Saturday, June 14, 2008 vs. Midland
“Old Gold Stay Undefeated”
The Saginaw Old Golds Vintage Base Ball Club won its third straight game with a 4-3 victory June 14 in Midland against the Mighty River Hogs. The Saginaws’ scored in the first inning on a sacrifice fly to center field off the bat of Donnie “Cajun Kid” Cox. Richard “Professor” Curry’s sharp single to left-field broke a 1-1 tie midway through the match, and Saginaw finally broke through with two more aces in the eighth frame for a 4-1 lead. Ryan “Riverman” Dost knocked in the third ace with a triple and then Nick “Brute” Hammond struck the game winner. The River Hogs rallied during their final at bat with two aces, but stranded the tying marker at third when Midland striker, Gary “Photo Joe” Rocha hit Cox’s floater toward third sacker Hammond, who charged the slow roller and threw to first to end the game. Hammond saved the day for the Old Golds with his spectacular defense at the hot corner. Old Golds hurler, Cox said, “When I am pitching, I try to make them hit it to Brute. It’s like watching Brooks Robinson in the 1970 World Series all over again, only without a glove.” In the seventh inning Hammond dove to his right and snared a smokin’ line drive shot with one hand, got to his feet, and threw to first to double off a base runner who was on his way to second base. Cox said, “That was as fine a play that you will see at any level of ball. It was unbelievable. I wish we had that one on video.” Hammond finished with five putouts and four assists. Riverman Dost also made a spectacular catch in left-field. Old Golds Win at Rochester.
Two weeks earlier, the Old Gold embarked on the first road trip of its inaugural season and brought home the trophy game ball as they defeated the Rochester Grangers 11-7 on May 24. Timely striking and outstanding defense enabled the Saginaw club to defeat a more experienced club for the second consecutive week. Trailing 7-6 entering the eighth inning, the Old Golds tallied five aces to surge into the lead in the evenly played match that saw the Saginaws jump out to a 4-0 advantage, and the Grangers knot it 4-4 after four frames. Defensive highlights included the Old Golds’ John “Lumberjack” Piersall throwing from the longfield on tow occasions to retire Rochester strikers before they could gain the first sack. The Saginaw defense also recorded two hands lost at home plate and another during a perfectly executed run-down along the third base line. Chris “Hollywood” Holly was presented the game ball for his timely striking and exceptional play in the longfield. Saginaw hurlers, Cajun Kid Cox and Chuck “Ducky” Mahan , kept the opposing strikers off balance while producing lethargic daisy cutter and lazy fly balls to the longfield that were easily handled on the fly.
Two weeks earlier, the Old Gold embarked on the first road trip of its inaugural season and brought home the trophy game ball as they defeated the Rochester Grangers 11-7 on May 24. Timely striking and outstanding defense enabled the Saginaw club to defeat a more experienced club for the second consecutive week. Trailing 7-6 entering the eighth inning, the Old Golds tallied five aces to surge into the lead in the evenly played match that saw the Saginaws jump out to a 4-0 advantage, and the Grangers knot it 4-4 after four frames. Defensive highlights included the Old Golds’ John “Lumberjack” Piersall