2009 Benders Baseball Club

Congratulations to the Bay Sox who win the Ocean Division Championship series in three games.  It was a hard fought, tough series with both teams showing incredible resilience, determination and class.  Good luck and we will see you around the playground again soon, I am sure.

 I would also like to congratulate the Benders for an amazing season(18-6).  Heads should be held high for the way we played baseball in the league's toughest division.  I am very proud of the way we played together as a team and I personally had a great time.  I look forward to hanging out and of course playing baseball with all you guys real soon.  Enjoy the "off season" and we will see you back at the yard.

While the Bay Division sipped umbrella drinks by the pool the Ocean Division battled at Flood Park.  Two games were not enough as the Benders and Bay Sox split so we move to game three.  Marchbank, Daly City 11am.  See you there!  May smell a bit strong with the Tiger Balm so be aware.

 Ocean Division Championship

Saturday September 19    Benders vs  Bay Sox

 Flood Park  10AM / 2PM

Sunday  September  20

Marchbank Field,  Daly City    Time TBD

 Bay Division Championship

Beavers    vs      FORFEIT

Isotopes   

Sunday  September 13   Benders   vs   Diablos

Flood Park,  Menlo Park  2PM

Benders - 9     Diablos - 8   10 innings

Benders win a hard fought, gritty, extra inning, walk off affair to advance to the next round of the SFNABA Playoffs.  Hats off to the Diablos for a ball busting game which featured both teams rosters on full alert.  I know the Diablos hate every inch of the  Benders and I understand that.  Ultimately this game was decided on the field and fortunately for the Benders this found them just 1 run a head.   A great game was played not only by the Diablos defense, but a ballsy effort was put forth by their pitching staff and some serious clutch hitting(3 run double with 2 outs in the 9th).   This was a game that either team seemed poised to win at any time.   But when the dust settled, the Benders found themselves in the Win Column.  Dirty details soon to follow.....Congrats Benders!

 Ok on to the write up....

Sunday brought the Benders to Flood Park to face a red hot Diablo team in a win or go home battle.  Right off the bat this day started rough with the Park charging $5 bucks to park.  Nice.  The Diablos have been one of the hottest teams in the league the past few months and had just dispatched of the Blue Claws the day before.  The Benders and Diablos also have a bit of history together so we knew this game would be fun. 

The Diablos wasted no time in continuing their hot streak with a scrappy first inning.  A walk, error and a couple of scratch hits put the Diablos on the board 2-0.  Benders were slow to act on offense as the Diablos pitcher came out throwing strikes.  A walk in the second provided the Benders their first base runner but it was quickly wiped out by a 6-4-3 doubleplay.  So through 2 innings the score is still 2-0 Diablos.

In the third the Benders made a mark in the scorebook as Aaron Wing #24 started things off with the Benders first hit(1B).  An error followed by a beautiful sac bunt from Al Rice #1 and the Benders had a rally.  Up to the plate strolled a strapping mustachioed lefty by the name of Ian Santa Cruz #21.  Ian showed no ill signs of not hitting for 3 months and drilled a liner to left for a sac fly.  Benders get on the board and the score through 3 is 2-1 Diablos.

The Diablos pesky hitters again proved bothersome in the top of the 4th.  Two, two-out hits plated two more runners and the Diablos widened their lead to 4-1.  The score would remain solid until the 6th as the Diablo pitcher continued to baffle the Benders hitters.  Bender starter Rob Ellis #34 also settled in nicely and threw the Diablos hitters a few chairs in the 5th and 6th.

Bottom of the sixth and Al Rice #1 gets the Benders started with a leadoff double.  Ian again gives the ball a mustache ride for a single to bring in Al.  The Benders load the bases on a FC and an infield single from Josh Daniels #13.  Mike Hamill #9 continues the hit parade with a single which drives in two and ties up the game.  After another walk to Erik Wanner #19 and the Benders load the bases again.  Matt Gire #14 then brings home another run with a RBI FC and the Diablos send another runner home on an error.  Benders now have their lead with a 5 run sixth.  Benders 6-4.  In the 7th the Benders tack on an insurance run with another RBI hit from Hamill #9. 

The score would remain 7-4 moving into the ninth.  Diablos with backs against the wall mount their soul selling comback.  A few more scratch singles mixed amoung two outs, sets the table for a bases loaded at bat.  The Diablos hottest hitter on the day of course would stroll to the dish.  He would remain hot as hades as he slashes a double to left center which clears the bases and ties the game with two outs.  A huge clutch hit and the Benders are stunned.

As the home team the Benders have last at bat and try to end the game with a run in the ninth.  Al Rice #1 would walk and steal second to set up the potential game winner.  However the Diablo pitcher who had thrown a complete game the day before would have none of that(for now, wink) and emphatically waxes the batter to end the threat and inning.

Game moves into "extra baseball" and the Benders send Mike Gillman #36 to the mound.  Mike quickly learns of the Diablos hitters tenacious approach and finds himself with runners at second and third with one out.  With the infield in, the Diablos look to plate the lead run with a tricky slow hopper to short.  But a charging SS(Wanner#19) snares the hopper and fires a strike on the run to nail the runner at home.  Big play.  However the joy would subside quickly as the Diablos do get a run home on a passed ball and now it is the Diablos who look to end the game.

 Again the home team advantage gives you that last at bat which the Benders looked to capitalize on.  A quick strikeout however tempers the Bender enthusiasm.  Spirits are quickly raised by a great hit from Daniels #13 who moves into scoring position on a throwing error.  So the tying run is at second and the Benders send up Chester Dancer #45.  Chester had been having a rough day at the plate which included getting splinters from being sawed off.  Two nasty pitches put him in a quick two strike hole and the day looked to continue its nasty outlook.  Chester had enough of this frustration for the day though and absolutely blasts a rocket to left center for a game tying double.  Mike Hamill #9 follows and with Mike already sitting with 3 RBIs and a base open, it looked like a 4 finger salute was coming.  I guess the Diablo battery didn't get the memo so they decided to pitch to Mike.  Big Mistake.  On a 3-1 pitch the Diablo hurler tries his luck with a floater which Mike promptly bombs into left center to end the game via walkoff 1B(yeah Mike, a 1B).  Benders go crazy!  

