GDS Coed Softball Leagues
coverage by Mike Loser
Week 5
Marlton League
HK Bombers vs. Hit & Run
This game was a friggin marathon - it took almost 2 hours to complete this one with over 30 runs scored between both teams. In the end, Hit & Run bested the HK Bombers 25-12 to improve to 3-2 on the season. The HK Bombers dropped to 3-2.
Hit & Run jumped on the HK Bombers early with a 2 run homerun by Mike Powell. It looked as if the HK Bombers would bounce right back in the bottom of the inning when Mason Stewart beat out an infield single (I’m surprised he didn’t bunt). That was all the offense they could come up with in the inning and they were down 2-0 at the end of the first.
Joe “Cargo Pants” got things going for Hit & Run in the 2nd with a circus-slide into 3rd base and then went on to score on one of many errors on the day for the HK Bombers. The HK Bombers had something going in the bottom half of the inning when they worked 3 walks to load the bases with no outs. They probably should have scored on a sac fly to left but for some reason, the runner on 3rd froze and didn’t attempt to score. Liz Carty then grounded back to the pitcher who went home to first for an inning ending double play.
Hit & Run opened things up a little bit in the 3rd inning. After Ashley Corcoran flied out to right for out #1, Andrea Harner and Russell “Rusty Griswald” Reese hit back to back singles and scored a run on some more sloppy play by the HK Bombers following another single by Mike Carnevale. Kevin Newell then came up with runners on first & third and hit a shot to 2nd basemen Mason Stewart who couldn’t handle it and Hit & Run scored another run. Joe “Cargo pants” got himself a base hit up the middle to load the bases for Jerry Martinelli who knocked 2 runs in with a single to left. Hit & Run managed to score one more before the HK Bombers finally got out of the inning. The HK Bombers came up in the bottom of the 3rd and made 2 quick outs. Mason Stewart came up and tried to weasel his way on by taking a pitch off his leg (at least he didn’t try to bunt this time!) but managed to earn a free pass anyway after taking a few more pitches. An infield single by Chris Szalma scored Mason Stewart but that was all the offense the HK Bombers could muster as Brent Mileski grounded out to end the inning.
Hit & Run got a leadoff single out of Amanda Corcoran in the top of the fourth and managed to get another runner on base on another error by the HK Bombers but couldn’t get any runners across the plate as Eugene Smith settled down on the mound and got out of the inning with no damage done. Courtney Stewart followed a lead off single with a single of her own to put 2 runners on with Eugene Smith coming to the plate who hit a screamer to shortstop for an out but moved a runner into scoring position. Jess Biekiak then snuck one through the left side of the infield which scored another run for the HK Bombers. Liz Carty then fouled out to end the inning and the scoring for the HK Bombers.
The floodgates opened for Hit & Run and they opened up their lead even more in the fifth inning. Eugene Smith walked Mike Powell who scored on a triple by Kevin Newell. Joe “Cargo Pants” hit a blooper to short which he somehow stretched into a double scored Kevin Newell. It looked like the HK Bombers were going to get out of the inning but Eugene Smith & Mason Stewart couldn’t turn a double play which would’ve helped their cause. After the left fielder lost what should have been an easy out in the sun, Mike Carnevale took advantage of the opportunity and knocked in another run for Hit & Run. Ashley Corcoran knocked in 2 more before the inning ended to give Hit & Run a 16-2 lead. The HK Bombers showed some fight in the bottom half of the inning and cut into Hit & Run’s lead. Jerry Altman led off with a walk and 2 outs later, the HK Bombers worked 2 more walks to load the bases for Brent Mileski. The HK Bombers got 4 runs back when Mileski came up huge with a grand slam and another single knocked in another run.
Hit & Run got another run back in the top half of the 6th on an RBI single by Jerry Martinelli. The HK Bombers couldn’t get much going in their turn at bat in the 6th and the game finally looked like it might be coming to a close.
