Just back from Vegas and just wanted first of all to extend a heartfelt thank you to Ed Simmons of the Maine Indians for putting up with some hired guns from the Capital District: Pete Genealis,Ron Massaroni,Rick Caruso Paul Scutieri and me. . Vegas greeted us with temps in the low 50's when we played our first game, (the first of a double header) The wind chill seemed like 10(according to Sue) We managed to beat an Alabama team, rather easily, considering we didn't feel our fingers. I don't remember the score but I do know it wasn't a nail biter.The game's highlight was a sensational catch by Paul in centerfield setting the Alabama team down for good. In the second game, the wind was somewhat calmer but the temps still only reached 53, so it was still a challenge.We played a determined team from Iowa who first got together in High School and were using this tournament as a reunion. We played less than steller defense around Cowboy Murphy, and we went down I think the final was around 7 to 2.(help Rick!) Sunday saw temps rise to 61 and we were feeling warmer and confident. We had Ronnie Mazz on the mound. Ronnie pitched well against the best team in our bracket. We were in the game thanks to hitting phenom Rick Caruso's 4 hits, and savvy pitching by Ronnie. But.. we couldn't catch the ball. Ronnie went six tough innings. It was a close game 2-0 for the first five innings and then all heck broke lose...I came in to pitch the last three innings, but the game was out of reach. Ronnie did everything he could to keep us in the game, but this LA team had a excellent line up.
We played well enough in our two loses to allow us to make it to the semis, and there we faced another LA team. We again could not catch(see) the ball, in this game. The LA team this time hit the ball where we werent and ended our run. The weekend temps were lousy,but,when I left Vegas for Albany the temps were in the high 70's and yesterday was a perfect 75. this weekend it might reach 90, so it's a crap shoot-pun intended) It's a great tournament for obvious reasons, and the Southern Cal guys are ready to play, but can be beat. I think next year we should take an Albany team. Start planning..
ralph i think you guys should play with me i would love to have you guys play with the Inland Angels...we lost to the boston wolfpack 2-1 a game we should have won and then 7-3 to Team Victory both national sponsored teams...several of you guys and we win for fun:):):) wis i sw you guys out there...Anyway congrats on a great tourney...