A comeback win for the ages.   This game was full of ups and downs.  Highs and lows and plenty of fiesty passion from two quality squads.  Game ball goes to the entire team as everyone had a hand in the victory. So now on to the Ocean Division Championship.  A best of 3 series which pits the Benders vs the Bay Sox.  Should be fun!  Games are Saturday 9/19 at Flood Park in Menlo Park(10am/2pm).  See you there sportsfans!!

 Here is the entire SFNABA Post Season Schedule as of 9/16

Saturday Games: 

  FLOOD PARK    10AM

  Blazers (#4)   vs.      VICTORY

East Bay Giants (#5)

  FLOOD PARK     2PM  

Blue Claws (#3)    vs.

Diablos (#6)            VICTORY

 

 

 

 

MARCHBANK FIELD 10AM

 

 Storm  (1)  vs.   

Bay Sox (5)               VICTORY

Sunday  August  30     Benders  vs   Storm

 Willie Stargell Field,  Alameda  1pm

Benders - 5    Storm - 3 

Sunday found two teams with playoff spots secured and nothing strategically to be gained.  Yet these two teams have immense pride and respect for each other and the game and both came out hungry to play for the win.  The Benders starting pitching threw a change up before the first pitch.  With Pitching Aces either absent or stiff the Benders manager, Erik Wanner #19 was forced to take the rock.  E then decided to slather on the Vagasil and Crisco and go to work

.  

The Storm put him to the test in the start of the first.  A bloop single and two walks put the old Righty in a pinch right away.  However the Storm passed through with two unearned runs(on a tough error) and the Benders were only down two runs.  Storm 2  Benders  0

Toeing the slab for the Storm would be their Cy Young and Benders/SFNABA nemisis Justin Hawkins.  Justin loves  a big game and is always hungry to deal against the Benders.   Sunday would be no different and he mowed down the Benders through two quick innings.  E also settled in and kept the score solid moving into the third which is where the Benders made their move.

 David Schummers #15 exercised his lefty demons with an infield single with one out and moved to second on an error.  Mike Gorospe #22 then ripped a singe to left which looked to put the Benders on the board but the Storm left fielder(who learned to throw through the cutoff which he never did when he was with the Benders, yes you Kamekona) hosed Schummers at the dish and kept the Benders off the board.  Great play.  So two outs and a runner at first.  Gary Kirven #10 then wears one and Al Rice #1 takes a walk and the Benders have a two out rally with their three hitter Mike "the Hammer" Hamill #9 at the dish.  Mike shrewdly takes a close pitch inside to work the count in his favor.  Next pitch, full count, he then Hammers 360.35' to right center, just over the outstretched glove of the Storm center fielder for a GRAND SLAM!!  Benders now up 4-2.  BIG, BIG hit and a huge momentum changer.

E then rubs a little jalepeno in his nose and continues to triumph on the mound.  Two more shutout innigs from the Righty including taking a liner to the arm and face and he gives way to youth.  Though not on the radar, E #19 David Cones his way through 5 IP, 0 ER and  a 4-2 lead.  Taking the baton would be Mike Gillman #36.  Mike has an interesting first inning, K'ing the cleanup hitter followed by a HR.  But he finishes strong and has the Benders still up 4-3 going into the bottom of the 6th.

With the score tightening the Benders send up Erik Wanner #19 with one out against Hawkins.  Sitting on a 2-0 pitch the cleanup hitter connects on a fastball to rightcenter on a no doubter HR to give the Benders some breathing room 5-3.   Benders put together another rally with hits from Chester Dancer #45, Matt Gire #14, and Dion Jolley #7 but get snuffed from futher highlights from the Storm defense.

Mike Gillman again goes to work with a two run lead.  Two one out singles in the 7th starts a Storm rally but the rally is smothered with a line drive double up on defense.  This has a bit to do with the fact the lead runner is a former Bender and, well, that's what Bender runners do, get doubled up.  Gillman then had to face the heart of the Storm lineup one more time in the 8th.  Storm again put the tying runs on base with two outs with a single and HBP.  But Gillie beared down and induced a soft grounder to third which was charged and gobbled by Al Rice #1 who made a great play and gunned the runner at first to shut down the inning.  I can't say enough how clutch that play was from Al.  The ninth inning starts with potential trouble with a leadoff single.  However the drama ended there as Gillie shut the door with three straight easy outs and the Benders earn the hard fought win.  

 Great game from both teams.  Everything was left on the field and both teams should be proud of the way they carried themselves and performed.  I am biased because we won, but this was the best game of the year in my opinion.  Thanks to the Storm for showing up with something to prove.  Class game guys.  Oh and thanks for the BEER.  Hope to see you again.

 Benders this was a great game.  You guys played hard for 27 outs, didn't give away at bats, turned the corner on mistakes and made plays when you had to.  This is what good teams do.  Benders win the Ocean Divison West Championship outright, no tie breaks needed.  Goal attained and you all should be proud.  We now move into the playoffs and much more to be hungry for.  See you at the yard!

Game Balls:

Mike Hamill #9  GRAND SLAM, 1B

Mike Gillman #36 4 IP, 1 ER, 4 K,  SV

Erik Wanner #19 5 IP, 0 ER,  HR

 Offensive Stars:

Chester Dancer #45 2- 1B

Matt Gire #14 2- 1B

Dion Jolley #7 2- 1B

 David Schummers #15 3- 1B

Mike Gorospe #22 1B 

 With a double header sweep the Benders have clinched the Ocean West Divison Championship!   Congratulations Benders on securing this goal in a very tough division.  Much more baseball to be played and plenty more to be hungry for.  Still a worthy accomplishment to be proud of and savor .  Congratulations.

Game 1 

Sunday  August  23   Benders vs  Superstars

Willie Stargell Field,  Alameda  11am

Superstars - 8   Benders - 18

The Benders awoke Sunday to the prospect of a full day of competitive baseball.  Game 1 found the Benders at the familiar confines of Willie Stargell Field.  Taking the rock for the start would be "the Kid" Mike Gillman #36.  After a yoga session and a steam the Righty was feeling loose and ready for the start.  The side work helped as some hair was added to the fastball and the hook was making a hard left turn.  Mike, despite some suspect defense(double digit errors) gutted his way through 6 innings for the team.  His final line was hard to decipher with all the E's in the score book but the important line is the W which he most definitely earned.  He also added 11 K's for good measure including 3 in a row in his last inning of work.  Game Ball.

