Expos hit the ground running. Dominate in season opener
After a long and arduous off-season the Hess Field Wiffleball season finally began. One team that was a mystery and filled with intrigue to start the year were the expansion Expos starting their first year in the league. The team is filled with talent but had a mixed preseason showing flashes of potential but also exposing a few weaknesses. However if their opening day was any indication, this appears to be a long season for the rest of the league.
The Expos kicked off their season against the Rockies. A team they played in the preseason, however that earlier match-up proved to be of little importance as the game got underway. The Expos kicked of the scoring early in the First inning with Mike VanNostrand blasting a solo home run to center field. This would not be the last run they would score. In the bottom half of the inning Jimmy Cole started on the mound and after allowing the first two batters to reach base he finished the inning strong with a strikeout and nice double play off a pop-up and an overeager base runner.
The final score of the game doesn't allow me to describe how every run was scored throughout the game because that would make the game summary entirely too long. But over the next three innings the Expos batters Craig Barney, Mike VanNostrand, Jimmy Cole, and Ron West would combine to hammer 5 more Home Runs, (with Cole striking for 4 in the entire game as well as providing 13 more RBI's) The rest of the team would drive in the remaining 11 runs bringing the gaudy total to 24 runs in four innings. Jimmy Cole, Ron West and Mike VanNostrand would combine to throw four innings of dominance from the mound, sealing a 24-6 victory over the Rockies for the best start to the season the Expos could ever have hoped for.
The Expos kicked off their season against the Rockies. A team they played in the preseason, however that earlier match-up proved to be of little importance as the game got underway. The Expos kicked of the scoring early in the First inning with Mike VanNostrand blasting a solo home run to center field. This would not be the last run they would score. In the bottom half of the inning Jimmy Cole started on the mound and after allowing the first two batters to reach base he finished the inning strong with a strikeout and nice double play off a pop-up and an overeager base runner.
The final score of the game doesn't allow me to describe how every run was scored throughout the game because that would make the game summary entirely too long. But over the next three innings the Expos batters Craig Barney, Mike VanNostrand, Jimmy Cole, and Ron West would combine to hammer 5 more Home Runs, (with Cole striking for 4 in the entire game as well as providing 13 more RBI's) The rest of the team would drive in the remaining 11 runs bringing the gaudy total to 24 runs in four innings. Jimmy Cole, Ron West and Mike VanNostrand would combine to throw four innings of dominance from the mound, sealing a 24-6 victory over the Rockies for the best start to the season the Expos could ever have hoped for.
Expos cool off in Game 2, split opening weekend
After a game that nobody besides maybe some players on the team itself saw coming, a 24-6 drubbing of the Rockies in the Opening game of the season, the Expos began game 2 of Opening Day no doubt supremely confident and eager to play some more. However, winning a game in such a fashion leaves you open for a letdown, perhaps you go into the next game too confident, or teams start playing you harder knowing what you are capable of, or perhaps by scoring so many runs in one game you become punched out and tired so to speak. Needless to say the second game was something to look forward too.
The theory of being used up offensively appeared to be just that early on in the Game as Jimmy Cole, who had allowed 2 early runs blasted what would be his fifth home run of the day to left field and tied the game at two. However, that would be the last home run the Expos would hit on the day as it appeared they just ran out of steam. However, it appeared they may not have needed any more home runs as Cole settled down after early trouble and allowed only 1 more run keeping the score 3-2 going into their half of the sixth. A combination of timely hitting and plate discipline caused the Expos to load the bases with two out with Mike VanNostrand up to bat. VanNostrand hit a ground ball that easily brought home the tying run, the ball was misplayed in the infield and Ron West raced for home in an attempt to take the lead, however he was called out on a close play at home and the Expos would have to settle for a tie ball game heading into the seventh.
