FIRST THE POKER:
It all started
with the 3rd annual All-Star Poker game. We had 2 tables to start the
tournament. With plenty of snacks, soft drinks and beer, the chips were flying.
Norm D'Accardi, who obviously took
some lessons since last year, played really well until he had a "Matusow
blow-up". He got knocked out on the bubble. Harris Donaldson masterfully played
the short stack to slip into 3rd place earning him $75. The 2 remaining players,
John Sarmie (former Red Sox) and Larry Hise (former Jagwire) split the main pot
of $325. This was so much fun that I may plan on having another real soon. Let
your manager know if you are interested.
NEXT THE HOME RUN DERBY:
The other 3 players in the
final 5 were Greg Good (Cruisers), Mike Futrell (Diamondbacks) and Omar Ortiz
(Indians). After Good and Johnson failed to hit one, Nover managed to
take the lead with 2, but that wouldn't last long and he knew it. Futrell
blasted 5. Remember that in the final round you only get half the outs as you
did in the first 2 rounds. Five home runs is impressive and should have been
enough for an easy win, but Omar was on. It didn't take him long and with 2 outs
to spare he hit his sixth.
This was an incredible upset considering Ortiz
hasn't hit a home run all year.
It was, to say the least, a pretty exciting show
with an impressive ending. But, it was only a sign of things to come.
FINALLY, THE ALL-STAR GAME!
This year's All-Star game was the best we have had here in Jacksonville. It also
epitomized what the league is all about. We all want to win, but no one seemed
to lose sight of the main goal of having fun. From TP wearing that ridiculous
hat on the sidelines to Tony Mazzeo getting plunked; it remained loose. But,
again, we are all competitors and want to win. Although Mazzeo hadn't pitched
all season, he wasn't happy about giving up 2 home runs when he was asked
to fill the gap at the pitching position. He laughed and joked a little less
after the second home run, but still kept in mind the main goal of having fun.
The Nationals took off to a quick start and were leading 6-1 at one point. It
seemed like a laugher. But, the Americans just kept picking away.
The Nationals Mike Campobasso (Vikings) hit
2 home runs and played brilliantly behind the plate. The reason this is so
interesting: when John Rosette looked at his list of All-Stars, he realized
there were no catchers. So, he had to add another player, Campobasso. He caught
almost the entire game and hit 2 jacks to split the MVP award. He was the clear
winner for the award from the Nationals. But, the Americans had 3 players that
really stood out. Joshua Johnson pitched 2 scoreless innings had a bases loaded
triple, double, walk and stolen base.
Mazzeo also had a stellar game with a home run of his own. More on this in a
second.
But, the accolades and MVP award went to Omar Ortiz. He had several key hits as
well and hustle on the base pads got the Americans another run.
The Nationals had the lead the whole game and was
nursing a 10-8 lead going into the bottom of the ninth. With one out and a
runner on Mazzeo came up and sent one over the centerfield fence. A dramatic
ending to a great day.
All there thought it was a fitting end to such a
great game. I feel sorry for anyone in the league that had to miss this weekend.
Let's hope the playoffs are as exciting. Good luck
to all.