For those of you newer to CDMSBL, last night's Orioles loss to the Dodgers in the 35 Division playoffs marked the end of an era to one of the most successful franchises in CDMSBL lure.
While it was sad to see the once-dominant Marlins franchise fold a couple of years back, it was equally as sad to see the Orioles play perhaps their final game in the 35 Division as Doug Reisinger moves on from his managerial spot to focus on helping the 45 Division Giants.
The Orioles franchise was started by Mike Hughes. After Hall of Famer Dick Stark took the reigns, the Orioles wasted no time in becoming one of the perennial powers in all of CDMSBL. Dick handed the franchise to Paul Scutieri and Paul kept the franchise in tact, adding pieces and keeping the Orioles among the elite 35 Division teams. Paul handed the team to Doug Reisinger, who, at least on paper, kept the Orioles solid for 2011.
But injuries, especially in the pitching department, and some guys changing teams or not returning left the O's struggling to get players to games much of the 2nd half of the season.
Behind stalwart players like Bob Bolt, Tony Nardacci, Paul Scutieri, Doug Reisinger, Mark Dabney, Jimmy Becker, Mark Lennox, Dave Topino, Brian Musella and Dennis Buckley, the Orioles made 5 finals appearances over the past 6 years, second only to the 6 finals the Marlins appeared in since 1999. (The Marlins also won the '98 regular-season title in a year in which there was no playoff round). The Orioles, with Scutieri at the helm, finally got over the hump in 2007, beating the Marlins for the title.
Consider the following list of 35 Division champions (includes the Division when it was 38 and over).
2010 Cubs over Orioles 2009 Mets over Orioles 2008 Cubs over Giants 2007 Orioles over Marlins 2006 Marlins over Orioles 2005 Marlins over Orioles 2004 Yankees over A's 2003 Hummingbirds over Marlins 2002 Hummingbirds over A's 2001 Hummingbirds over Blue Jays 2000 Marlins over Blue Jays 1999 Marlins over Braves
Now Orioles players Tony Nardacci, Doug Reisinger, Paul Scutieri, Bob Bolt and Dan Maguire will don the Giants jersey in the 45 Division as they have done this year (hopefully Dan will play full time next year) and help us try to win some titles in what has become arguably the most balanced and competitive divisions in all of CDMSBL.
To Dick Stark, Paul and Doug, your teams as well as past Marlins teams have helped make CDMSBL one of the most competitive MSBL franchises in the nation and your contributions to the league will soon become legendary.
Thanks Jimmy for the nice recap of past Oriole teams and players. I would like to add not only did the Orioles Appear in 5 of the past 6 finals in the over 35+ Division. But, Mostly all of the core guys mentioned also won 2 25+ championships in 2002 & 2005. It's great to have played with the same bunch of guys over a long period of time. You become good friends both on and off the field. You also have many moments where you fight, yell and disagree during the course of a season but almost always you have each others back. It has been definitely a great ride.
Thanks O's
P.S. I hope it isn't me but In 15 years I have now managed to be on 4 teams that have folded. Senators, Peppers, Hornets (Now the Giants) and now the Orioles.
Good Luck in the Playoff's to all the teams still alive.
Over the many years I've had the pleasure and disappointment of having to face the Orioles and their great teams. It was always necessary to bring your A game if you had any hope of winning. I'm sorry to see this team dissolve, but time and circumstances does that. The only consolation is I'll see many of the guys on the field in the 45+.
I salute the Orioles on their long and storied run. obviously always a strong team. the 25+ and the 35+ divisions owe you thanks for the years of helping build and solidify those divisions. I wouldn't doubt we see the O's gain some day. maybe as a 55 team? jreel, former foe.