The seventh was not a good one for the Expos however, as Cole who had pitched well up to that point allowed five runs in the top of the inning and with their offense clearly exhausted and running on fumes were not able to mount a comeback in the bottom half and ended the game on the losing end of an 8-3 score. The game was closer than the score appeared and the Expos should be happy with how they played against one of the premiere teams in Hess League. Cole was able to add 2 RBI to his total for the day and Mike VanNostrand was able to scratch across another. All in all an impressive season opening weekend for the Expos.
A 1-1 start is not what they wanted but they way they played in both games should give them confidence going forward and provide a solid foundation on which to build a championship contending caliber team. Also with Mac Groff, AWAA HOF member and arguably the most deadly hitting in the leagues history, joining the team starting May 21st the offense should be able to kick it up to a whole new level.
The theory of being used up offensively appeared to be just that early on in the Game as Jimmy Cole, who had allowed 2 early runs blasted what would be his fifth home run of the day to left field and tied the game at two. However, that would be the last home run the Expos would hit on the day as it appeared they just ran out of steam. However, it appeared they may not have needed any more home runs as Cole settled down after early trouble and allowed only 1 more run keeping the score 3-2 going into their half of the sixth. A combination of timely hitting and plate discipline caused the Expos to load the bases with two out with Mike VanNostrand up to bat. VanNostrand hit a ground ball that easily brought home the tying run, the ball was misplayed in the infield and Ron West raced for home in an attempt to take the lead, however he was called out on a close play at home and the Expos would have to settle for a tie ball game heading into the seventh.
The seventh was not a good one for the Expos however, as Cole who had pitched well up to that point allowed five runs in the top of the inning and with their offense clearly exhausted and running on fumes were not able to mount a comeback in the bottom half and ended the game on the losing end of an 8-3 score. The game was closer than the score appeared and the Expos should be happy with how they played against one of the premiere teams in Hess League. Cole was able to add 2 RBI to his total for the day and Mike VanNostrand was able to scratch across another. All in all an impressive season opening weekend for the Expos.
A 1-1 start is not what they wanted but they way they played in both games should give them confidence going forward and provide a solid foundation on which to build a championship contending caliber team. Also with Mac Groff, AWAA HOF member and arguably the most deadly hitting in the leagues history, joining the team starting May 21st the offense should be able to kick it up to a whole new level.
Low Expectations, High Aspirations For Expos this season!
Hess Field starts their new season in a couple weeks and every team is looking forward to putting their goals and aspirations and hard work into action as the pursuit of a championship draws closer. I sat down with Jimmy Cole and Micheal VanNostrand, two members of the newest team, The Expos to get their thoughts on the upcoming season.
First, being the new kids on the block so to speak is something unique to this team. When asked what they were most looking forward to in this new league with this new team captain Jimmy Cole seemed to be most in anticipation of competing. "New competition to see how we compare with one of the premiere Wiffleball leagues in the country." Fellow teammate Micheal VanNostrand added "I really look forward to getting our name out there." VanNostrand felt it was important to make an impression based on the teams background. "Coming from a small league where you don't get much recognition, you play with a chip on your shoulder and I think that will drive us this year." Micheal even brought up some bulletin board material that the team no doubt will use as motivation heading into the season. "Expected to go 9-15 really gives us another reason to go out there and prove everyone wrong about a couple of guys from a small town."
There seems to be no shortage of motivation on the part of the Expos heading into this season. However, this team has undergone a rather interesting offseason. One major question mark heading into the season is the makeup of the teams roster. Two outstanding new players from Vermont were added to the roster and any time newcomers are added there is always the question of how they will fit in. When asked this question Cole responded "They have their own quirks...Rob can swat the ball with the best of them and Craig is our version of the utility player." Cole did voice some concerns but was quick to reiterate he doesn't see any issues. "I'm not sure they have played with a team with 'champion or bust' mindset...we got to play together for a bunch of games last year so I don't see any problems with our team chemistry." VanNostrand echoed Coles sentiments but feels it is a process rather than something that happens overnight. "I think once we get to learn each others game we will be even more effective...With new players like that you need to learn each others strengths and weaknesses...I believe it will be important for players to find their roles with this team and once that happens great things will follow."