The bats of Hit & Run came alive in the top of the 7th and 4 runs and what felt like 4 hours later, the top half of the inning was finally over. Brad Lidge came in for Hit & Run to close things out and immediately issued walks to Jerry Altman, Bob Sapio, & Mason Stewart to load the bases. The HK Bombers managed to score 6 runs in the inning on a hit by Chris Szalma, a 2 run triple by Brent Mileski, and a single by Shawn Nam. The HK Bombers loaded the bases once again after a single by Eugene Smith but a nice double play by Hit & Run shut the door on the comeback attempt. Finally, this game ended with a score of 25-12 ( I think…..I fell asleep a few times and may have missed a run or 2)
AROUND THE MARLTON LEAGUE: We Got the Runs kept rolling with a big win over Sta-Green Turf Care. The Hairy Koalas kept the Ball Busters in the basement with a 15-9 win. The wheels continued to fall of for PJ's as the dropped to 3-2 with a 9-8 loss to Balls & Knockers.
Week 5
Hammonton League
Prestige Worldwide vs. I'll Hit That
At first glance, I would’ve thought that I’ll Hit that would win this one after seeing their phenomenal matching socks and hats. They were no match for Prestige Worldwide, who was shorthanded with only one girl playing, as they lost 21-6 on a cold windy day.
At first glance, I would’ve thought that I’ll Hit that would win this one after seeing their phenomenal matching socks and hats. They were no match for Prestige Worldwide, who was shorthanded with only one girl playing, as they lost 21-6 on a cold windy day.
Dennis Gray started things off for I’ll Hit That with a single to right followed by another single by the #2 hitter – Shay. Jason Speller got on base on a fielder’s choice and I’ll Hit That had 2 men on with one out. Cleanup hitter Rob Jardel came up and popped out to short. Sam followed that with a single to left which knocked in the first run of the day for I’ll Hit That. Jennifer Gola, who was talking some smack on the GDS Facebook page, walked Kevin Lisek to start off the bottom of the 1st. James Huff-Miller smacked a 2 run homer to give Prestige Worldwide the lead. Dave Rubman, despite his terrible taste in headwear (a mets hat), followed the homerun with a single to right. John Hansen knocked in a run with an RBI triple and Prestige Worldwide scored 2 more before the inning was over.
I’ll Hit That managed to get a leadoff single but Bill Zbrozek was robbed by the 3rd baseman of Prestige Worldwide which most likely would’ve knocked in a run or 2. Kevin Lisek got another free pass in the bottom of the inning from Jen Gola who also walked the next batter. Dave “Silly Mets fan” Rubman flied out to right but Neal Galletta (who was rocking a Yankees hat…what’s with these NY fans???) picked up his slack and knocked in Kevin Lisek on a line drive to left.
Jen Gola made up for her wild pitching with a single to right field which was followed by a walk to Mike Eng. Dennis Gray couldn’t move the runners but a single one batter later loaded the bases for Jason Speller who singled to left and drove in 2 runs. Rob Jardel then singled to short right to load the bases again. Neal Galletta appeared to have an easy out but he booted a ground ball and allowed another run to score on a groundball by Sam. Newcomer Michelle Crean led off the bottom of the 3rd with her 2nd walk of the day – I don’t know if she’s just really patient or just really short. Jim Gagliardi then singled to right center to put 2 on with 1 out for Kevin Lisek who I don’t think swung the bat up until this point in the game. He was probably better off trying to get another walk as he flied out to center for out #2. James Huff-Miller tripled which scored Michelle Crean and Jim Gagliardi who almost caught up to her as he crossed home plate….he’s a lot faster than he looks! Dave Rubman then doubled to drive in a run and then got himself caught in a pickle. He got himself out of it and advanced to third but then got a little greedy and got gunned out at home trying to score. I guess he’s been watching too many Mets games.
The 4th inning went pretty quickly. After Keith Huggins lead off with a single, Jackie Gola grounded into a double play to Neal Galletta who also caught a pop up for the third out of the inning. Luke “Pink Hat” legged out an infield single and scored on a shot to left field which went over the head of Rob Jardel. Then, Michelle Crean fouled out, Jim Gagliardi lined out to short, and Prestige Worldwide then had to take the 3rd out for not having enough girls.
