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!

Posted in All-Star Baseball blog, Boggstown Boilers, Fogelberg Falcons, Holiday Baseball League | 1 Comment

‘Hens Drop a Giant Joost on Fleas

Westport – Eddie Joost (aka Babe Ruth, Jr.) went 11-17 with 2 grand slams and 13 RBI’s to lead the Mudhens to a series sweep over their newfound rival Westport Fleas.  Buck O’Neil had little to say after his team came out flat against the ‘Hens, mounting fewer than 10 runs per game, “Eddie’s the one guy in that lineup we didn’t want to pitch to, but he kept coming up  with the bases loaded and we had no choice.  There’s just no answer in that situation, and he killed us.”  The Mudhens got plenty of help from Joost’s supporting cast.  Lou Gehrig homered twice with 6 RBI, and Oh Henry Aaron three times, to round out the ‘Hens’ outburst of 12 home runs in the 3 game series.  As if the offensive onslaught wasn’t enough, the Fleas did not help themselves out defensively, committing 4 errors that accounted for 11 unearned runs.

The Mudhens will look to keep the momentum going when they host the Merrimack Owls in their next series.  American League play opens on Saturday when the Fogelberg Falcons  play host to the defending champion Boggstown Boilers.

X

National League: Results

Date

VS

Score

WP

SV

MVP

09/02/09

Fleas vs Mudhens

9-22

B. Gibson

E. Joost

E. Joost: Grand Slam, 7 RBI

09/02/09

Fleas vs Mudhens

9-15

J. Andujar

E. Joost

E. Joost: Grand Slam, 6 RBI

09/03/09

Fleas vs Mudhens

10-16

H. Brecheen

H. Brecheen

J. Robinson: 4 RBI; Brecheen: 7 IP, 6 R allowed

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Zimmer goes with Mattingly

Fogelberg – Fogelberg Falcons manager went with his gut and selected Don Mattingly and Paul Molitor as his lifetime players for the Holiday Baseball League Wednesday night in Boggstown. “I think Donnie is going to do a great job as a leader on the field,” Zimmer said. The move allows Zimmer to place single season Juggernaut Jimmy Foxx in the DH spot.

Bagwell, Pesky get chance with Fleas

Jeff Bagwell and Johnny Pesky were both drafted Wednesday night and will be teammates on the Westport Fleas… Both started game on versus the McCall Mudhens.

Posted in All-Star Baseball blog, Holiday Baseball League, McCall Mudhens | 1 Comment

2009 Holiday Baseball League Rosters Announced

Holiday Baseball League: Rosters

AL

NL

Fogelberg Falcons:

T. Speaker
H. Wagner
J. Foxx*
P. Molitor*
D. Mattingly*
A.J. Belle
H. Heilmann
R. Ferrell
R. Carew
D. Allen
C. Biggio
T. Fernandez
M. Tettleton

Merrimack Owls

D. Brouthers
E. Delahanty
M. Cochrane*
D. Murphy*
H. Wilson
R. Santo*
T. Phillips
A. Vaughan
G. Vaughn
H. Duffy
N. LaJoie
M. McGwire
P.W. Reese

Joplin Crawdads

J. Morgan
A. Trammell*
R. Hornsby*
K. Griffey, Jr.*
H. Greenberg
J. Jackson
G. Hartnett
J. Sewell
R. Clemente
A. Kaline
O. Cepeda
D. Porter
C. Ripken, Jr.