The offense would provide Gillie with a Snuggie's worth of support and comfort.  Starting with leadoff-man-du-jour, Gary Kirven #10.  Gary wrecked his usual havoc around the bases including the all too familiar Gary RH/Run Home(yeah he basically runs around the bases and scores).  Kirven was on base all 5 times with 5 singles.  He also scored 5 times, stole 5 bases and found 5 bucks in the parking lot.  Quite a day indeed!!  Game Ball.

So many others on offense chipped in so let's just go down the list:

Brian Williams #6 nice 2 RBI 1B/ 2 Runs/ sac bunt

Mike Hamill #9 2 2B/ 3 RBI / 3 Runs

Chester Dancer #45 3 1B/ 2 Runs

Erik Wanner #19 2 1B/ 2B bomb off the center field wall/ 3 RBI

Aaron Wing #24 two out RBI 1B

Mike Gillman #36 RBI 1B

Benders finish the game with crafty veteran, Ty #33 toeing the slab in the 7th.  Ty looking poised and ready, fired strikes and kept Stars hitters off guard.  Ty is also responsible for the Benders outpouring of offense with his generous devotion to getting guys ready to hit in the cage.  The Benders thank you very much Ty.

So with the win the Benders pack their gear(half of which is uniforms) and travel to West Oakland to face the Legends and an opportunity to clinch the Ocean West Division.

Game 2

Sunday  August  23    Benders  vs  Legends

Raimondi Park,  Oakland  4pm

Legends - 1    Benders - 16

After a short ride in the team bus the Benders found themselves at beautiful          Goose Sphincter Field at Raimondi Park.  The offense picked up right where they left off starting in the top of the first.  With two outs up stepped cleanup hitter Chester Dancer #45 who launched a 2 run ding-dong to left center to jump start the offense.  The Benders hit the ball hard all evening long and seemed to find all the holes.

Again everyone chipped in with the sticks and on the bases.  Gary Kirven #10 had another nice game with 2 hits and 2 runs.  David Schummers #15 jumped onto the HR leader board with a 2B-turned inside the park/defensive indifference HR.  He earned it with the hustle.  And Mike Hamill #9 had two outs that traveled about 720'. 

Iron Mike Gorospe #22 also added a ripped 2 run 2B to right field and scored twice.  Mike also sucked it up big time and caught both games of the double dip. Not feeling his best, he dug deep and again sacrificed for the team.  Game Ball to the Iron Man.

 The Defense reversed their effort from Game 1 and came through with a 0 error game.  This was due solely to the fact that Rob "Noxious" Elllis #34 was on the bump and was eager to clinch the division for the Benders.  Rob was on his game mixing in a blazing heater with some buckling breakers.  The defense was only called upon to make 3 outs in the 7 innings.  The rest were up to Rob.  18 K's in 7 innings!  Game F#@ing Ball !!

 And so the Benders clinch the Ocean West Divison with two wins on a long, fun day of baseball.  Thanks to the Legends for patience with the reschedule, classy guys.  Time now to begin the next part of the season.  The post season.  Good tune up next week against the Storm.  Congratulations Benders, you earned it!!

Sunday  August   16    Isotopes   vs   Benders

Willie Stargell Field,  Alameda   1pm

Isotopes - 10    Benders - 4

A three week break obviously did not help.  Rustiness aside the Benders were outpitched, outhit and outplayed.  Topes also had superior infighting as well(though not by much).  Doubleheader next week which should prove to be a long day.  Time to strap it on Benders and get back to our winning ways.  Benders would also like to wish Jono a speedy recovery.

Isotopes and Manny go hand in hand.......

Sunday   July 26       Bay Sox   vs   Benders

Willie Stargell Field,  Alameda   1pm

Bay Sox - 3     Benders  - 8  

Mix beeyouteeful weather, two quality teams along with a great field and you have a recipe for a great baseball game.  This game would not disappoint as the Sox and Benders both threw their respected Aces on the bump. 

Rob Ellis #34 was chomping at the bit for the start and after a change from the clothes from the night before into his "clean" home whites, he was ready to go.  Dealing would be the term to describe the Lefty's start.  Rob was slicing pieces off the black edges of the plate with the heat and twisting hitters into knots with his slide piece and changeup.  After 2 innings he had amassed 4 K's and gave the Benders a opening.

The offense took the baton and ran with it starting in the bottom of the first.  A great two strike at bat from Gary Kirven #10 produced a single which he then turned into a double with a steal.  Josh Daniels #13 then plated him with an opposite field single and the Benders were on the board.  A FC followed by a single/SB from Chester Dancer #45 put the speedy slugger at third.  Next came Mike Hamill #9 who was eager to gobble up the RBI.  A popup to short left which was caught by the SS didn't look like it would work.  Wrong!  Chester blazes home on the Sac Fly to....shortstop!!!  Awesome.  Benders up 2-0.

The Bay Sox would scratch back thanks largely to some suspect Bender defense.  2 unearned runs in the top of the third made it 2-2.  Bay Sox give the lead right back with unearned runs in the 3rd and 4th and after 4 it is Benders-4  Sox-2.  Rob contined to fight through tough AB's from the Sox and a bit of Gin flu.  The pesky Bay Sox sneak another run home on a nice piece of hitting from their three hitter and through 5 innings we have a tight ball game  Benders-4  Sox-3.

Benders nearly blow the game open in the sixth as David Schummers #15 misses a 3 run bomb by mere inches.  What looked like a game changer simply turned into a fubar single and a runner from second being thrown out easily at home on a ball hit off the fence in right center.  A run did score in the frame on a hard single to left off the bat of Aaron Wing #24.

7th inning stretch brought the Benders to life as Daniels and Dancer pranced around the bases again.  Both scoring on a passed ball and a RBI single from Dion Jolley #7.  Dion would later score the managers run(5 run lead) on a sac fly from Erik Wanner #19.  The score would read Benders-8 Sox-3.

