Sunday, May 31, 2009 vs. La-De-Dahs
Saginaw Old Gold’s Bats Arrive In Time
The Saginaw Old Golds opened the 2009 season with the largest crowd to date at Ojibway Island on a sunny Sunday afternoon, May 31st. The boys were introduced to the crowd after the National Anthem was beautifully sung by ‘Honesty’. This stunning young lady is good, having already opened games at the Joe Louis Ice Arena for the Wings and the Tigers at Comerica Park in Detroit. Warren Martin, WWII hero and 13 year Professional pitcher, threw out the season’s 1st ceremonial pitch to Captain and catcher Adam “Squints” McCauley. The hard ball made to “Squint’s” bare hand-as that’s the way vintage ball is played by these, heroic gentleman. Mascot Griffin Tesch was at the ball field in full uniform rooting on Dad and his ‘Old Golds’. Saginaw was challenged for the Michigan Cup which they tied for with the 2-time World Champion Greenfield Village La-De-Dahs back in September at Bay City last year. So it was appropriate, that it was the La-De-Dahs, who brought forth the initial challenge for the 1st game of the season. Saginaw opened with a six run 1st inning, but their bats went silent until the 7th inning. The last three innings the ‘Old Golds’ rang up 14 runs to erase a 5 run deficit and won going away 22 to 13. The La-De-Dahs were very gracious in losing and hope to return to Saginaw, where they commented, “When our teams play each other, there is no animosity-just two competitive teams going at it-that’s the way it should be.” The home town squad pounded out a total of 44 hits, two doubles, two triples, and the teams first ever walk, issued by Thomas Mudd to the now retired “Black Jack” Tany. Jack suffered a severe hand injury playing last year, and will be missed by his teammates. Leading the hit parade with four hits each were: Nick “Brute” Hammond, Chris “Hollywood” Holly, Toby “Scoops” Larkin. Three hits each were provided by: Adam “Squints” McCauley, John “Lumberjack” Piersall, Ryan “Britches” (formerly ”Riverman”) Dost, Kevin “Bigwheel” Beemer (no to be confused with his new son, “Little Wheel”, Brandon “Baby Bull” Diag, Chris “The Rooster” Rousseau, John “Spike” Carroll, Tom “Sawdust” Tesch, and Chuck “Ducky” Mahan. Sony “The Hustler” Guerra (Poster Boy for the Mi Gente Magazine) and Patrick “Hurricane” Curry (who played a splendid game at 1st base, along with Rousseau), added two hits, and “Black Jack” Tang followed with one. Chris “Hollywood” Holly had the long ball of the day, hitting one on the sweet spot for a gigantic triple and knocking in three runs. Chuck “Ducky” Mahan was the star for the day on the mound, allowing only one run in four full innings. Richard “Professor” Curry gave the game ball to Ducky for his big day. Harold “Lumberman” Campau brought the two teams back to Heck’s Bar- where a good time was had by all. “Ducky” Mahan was seen still quacking at Heck’s when the sun went down
Richard Curry
tcobb43@yahoo.com