It was another muggy, breezeless day at EMLL on July 28 when the first place Sand Crabs visited the second place Rangers in a matchup for the ages (?) in the 45+ division of the MABL of Southern Wisconsin.  The wind was not blowing out.  Nor was it blowing in.  It was just stagnant, as still as a Cubs fan watching a game against the Brewers.

Pitching for the visiting Crabs was none other than Mike “Wally” Wallace, and for the Rangers, Jeff “Kunky” Kunkel.  I just made that up.  I don’t know whether they call him Kunky, but they could.  Think about it.

Wally was simply masterful on this day.  He went 7 strong, much stronger than the 6 run 7th would lead one to believe, until they notice that only one run was earned, as the Crabs had a bit of trouble fielding the ball that inning.  Some might say they were still entranced by the smooth sounds of Christopher Cross’ song, “Sailing”.  It was Yacht Rock night on Friday at American Family Stadium, and that ear worm was plaguing the Crabs all day.  But like the Players they are, Baby, they Came Back and pulled it all together, after giving a chance to make themselves see that they’ve used up all the gaffs in their game, that was enough for me.  That’s enough, enough for me-heeeee!

Final score was 14-7 Crabs, with the Rangers mounting an attack by carrying the ball to the RedZone in the 9th, only to fall short on a 4th and 2.

Anyhoo, the Rangers were led by Jason Witt, with three hits and a ribeye, and Sean Finnel with one hit but two ribeyes.

The Crabbies were led by Tom “Fiddy/50” Scalissi and Mike “Hot Coffee” Kauffman, with 3 hits each, with Michael knocking in 2 and Thomas knocking in one. Chris McGill lived up to his name “Big Slugger” with a two hit and two RBI performance in his first ever start at 3B in his illustrious career.  But Wally, Oh Wally….he helped his own cause by scoring 3 runs and accounting for a total of 4 with two RBIs, one of them on his first dinger of the year.  Stat Track estimated it to be a non-wind-aided 305 foot blast to left center.

Thirsts were quenched at Slice’s after the game, but the supply of Schlitz was unexpectedly low, so the Crabs pivoted and enjoyed some Pina Coladas, and getting caught in the rain.  Oh, What a Fool Believes.

Both teams continue the grind next week, but at the Verona Senior LL diamond in…you guessed it….Verona.  The Crabs visit the Crawfords at noon, and the Rangers host the Orioles at 3.   Premium tickets are still available.

It was a muggy and warm day at EMLL on July 21st, when the Sand Crabs hosted the Orioles in the 45+ division of the MABL of Southern Wisconsin.  The pitching matchup was one with some history, with Steve “Konnichi” Waugh hurlin’ fer de birds, and birthday boy Randy Gaber who was celebrating his XXth trip around the sun. Waugh has pitched well against the Crabs this year, and was ready to have a repeat performance.  The Crabs, however, had other ideas.  They had already purchased a cake, and would be damned if they couldn’t light the candles for Gaber’s XXth celebration afterward.

The Crabs struck first in the first, when second baseman Troy Galston scored on a fielders choice off the bat of Jim Pliner, and then Gaber trotted home on an errant throw. 2-0 Crabs.

In the bottom of 3, the Sand Crabs got 4 more to take what would typically be a comfortable lead.  But not in old man baseball…anything can happen and it usually does.  In this inning, Gaber, Pliner, and Bernie Albright had back, to back, to back RBI singles after ‘lil slugger Chris McGill reached on an error and Galston took a free pass.

Bottom of four meant seven more for the Crabs, whilst Gaber continued to stymie the Birds.  The 4th was highlighted by Randy Olivares’ leadoff single and a double by Dewey Walz to get Olivares over to third.  Olivares flashed some speed not seen since the early 90’s as he scorched the path between second and third.  Galston walked again, and Gaber knocked in Olivares with a birthday single.  This was followed by a ballerina’s favorite.  Two 2 run singles, or tutu run singles for those of you who are cultured.  One by Albright and one by Tim McInernay, who coincidentally enjoy the ballet and have taken some classes.

That would be about it on this day, as shortly thereafter, with their players feeling the aches and pains of the day and a storm-a-coming, the Orioles threw in the towel.

Orioles were led by Jeff Randall with two hits, and John Kuehl, Jason Edge, and Jim Wichern each picked up one.

Gaber went 5 strong innings, not allowing a runner past second base, assisted by some stellar errorless defense by the Crabs behind him.  He walked none and struck out one.

The Crabs send well wishes to Ely Torres of the Orioles, who left with a sore right ankle after a close play at third base.  Get well soon, Ely!

Thirsts were quenched at Slice’s, and Gaber was a unanimous choice for SPOG, both offensive and defensive and not just because Wally is hoarding the second mug.  Well deserved, Gabes.  Well deserved.  Its hard to believe you’re XX years old.

Both squads are back in action at EMLL next week, with the Orioles hosting the Crawfords at noon, and the Crabs visiting the Rangers in the afternoon cap at 3. Tickets are still available, just go to www.www.www for all the details and package pricing.