Well, it wasn't the story book ending I envisioned, but certainly was an ending! The Bombers murderers row lineup thoroughly thrashed us over the weekend, gaining a well deserved spot in the finals against the Giants. Good luck to both teams. This Reds team was comprised of some of the best players in the league, but just could never get over the semi final hump. I'd like to think that we were always a competitive, classy team, who played the game right, but you guys can be the judge of that. I know some of our guys are already spoken for for next year, but hopefully some of the others will get a call. I'm pretty sure everyone is planning to play next year....somewhere. That is except me. From the knee, hip and shoulder surgeries, to the tendinitis in both elbows this year, this body is done. I know thats nothing to you Mane, but thats alot for a normal guy like me! I started in the CDMSBL 20 years ago, pitching every weekend, for the Senators, but for the last 5 years or so, have barely been able to make a throw from 2nd base, and that is no fun. Anyway, thanks to everyone for the competition,camaraderie and cooler sessions over the years, and special thanks to my teammates from the Senators, Tigers, Cubs, Senators and Reds, whom i played with in my 20 years in the CDMSBL.
P.S. Come by my new business venture, Dave's Dog House - 501 Columbia Tpk in East Greenbush, for some lunch or dinner and say hello, we have the best meat sauce around...so I'm told.
Great job with the Reds Dave. You guys were always fun to play against, always playing the game the right way and loaded with talent. Many players have benefited from your efforts as manager, including me and my time on the Senators. I will always appreciate that. We had some great fun! I will definitely stop by the dog house to say hello and throw down a few meat dogs!
dave - i'm sorry to hear that you're leaving the league and baseball.
over the years, we've not chatted much, but the talks we've had have always been enjoyable. i do remember when i first played here in '98 for adirondack beverage and you were, i believe, pitching for the senators. i admired your style: you were always always cool on the hill and very tough on every batter you faced, with a real lively fastball. there are some pitchers in the league i think everyone should have the challenge and sharp-edged pleasure of facing at least once, among them, jj pearsall, steve lounello, bob holt, phil gadomski, chris dunn, jerry solomon, and about a dozen more, and the '98 version of dave van wormer would certainly be among those pitchers.
your teams, too, were always talented, well prepared, playing the game smart and right. they had a good manager.
i know you've done a lot for the league outside of managing, and, while your departure is understandable, and universal (father time will tag us all out eventually) it's also regrettable, for you, of course, but also for all of us.
i wish you luck with dave's dog house. i exercise at the y in east green bush, so i'll stop by sometime for a shot of energy.
-mike
-- Edited by mikehart on Wednesday 10th of September 2014 06:57:28 PM
Twenty years of memories; can't beat that. Glad we got connected again Dave thru this league. We always loved playing against you guys. Deep in talent and class and fun to share some post-game frostys with as well. And when healthy, you were among the elite players I've seen in this league.
I do hope to see all the Reds on some team next year, especially Chuck Handford. I've known him for a helluva lot longer than 20 years! Probably closer to 40!
See you at Dave's Dog Pound, er, House, I mean! jimk
Thanks for the many years(too many to count) of competetive baseball. Never played on your team except for Florida one year. More importantly, thanks for the many times you mentioned Suzie to me, still concerned about her and her well being. Meant a great deal to me and I always told Sue you asked about her and she would always say how nice that was. So anyway, hope to see you soon. Who knows, in the 55's?
