Well there isn't much to say or elaborate what my fellow BlueJay Curt tucker reported. In all the years I have brought teams down I never saw a Tournament in which nothing went our way. We should have been 3-2 at the worse and even posibly 4-1 with any luck. Fustrating as it was I was proud of the players for their never quit attitudes and competitive spirit even with the fustrating loses that would have tried any team. Outstanding performances to John Weber who pitched brilliant game in game one in which we should be still playing as I write. Pat Alston not only hit the ball but crushed it at times, Mike Surin played a steady SS and pitched an outstanding # 3 game. Mike also hit the ball well, particularly in the first 3 games, Paul Post gave us typical outstanding 3rd base as well as steady hitting throughout the tournament. Jim Tessorio gave us outstanding pitching and some steady hitting in the leadoff position. I would be remise if I did not mention the outstanding centerfield play of Curt Tucker. He showed great range as well as as strong arm. He was invaluable to our defense.
Yes, were very disappointed, but no one on that team as Jimmy K. indicated needs to hang their heads we were in all the games.
I want to thank all of my players for their efforts and a chance to call them my teammates. We'll regroup for next year!!
Artie joked about it, but I honestly believe that we were the best 0-5 team in the tournament. This was my 3rd time going down to the Fall Classic and this was by the far the best team we've fielded. A catch here, or a perfectly placed hit there, and it could have been a totally different outcome. We had the lead or were close in every game except one. I had a great time. If you told me that I would never win a game in the tournament, I would still try my best to make it every year. Good weather, baseball and great teammates. Who could ask for anything more?
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We don't stop playing because we get old, we get old because we stop playing.
Artie,
As a "rookie" this was a great experience. Playing in November, in Floridia and at great fields, what more could you ask for. The team you assembled were a great bunch of guys who played their hearts out. Unfortunately the baseball gods wasn't able to give us any breaks. We were in every game.
Thanks for giving me this experience. I can't wait til next year. God willing we will all be there again. Hopefully with a better outcome.
Thanks for all you did to make this happen.
John Cortese 45 Dodgers
PS: Maybe we should all meet onetime during the off season at Dairy Queen?
we were all rootin' for you guys. from everything i read, you done good, despite the scores. next year, you'll see, the ball will bounce another way. nice going.