McCall Mudhens

L. Brock*
J. Robinson
L. Gehrig*
J. Bench*
J. DiMaggio
E. Joost
H. Aaron
B. Bonilla
J. Torre
D. Evans
J. Kruk
F. Frisch
W. McGee

Boggstown Boilers

L. Appling
T. Cobb*
G. Brett*
A. Otis*
L. Walker
J. Olerud
J. Mize
W. Randolph
B. Dickey
K. Cuyler
B. Doerr
R. Campanella
C. Yastrzemski

Westport Fleas

E. Collins
J. Cronin*
R. Kiner*
M. Sweeney*
J. Bagwell
E. Averill
R. Colavito
J. Pesky
P. Waner
D. Snider
W. McCovey
C. Anson
E. Mathews

Posted in All-Star Baseball blog, Boggstown Boilers, Fogelberg Falcons, Holiday Baseball League, Joplin Crawdads, McCall Mudhens, Merrimack Owls, Westport Fleas | 1 Comment

HBL Draft Tonight in Boggstown

Boggstown – The defending Champion Boggstown Boilers will host the Holiday Baseball League draft this evening in the grand ballroom of the Stipes Hotel. As with all activities held in Boggstown, a grand event is planned with events held throughout the day including a live taping of the new “Name That Tune” with host Jason Alexander.

The newly crowned I-70 Classic Champion Westport Fleas won the right to draft the first single season player with the McCall Mudhens, Merrimack Owls, Joplin Crawdads, Boggstown Boilers, and The Fogelberg Falcons to follow. The order will be reversed for the career players with the Falcons picking first.

Mattingly rumors continue to fly for Falcons

With Don Mattingly getting plenty of extra work in the cages and in the field the last few days Falcons manager Don Zimmer continues to get bombarded with questions on who is getting the final “lifetimers” roster spot. “I have always had faith that Donnie (Mattingly) can get the job done,” Zimmer said Tuesday. “He has always been in great shape… Look at the guy. Look at that ‘stache… With a sweet mustache like that, how can you not be an American Hero!.”

It is presumed that Zimmer knows who he is going with and will not announce the decision shortly before the draft this evening. Local media is predicting that Carlton Fisk and Paul Molitor will be the selections, but Zimmer’s flair for the dramatic might suprise the “experts”.

Max Falkenstein to man booth for Fleas

In a small press conference the Fleas announced that Max Falkenstein will be their full-time play-by-play radio commentator Wednesday morning. With over 60 years of broadcasting experience and a smile that stretched from ear-to-ear as his name was announced by manager Buck O’Neill, Falkenstein said that he was “blessed” by the opportunity.
Learn More About Falkenstein >>

Trammell & Griffey look for continued success for Dads’

The Crawdads dynamic duo of Alan Trammell and Ken Griffey Jr. will look to continue their complete domination of American League pitching this season as they have been selected by manager Tony LaRussa to compete in the HBL. Griffey holds the record for most Home Runs in a twelve game season with twelve and Trammel is among the leaders in five offensive categories and holds the records for highest Slugging Percentage and Total Bases. Both have hit for the cycle in their careers and have proven that they are capable of putting up big numbers in a league known for big numbers.

Posted in Fogelberg Falcons, Holiday Baseball League, Joplin Crawdads, Westport Fleas | 1 Comment

Boilers Pick Up Hawley, Fleas Ink Smiley

In an effort to solidify a shaky middle relief staff, the Westport Fleas signed free agent left-hander John Smiley late Tuesday night.  In order to clear a roster spot for Smiley, the Fleas traded pitcher Pink Hawley to the Boggstown Boilers for cash.  Hawley joined the Fleas as a highly touted prospect, but just never found an identity with the team.  After struggling as a starter, he was relegated primarily to long-relief duty.  The Fleas will benefit from the monetary transaction as they continue to gain momentum in financing their new stadium, Asbury Park.  The Boilers, on the other hand, have now filled out their pitching roster and are happy to give Hawley a fresh start with an opportunity to land a role as the club’s fourth starter.

Posted in All-Star Baseball blog, Boggstown Boilers, Westport Fleas | Comments Off on Boilers Pick Up Hawley, Fleas Ink Smiley

HBL Draft Order Set

1. Westport Fleas
2. McCall Mudhens
3. Merrimack Owls
4. Joplin Crawdads
5. Boggstown Boilers
6. Fogelberg Falcons

Posted in Holiday Baseball League | Comments Off on HBL Draft Order Set

Pesky, Bagwell looking for a spot

Fogelberg – With the success of Roy Cullenbine, Frank Thomas and Edgar Martinez in the I-70 Classic, Johnny Pesky and Jeff Bagwell entered their names into the Holiday Baseball League draft late last night hoping for a chance to play on one of the six eligible teams.

