second and third for Campbell Queen. Campbell hit a deep fly to left to give MBC the go ahead run.
John Peterson closed the game out. Coming in with no out and a man on first, John was aided by a great throw by Cambelll Queen to nail the baserunner as he tried to move up on a blocked ball in the dirt. John then retired the side with a pop up and a flyball to center.
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