With a new team and a new league come expectations both from the outside (as mentioned before the Expos are predicted to finish 9-15) as well as within the team itself. Both players I spoke with expressed some of the goals they have for the team this season. "I definitely think going into this season I feel we have the talent to win the title." said VanNostrand. A bold statement for a new team, however VanNostrand added "going in as the unknown team...teams may not take us as seriously but i think the season would only be considered successful if we take home the crown." Confidence is not in short supply on this team as Cole appeared to agree with Micheal "I expect us to win the division and win a Championship. There is no reason why we cant win 18+ games and go on a playoff rampage like we did last year(last season the team Micheal and Jimmy went on to win the league championship, going 4-0 in the playoffs without allowing a single run)" Cole went on to say "I don't think any team will beat us 2-0 in any week with our 1-2 punch of me and Mike on the mound". There also seemed to be motivation of another sort personally for Cole and VanNostrand, this one taking place within the team itself. "A duel against Jimmy Cole for the home run title would be ideal." VanNostrand quipped. Cole added "A little Sosa-McGwire intra team rivalry for the home run title." A chase like that would certainly make for an interesting season from start to finish and is something to keep watch for.
No doubt these are lofty goals for this new team but as seen in the past they have the track record to back up such talk. However there was another snag that came up this offseason that could put a damper on any Championship aspirations for this team and that is the injury to team captain and ace of the pitching staff Jimmy Cole. Cole has been experiencing elbow discomfort for years and this offseason it got to the point of being unbearable. Tommy John surgery has loomed as a possibility that would sideline Cole for some time. However no choice on surgery has been made yet and Cole appears willing to work through it this season. It does pose some questions about the season though. When asked about the impact of the injury Cole had this to say. "I lost quite a bit of velocity on the ball so I'm seeing some pitches stay flat" Cole expressed their is no cause for concern however "I feel confident that I'll be able to pitch comfortably in the mid 70's and still be effective...I have one more preseason start so I'll push myself to see how it looks in full speed. I haven't experienced lingering pain...so i should remain consistent" So can we look forward to another dominant year? Cole did express some reality "don't expect numbers from last year." This leaves the door open for someone to step up and fill in where Cole might not be able to this year. Micheal was asked whether he feels that he should be the one to do that. He said "I think I need to step up as a pitcher and log more innings this year to try to preserve Jimmy for the playoffs." However VanNostrand expressed that this will be a team effort to overcome this "I don't want to feel like I have to put the team on my back because we have the talent." Cole added "I think our offense should be more consistent this year so it should take more pressure off of both of us on the mound."
There seems to be no shortage of positive energy and an eagerness to get the season going coming out of the Expos camp. Despite the tumultuous offseason and many question marks still lingering above the team as opening day draws closer this is clearly a team that will be a force to be reckoned with as the season goes on and if you don't want to take my word for it just ask the team themselves. VanNostrand when asked what he would like to say to the fans and other teams in the league responded with what may very well come to be the hallmark for the Expos this season. "Expect greatness out of this team."
First, being the new kids on the block so to speak is something unique to this team. When asked what they were most looking forward to in this new league with this new team captain Jimmy Cole seemed to be most in anticipation of competing. "New competition to see how we compare with one of the premiere Wiffleball leagues in the country." Fellow teammate Micheal VanNostrand added "I really look forward to getting our name out there." VanNostrand felt it was important to make an impression based on the teams background. "Coming from a small league where you don't get much recognition, you play with a chip on your shoulder and I think that will drive us this year." Micheal even brought up some bulletin board material that the team no doubt will use as motivation heading into the season. "Expected to go 9-15 really gives us another reason to go out there and prove everyone wrong about a couple of guys from a small town."
