The Whiz Kids jumped all over thew Marlins in game 2, at Watervliet High School last night, to the tune of 15-1. The game was 1-1 through 3 innings with both Wayne Newcomb and Mike Kane pitching well. The 4th inning saw the Whiz Kids rally for 3 runs, and the 11 more in the 5th. Meanwhile, Mike Kane was doing what he did all year: keeping the opponents off the scoreboard. Easily the Pitcher of the Year, in the 55's in 2017, Mike shut the Fish down after a 1st inning run, and gave his team a chance to win. Well, they didn't let him down! The hit the crap out of the ball, and made all of the plays defensively. The Marlins did contribute a handful of untimely errors, but the Whiz bats waking up were the real story tonight.
The Fish will try to rebound from a poor performance, and return to the way they played in game one, as the deciding game will return to the site of their game 1 magic (New Scotland Town Park) on Wednesday night at 5:45 pm. Mike Girard will return to the mound for the Marlins, and it will be interesting to see if the Whiz try to bring Mike Kane back to the mound after just one day's rest, or will they go to their number 2 starter, Jimmy Preller. Regardless, It should be a much better game than what we witnessed Monday night.
There are a number of very good players in our league, but for my money Mike Kane has been MVP for two years running. He joined a solid, all-around group of men on the Whiz Kids and lifted them/us to a higher level. In two years, our regular-season record is 24-5-1. I believe they were 6-8 the previous year.
Mike's a great teammate, too.
But I'm writing to point out that Mike was DRAFTED. He did not pick the Whiz Kids. He was stuck with us. Mike had a long connection to the Giants, close friendships with several of those players. Without a draft, there's no question where Mike would have landed.
For that entire first year, you can imagine how nicely we treated Mike. "Great game, Mike!" "Can I wash your car?" "Have a beer, good buddy!" "Here's a small gift of faberge eggs, crafted during the Romanov Dynasty -- just because!"
After a year, Mike was free to go. But to our good luck, and maybe to Mike's surprise, he felt comfortable with the Whiz Kids and stayed on. Maybe it's because we landscape his yard, or because Brian Musella installed new hardwood floors in his television room, free of charge. Who knows! But I don't believe Mike Kane could be MVP on a team as stacked as the Giants. The entire league has benefited from Mike's decision.
Why play for a Steamroller when you can be the Little Engine That Could?
I know the Draft is an uncomfortable experience for some players, going against the grain of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. I get that it's awkward. But I also know that in our league, the 55s, it's working. Two teams may meet on the field, but we all participate in one game, one shared experience. It is better for all concerned when that game is closely contested, when either side can win. I think the Draft inches us closer to that competitive ideal and away from the preposterous "super team" concept.
I understand that some players in the 45s have delayed joining the 55s, uncomfortable with the uncertainty of the draft. It's difficult to be in that position. But I encourage these men who are eligible to join the 55s to open your minds, expose yourself to a new experience, and see how it goes for a season. You'll keep your old friends and maybe make some new ones in the process. Even the teams in our league that struggle are just 1-2 key players away from being above .500. You might be a part of that, and might find that it's a very satisfying feeling to be a part of that kind of success. After one season, about 16 games, you're free to go where you want.
I'd write at more length, but I have to pick up Mike's dry cleaning. He gets so angry when I'm late!
-- Edited by JimmyP on Tuesday 15th of August 2017 09:43:22 AM
Jimmy, you nailed it, not only with your assessment of the value to the league of the draft system, but your observation of Mike Kane's contribution to the rise of the Whiz. The 55s have become a great league because each year there is more parity, and there is no question that the addition of one or two players coming up from the 45s can make an immediate impact in a team's turnaround. Hopefully, the days of stacking teams are over. I believe our Damn Yankees team took the field each game this summer believing they could beat anybody in the league with a good showing, but also knowing they could just as easily lose any game if they put up a stinker. Should be an interesting Game 3 between the Whiz and Marlins. I wouldn't count out Mike K taking the mound again to face off with Mike G. And the winner gets the Mighty Giants. I understand Jim Porter will be selling ''Kane is Able'' bumper stickers in the parking lot of New Scotland before the game to help pay your dry-cleaning bill.