Pesky, a three position player at third, short and second might just get a chance as a utility player in a relatively thin draft. “Pesky is not a cornerstone kind of player, but he definitely could be a useful cog or piece of the puzzle,” Joe Gordon said after the announcement. “He seems like on of those firey kind of guys that the Falcons or Boilers might take a change on… With those tiny strikeouts I would see him landing on Blasingame’s team as well.”

With a high total base total, Jeff Bagwell might get a shot at first base. “Six percent home runs and six percent doubles with a decent amount of walks makes me think this guy might get a shot. He is pretty comparable to a Hank Greenberg or a Willie McCovey. We will have to see how this shakes out, but I see him going anywhere between the third and sixth round.”

Falcons fill pitching hole with Hurst

It looks like Bruce Hurst will be the first man out of Don Zimmer’s bullpen for the Falcons during the HBL. Hurst, a former Red Sox pitcher threw for Zimmer and Carlton Fisk yesterday morning and was signed on the spot to a multi-year deal. “He looked real good,” Zimmer said after the workout. “We are happy to have him… I think he is going ot be real good in the pen and might get some starts here and there”

With the roster move, Steve Trout has been designated for assignment.

John Smiley draws interest

With the Fleas and Boilers both needing arms of different varieties, John Smiley is drawing quite a bit of attention these days. It is expected that there will be a deal between the two franchises involving Claude Hendrix and Smiley will sign later this afternoon.

Wherever he lands he is expected to pitch out of the bullpen.

Posted in All-Star Baseball blog, Fogelberg Falcons | Comments Off on Pesky, Bagwell looking for a spot

Questions a plenty for Falcons in the HBL

Fogelberg – With the cooler temperatures entering the Fogelberg area over the last week and the conclusion of the I-70 Classic all eyes have begun to turn to the Holiday Baseball League and the upcoming draft. Falcons manager Don Zimmer has begun his customary daily press conferences and the questions have run the gamut between his favorite video game and who he plans to draft if the Falcons happen to get the number one pick.

“I really like that Frogger game,” Zimmer says with a smile as his bald head gleams in the lights of the small conference room buried deep within Macintosh Stadium. “Look, we have a lot of guys in mind for that pick if we get it…. but to be perfectly honest, the group of guys is pretty level. I have my favorites as I’m sure that all of the other teams have a favorite. These drafts are a pretty big deal, but I am more a believer in team chemistry… The life-time players are where these things are won and lost. Look at those guys (pointing toward Boggstown), why do you think they have been so good lately. They have had some great teams, but Brett has been the leader for them… Those lifers’ have to be the leaders, the heart and soul ya know.”

Mattingly to get a shot?

The most curious question of the day came from WKRP sports reporter Chris Banninger who asked “Is it true that Carlton Fisk came to your office and asked that Don Mattingly get a roster spot?” in which Zimmer replied, “Carlton and I talk about a lot of stuff. He is one of the captains of this team and I value his opinion greatly.”

“Did he ask you to give Mattingly his spot?”

“You can ask him that question. I can’t speak for Fisky,” Zimmer replied.

Later that day Banninger did in fact ask Fisk that very question. “I walked into his office and told him what I though… I said that Donnie is a hell of a player and he has not gotten a chance to play in a while… I said that I know Paul (Molitor) HAS to play in this league and I would be willing to give up my spot for Donnie to have a chance to play… LISTEN, Don has been a BIG part of this organization for a long time and has been a part of a LOT of championships, especially in the early years. Paul and I have been picked quite a bit lately so I told him to take a look at Don and give him a chance. I respect whatever Zim decides.”