There seems to be no shortage of motivation on the part of the Expos heading into this season. However, this team has undergone a rather interesting offseason. One major question mark heading into the season is the makeup of the teams roster. Two outstanding new players from Vermont were added to the roster and any time newcomers are added there is always the question of how they will fit in. When asked this question Cole responded "They have their own quirks...Rob can swat the ball with the best of them and Craig is our version of the utility player." Cole did voice some concerns but was quick to reiterate he doesn't see any issues. "I'm not sure they have played with a team with 'champion or bust' mindset...we got to play together for a bunch of games last year so I don't see any problems with our team chemistry." VanNostrand echoed Coles sentiments but feels it is a process rather than something that happens overnight. "I think once we get to learn each others game we will be even more effective...With new players like that you need to learn each others strengths and weaknesses...I believe it will be important for players to find their roles with this team and once that happens great things will follow."
With a new team and a new league come expectations both from the outside (as mentioned before the Expos are predicted to finish 9-15) as well as within the team itself. Both players I spoke with expressed some of the goals they have for the team this season. "I definitely think going into this season I feel we have the talent to win the title." said VanNostrand. A bold statement for a new team, however VanNostrand added "going in as the unknown team...teams may not take us as seriously but i think the season would only be considered successful if we take home the crown." Confidence is not in short supply on this team as Cole appeared to agree with Micheal "I expect us to win the division and win a Championship. There is no reason why we cant win 18+ games and go on a playoff rampage like we did last year(last season the team Micheal and Jimmy went on to win the league championship, going 4-0 in the playoffs without allowing a single run)" Cole went on to say "I don't think any team will beat us 2-0 in any week with our 1-2 punch of me and Mike on the mound". There also seemed to be motivation of another sort personally for Cole and VanNostrand, this one taking place within the team itself. "A duel against Jimmy Cole for the home run title would be ideal." VanNostrand quipped. Cole added "A little Sosa-McGwire intra team rivalry for the home run title." A chase like that would certainly make for an interesting season from start to finish and is something to keep watch for.
No doubt these are lofty goals for this new team but as seen in the past they have the track record to back up such talk. However there was another snag that came up this offseason that could put a damper on any Championship aspirations for this team and that is the injury to team captain and ace of the pitching staff Jimmy Cole. Cole has been experiencing elbow discomfort for years and this offseason it got to the point of being unbearable. Tommy John surgery has loomed as a possibility that would sideline Cole for some time. However no choice on surgery has been made yet and Cole appears willing to work through it this season. It does pose some questions about the season though. When asked about the impact of the injury Cole had this to say. "I lost quite a bit of velocity on the ball so I'm seeing some pitches stay flat" Cole expressed their is no cause for concern however "I feel confident that I'll be able to pitch comfortably in the mid 70's and still be effective...I have one more preseason start so I'll push myself to see how it looks in full speed. I haven't experienced lingering pain...so i should remain consistent" So can we look forward to another dominant year? Cole did express some reality "don't expect numbers from last year." This leaves the door open for someone to step up and fill in where Cole might not be able to this year. Micheal was asked whether he feels that he should be the one to do that. He said "I think I need to step up as a pitcher and log more innings this year to try to preserve Jimmy for the playoffs." However VanNostrand expressed that this will be a team effort to overcome this "I don't want to feel like I have to put the team on my back because we have the talent." Cole added "I think our offense should be more consistent this year so it should take more pressure off of both of us on the mound."
There seems to be no shortage of positive energy and an eagerness to get the season going coming out of the Expos camp. Despite the tumultuous offseason and many question marks still lingering above the team as opening day draws closer this is clearly a team that will be a force to be reckoned with as the season goes on and if you don't want to take my word for it just ask the team themselves. VanNostrand when asked what he would like to say to the fans and other teams in the league responded with what may very well come to be the hallmark for the Expos this season. "Expect greatness out of this team."
Hey fans! The Expos are back!...Just not how you thought.