Al Rice #1 would tap in to the game in the top of the 7th and would continue the pitching domination left behind from Ellis.  3 shutout innings which included 3 K's and a 4-6-3 double play would earn the Righty the save.  I must say Al was really on top of his game.  He had tremendous bite on his off speed stuff and mixed it well with the fastball.  Evidenced by his mastery of the Sox best hitter in the 8th when he K'd him with high chedd.  Final lines from the Armed Forces:

Rob Ellis #34  6 IP/ 1 ER/ 11 K's  GAME BALL

Al Rice #1  3 IP/ 0 ER/ 3 K's  GAME BALL

Offensive Heroes:

Josh Daniels #13 3-4/ 3 Runs/ RBI

Chester Dancer #45/ 1-3/ 2 Runs(1 on a Sac Fly to SS)

Mike Hamill #9 1B/ Run/ RBI

Erik Wanner #19 1B/ Run/ RBI

Dion Jolley #7 1B/ RBI

Gary Kirven #10 1B/ Run/ SB

Aaron Wing #24 1B/ RBI

And David Schummers #15 with a near HR turned single.  Weight room.

 Nice Victory with some quality situational baseball being played.  Also outstanding pitching and some solid defense.  Including a Web-Gem layout in leftfield from C/CF/LF/2B/3B/ETC extroidinare, Dion Jolley #7.  Great game and something to roll with.

Early candidates for Play of the Year

Sunday  July 19       Legends vs  Benders

 Willie Stargell Field,  Alameda   1pm

Legends - 1    Benders - 11 

Sorry for the lack of postgame.  Writer on Vacation.  Here are a few quick tidbits to tide you over;  Al Rice #1 throws a gem, Rob Ellis #34 slams the door shut, and Matt Gire #14 drives in 4 runs.  More to follow.....

Sorry for the delay sports fans, now back to the action.  This past Sunday brought two solid Ocean West opponents together for a division showdown.  Toeing the slab would be Al "Rocket" Rice #1 who was more than eager for liftoff.  Al came out blazing, sawing off hitters which necessitated a shopvac from the ump rather than the mini-broom.  Telling sign of Al's dominance was the third inning where he manuvered around 3 errors and a walk.  Al induced the 1-6-3 doubleplay and a soft tapper to the mound which did the trick.  For good measure Al also picked off a napping Legend baserunner.  Truely a gem from the hard throwing Righty.  Final line:  5 IP/  0 R /  2 H  Game Ball

Now just to throw salt or battery acid or alien love sweat on the wound, the Benders moved to the bullpen in the 6th where Rob Ellis #34 was waking from his slumber.  Rob once again lived up to his "Noxious" moniker as he dealt a lethal dose of gas to put the Legends to sleep for good.  4 K's in 2 innings of work for the Lethal Lefty.

With pitching this good you could get it done with the SF Giants offense.  Well the Benders have a bit more thunder in their bat rack and it showed Sunday.  Everyone got in on the act and for the second straight week the Benders only bat in 6 innings.  First inning saw the Benders take the lead on RBI hits from Chester Dancer #45 and Mike Hamill #9.  The Benders tack 2 more on in the 3rd on an RBI groundout from Hamill #9 and a two out Ribbie from Aaron Wing #24.

In the 4th the flood gates would open and the Benders grabbed their floaties and drifted to the plate in bunches.  Two runs score respectively on a error followed by a HBP/RBI from Erik Wanner #19.  Matt Gire #14 would then clear the bases with a back breaking double to center. The final 10 run coffin nail would be hammered in by the Iron Man, Mike Gorospe #22 on a laser double to right center.

Offensive Stars:

Josh Daniels #13/Brian Williams #6(2 Hole Hitters) 3 BB/ 3 Runs

Chester Dancer #45 2-4 2B/ 2 Runs/ RBI

Mike Hamill #9 1-2 2B/ 2 RBI/ 2 BB/ Run

Erik Wanner #19 1-2/ 2 Runs/ RBI/ BB/ HBP

David Schummers #15 1-2/ 2B/ Run

Aaron Wing #24 1B/ RBI

Mike Gorospe #22 2B/ RBI

and the Man of the Hour.....

Mattie Gire #14 2-3/ 2B/ BB/ 4 RBI  Game Ball

Benders playing well, but they will have to turn it up a notch as the schedule will soon rear its nasty head.  Starting next week ithe nastiness begins with long time nemesis the Bay Sox.  Game time 1pm Sunday, should be a good one so set your alarm and we will see you at Stargell Field!

Sunday July 12      Dirtbags  vs  Benders

Willie Stargell Field,  Alameda  1pm

Dirtbags - 4          Benders - 14

After a nice, much needed week off the Benders returned home to beautiful Willie Stargell Field for a rematch with the Dirtbags.  Several Benders remained on vacation though as flights were missed, passports lost and phones were disconnected.  No bother as the roster is deep and the will to win is strong.

With the two week break between games this meant it was Veteran Erik Wanner's #19 turn in the rotation.  Two weeks is now the recovery time for the old righty and it seemed to do him good.  Fastball had some life, curve was falling off the table and through two innings had 5 K's and a pickoff.  A K in the third followed by a nice 6-3 double play from SS Josh Daniels #13 gave the Benders a chance to gather the lead.  Three innings is probably the over-under for the righty but E gutted through 5 solid innings to put the Benders in position for the win. 

Final line: 5 IP/ 2 ER/ 8 K's / 1 pickoff   Game Ball

The offense took advantage of the nice start and went to work right away.  First 5 hitters of the game reach base and 2 score on the basehit from Daniels #13 and a walk to Wanner #19.  Benders score 2 more in the third on a error and lead 4-0 after 3.  In the 4th the top of the order started another ralley with Matt Gire #14 and Daniels #13 reaching base again.  Mike Hamill #9 then drove in a run with a shot single to right.  With two outs and runners aboard the Benders got a huge knock from Mike Gillman #36 who drove in two with the redemption single.  