“I love to play. I love coaching. I love being a part of the Fogelberg Falcons,” Mattingly said during a packed press conference. “I will do whatever it takes to win… I’ve been here from day one and I know that weather I am driving in a run with two outs or waving in a run as the third base coach with two out I am still a big part of this team… This franchise is second to none.”

With haunting rumors and questions as plentiful as the presents on Christmas morning one thing is certain, the Holiday Baseball League is here and it’s time to celebrate.

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To check the standings, schedule and draft list for the Holiday Baseball League, click here or on the link to the right.

Posted in All-Star Baseball blog, Fogelberg Falcons, Holiday Baseball League | 1 Comment

Fleas Reign Supreme

McCall – On a morning so sweet you could almost drink it, the Westport Fleas poured down Bunker Street on Friday to celebrate their 2-1 victory over the McCall Mudhens in the Championship of the I-70 Baseball Classic. Surrounded by fans that were seduced by weeks of torment, chutzpah and miracle finishes the Fleas were all smiles as they walked down victory lane.

“BUCK!” they screamed, as if a savior had arrived… “BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!”

They came by car. They came by train. They watched from rooftops and atop bus-stop shelters. In a lousy economy, they ditched work. A town in desperate need of a happy ending exploded with pride.

“I’ve had this day planned in my head since last season,” says Chuck Morgan of Westport. “Ever since the Fleas lost out on the playoffs of the KCBL.”

“MVP! MVP!” shouts the crowd when Ted Williams face lights up a big screen.

For a few perfect hours Friday, Westport celebrated Mardi Gras. Air horns fractured the air… At the corner of Dylan and Wyoming, a crowd 40 deep watched the big screen at local television show “Westport Live”… Fans held up “BUCK DIEM” signs.

Gentle crowds, they were, at least by Westport standards. There were beer bottles rolling around the floors of WTA buses but little drinking in evidence along the parade route. Warm in the sun, ideal in the shade. Rock bands. Cheerleaders. The faint smell of pot. Maybe that’s why they were so mellow. More likely, they were just glad to be there, on a day when the whole city seemed to be playing hooky and making jokes.

Lord, we can always use a happy ending around here, and at last we’ve found one in these improbable Fleas.

Titletown USA? Why not?

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I-70 Baseball Classic 2009 ::

Final Standings:

1. Fleas: 5-2
2. Mudhens: 3-5
3. Bears: 4-2
4. Owls: 2-4

Championship Series:

Game 1: Fleas 8, Mudhens 20

Game 2: Mudhens 10, Fleas 15
(MVP- Ott – 4-5, 1 BB, 1HR, 1 2B, 2 RBI, 4 Runs)

Game 3: Fleas 13, Mudhens 9
(MVP – Bonds – 3-4, 2 BB, 5 RBI)

Consolation Game:

Bears 13, Owls 12

Posted in I-70 Baseball Classic, Westport Fleas | 2 Comments

Drago Saves Title for Fleas

McCall – In a league known for its staggering offensive statistics, pitchers can often be overlooked, especially those that work out of the bullpen.  What Dick Drago did for the Westport Fleas in the I-70 Classic simply cannot be ignored, however.  Buck O’Neil leaned heavily on the new closer and Drago delivered.  Five straight times.  Drago closed out all five of the Fleas’ victories, including two clutch performances on Wednesday night facing elimination in front of a delirious McCall crowd.   In his five appearances, Drago only allowed 2 runs in 9.2 innings.

Of course, the Fleas had other heroes too.  Ted Williams and Mel Ott finally provided some power, Max Bishop continued his steady production, and lifetime Flea Joe Cronin came up with key hits from the bottom of the lineup.  At the end of the night, though, the Fleas knew who they had to thank for their first championship.  In the Fleas locker room deep in the bowels of new McCall Memorial, even Buck O’Neil seemed at a loss for words, “Dick was big.  Dick was really big”.  That pretty much sums it up for the Fleas.

Posted in All-Star Baseball blog, I-70 Baseball Classic, Westport Fleas | 1 Comment