October 3, 2004. The last time the Expos took the field. That game ended in a 8-1 loss to the New York Mets. That offseason the team relocated to Washington D.C. and rebranded themselves the Nationals. A great sadness fell over the fans of the Expos as after suffering through a string of losing seasons and lower and lower attendance with no World Series wins or even appearances to show for it change needed to be made. Nobody thought they would see the Expos again...until now.
Winter 2014- The Hess League, which is a wiffleball league operating in Upstate New York awards a new team to owner and team captain Jimmy Cole. Cole names his team, The Expos. And just like that, after more than a decade removed, the Expos will again see the field and play ball starting this spring. Though, this won't be the Expos as you remember them. Gone are the days of Gary Carter, Vladimir Guerrero, and Pedro Martnez. Filling their shoes will be the aforementioned Cole (who also happens to be the ace of the pitching staff) alongside him are power hitting tandem Mike VanNostrand and Ron West (both of whom also pitch). Filling out the roster will be veteran newcomers Rob Mix and Craig from Bennington wiffleball.
Hopes are high for the Expos this season. Between the immense on field talent and the off-field leadership and direction of former AWAA all-star and new President of Player Operations Donnie King this team could be a force to be reckoned with. Only time will tell.
Winter 2014- The Hess League, which is a wiffleball league operating in Upstate New York awards a new team to owner and team captain Jimmy Cole. Cole names his team, The Expos. And just like that, after more than a decade removed, the Expos will again see the field and play ball starting this spring. Though, this won't be the Expos as you remember them. Gone are the days of Gary Carter, Vladimir Guerrero, and Pedro Martnez. Filling their shoes will be the aforementioned Cole (who also happens to be the ace of the pitching staff) alongside him are power hitting tandem Mike VanNostrand and Ron West (both of whom also pitch). Filling out the roster will be veteran newcomers Rob Mix and Craig from Bennington wiffleball.
Hopes are high for the Expos this season. Between the immense on field talent and the off-field leadership and direction of former AWAA all-star and new President of Player Operations Donnie King this team could be a force to be reckoned with. Only time will tell.
Super Strokers start slow, end up dominating NYWB league
Last year news surfaced that the AWAA all-stars would join a new wiffleball league in Clifton Park. The team consisted of core all-star members Jimmy Cole, Donnie King, and Ron West and they rebranded themselves the Super Strokers. The season started slowly as the Super Strokers roster was in flux to start the year. However, the emergence of newcomer Anthony “Tiny Wolverine” Dimezza who took over for the injured Donnie King as well as the addition of another former all-star Mike VanNostrand the Super Strokers finished the season strong with Mike VanNostrand and Jimmy Cole both tossing no-hitters down the stretch and went into the playoffs with a record of 9-7.
Their strong play didn't stop there however and they breezed through the playoffs setting up a matchup with the three time and defending league champions the Pwners. Two tightly contested ball games were played and the Super Strokers emerged as the new league champions after winning both games by a score of 1-0 with Jimmy Cole providing the offense with lead off home runs in both games. While Cole appeared to be the strongest player on the team, great years were turned in by Mike VanNostrand and Ron West. The one-two punch of facing Cole-VanNostrand every game proved to be a lethal combo. Contributions from Anthony Dimezza(who was second on the team in RBI and HR), Donnie King, Nate Gottschalt and Vanessa Conkel all combined to create a triumphant season for the Super Strokers.
Their strong play didn't stop there however and they breezed through the playoffs setting up a matchup with the three time and defending league champions the Pwners. Two tightly contested ball games were played and the Super Strokers emerged as the new league champions after winning both games by a score of 1-0 with Jimmy Cole providing the offense with lead off home runs in both games. While Cole appeared to be the strongest player on the team, great years were turned in by Mike VanNostrand and Ron West. The one-two punch of facing Cole-VanNostrand every game proved to be a lethal combo. Contributions from Anthony Dimezza(who was second on the team in RBI and HR), Donnie King, Nate Gottschalt and Vanessa Conkel all combined to create a triumphant season for the Super Strokers.