In the sixth inning the Benders add more to their total with another two out ralley.  Another Gillman #36 RBI single and a Mike Gorospe #22 speed induced error bring in more Bender runners.  Al Rice #1 then procedes to clear the bases with a booming double to left and the Benders have a nice 9 run cushion.  As the Benders move to the bottom of the 7th they smell blood as 1 run earns the victory.  Gire #14 leads off with nice double to right center and following a walk to Daniels #13, the Hammer #9 ends the game in walkoff 10 run fashion with another ripped single to right.  Game over, Benders Win!!

Offensive stars on the day:

Matt Gire #14 2-4 4 Runs/ 2B

Josh Daniels #13 2-3 2 Runs/ RBI/ 2 BB

Mike Hammill #9 2-2 2 RBI/ 3 Runs/ 3 BB 1.000 OB%(signed by the A's after the game and is now their best player)

Mike Gillman #36 2-4 3 RBI

Al Rice #1 2B 2 RBI

 Another fun day in the sun, prolonging adulthood for a few just a few more innings.  See you next week at the yard.

Happy 4th of July!

Sunday  June 28    Benders vs East Bay Giants

Willie Stargell Field,  Alameda  1pm

Benders - 8     Giants - 4

 Tough grinder of a game with the Benders earning the Win.  More to follow.   On a side note, it is with a hole in our hearts and our lineup that we bid la-gon to one of the SFNABA greats, Lucas Brunette #4.  Lucas has been a line drive machine in this league for the past 5 seasons.  His righty swing has been a thing of beauty and he will sorely be missed.  To boot he is a great guy and teammate.  The Benders wish him well in his new life adventures in Thailand.  Just remember to keep your eye on the adam's apple.

Post game continues....Sunday brought beautiful weather to Alameda as well as a tough opponent to Stargell Field, the East Bay Giants.  It also brought Pride to the City and this found the Benders a little light in players(coincidence?).  No matter as the dedicated few strapped it on and prepared for battle.

Toeing the slab would be crafty Veteran Matt Gire #14(yep a full-fledged SFNABA old-timer now).  Matt has made the very successful transition from pitcher to hitter but he still has the itch to hurl the rock.  Well Sunday Matt found himself on the Tit with the back scratcher.  Mixing in pinpoint fastballs and snapping breakers, Matt kept a solid Giants lineup off guard for three solid innings.  Final line: 3 IP, 1 ER.  Good job gobbling innings for the Staff.

The offense did it's part to put Matt and the Benders in a comfortable position starting in the top of the first.  After two quick outs the Benders #3 hitter, Chester Dancer #45 laced a double down the left field line.  Next up line drive guru, Lucas Brunette #4 slashes an RBI single to right and the Benders are on the board.  Not to be outdone, Erik Wanner #19 goes with a pitch to right field and laces an RBI double which Lucas enables with his speed.  Matt Gire #14 then helps his cause by creating some confusion regarding his speed and an error by the second baseman has the Benders up 3-0 and a nice two out rally.

The Benders would tack on two more runs in the 4th when white hot lead off hitter, Gary Kirven #10 smashes a line drive to right center.  A cloud of dust later, and Kirven safe with a triple, the Benders lead 5-2.  Bottom of the 4th found a pitching change and lefty Rob Ellis #34 trotting in from the Pen.  Giants scratch some bleeders together to push a run across but Rob K's the side and after 4 it is Benders 5, Giants 3.

Top of the 5th and the Benders offense was ready to get Rob some runs.  Wanner who had two smash doubles to this point draws a walk from the wary pitcher.  And as everyone knows lead off walks kill.  Aaron Wing #24 and Mike Gillman #36 would scratch singles and the bases are drunk with one out.  This brings Iron Mike Gorospe #22 to the dish.  And with the bases loaded Mike lays down a perfect squeeze which scores a run and only a perfect play from the pitcher stops it from being a hit.  With two outs now Gary Kirven does his best David impression and slays the Giants with a two run infield single.  Speed most definitely kills.  Benders now up 8-3.

Pop Quiz Time for all you young ball players out there. 

Question:  The opposing pitcher hangs you a "hit me" curve ball.  Do you?:

A - smash it and jog around the bases

B - quietly alert your teammates to look for the hanger

C - ground out to third

D- tell the opposing pitcher to keep throwing that weak shi$

Well if you are the Giants cleanup hitter, the answer is both C and D.  Also if you know anything about Rob Ellis or any other gamer pitcher(Hawkins, Chasse, Rice, Wanner, Hando, etc.) if they are struggling it is best not to get them mad.  Case in point, Rob gets nasty after the comment and K's 8 of the last 13 outs including the cleanup hitter on...you guessed it, a curve.  Final line for Rob: 6 IP, 11 K's, 0 ER.  Gutsy outing without his best stuff.  Game Ball.

Other Stars in the Game:

Gary Kirven #10 3-5  2 1B/3B, 4 RBI  Game Ball

Alex Rice #1  Gold Glove caliber glove work at the hot corner.  Including a web gem on a high chopper followed by a laser to first.  The left side of the infield is on lock down.

Erik Wanner #19 4-4 2 2B/BB/2 Runs

Iron Mike Gorospe #22 2BB/HBP/1B/Run and RBI Squeeze

Mike Gillman #36 2 1B/2 Runs

and Lucas Brunette #4 who tags two hits and a run in his final game.  Congrats on a wonderful career.

Next week 4th of July Holiday, so enjoy the break and we will see you in two weeks....

Sunday June 21         Mad Dogs  vs   Benders

 Willie Stargell Field,   Alameda  1pm

  Mad Dogs - 10      Benders - 2

Hats off to the Mad Dogs who played a flawless game.  Great Defense, nice pitching, and they also swung the sticks.  One team showed up to play and the score definitely reflected that.  And that's pretty much all I would like to say about that game.  Well actually I don't want to be completely negative(hard not to though).  So Bender highlights come from:

Gary Kirven #10 HR, 1B(yeah HR and a shot too). 