I’ll Hit That started a little rally in the top of the fifth to get a little bit closer. Dennis Gray lead off the inning with basehit to left which he stretched into a triple. Shay then followed that with a triple to knock Dennis in. Jason Speller stayed hot with a double which knocked her in. The rally was short-lived as Rob “Rally Killer” Jardel popped up to 2nd to end the inning. Prestige Worldwide came up in the bottom of the inning and answered right back. Kevin Lisek walked AGAIN, and Neal Galletta came up with the bases loaded only to pop up to the catcher. Luke “Pink Hat” picked him up with a 2 run double. Michelle Crean also walked which loaded the bases for Jim Gagliardi. He hit a dribbler back to the pitcher which should’ve been an easy out. Unfortunately, outs don’t come easy for I’ll Hit That and the ball sailed into the backstop on the throw home and 1 more run scored for Prestige Worldwide before I’ll Hit That finally got out of the inning.
I’ll Hit That came up in the top of the 6th looking to start another rally. They started off with 2 singles in a row but then Sam tried to sneak home on an error on a potential double play ball only to get thrown out at home. Prestige Worldwide got out of the inning with no runs allowed. Dave Rubman hit a 1 out single to right and then scored on Neal Galletta’s 2 run homer which put the game even more out of reach. John Hansen singled to center and Michelle Crean walked one more time to bring up Jim Gagliardi with the bases loaded. With a chance to mercy rule I’ll Hit That, Gags hit a sacrifice fly which scored 2 runs to end the game and gave Prestige Worldwide their first win of the season.
AROUND THE HAMMONTON LEAGUE: That's What She Said beat the West End Warriors 11-7. Title America edged the Rabid Woodchucks 15-12. Just Us scored 4 TD's and held the Golden Nugget to a field goal in a 28-3 win. The AC Strangers kept themselves in good position with a win over the Wet Beavers. The Golden Nugget avoided getting shut out against ARH in a 30-1 loss in game 2 of their doubleheader....I guess scoring those 3 runs in their first game really took it out of them.
GDS Men's Basketball League
coverage by Mike Valenti
Week 5
Marlton League
SHHHHHHOOOOOOWWWWTIME! Last weeks games featured a matchup between undefeated Showtime and the 1-2 Caucasian Invasion. In a pregame interview with Scott Gottlieb from Caucasian Invasion, when asked what would be the key to success he simply replied with a smile and a laugh. Not much to say! On the other hand teammate Jim Osterhelt commented that the game would be determined by the tempo.
Caucasian Invasion was planning to slow the game down. This plan seemed to be in full affect when Showtime Captain Walt Montford arrived and walked across the court minutes before tipoff in what appeared to be brown fuzzy slippers. I wasn’t sure if he was ready to play basketball or if he was ready to walk down stairs for a midnight snack. Eventually each team was ready and the buzzer sounded. Actually the buzzer sounded multiple times as Glory Days own Mark Denafo was operating the scoreboard or at least he was attempting to. Each team started the game trading baskets. After the first 5 minutes Showtime led Caucasian Invasion 6 – 4. Caucasian Invasions strategy proved to be working. Later in the first half Mike Gottlieb hit a big three to pull Caucasian Invasion within three 17 – 20. Scott Gottlieb would then hit a deep two to make it a one point game at 19 – 20. Showtime in typical fashion would go on a nine to two run led by guard Tim McDanials to close out the half to go up 29 – 21. They are a team of runs! Not to be confused with “We Got the Runs” who plays in GDS Marlton Softball league.
Caucasian Invasion looked to carry their strategy into the second half. Showtime had a different plan in mind. No it was not to conquer the World like Pinky and the Brain. Showtime wanted to press Caucasian Invasion and speed up the game. Showtime came out in the second half like a bat out of hell, like a speeding bullet, like a flash of lightning, or like Barbaro at the Kentucky Derby, whichever tickles your fancy. Showtime would go on a scoring tear. Tim McDanials proved to be too much to handle as he was scoring with ease as he finished with a game high 29 points. Also contributing to the second half surge was that of an unlikely source. Bill Hadik hit four 3’s, one of which was from nothing short of 35 feet. Amidst the commotion of Bill Hadik’s sharp shooting Caucasian Invasions Chris Hastings etched his name into the record books by scoring his first points in GDS basketball. After he scored the basket Chris and teammates proceeded to slap hands, high five, and hug at center court. All the while Showtime quickly inbounded the ball and scored before Caucasian Invasion was done celebrating a center court. At least they had something to celebrate as Showtime went on to remain undefeated with a 71 – 47 victory.
