Category: Events

COCK-A-DOODLE-DO! ROOSTERS STRUT STUFF, GOBBLE WIDOWS

With bolstered rosters from the recent Hunlock re-draft, the Red Rooster and the Black Widows were looking to settle the Series stalemate once and for all. Early predictions favoured the Widows, who beat the Roosters in each of their qualifying matches… but counter-rumours ran rampant as former Blue Dogs donned Black or Red and joined their respective new teams.

The Championship Game was postponed from the week before.  But on Saturday – in a complete reversal of fortunes – Mother Nature smiled down upon Grovehill with unrelenting sunshine.  Players and their families arrived early to set up the field and get the Rooster-Widow showdown underway.  Following a few words in memory of Kyle and a brief moment of silence, the Roosters took the field and the umpire called “Play.”

The first four innings showed everyone that this Final was going to be close. Rooster starting pitcher Darrin Ward kept the Widows at bay, and although he surrendered three hits in the top of the first, a ground out, pick-off and strikeout quickly sent the Widows back to their bench.  The Roosters struck first in the bottom of the inning as Dave Hamilton walked against Widow starter Aspi Dimitrov, and then advanced all the way to home plate on a series of wild pitches and passed balls.

Complicated pitching restrictions in the Hunlock Series allowed only three innings of work per pitcher, and so it was quickly time for Ward and Dimitrov to relinquish the mound to their successors.  Ward allowed five hits over three innings with two strikeouts and no runs allowed.  Dimitrov settled down in the 2nd and 3rd, delivering 4 walks and 3 strikeouts overall.

The game's later pitchers fared less well.  Rooster Mark Hoffman pitched only two innings – giving up 5 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks – before manager Hunter Devine yanked him in favour of veteran Humberto Goncalves.  Goncalves surrendered a further two runs, but soon settled down and prevented any further bloodletting by the Widows.

Rookie pitcher Marty Cullen took the mound for the Black team, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits with 4 walks.  By the 6th inning Cullen was dealing breaking balls for strike after strike, and leading his team toward the victory line with a commanding 7-3 lead.  But when starter Arnie Longboy hyper-extended his hamstring attempting to steal second base, things started to slip away for the Widows.

Reliever Luis Goncalves took the mound and, over the next 2.33 innings, watched the game slip away from his team.  A series of infield errors, wild pitches and passed balls allowed 4 Roosters' runs on only 2 hits… and the game was tied at 7-7.

With Andy Cornish standing on third base and only one out, veteran slugger Darrin Ward came to the plate.  Widows' manager Marty Cullen instructed his hard-throwing, 14-year old ace to intentionally walk Ward (for the second time that day!), but the strategy did not go according to plan.  After three balls had been thrown, Goncalves allowed the fourth and final pitch to sit out over the plate and Ward – to everyone's amazement – reached high and 'tomahawked' the ball into left field to score the winning run.

Some pundits have said an intentional walk in the Hunlock Series is a cowardly move.  Others blame Ward for taking advantage of a young pitcher by refusing to accept a base on balls with grace.

But one thing is for certain: the 2008 Hunlock Series ended in epic style.  The entire experience – from the thrilling live draft to the deadlocked qualifying matches to the delayed, one-run Championship finale – has capped an already historic year in the history of Herts Baseball.  After the Falcons AAA Championship Title and the birth of the Herts third team, the Raptors, no typical post-season series would do.

Sadly, now, the diamond is vacant… the bats and balls are stowed-away until spring.  So hopefully everyone savoured that last breath of crisp autumn air… that final trip round the bases… that Championship Game in which everyone (Raptors, Hawks and Falcons alike) got to 'walk off' in victory.

Herts Black Widows at Herts Red Roosters
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Herts Black Widows 0 0 0 0 2 5 0 0 0 7 13 5
Herts Red Roosters 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 2 2 8 9 5

Herts Red Roosters 8, Herts Black Widows 7
Herts Red Roosters Herts Black Widows
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Nick Russell lf 6 1 1 0 Luis Goncalves ss-p 3 1 0 0
Dave Hamilton cf 2 2 0 0 Aspi Dimitrov p-3b-ss 4 0 2 0
Andy Cornish c 5 1 1 0 Dave Westfallen c 6 2 3 2
Darrin Ward p-3b 4 2 3 1 Marty Cullen 1b-p 5 2 4 0
Peter Kikel 3b-ss-p 5 0 2 0 Greg Bochan 3b-1b 5 1 0 0
John Oliver 2b-1b 5 1 1 0 Tim Elkins cf 5 0 1 0
Humberto Goncalves ss-2b-p 3 0 1 0 Arnold Longboy 2b-rf-lf 4 0 0 0
Mark Hoffman 1b-p 1 0 0 0 Chris Barnes lf-2b 4 0 3 0
(t6) Ilya Dimitrov rf 2 0 0 0 Reagan Wood rf-lf 2 1 0 0
Andrew Slater rf 1 0 0 0 (b7) Liam Green rf 1 0 0 0
(t5) Hunter Devine rf-2b 2 1 0 2
TEAM TOTALS 36 8 9 3 TEAM TOTALS 39 7 13 2

