Jim Ansel may have made baseball history on Sunday by being the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter AFTER being selected to the Hall of Fame. Ansel, inducted by the CDMSBL in 2008, was in vintage form as he spun a 7-inning no-hit shutout at the Dodgers as the Blue Thunder continued its winning ways in the 45s with an 8-0 victory. He struck out five batters, walked none and pitched to just two batters over the minimum, both of whom reached on errors. In fact, Ansel was so dominant that he broke four bats in the process. He was quick to credit his catcher Mike Eplite by stating after the contest that he didnt shake him off once during the game. It is also worth noting that the Cardiac Combination of Ansel and Eplite are both heart attack survivors who are an inspiration to everyone in the league. The Thunder pounded out 15 hits with Pete Laflamme and Bob Weitz leading the way with three each, including a double. Jon Martin, Don Ball and Matt Kelly also ripped doubles in the win. Ed Rogers turned in a complete game effort on the mound for the Dodgers on a hot and humid afternoon. The win was the sixth straight for the Blue Thunder, which now stand 8-3 on the year and await the first place Marlins next Saturday in a 9:45 a.m. game at Wahconah Park in Pittsfield, MA.
-- Edited by adtimbrown on Sunday 24th of July 2011 05:24:41 PM
You should be quite proud of yourself. The Dodgers entire lineup can pound the ball. To hold them hitless is amazing. I`m jelous. Great job Jim. Jon Atwell
That is vintage Jim! Giving the catcher credit! Class act all the way. Nice job Jim! I look forward to the challenge of facing you next week while you are at the top of your game. The Thunder vs. Marlins game should be a really good one! It will go a long way toward deciding the top seed for the upcoming playoffs!
A no-no at any level is tough to achieve. Bad bounce here, bloop there ... Ansel turned back the page a few years and showed his heart is as strong as ever! And Girard is right: Class act in giving Eppy the credit. So nice to see that both of them set such an inspiring example. Congrats guys. JK
There is something magical about a no-hitter, particularly for an old coot who somehow keeps getting yet another chance to enjoy this great game. My teammates were really excited for me on the field, but it has taken time for me to appreciate the good will around the league.
I thank Mike E for calling a great game and Jon Martin for being the pitching coach of the Thunder and my wing man. Jon knows I am no longer a 7-inning pitcher. He kept asking me if I "needed" to come out after every inning. He had a twinkle in his eye. He knew exactly what he was doing. He was so excited after the game that he yelled through the intercom at Dunkin' Donuts that I threw a no no. I got a free donut.
I hope we never grow out of this. The people around our league insure that we stay young in our outlook and enthusiastic. That is why so many of us are still "playing" baseball. We are fortunate to have this league and the good folks who populate it.
Thanks to everybody for the fuss. Your congratulations are touching.
wow! Way to go Jim, Given the the last one ( I witnessed Jim throw in Hartford Conn.) in 1998 and now this jewel...and Jim's obvious ability to keep com'in on....I look forward to his 2024 no no. we'll only have to create the over 65 division (and you know that's gonna happen!).
Jim, Mike , Thunder , great job. first no hitter in the 45+ by the way.
Also good to hear from Thunder franchise originator Mr. Lounsbury. your team is alive and well my friend.
Congrats Jimmy from an old warhorse whose faced you for many years. This doesn't surprise me as I have seen you get even better over the last few years and become a true cagy pitcher with excellent command. You've come all the way back from adversity which shows the true champion you are.
