Ball Busters Stage Amazing Comeback!!

Prospects did not look good.  We were playing a team with only one loss all season.  That loss came via the first place team that, at the time, had no losses.  On top of that we had our usual logistical problems with not having enough women to play and if not for the fancy footwork and considerable recruiting efforts of Jeff Segal; it seemed that we were bound to start the game a woman short and subsequently incur an automatic out every time that person’s slot in the batting order came up.  A similar fate we were not able to survive just a few weeks ago.  Then the umpire decided to enforce the league regulation team uniform rule that has yet to be enforced this year and that would have started each batter on our team without a regulation “Ball Busters” tee-shirt with an automatic two strikes.  That’s worse then the automatic out rule.  However, we noticed a number of their players without their regulation tee-shirts so we called it a draw.  Because Segal was able to recruit two women to join our efforts, Barbara Serbes and Naomi Greckol-Herlich, we were able to field a complete team and at least start the game on a level playing field.

Then it got worse.  Our opposition, the Broadway Ballers, started by scoring 2 runs in the first inning, 2 runs in the second inning and then 3 more in the fourth inning when Jeff Segal allowed a ball to get passed him.  Things looked bleak.  We were down 7-0 to a team that seemed to be firing on all cylinders with strong hitting and a skilled defensive team that was keeping us off the bases.  Then came one of those moments that have the ability to change a team’s fortune and possibly their outlook on the entire season.  Chris Papa steps to the plate with a man on first and two outs.  The way we had been knocked down like bowling pins each inning and with no momentum on our side it would have been difficult to foresee what was about to happen.  Papa hits a long drive to the right-center field gap and what we originally thought was going to be a long out turned into a monstrous homerun that breathed a little life back into team and perhaps a glimmer of hope that we still had a chance.

Nerves were high because we were still down five runs with only two innings remaining and they had a formidable offensive team.  We did not shrink from the challenge.  With the Papa home-run still fresh in our minds the Ball Busters started to display the defensive wizardry that we had in the beginning of the season that now seemed like ages ago.  One of our newest recruits, Barbara, playing a stellar second base started it all with a very smooth 4-6-3 double play that was our first of the year and then the following inning I started another 1-6-3 double play that got us out of another inning.  However we were still down 5 runs in the bottom of the 6^th and time was running out.  Another new recruit, Naomi, stepped to the plate and rocketed a double down the 3^rd base line that stirred the drink that was about to pour out a barrage of hits.  Matt, Alex (yes Alex), Larry, Segal, Barbara, James and Jason all came up to the plate and delivered base hit after base hit. 7-3….then 7-5 and then finally 7-7 the game was tied going into the last inning.  Such new found riches!!  We did not know what to make of it.  We could actually win this game.  Other teams may have folded.  Other teams would not have displayed the steely single-mindedness of a team that still thinks it can make a difference in this league.  Not us.  Not the Ball Busters.  Our defense came ready to play.  First hitter hits a hot shot to our new hero at second base, Barbara, and she slides on one knee scoops up the ball and throws a laser to Matt at first base.  One out.  Next batter hits a line drive to the right-center field gap where our other new hero, Naomi, moving like a bobcat tracks the low line-drive and snags it in the web of her glove.  Two outstanding plays and now two outs.  Papa, now in relief of a tiring JMac, filling in sensationally as a reliever and making it very difficult for their hitters to get a true read on the ball.  Next batter hits a scorching line drive down the left field line that looked like a triple for sure.  Not today.  Our leftfielder, Jeff Segal, looking to make amends for an earlier gaffe broke on the ball like a champ and made a leaping one handed grab that thwarted any hint of a rally.  Inning over and the Ball Busters coming to the plate.

Bottom of the 7^th, last inning, score tied and Naomi steps to the plate.  After her last scorching double down the line the opposing pitcher wanted no piece of Naomi and walked her on four pitches.  Segal unselfishly moved Naomi to second on a sacrifice fly.  Now the moment of the game was about to arrive.  The moment the Ball Busters grabbed their dignity back.  The moment when everything seemed possible again in a season marred by missed opportunities.  Matt Conroy steps to the plate.  There would be joy in Mudville tonight.  Mighty Casey would not disappoint.  With a blast reminiscent of Kirk Gibson of the Dodger’s in the 1988 World Series Matt launches a shot that went high and far into the night.  You know when it’s a long home run when the outfielders just turn and watch the ball never bothering to give chase.  Naomi scores easily from second base and an amazing comeback is successfully completed.  Alert the media!  Let the pigeons loose.  Hail the conquering hero.  Last night that was Matt Conroy.  Bravo Matt.

We have a game next week on Friday in Central Park.  That would be June 25^th.  We play Centro Properties that are even with us in the standings.  A victory and we are right back in the thick of things as far as the playoff hunt goes.   

So that’s it.  What would have sunk our season for sure with a defeat is now our rallying cry for a potential turn around season and a renewed push for a playoff spot.  With our two new found angels, Barbara and Naomi - who committed to playing the rest of the season, we feel we have the right balance to remain competitive and the well-deserved attitude that we can beat anybody!  My faith has been restored.  I am once again a keeper of the faith.  The Goff is now full of souls again.  (What movie?)  (HINT: the number of runs the Broadway Ballers scored is in the title)

Jeff