Boilers, Falcons to open American League

Tonights Game :: American League
Fogelberg Falcons	VS.	Boggstown Boilers

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Fogelberg – It will be a playoff atmosphere in Fogelberg tonight as the Falcons’ American League arch-rival Boggstown Boilers are in town to open the AL side of The Holiday Baseball League season at Macintosh Stadium. The bunting has been hung throughout the stadium in anticipation of a perfect night for baseball as forecasts call for clear skies and temperatures hovering around 73 degrees.

Robin Roberts and Johnny Podres set to renew rivalry
When two franchises that hold as many titles as these meet it is always a story, but with the potential pitching matchup of Johnny Podres vs Robin Roberts the town of Fogelberg is busting at the seams with anticipation for game-time. Ticket scalpers are said to be asking $800 for General Admisson tickets and security around the stadium has been tightened.

Falcons manager Don Zimmer has slated Podres for the matchup since the schedule was announced, knowing that the defending champion Boilers will require his best. “Johnny has been through a million games like this,” Zimmer said. “I don’t need to tell you what this guy has done in this game. Look in the record books and you will see why he is the best pitcher of all time.”

In baseball-crazed Fogelberg, Podres is beloved more than any other player. “Johnny” has become the most popular name for children leaving Fogelberg General Hospital and his birthday (September 30th) has become a regional holiday where fathers and sons “have a catch”. His hard-nosed approach, warm personality and outright amazing results on the field have set Podres apart from the rest. He is credited with throwing the greatest game of all-time when he blanked the McCall Mudhens (as well and NUMEROUS 1 and 2 run complete games) as well as a couple of Cy Young trophies in his closet.

Another name that pops up in the record books is Robin Roberts. A few individual titles that might jump out at you are MVP and Cy Young. Roberts has been a fixture in the debate of “best player” since the 12 game season was invented. “He has great stuff. A real lively fastball. Great curve… but the thing about Robin is that he is just a really tough competitor out there that will do whatever it takes to win,” ASB analysts Joe Gordon said. “I remember a few games when I thought HE might get more hits than he allowed!”

“There was a time when Robert was REALLY handing it to the Owls, and when I say “REALLY” I mean that he was making them look like little leaguers … I was in the on-field press box that is right next to the dugout and I could hear Ed Bailey cussing not-so-quietly under his breath that Roberts must be some kind of “this-and-that” Superman!”

If you are going to be at The Mac tonight, bring your ear-plugs, comfortable shoes to stand in and possibly a friend that knows CPR.

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Where are they now…
Whether it’s called the “Holiday Baseball League”, “Holiday Baseball Classic” or “Holiday Baseball Tournament”, the event has had a rich history in the minds of ASB fans throughout the years. Next week we will get new perspectives, opinions and information from the first champions, the Jenks Wildcats, on their historic rise to the top of this grand event. Be sure to check back as we visit years gone by and celebrate a grand time in ASB history!