Fogelberg – Paul Molitor and Johnny Podres gave the Falcons just what they needed Saturday afternoon as the team outlasted the Boggstown Boilers and the McCall Mudhens to win the Founders Cup Championship. The one day event concluded with the Falcons squeaking by the Mudhens to clinch victory in the best of 5 series.
“Paul and Johnny really stepped up today. They did what they have been doing here for a long time… Leading this team and producing victories,” Lifetime player Carlton Fisk said during a post game press conference. “They truly were the difference today. Without them, I would imagine we would be congratulating the Hens’ on another title.”
Molitor, who went 21-30 through the course of the day with 22 RBI, 5 walks and 13 runs out of the cleanup position in the lineup was the catalyst offensively.
“When you throw out names like Kiner, Mantle, and Foxx I think most people wouldn’t think to put Paul in the cleanup spot, but I thought that he might be a great way to keep runners moving and help transition to the back part of the lineup,” Manager Don Zimmer said. “I was real happy for Paul today. The media around here have been after him for a long time, but today he proved that he can play as good as anyone.”
9 runs in 18 innings of work for staff ace Johnny Podres helped anchor the Falcons pitching staff and provide rest for a weary bullpen. “Johnny was determined today… having to face Bob Gibson… Especially the way Gibson was throwing today, was a tough task.”
“There have been a lot of achievements from Johnny through the years and a lot of articles written, but I am not sure I have seen him as good in back-to-back starts as he was today,” Fisk commented.
A New Start
The ASBL is in talks to start a new long form season. More news as it develops.