E: Hunter Devine(3), Darrin Ward, Peter Kikel, Luis Goncalves, Dave Westfallen, Marty
Cullen, Greg Bochan, Tim Elkins. LOB: Herts Black Widows 14, Herts Red Roosters 16.
2B: Darrin Ward, Andy Cornish, John Oliver. SB: Andy Cornish, Humberto Goncalves,
Luis Goncalves(2), Dave Westfallen, Tim Elkins. CS: Arnold Longboy, Chris Barnes.

Herts Red Roosters IP H R ER BB SO
Humberto Goncalves 3.67 3 2 0 2 1
Darrin Ward 3.00 5 0 0 0 2
Mark Hoffman 2.00 5 5 2 3 2
Peter Kikel W 0.33 0 0 0 2 0
Herts Black Widows            
Aspi Dimitrov 3.00 3 1 0 4 3
Marty Cullen 3.00 3 2 0 4 1
Luis Goncalves L 2.33 3 5 1 5 4

HBP: by Darrin Ward (Aspi Dimitrov). , by Mark Hoffman (Reagan Wood). . . . . . WP:
Mark Hoffman, Luis Goncalves(5). PB: Andy Cornish(2), Dave Westfallen(5). Balk: Marty
Cullen. T: 3:45. A: 45.
Herts Black Widows – Top of the 1st:
Luis Goncalves grounded out.
Aspi Dimitrov singled, picked off.
Dave Westfallen singled, batted forward to 2nd.
Marty Cullen singled.
Greg Bochan struck out swinging.
0 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB.
Herts Red Roosters – Bottom of the 1st:
Nick Russell struck out swinging.
Dave Hamilton walked, advanced to 2nd on passed ball, advanced to 3rd on passed ball,
advanced to home on passed ball.
Andy Cornish popped out.
Darrin Ward walked, batted forward to 2nd.
Peter Kikel singled.
John Oliver grounded out.
1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 2 LOB.
Herts Black Widows – Top of the 2nd:
Tim Elkins popped out.
Arnold Longboy struck out looking.
Chris Barnes singled.
Reagan Wood popped out.
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Herts Red Roosters – Bottom of the 2nd:
Humberto Goncalves singled, batted forward to 3rd.
Mark Hoffman walked, batted forward to 2nd.
Andrew Slater struck out looking.
Nick Russell popped out.
Dave Hamilton walked.
Andy Cornish struck out.
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 3 LOB.
Herts Black Widows – Top of the 3rd:
Luis Goncalves popped out.
Aspi Dimitrov hit by pitch, forced out at 2nd.
Dave Westfallen reached on fielder's choice, batted forward to 2nd.
Marty Cullen singled.
Greg Bochan popped out.
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 2 LOB.
Herts Red Roosters – Bottom of the 3rd:
Darrin Ward grounded out.
Peter Kikel singled, advanced to 2nd on passed ball, tagged out going to 3rd.
John Oliver reached on fielder's choice, advanced to 2nd on passed ball.
Humberto Goncalves flied out.
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Herts Black Widows – Top of the 4th:
Tim Elkins singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to 3rd.
Arnold Longboy struck out looking.
Chris Barnes singled, batted forward to 2nd.
Reagan Wood hit by pitch.
Luis Goncalves popped out.
Aspi Dimitrov grounded out.
0 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 3 LOB.
Herts Red Roosters – Bottom of the 4th:
Mark Hoffman walked, batted forward to 2nd, tagged out going to 3rd.
Andrew Slater walked, batted forward to 2nd.
Nick Russell flied out.
Dave Hamilton walked.
Andy Cornish out by infield fly rule.
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB.
Herts Black Widows – Top of the 5th:
Dave Westfallen singled, stole 2nd, advanced to 3rd on error, advanced to home on
wild pitch.
Marty Cullen reached on error, advanced to 2nd on wild pitch, advanced to home on
error.
Greg Bochan flied out.
Tim Elkins reached on error, advanced to 2nd on error, advanced to 3rd on passed ball.
Arnold Longboy walked, caught trying to steal 2nd.
Chris Barnes struck out swinging.
2 runs, 1 hit, 2 errors, 1 LOB.
Herts Red Roosters – Bottom of the 5th:
Darrin Ward ground rule doubled, advanced to home on error.
Peter Kikel reached on error, advanced to 2nd on error, tagged out going to 3rd.
John Oliver flied out.
Humberto Goncalves reached on fielder's choice.
Mark Hoffman popped out.
1 run, 1 hit, 1 error, 1 LOB.
Herts Black Widows – Top of the 6th:
Reagan Wood walked, batted forward to home.
Luis Goncalves walked, batted forward to home.
Aspi Dimitrov singled, batted forward to 2nd, forced out at 3rd.
Dave Westfallen singled, batted forward to 2nd, advanced to home on error, 2 RBI.
Marty Cullen singled, advanced to home on error.
Greg Bochan reached on error, advanced to 2nd on error, advanced to 3rd on error,
advanced to home on error.
Tim Elkins struck out looking.
Arnold Longboy grounded out.
5 runs, 3 hits, 3 errors, 0 LOB.
Herts Red Roosters – Bottom of the 6th:
Hunter Devine called out by interference.
Nick Russell singled, batted forward to 3rd, advanced to home on balk.
Dave Hamilton struck out looking.
Andy Cornish doubled, advanced to 3rd on balk.
Darrin Ward walked, advanced to 2nd on balk.
Peter Kikel popped out.
1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB.
Herts Black Widows – Top of the 7th:
Chris Barnes walked, advanced to 2nd on passed ball, batted forward to 3rd.
Reagan Wood out by infield fly rule.
Luis Goncalves walked, batted forward to 2nd.
Aspi Dimitrov grounded out.
Dave Westfallen grounded out.
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB.
Herts Red Roosters – Bottom of the 7th:
John Oliver doubled, advanced to 3rd on wild pitch, batted forward to home.
Humberto Goncalves walked, advanced to 2nd on wild pitch, batted forward to 3rd.
Ilya Dimitrov struck out looking.
Hunter Devine grounded out, 2 RBI.
Nick Russell grounded out.
1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Herts Black Widows – Top of the 8th:
Marty Cullen singled, forced out at 2nd.
Greg Bochan popped out.
Tim Elkins reached on fielder's choice, forced out at 2nd.
Arnold Longboy reached on fielder's choice.
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Herts Red Roosters – Bottom of the 8th:
Dave Hamilton grounded out.
Andy Cornish walked, batted forward to 2nd, advanced to 3rd on error, advanced to
home on wild pitch.
Darrin Ward singled, advanced to 2nd on error, advanced to home on wild pitch.
Peter Kikel reached on error, advanced to 2nd on wild pitch, advanced to 3rd on wild
pitch.
John Oliver struck out looking.
Humberto Goncalves walked, stole 2nd.
Ilya Dimitrov struck out looking.
2 runs, 1 hit, 1 error, 2 LOB.
Herts Black Widows – Top of the 9th:
Chris Barnes singled, caught trying to steal 2nd.
Liam Green grounded out.
Luis Goncalves walked, stole 2nd, stole 3rd.
Aspi Dimitrov walked.
Dave Westfallen grounded out.
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 2 LOB.
Herts Red Roosters – Bottom of the 9th:
Hunter Devine walked, advanced to 3rd on error, advanced to home on error.
Nick Russell grounded out.
Dave Hamilton walked, advanced to 2nd on wild pitch, advanced to 3rd on error, batted
forward to home.
Andy Cornish reached on error, stole 2nd, batted forward to 3rd.
Darrin Ward singled, 1 RBI.
2 runs, 1 hit, 3 errors, 2 LOB.