Black Mambas vs. Justice League
Sunday May 15, 2011
The 2011 AWAA season got off to a wet and muddy start. The first game on the schedule was against the Black Mambas and the defending AWAA champions the Justice League. Due to substandard field conditions the game started off sloppy, however the Black Mambas seemed to be able to find their footing in the sloppy mess and ran up a 8-0 lead after 2 1/2 innings. However the Justice League fought back with smart hitting and heads up baserunning led by defending league MVP Mike VanNostrand, striking for 7 runs in their half of the third inning. Despite VanNostrands best offensive efforts the conditions wreaked havoc on his ability to effectivly pitch. After nearly giving up the lead the Black Mambas struck back in the 4th with 10 runs, highlighted by Garrett Michaleks grand slam home run. The Black Mambas would tack on a couple more runs for good measure, unfortunately, the Justice Leagues 7 run third inning was their entire offense for the day, and didn't impress in their first game since winning the Wiffle World Series. Final score Black Mambas 18 Justice League 7. Standout Players for the Black Mambas were Garret Michalek with 1 HR and 9 RBI as well as Mackenzie Groff who had 2 hits and 3 RBI. Standout for the Justice league was Nick Scunziano with 3 hits and 4 RBI.
Fence Hoppers vs. Super Strokers
Sunday May 15, 2011
The Super Strokers looked to wreak havoc on the 2011 AWAA wiffleball season after last years shocking upset in the Wiffle World Series, where after going undefeated in the regular season were swept out of the Wiffle World Series by the upstart Justice League. The Super Strokers started the 2011 season against the revamped and retooled Fence Hoppers who missed most of last season with roster issues and a manager who couldn't decide whether or not he wanted to play. However, the Fence Hoppers were ready and feeling strong going into this season, hoping to take the league by surprise this year. The game started out very well for the Super Strokers pushing across 6 runs led by Dale Reeds grand slam. The Fence Hoppers struck back with 4 runs in the top of the 2nd to bring the score to 6-4. Each team scraped across a few runs in the middle innings to go into the final inning with the Super Strokers clinging to a 10-9 lead. The Super Strokers let a couple men on base but got two outs without giving up a run when the early game hero Dale Reed fielded a ground ball and having to only tag the runner going to third base threw wide in an attempt to get him out. that led to a bases loaded walk to tie the game, then on the very next batter Reed dropped a long fly ball that brought in two runs making the score 12-10 going into the bottom of the seventh. The Super Strokers led of the inning with a single by Donnie King followed by 5 straight walks that won the game for the Super Strokers and enraged Fence Hoppers pitcher Kenny Carman. Final score Super Strokers 13 Fence Hoppers 12 The victory wasn't the dominant start the Super Strokers were hoping for out of the gate but they are 1-0 nontheless. For the Fence Hoppers, they can be happy that they hung with one of the premier teams in the AWAA and should have momentum going into next weeks round of games. Standouts for the Super Strokers were Dale Reed with 1 home run and 5 RBI's and Donnie King with 4 hits and 5 RBI's, as well as Jimmy Cole with 2 hits and 16 pitching strikeouts. Star players for the Fence Hoppers were Ron West with 1 home run and 3 RBI's and Ken Carmen with 3 hits and 3 RBI's as well as 10 pitching strikeouts.