Lucas Brunette #4 3-4 2B(all this guy does is hit line drives)

 Erik Wanner #19 8 outs from short(at least 5 being the webgem variety.  Considering the night before, he was probably seeing double so that means he actually made 16 outs)

David Schummers #15 2b/  Aaron Wing #24 2B / Al Rice #1 1B, 2BB

Rob Ellis #34 7 suck-it-up innings in relief.  9 K's

Actually that is probably way too many highlights but whatever.  This was most definitely a team effort.   The Benders may still live up to their moniker, however the day after is not quite as kind as it once was.  Not an excuse though as the game the Dogs played was of the highest caliber. 

Next week back to the scene of the crime versus the East Bay Giants. 

Sunday  June 14      Blue Claws   vs   Benders

Willie Stargell Field,   Alameda  1pm

Blue Claws - 3           Benders - 11

Beautiful day for baseball.  70+ degree weather, sun, grass(uhh, infield that is) and a battle between two quality teams for first place in the illustrious Ocean West Divsion on the East Bay diamond that is Willie Stargell Field.  The Benders after their usual horse manure infield/outfield change out of their warmup unis to their home whites and are ready for the battle.

Taking the rock would be Super Soph Mike "Gillie" Gillman #36.  Not having his lights out stuff, Mike mixes his arrangement up and pitches to contact.  This has been a good recipe to date as the Defense has been solid.  Of course first hitter, the SS(some hack) boots the ball and Mike is out of the stretch.  A hit,  K, another E and another hit and the Benders are down 2 after 4 hitters and about 15 minutes of game.  Not nice.  Mike and the SS(some Wizard) regroup and a 6U-3 doubleplay later the Benders are at the batter's rack.

It was at this batter's rack where a fight would break out.  No, not some salacious reality TV fodder, but a fight between hitters eager to do damage.  And damage they would enflict.   Benders offense starts with GaryRally(tm) Kirven #10 playing some wall-ball against the right field fence for a double.  Basehit and SB from Dion Jolley #7 sets the table for the meat eaters.  Up steps Bender newcomer(sounds dirty) Chester Dancer #45 who fires a shot up the middle and we now have ourselves a tie game.  

Offense wasn't done, not by a long stretch.  Following a walk, Erik Wanner #19 blasts a wall banger to right driving in the go ahead run.  An out, and two walks brings last weeks Hero, Al Rice #1 to the dish with the bases drunk.  Al still feeling the effects of the high, slashes a two run single up the middle.  Another walk and that man again, Jolley #7 rips a 2 run double down the line and the Benders are up now 8-2 after 1.  So the Benders have scored 19 runs in their last two plate appearances.  Things like that make a manager look Mahhvalous.

This basically was the game.  I know baseball is a game with no clock and 27 outs and all that.  But that first inning really took the life out of a very, very quality team.  3 more runs were scored by the Benders however.  2 on quality, old time baseball at bats, the fielder's choice.  One by Dave Schummers #15(1-2 1B/ 2BB/ RBI/ Run) and the other by Chester "Private" Dancer #45(2-4 3B/ 3RBI/ 2 R).  Speaking of Chester, he also drove and ran in the last run.  With two outs in the fif inning, Dancer rips a blasts to center over the fielder's head and then turned on the Encinal Jets at second to fly into third with a triple.  Ball mildy eludes the thirdbaseman and Dancer waltzes into home(pun intended).  

Meanwhile, Gillman #36 continues to fight on the island and guts his way through 4 solid innings.  Final line: 4IP/ 1ER/ 3 K's.  Solid outing.  Hey sometimes you actually have to pitch and he did that well.  Defense also shored up behind him as a runner was nailed at second on a textbook relay from Rob Ellis #34 in right to David Schummers #15 at second. Some late game defensive gems were also turned in by Jolley#7 and Gillman #36 at second.  And also some nifty glove work at the hot corner from perennial wall, Iron Mike Gorospe #22.

Well as it was also Old Timer's Day and the manager makes the lineup moves, said manager comes in to relieve(Erik Wanner #19). We have seen this over the last couple years with pitchers such as Randy Johnson, Greg Maddux, Jamie Moyer; pitchers way past their prime that have had to become crafty and smart pitchers to get the job done.  With Erik though you get both neither the talent nor the craftiness of any of those guys so forget about that analogy.  He does make the lineup so humor him.  Two shutout innings later though and the old righty looked all right.  Final line: 2 IP/ 0 R/ 2 K's and his patent HBP/Pick-em-off move. Side note:  E also played an inning in right field making two nice plays, and also caught the last 3 with Lefty on the bump.  So a bit more gas left in the tank, albeit siphoned from some sucker in the parking lot. 

Come the 7th inning and the bullpen is complete with the move to the Lefty, Rob "Noxious" Ellis #34.  Rob, smelling like an Old Turkey, rubs his one good eye and flat out dealt for 3 innings.  His changeup would be any other pitcher's go to, money pitch.  F#@<ing Nasty! His curve was bending more than a teen backstage at an R Kelly concert.  Mix in a fastball that the umpire flinches at and the Blue Claws had as much hope as a crab at Fisherman's Wharf.  Final line:  3 IP/ 0 R/ 4 K's.

Impressive win from the Benders with some team baseball being played.  The most telling stat from the game was that the Benders struck out only once in the game against two quality pitchers.  Put the ball in play and good things happen.  Great game.  Pitching, defense, offense, baserunning, small ball, extra base hits.  Fun game to be a part of and to write about.  Next week at Encinal, rematch/grudge match with the Mad Dogs.  Should be fun.   Oh and it is Father's Day so bring your pops, have a catch and a dog(hot dog that is) and have a nice night.  

Sunday  June 7          Benders   vs   Mad Dogs

Raimondi Park,  Oakland      12 noon

Benders - 14        Mad Dogs - 4

Sunday found the Benders heading in their team bus to West Oakland for a game with long time rivals the Mad Dogs.  The weather was beautiful and the stand(singular) was full of fans.  Well actually pretty much fans of Al Rice #1, who had a posse of family and friends in attendance.  And boy would he not disappoint, more on that later.

The Benders found themselves in a Dog fight right away, with the Mad Dogs pitcher firing fastballs and mowing down hitters.  The Dogs also were a scrappy bunch at bat taking advantage of some Bender miscues and after 1 inning the Dogs lead 2-0.  In the third the Benders were able to scratch together a GaryRally(tm) and muster a run.  Gary rally consisted of a walk to Gary Kirven #10, turned into a triple(via SB) and scoring on a groundout via Mike Hamill #9.  So Benders get on the board without a hit.  Nice.

