Tuesday, August 12, 2008

How Sweep it is!




The Elkhorns battled adversity (again) as they won “everything they could” sweeping up in their 2nd season. “Bring on Kaboom “shouted Presto speaking of the Elite division winners.


The Horns cruised through the round robin and things looked rosy, until the call came on Sunday morning. “The Commish called in the morning with a last minute change in game time and location” said Summer. “Luckily, we were able to get in touch with everyone and sneaked out the first win on Sunday against the Concrete Crushers.” They then took the diamond against the Dirt Bags. It was a bit closer, but again, when you’re a team on a mission, it is tough to stop the big Elkhorn train.


The fact that a quarter of the team went to the Tom Petty concert the night before and were noticeably “off” when they hit the diamond was of no concern for Summer. “This team is about depth, and good drafts have allowed this organization to have a solid succession plan where anyone can play at any time” boasted Summer.


The final game was a “beaut”. The Herd was actually down 2 runs against Batts of Fury, then Maura mentioned that she would buy a beer for every player that passed over home plate. Well, that would be the death of the opponents as the Horns cost Maura a shopping bag full of “brewskies” en route to the victory.


Here is a description of the final out in the Championship game. Rick pitched his trademark “knuckle slider”. She swung, missed, and the Herd won. Rick turned around and chuckled, “that was anti-climatic”; no truer statement was uttered all year. But when beer was on the line, the other team knew they were done.


Time for a commercial break.


Cowboy hat $20


Warm up beers $10


New Bat $175


Hugh striking out in the Championships – PRICELESS!



Back to our regular programming.



Injuries were a concern for the Summer GM as he chose to rest players during the round robin. “I sat down in a closed meeting with the Elkhorn GM and really it was a no brainer; we knew this team had depth, and would hold their own. But, there was no way anyone was going to sit much on Sunday, everyone was going to play”.


Playoff homer club included Hugh, Rob, Casual, Presto and Maura.


Year end awards:



  • Best comeback player (Casual),,,he batted stellar in the last few weeks! Finally.

  • Best fielder female (Kelly), also would have best bunter award, but only one is given out per player!

  • Best wounded player (Presto). Hope surgery went OK.

  • Best player with internal organs falling out (Hugh).

  • Best Closer (Pete), always there in the big games.

  • Best starting pitcher (Rick), and closed out the championship season for the Herd.

  • Best 2B (Vanessa), actually got thrown out once at first and stood there is shock as most speed merchants do! Speed galore!

  • Most HR’s Female (Maura), also stops balls on 1B with her knees!

  • Best Catcher (Barb), got better every game throughout the season

  • Best recovery from career ending injury (Nicola). Came back with a fury at bat!

  • Least games played (Jeff). Still batted .500!

  • Most cardiac arrests (Summer), ‘nuff said.

  • Most versatile player (Dave), mind you, he never pitched or catched but there is always next year!

  • Best infielder (female) Peggy. Corralled a few heaters this year, and a few off the ankles and shins!

  • Best home run average (Rob)…Others were closing in on him as Rob ages.

  • Best Hosts (Hugh and Tiny),,,, we only were able to hit Ricks’ one time other than their place….thanks! Rick/Vanessa were great hosts as well!


Team assets:


One set of barely used bases 50 bucks


About a half dozen bats 20 bucks


Lotsa used balls 10 bucks


Catchers Mask (yes we have one) 5 bucks

Total 85 bucks (garage sale value)



Team Debts:


None



Thanks to the “commish” for a great year!


It is rumored that the Herd may have earned a move up to 4th division next year. Stay tuned for more info as those crafty Elmwood Elkhorns continue their mission towards the 2028 Super Seniors Co-Ed Canadian Championship!


Thanks for a good season - Summer

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you to the Herd for another great Season.


B Side Champs last season as an expansion franchise, the Herd laughed off the "Sophomore Jinx" tag that happens to many at Capture both the League Tournament and Playoff Titles.


The Herd are like a fine wine....they get better with Age

Rumour has it the Summer GM sent back the Championship Rings they won and ordered Pure Gold Championship (wrestling style) Belts for each player to wear around town. (I heard chicks at the Palamino Club dig guys wearing those belts)

I Think the Summer GM may have the best winning percentage of ANY Elkhorn GM in Franchise history

See ya all next season!


The Commish

Anonymous said...

It's true, even the big guys strike out once in a while. In this case his "Hughness" knew just what was needed and exactly when it was needed.

"With the team feeling a little frazzled in the playoff's, his hughess reached down to carress his visibly swolen lower rib cage, you could tell he was worried about his potentially (career ending) abdominal wall injury. One more swing and one more tear is what the entire sold out crowd envisioned. The "Hugh One" took one for the team in the most magnificent display of unselfishness (he didn't care about his stat's) and motivated the "dulled" heard...the blast of air from that swing seemed to awaken the sleepy Elkhorn's", stated an exhilarated Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press.

"Hugh was the consumate professional, heck he even took a little skin off the ball for authenticity sakes, to make that big strike out resonate in the minds of the Elkhorn's." lamented a bewildered Bo Jackson.

And did it work?

It's now in the history books, the Horn's win the title!

As usual, Hugh closed the season in a big way, he got a big bat, took a big swing, got a big home run...the RESULT...the Herd gets yet another BIG championship.

this article by Troy Westwood, Winnipeg Sun freelance journalist

Anonymous said...

Hugh, we love your big bat...if only Summer could wield his small sword in that manner

Your truly,

an admiring fan!

Anonymous said...

I want to be Hugh's Agent


Jerry McGuire

Hugh Glove said...

Hey Jerry,

Show me the money!!!

Elkhorn GM said...

Those are some mighty fine pictures!

Anonymous said...

SWEET PICTURES,SWEET BLOG MUSIC,SWEET SEASON...AND ALL THANKS TO THE SWEET BOUJ.

Anonymous said...

Many Elhorns were spotted in the crowd at the Bomber Game Thursday and the Herd's winning ways rubbed off the on Bombers

They can ban me from the press box, but they better not ban the Herd from the Beer lineup




this article by Troy Westwood, Winnipeg Sun freelance journalist