Fence Hoppers vs. Justice league
Sunday May 22nd, 2011
Everybody survived the rapture on Saturday so that meant Wiffleball went ahead as scheduled for Sunday May 22nd. One game of the day featured the defending champion Justice League coming off a humiliating defeat in week 1 against the Fence Hoppers who went into week 2 with hope and optimism after losing a nail-biter to the Super Strokers in week 1. The Fence Hoppers also had reason to feel hope as new #1 prospect Wolfie Reinke made his season debut. However, the hype surrounding Wolfies first game was about as good as his first game would go. While their were flashes in the game that showed why he was hyped so much, his game fell well short of expectations. The game did not start well for the Fence Hoppers as the Justice League pushed across 5 runs in the first inning thanks to 5 walks and timely base hits. The Justice League tacked on 2 more runs in the top of the second with a two run Home Run by defending league MVP Mike VanNostrand, his first of the season. VanNostrand had a few words for some fans after hitting the Home Run hopefully trying to silence some critics after his 0-fer in week 1. The Justice League seemed well on their way to a blowout victory, however the bottom of the second inning saw the scrappy Fence Hoppers claw their way back into the game with six runs in the bottom half of the second. It wasn't with their bats, but rather their patience at the plate that led them back with 7 walks and just one single. Regardless of how they got there, the Fence Hoppers were down only 7-6 after two. However, that would be the closest the Fence Hoppers would come. The Justice League added runs in the third and fourth innings and pushed their lead to 9-7. Shutdown pitching by relief pitcher Ron West proved to be to hard to handle as the Fence Hoppers were only able to add one run to their total after the second inning. The Justice League pushed across 3 insurance runs in the top of the 5th to win the game 12-7. Standout players for the Justice League were Mike VanNostrand with one home run on 3 hits and 3 RBI's as well as 7 pitching strikeouts and one hit allowed, also Nick Scunziano with one hit and 3 RBI's. Standouts for the Fence Hoppers were Nick Palmateer with one hit and 3 RBI's, and Mike Intellisano with 1 hit and 2 RBI's.
Super Strokers vs. Black Mambas
Sunday May 22nd, 2011
The main event game of the day saw the two undefeated teams in the league face off as the Super Strokers fresh off a nail biter 13-12 victory over the Fence Hoppers took on the powerhouse Black Mambas after soundly defeating the defending champion Justice League 18-7 in week one. The game got of to a quick start with the Super Strokers putting their lead runner on and bringing him home for a 1-0 lead after the first inning. Jimmy Cole brought his a-game pitching giving up only one run through 3 innings. That one run being a solo shot by Mackenzie Groff. by the end of the third inning the Super Strokers had taken a commanding lead in the game 6-1 capped by Jimmy Cole's first home run of the season a grand slam to the opposite field that barely cleared the fence. The Black Mambas fought back scoring two runs in the top of the fourth with a two run shot by Garrett Michalek the surprise home run leader of the season. That brought the score to 6-3, but that was all Cole would give up in the game. The Super Strokers got two home runs from newcomer Kanan Brooker and pulled away for an impressive 12-3 win making them the sole undefeated team in the League after week 2. Standout players for the Black Mambas were Mackenzie Groff with 1 Home Run and 1 RBI on 2 hits. Also Garrett Michalek with 1 Home Run and 2 RBI's. Standouts for the Super Strokers were Donnie King with 4 hits and 2 RBI's, as well as Kannan Brooker with 2 Home Runs and 4 RBI's. Finally there was Jimmy Cole who had 1 Home Run, 4 RBI's, as well as 15 pitching Strikeouts and only 3 runs allowed off 6 hits.