Dogs come back though in the 4th with 2 runs on some loud hits and a couple more miscues.  Al Rice #1 who was on the bump, reached down and gutted his way out of the inning and finished a nice 4 inning, 0 ER, adrenaline fueled start.   The defense wasn't all bad as a couple nice plays were made behind him at third from Rookie sensation Josh Daniels #13.

The top of 5th starts with the Benders trailing 4-1 and in need of a GaryRally.  Well he's back and starts things with a single, SB and scores on a passed ball.  The Benders muster another run on a Jolley walk, SB and score off a nice shot off the bat of line drive machine Lucas Brunette #4.  Benders back in it and trail only 4-3 after 5 innings.

The Benders defense begins to settle down in the 5th, well basically because Rob "Noxious" Ellis #34 gets the call from the pen and it is pretty easy to defend when he strikes everyone out.  Well not quite everyone, but 9 of the 12 outs he faces.  Dominate, shutdown performance from the Lefty which keeps the Benders in the game and a chance to win.  Line from Noxious, 4 IP, 0 R, 9 K's.  Dominate.  GAME BALL

With Rob putting up zeros, the Mad Dogs pitcher was doing his best to do the same.  And he was doing a great job of keeping hitters off balance with fastballs, changes and curves.  Through 7 innings the Dogs starter had allowed only 3 hits.  Good for the Benders we don't play softball or high school rules as this would have been ball game.  But we play 9 in this league and the Benders would take advantage of that in the top of the 8th.

8th inning starts with new free agent signing Chester Dancer #45 reaching on a single.  This cued the music to start and a virtual Bender Conga line began to dance around the bases.  Next came Erik Wanner #19 who worked a BB.  David Schummers #15 follows and he lays down a perfect sac bunt which he beats out.  The pitcher feeling the heat on the play fires the ball down the right field line and the tying run scores.  Next batter is Mike Gillman #36 who fights off a tough two strike pitch and puts a hot shot in play to the firstbaseman who also feels the heat coming off the wheels of E #19 burning home from third.  Bootsie, and the Benders have the lead.

Now the Benders have the Dogs on the ropes.  Combined with the devastating body blows that Rob #34 has been landing and the sharp jabs the offense put together, the Dogs were staggering.  All that was left was the knockout blow.  Well that brings me to Al Rice #1.  With the stands alive with excitement, two Benders runners on base, and a slim 1 run lead  Al took his stance in the box.  The Dogs pitcher reaches back and fires his best heat.  Al turns it around and blasts a 3 Run Home Run to leftfield.  The Knockout Blow comes from an upper cut from Al Rice #1 with family, friends, and Benders going nuts.  

Huge hit from Al who had just missed foul with a couple of other hits earlier in the day. GAME BALL.  Benders now lead 8-4 and the Dogs are down for the count.

 13 consecutive Benders hitters would conga around the bases and the Benders score 11 runs in the inning.  Schummers #15 and Dancer #45  would both talley 2 hits in the inning.  Gillman #36 would add a hit and 2 RBI, And Ellis #34 would drive in two with a double to left.  Other hits provided by Hamill #9 RBI 1B, Brunette #4 RBI 1B and Kirven #10.

With Ellis on the mound and the Benders now up by 10, the game was over.  Benders pull together a 14-4 win, with fireworks provided by Rice #1 and the extinguisher supplied by Ellis #34.  Nice win for the Benders who will face the Dogs again.  Next week back home against a tough opponent, Blue Claws, and a battle for first in the Ocean West.  See you then!!!

Sunday  May  31          Benders  vs   Dirtbags

Willie Stargell Field,  Alameda   1pm

Benders - 6       Dirtbags -  1

 A rested bunch of Benders returned Home this past Sunday to face a solid bunch of ballers, the Dirtbags.  Name aside, the DirtBags proved to be a clean group of players and a force to be reckoned with.  Benders looked spry and rested from the two week, and in some players case a month, break.

Standing on the island for the start of this 3 hour tour, 3 hour tour, would be Gillman #36.  Mike Gillman that is.  From the first pitch(paint the black with cheese, strike) you knew Mike had his A-game stuff and was looking to deal.  Mike dealt allright, and if you ask the Dirtbags they would say it was from the bottom of the deck.  Dirty stuff.  Crispy sliders, paralyzing hooks, and the sharp cheddar that would make a Wisconsiner horny.  Fithy stuff from Gillie and a line to match: 6 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 8 K's  GAME BALL

You would think bringing in a reliever would provide the opposition a glimmer of hope after the outing from Gillie.  Well you would be wrong as the man getting the call would be Rob 'Noxious' Ellis #34 who was ready to hammer the final nail.   Rob announced his presence with authority with virtually unhittable stuff.  His fastball was not only popping leather but his slider was also applied with renaissance painter craftmanship.  An artisan performance from the lefty with a line to match: 3 IP, 1 H, 8 K's  GAME BALL

Backing the armed forces on offensive would be the big man Chris "Zonk" Zonca #26. Chris was clearly sipping some fountain of youth cocktails at the Bay to Breakers as he came out with a youthful spring in his step seldomly seen on Benders baserunners not named Gary.  Chris started his youth movement with a laser blast over the centerfielder's head for a double.  His aggressive running caused a error and a huge 90 foot advancement.  His next at bat, not happy with a double and error, he blasts a shot to left which hits the base of the wall and he blazes for a triple to leftfield.  That you don't see too often, a triple to dead left field.  Great hustle.  Chris' line on the day: 2-3(2B, 3B, BB 3 Runs and a RBI) great game, great hustle  GAME BALL

Other stars on offense were Erik Wanner #19 who took advantage of Chris' hustle and drove in 3 with 2 SF and a 1B.  Line: 1-1 (1B, BB, 3 RBI)

Dave Schummers #15 also had huge at bat in the 6th.  With two outs and the Benders clinging to a 3-1 lead, Dave slashed a full count double to leftfield(a patent Schummers blast) which gave the Benders a comfortable 5-1 lead.

