In what can only be called one of the most exciting finishes in Slo-Pitch Softball history, the MasterBatters overcame numerous hurdles, unruly opponents, sketchy rosters, and worst of all – blazing heat to win six out of seven games en route to the team’s second Championship in two years, this time taking a step up and winning the B Division!
With only barely being able to field a team, the MBs were matched up against A Division’s Beer Factor who finished outside the top 8 and were relegated to the B Division playoffs. Without shade and without subs, the MBs played great defense behind Heather’s pitching and consistent batting from the entire team getting out to a 5-0 lead and never looking back. The second game would see more of the same as Beer Factor would strand a number of players on base with big plays being made in the field by the MBs. The series would be clinched with a catch made by Dave sprinting in from left field, right by Trevor roving, and making a 2-inch off the ground catch to close the series and send the MBs to Championship Sunday in a semi-final match-up against the Coyotes.
Heat would be a factor once again as record highs in the city would drain teams the longer they played into the day. The Coyotes and MBs have had numerous battles this year splitting games and their squad sounded pretty confident once they found out they were playing us. Add the subtle injuries players were starting to feel and it looked to be an uproad battle to the finals. The teams would split the first two games with MBs winning the first with consistent fielding including a nice play from Byron-Quinto-Trevor-Dave to get an out at third, while the MB bats continued to roll with Dan finding the base numerous times when we needed support the most. With a change in the 2nd game moving Ollie into center, the Coyotes took advantage of a blazing sun and a capless CFer to get some big runs and taking game two. A pitching change in the third would turn the tables back to the MBs as the Coyotes would have a hard time getting their bats on the Quinto-sidespin falling behind 9-0 and possibly getting mercy-ruled out of out of the playoffs. Unfortunately, some hits and an poor throws on bunts on my part put them on the board and extended the game. I would battle throws to first most of the day, though big thanks to Jenn for digging a couple out of the dirt. On the flip side, huge props go out to our ladies who consistently found first on clutch hits and key bunts out-running throws or pushing our runners along into scoring positions. The game wasn’t without more stellar defense including a belly-flop diving catch from Trev now on third to end an inning with runners on base while old-man Colin continuously found life to make catch after catch from the rover position. In SS, Dave would secure the win with plays to first where Jenn consistently made outs whether throws were coming from him or Sheri on 2nd who also was as cool as a cucumber given her counterpart on the other team was a complete douchebag with a mouth like a NYC trucker. The team would need a break and re-fueling before taking on the surprising Canadian Flyers in the Championship Finals.
Before the finals even began, there were questions about the CF roster. Players that were unfamiliar to many made up a pretty strong squad that defeated the Relics in their opening series before coming back and beating BullsHit in their semi-finals. Though their coach was unable to produce lineups proving their players played enough games, we would take their word, focus on our game and play the finals out without question. Add the fact that they also had a few players from the Fireballs joining them on their sideline, and it was a series that had the makings of potential fireworks. Once again, no shade and little rest as the first game started. The teams would exchange runs early before the MBs slowly crept away late taking the first game after key outs from Byron/Colin/Dave in the field. Game two would see a pitching change on their side which would make a difference as the CF’s went out to an early lead after a muffed throw to first (again) and big hits on their side. It would be the only 3 runs they would get all game.
Their bench began to gain confidence as the MBs, looking a little weary from long games and scorching heat started popping up balls and having a hard time getting on base. Comments about a no-hitter and shutout began ringing on the other side, however the MBs defence still held their own with key two-handed catches from Dan in right and some big throws from the outfield to first to catch a couple of their slower runners (Great rule change, btw!). In the sixth is when the tides would turn as a two-out pop deep to center by Byron was uncharacteristically played just short and dropped. Dan would fly into home as would Byron beating the relay to put the MBs on the board down by only one run. In the bottom of the sixth, the CFs would rally themselves getting runners on base. With one out, the key play saw a hit into the field where Dave came up throwing to third where Ollie put his foot down in front of the bag and put the tag on their runner for the 2nd out. The third out would be a pop-up short to left which would have been a sure score from their runner from 2nd, but Byron would make a diving catch to end the inning. In the last inning, the comeback would be complete when Ollie would take his momentum from the out and turn it into a big hit himself. Patience would be a virtue as I chased a bad pitch high for a second strike and after not finding a base all game, it didn’t look good. Holding back on the next few pitches would put the count to full and I’d find a gift of a pitch that I swung on that zinged right past the pitcher’s head into center field for a double with Ollie representing the tying run at 3rd. Cue more drama as Trevor would swing at the 2nd pitch and push the ball into the field scoring Ollie for the tie and moving me to third. Jenn would find a bunt and on the throw to first for the out, we’d take the lead as I crossed the plate moving Trevor to 2nd. Dave would pop up to deep right and as their players celebrated the catch, Trevor sprinted around 3rd and made it into home for a two-run lead. It would be all the runs the MBs would need to close things out.
In the bottom of the 7th, we’d get the first out with a hit straight back to me…an easy underhand to first. They would get a hit into short right putting the tying run at the plate and a runner on 1st. Pop up to right where Dan’s two-handed magic would make the play. Two outs, female at the plate…everyone knew the bunt was coming to advance the runner. Then the pitch…and the bunt…and everyone behind me gasping for a breath. Heather behind the plate, let up and I grabbed the ball, stuck it into my glove with a step and drilled a throw to first praying to God that it would hit Jenn’s outstretched glove. The smack of the ball hitting the glove a step before the runner’s foot planted was sweeter than angels singing as the celebration began and comments of disbelief over the throw echoed amongst us. It’ll be a finish I’m sure those who were present will never forget…especially to those Fireball players present to watch the game including our favorite 3rd baseman who Heather over-heard sayin’ “Man, I hate these guys.” I have a feeling he hates us even more J
A huge thanks to everyone on this team that made this year’s season so much fun to play in. Though there were ups and downs, it couldn’t have ended any better. But is it the end?
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