Caucasian Invasion looked to carry their strategy into the second half. Showtime had a different plan in mind. No it was not to conquer the World like Pinky and the Brain. Showtime wanted to press Caucasian Invasion and speed up the game. Showtime came out in the second half like a bat out of hell, like a speeding bullet, like a flash of lightning, or like Barbaro at the Kentucky Derby, whichever tickles your fancy. Showtime would go on a scoring tear. Tim McDanials proved to be too much to handle as he was scoring with ease as he finished with a game high 29 points. Also contributing to the second half surge was that of an unlikely source. Bill Hadik hit four 3’s, one of which was from nothing short of 35 feet. Amidst the commotion of Bill Hadik’s sharp shooting Caucasian Invasions Chris Hastings etched his name into the record books by scoring his first points in GDS basketball. After he scored the basket Chris and teammates proceeded to slap hands, high five, and hug at center court. All the while Showtime quickly inbounded the ball and scored before Caucasian Invasion was done celebrating a center court. At least they had something to celebrate as Showtime went on to remain undefeated with a 71 – 47 victory.
SHOT HEARD ROUND THE WORLD…Nagy hits three with two seconds left! Was it enough to complete the upset? This game featured another undefeated team in the Grizzle Bear Survivors vs. Onions. GBS got out to a quick start led by hot shooting from, well pretty much their entire team. GBS quickly opened up the lead 15 – 5. It was time for sixth man of the year candidate Steve Roberts to check into the game. He entered the game while ripping off his shooting shirt aka gray gap v neck. Rumor has it he went 1-12 shooting the week before. Maybe he should play a game while wearing the shooting shirt if it would help make a difference. Steve struggled again from the floor as did most of the Onions. At the 10 minute mark Onions called a much needed timeout being down 25 – 13. This gave the opportunity for Max (Maximus) Ingram to check into the game. Just what the team needed. The crowd roared and chanted MAXIMUS, MAXIMUS, MAXIMUS…It brought chills to most who witnessed. While Max checked in he shouted, “when a Roman general is betrayed and my team down by 12 points, he comes to the Blue Barn in Marlton as a gladiator to seek revenge.” For your information Max wasn’t wearing a chiseled suit of armor nor was he wearing a hand crafted steel enforced mask when he made his epic entrance. Yet this gladiator was wearing a green Callahan Auto Parts t-shirt and a backwards Philadelphia Eagles cap. I must say I have not seen anyone ever check into a basketball game wearing a baseball cap. That’s kind of like wearing jeans to play Softball (reference to GDS Softball Newsletter). Regardless of his uniform it still had the same impact as it sent fear into the eyes of the Grizzle Bear Survivors. After the crowd settled play resumed. GBS continued to shoot well behind Lou Russo who hit six 3’s and finished with 32 points. Brian Peak of Onions rebutted with a few of his own baskets scoring 14 in the game. At the half GBS had what appeared to be a convincing lead over Onions 55 – 24. The second half started with talks of GBS scoring over 100 points in the game to set a Glory Days record. Andrew Lee of Onions didn’t want anything to do with becoming part of history as he hit two consecutive 3’s in an attempt to chip away at their deficit. Rishawn Davis of Grizzle Bear Survivors went on a scoring frenzy hitting 12 of his 32 points in the span of 2 minutes to increase their lead to 82 – 39 with 10 minutes to play. Just when it appeared that GBS would coast to 100 points Rishawn Davis was poked in the eye by a player on Onions who will remain anonymous. It has yet to be confirmed that the poke was intentional. Play was stopped in search of Rishawn’s contact. In good faith Onions players were on the ground looking for the contact. Just as someone uttered the words there is no way we are going to find it miraculously Onions own Rich Tyburski spotted the contact. One of the better plays Onions had all night. Great teamwork! Only if I could give your team 60 points for good sportsmanship you would have tied. Play once again resumed as Grizzle Bear Survivors continued their great shooting on their way to a 110 – 50 win. This win set two current Glory Days Sports records for most points in a game and largest point differential. Congratulations Grizzle Bear Survivors. Sorry Onions! Someone had to be on the other end of the stick. If it means anything I couldn’t think of a better group of guys for it to happen to.
Stayed tuned for next weeks newsletter as we have some great matchups!!! Until then Au revoir
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