Justice League vs Super Strokers
Sunday, June 5th
This was it, the game the entire AWAA was looking forward to when the schedule came out before the season. For the first time in the 2011 season the world champion Justice League took on the team they defeated in the Wiffle World Series the Super Strokers. The Super Strokers came into this game the only undefeated team in the league, however they had yet to face a true test on the season, that test finally came on Sunday. The Justice League came into this game wanting to prove that they were still the class of the league despite a 1-1 record. The game couldn’t have started better for the Justice League, they struck for 5 runs capped by Mike VanNostrands’ Grand Slam home run, only his second home run of the season. The Super Strokers got all five runs back in the bottom of the first with walk and timely hitting. However, just as soon as the Super Strokers tied the score, the Justice League scored 5 more runs in the top of the second with a Grand Slam, this time off the bat of “The Vetran” Ron West. This would have demoralized a lesser team, but the Super Strokers always pride themselves on a game never being over until the final out is made. Jimmy Cole settled down after his first two rough innings and the Super Strokers slowly fought their way back into the game. Cole brought the Super Strokers closer with a two run shot in the bottom of the fourth. Mike VanNostrand extended the lead once again in the top of the fifth with a two run home run, his second of the game. The bottom of the fifth finally saw the Super Strokers get into position to take the lead. Four runs came across thanks to 3 singles and a double to bring the score to 12-11 going into the sixth. Both teams scored 2 runs in their halves of the sixth to make the score 14-13 heading to the seventh. The third home run off the bat of Mike VanNostrand gave the Justice League a two run cushion heading to the bottom of the seventh, it seemed the Justice League had the victory sealed up, even though the Super Strokers kept fighting back the Justice League had stayed in control and had a two-run lead in the bottom of the last inning with the best closer in the league Ron West on their team, however Mike VanNostrand stayed in the game desperate to finish off the game against his arch rivals. It was a choice that cost the Justice League dearly. Jimmy Cole led off the inning with a home run to left center field to bring the score to 15-14. Then Randy King stepped to the plate, King and VanNostrand had bad blood between them as seen by numerous facebook conversations. Randy then hit a shot to centerfield that cleared the fence and gave him his first home run of the season and tying the score at 15. Two singles by Donnie King and Jimmy Cole brought Dale Reed to the plate with two outs and runners in scoring position, Dale nailed a line drive to the right of the bush in centerfield and won the game in the first matchup of the season between last years Wiffle World Series opponents. So far this season Super Strokers 1 Justice League 0. Standout players for the Super Strokers were Jimmy Cole with 2 Home Runs, 6 RBI’s as well as 11 pitching K’s, also, Randy King with 6 hits, 4 RBI’s and 1 Home Run. Standouts for the Justice League were Mike VanNostrand with 3 Home Runs 8 RBI’s and 9 pitching K’s, also Ron West with 2 Home Runs and 5 RBI’s.
Super Strokers vs Black Mambas
Sunday June 5th
In the second game of the day the Juicy Black Mambas were left without an opponent as the Fence Hoppers were no-shows. So they were faced with a dilemma. They could take the forfeit victory and gain sole possession of second place in the league, or they could face off against the first place undefeated Super Strokers fresh off their walk off victory over the Justice League. Surprisingly the Juicy Black Mambas chose the latter of the two options. The option seemed to be working out well through the early innings as the Juicy Black Mambas jumped all over the tired Super Strokers taking a 5-3 lead after three innings thanks to two home runs by fill-in Ron West. Juicy Black Mambas pitcher Christian Klueg looked very strong in the early innings not allowing any big hits and always looking to be in control of the game. The fourth inning saw the Super Strokers muster every ounce of offensive muscle they had left on the day and put it into a four run fourth inning, the runs coming off two, two-run Home Runs by Randy King, his second home run of the season, and Jimmy Cole, putting the Super Strokers up 7-5. Another run off an RBI single by Jimmy Cole gave the Super Strokers a 8-5 lead heading to the bottom of the 5th. A Home Run by Christian Klueg and an RBI single by Ron West brought the score to 8-7 after 5 innings. Despite the tired Super Strokers and the great pitching by Christian Klueg and the seemingly surging JBM offense, Jimmy Cole dug down deep and in the final two innings gave up only one hit and struck out 5 to preserve yet another one run victory for the Super Strokers as well as their perfect 4-0 record and sole possession of the top spot in the league. Standouts for the Super Strokers were Jimmy Cole with 1 Home Run, 3 RBI’s and 16 pitching K’s, and Randy King with 1 Home Run, and 5 RBI’s. Standouts for the Juicy Black Mambas were Ron West with 2 Home Runs and 5 RBI’s, as well as Christian Klueg (who is finally mentioned as a standout performer after much complaining) with 1 Home Run, 2 RBI’s and 10 pitching K’s. This game also saw the league debut of rookie Shane King, who is the brother of league stars Donnie and Randy King. Shane went 0-7 with 3 walks.