Gary Kirven #10 would score the last run for the Benders which he helped create by stealing himself around to third.  Gary-Ball at it's finest.  Line: 2-4(Run, 3 SB)

Rounding out the offense:

Dion Jolley 1B, Run/  Mike Hammill #9 1B/  Alex Rice #1 1B, SB/  Aaron Wing #24 1B

Fun game, highlighted by the outstanding pitching performance from Gillman and Elllis.  Next week a road game against a strong division opponent and long time nemesis, the Mad Dogs.  Should be fun.  See you at Raimondi Field, 12 noon.

Sunday  May 17         Superstars   vs   Benders

Willie Stargell Field,  Alameda   1pm

 Superstars  - 3        Benders  -  13 

What with perfect weather, Bay to Breakers, Giants/Mets, trips to Alaska, pulled groins(both our own or pulling someone else's groin), the Benders had many distractions from baseball this past weekend.  But a select few put all else aside and made baseball their only priority.  These select few shall be known as the Bender "Nine"(although there were 11 to start, only 9 made the final trek). 

Game starts with the weather looking beautiful and Stargell field as elegant as could be.  The Benders would make their way to the yard one at a time, making their entrances as elaborate as a juiced WWE wrestler.  The Superstars were looking, well, super and the only question was would the Benders field enough?  The answer proved to be a resounding YES!!  11 ballers made the commitment to baseball on such a glorious day so Play Ball!

On the Tit to start the game was Mattie Gire.  Always a gamer and fresh from a self induced sebbatical Matt was poised to deliver.  Mattie gutted through 3+ innings, mixing his normal array of movement and guessing(both on the part of the batter and catcher).   Taking the baton from Matt in the 4th was Baller Mike Gillman who inherited a bases loaded and 2-0 count.  No prob says the Super Soph as he K's both batters he faces and the Benders escape with a 5-3 lead.

Gillman also fresh from his relaxing time on the Island(Alameda that is) would be called upon to finish the deal.  And finish he would, shutting the door on the Stars and gathering a final line of 3 2/3 ing and 0 runs.  Gillie did had some help in the field from Brian Patrone #3 at first, Gary Kirven #10 at second and some nice pitch calling from Mike Gorospe #22.  Nice plays were also made at short where a 6-3 doubleplay was made as well as a 1-6-3 inning ender which the SS completed from his ass(had to see it I guess).  Nice defensive game again from the Benders. 

Benders Nine turned in a team effort on the offensive side of the ball so let's go down the line:

Gary Kirven #10 2-5 (2 2B, 3 Runs)

Brian Patrone #3 Rbi

David Schummers #15 1B, Run

Al Rice #1 Rbi 1B, Run

Erik Wanner #19 2B, 2 Runs, 2 HBP, SB(not a typo)

Matt Gire #14 1B, 2B, 3 Runs, 3 RBI

Aaron Wing #24 1B, BB, Run, RBI

Mike Gillman #36  1B, BB, RBI, Run

Mike Goropse #22 2BB, HBP, RBI

and this leaves us with:

Dion Jolley #7

Dion had a great day at the dish which started with a perfect bunt single and ended with a "walk off" double to right.  Dion was on base all day and finished with a perfect line:

4-4  3 2B, Run, BB and of course the game ending RBI which came on a rip to right center.

 It was a hot, trying day with players and umpires a little testy.  But the Benders rally together, shorthanded, and get the win(and a cooler full of beers). Final score reads a 10 run victory but the game was much closer and the Benders are happy to get the win.  Next week, Memorial Day Holiday, no games,  so see you after the break.

Another banner day for Major League Baseball.  Good luck with the fertility treatments #99.

Sunday May 3      Benders  vs  Sea Lions

Willie Stargell Field,  Alameda  1pm

Benders - 9   Sea Lions - 3 

Benders arrive at Encinal Sunday a little light in numbers(10) and also a little lighter in brain cells.  Mint Juleps at the horse track will do that to you.  Willie Stargell Field was looking beautiful after soaking in some needed rain drops.  So while the rest of the league slept it was Play Ball for the Benders and Sea Lions.  

Taking the rock for the Benders would be Mattie Gire #14.  Matt has been pining for some innings and he did not disappoint this day.  Mixing an array of fastballs, changeups and the occasional slider, Matt was able to keep the Sea Lion hitters(and Bender fielders WTF!!) off guard.  Nice 5 inning performance from Matt who helped his cause by inducing two pitcher's buddies, the Double Play(one being the ever so tough 3-6-1 variety).

Defense was pretty solid on the day.  Erik Wanner #19 provided the pitchers some help from short with 10 outs produced which is a pretty nice % of outs.  Including the 1-6-3 DP, E also started a bases loaded inning-ender(6-4-3) with David Schummers #15 and Chris Zonca#26 on the back end.  Zonk #26 was a hoover at first, picking bushels of rocks from the Encinal dirt.  Included was a nice dig to complete a webgem barehand play from E at short.  Mike Gorsope #22 once again had a nice game blocking and calling pitches.  And Dion Jolley #7 and Al Rice #1 showed their valuable versatility by making plays at both third base and centerfield respectively.  Al also moved to the mound to relieve Matt and was solid through three innings.  Rob Ellis #34 put the finishing touches on the game with a 1-2-3 ninth.  

The offense was a little  Jekyll/Hydish on the day.  Hitting with hangovers, not quite as easy as it once was.  The second inning saw the Benders bloop and poke their way to a 7 run inning.  Whatever works I guess.  Big hit from Rice #1 with two outs to drive in two and put the Benders up 6.  Big stick on the day was yielded by Lucas Brunette #4 who just missed a dinger and settled for a big 3B(4-4 on the day).  Nice at bats from Gorospe #22 who added 2 RBI with a 2B over the leftfielder.  Other knocks came from Zonca #26(2-3), Aaron Wing #24(2-4 2B 2 Runs) and Rice #1(2-4).

 So Benders continue their winning ways, with good pitching, solid defense and a few nice at bats.  Still looking to put it all together but hey a win is a win and we will take it.  No camera this week so stock nature footage which I think sums up this game nicely anyway.  See you in two weeks, have a Happy Mother's Day weekend.