It's not important that the Giants repeated as 55 Division champions Monday night at New Scotland Town Park.
What's important is that we all had Matt and Sharon Kelly in our prayers and that both teams shared in the post-season celebration at the pavilion in honor of the Kellys. No one came off the field as losers. What the Kelly's (Damn Yankees) had to endure this season and how they have handled this horrible news is nothing short of class personified. That team is indeed a group of winners and all of us on the Giants were proud to share the same field with them in the finals.
Yes, there was a game and a score. Who cares.
I will just say this about the Giants: They played hard and respected the game and their opponents all year. A couple of our players are also enduring some adversity in their family lives as well. Like the Kelly's (DY2015), they endure. But suffice it to say that Ralph Caputo's gutty 7-inning pitching performance not only saved Game 1, but his grand slam in the third inning of Monday night's game was also poetic justice. It has been a grueling year for Ralph. No one deserved it more. He epitomizes what a Hall of Famer represents.
Funny how things work out. Ralph had told me he doubted he would make Monday's game. So, I didn't have him in the lineup. Then he shows up. He got added to the 10-hole. We load the bases in the third and up comes Ralph for the first time.
During my 17-year tenure in this league, it has been a privilege and and honor to share the same field with so many good people. And a privilege to get to know their spouses/girlfriends. Matt and Sharon Kelly are among the very best of them.
Congrats to the Giants! Well deserved championship! Great group of guys! Can't wait to share the field with you all again next year. As for Matt and Sharon: May the grace of God be with you both!
I want to say I hate the 55 Giants I really, really do!.....
But I can't.
A bunch of good, quality guys who shared their beer and happiness at winning the championship. I appreciate everything they expressed before, during and after the games. I thank them for all the kind words.
And I congratulate them on winning the championship.
Gotta luv u JK but I wanted to clarify to all my cdmsbl buddies, that the grueling year had to do with my job and the inability to make all the Giant games this year and to be late for the games I did make. It's was tough,with a small T. I do want to let Sharon and Matt know that you are both in our prayers, and I know you will get through this. And by the way, Sue is doing great and sends her love to all you guys in the league.
Ralph
-- Edited by Ralph Caputo on Tuesday 11th of August 2015 07:05:27 PM
