Fogelberg – The Fogelberg Falcons completed a dream season by winning their 10th All Star Baseball championship Thursday night in front of a loyal following at Macintosh Stadium. Outlasting the McCall Mudhens 15-11 in the 7th and deciding game of the All Star Baseball League Championship Series, this match up of the two original franchises delivered a memorable series from the beginning to the end.
Podres vs Dean 3 times, heroic home runs from both teams lifetime players (Barry Larkin [MM], Paul Molitor [FF]), epic errors from BOTH teams, unlikely rally’s, and unlikely heroes … This series lived up to every preconceived idea of what it might be and ignites the spark of a classic rivalry renewed.
“I have to admit, this title is really special,” Falcons manager Don Zimmer said from a podium in front of a packed stadium as he raised the championship trophy. “This one is for all of you!”
The subject of trade rumors from the moment he signed a 3 year multimillion dollar contract, Al Kaline took home series MVP honors. “Well, it feels really great to deliver on a promise I made to Don (Zimmer) when I signed,” Kaline said in front of his locker. “Fogelberg is a really special place to play ball. I knew I wanted to come here and win a title … Yeah, it has been a bit of a rocky road at times, but this organization has been straight with me and I hope this puts some of the talk to rest.”
Hitting in the 5th slot in the lineup, Kaline delivered timely hitting when needed, boasting a .469 series average, .575 on-base, 14 RBI, 3 home runs, and scoring 17 runs.
“A class act that will do anything to win,” Zimmer commented. “We have asked a lot out of Al and he has delivered every time and I am glad we have him for another year.”