ARACHNOPOLLO: ROOSTERS FACE SPIDERS IN HUNLOCK FINALE

After much ado, the 2008 Kyle Hunlock Series awaits its dramatic conclusion on Saturday, as the Black Widows look to three-peat with another win over their co-finalist Red Roosters.

Last Sunday's showdown was postponed due to inclement weather, but the Hunlock Commissioner has given the green light to Saturday's Final come rain or shine.  Manager Marty Cullen hopes to lead his Black Widows onto the field of battle and clinch the 2008 Hunlock trophy.  The Widows have twice beaten the Red Roosters and fellow-Manager Hunter Devine.  Will Saturday yield more roast-chicken, or will Devine herd his henhouse to greatness and steal the title from the over-confident Widows?

The Hunlock Final has twice seen a shift in format this year.  Following last Sunday's postponement, fickle Commissioner Jason Greenberg pushed for a three-team round-robin style climax to this year's dramatic three team tie.  However, limited player availability for Saturday's rescheduled match has forced a recourse to the original gameplan: the bested Blue Dogs have been carved up and redrafted by Cullen and Devine, and will join their new teammates on the diamond for a two-team-only knockout round.

The redraft – conducted Thursday night in a closed-door session in the Commissioner's Office – lasted only 7 minutes and proved easy-pickings for the finalist managers.  The result is a 31 player extravaganza.  Devine and Cullen will have nearly the entire Herts Baseball Club to draw on over nine dramatic innings.

Blue Dogs Manager Tim Elkins was unavailable for comment following Thursday's redraft.  However, sources confide that Elkins was chagrined to learn that his team was – after all – destined for the carving board following last week's strange developments.  The Blue Dogs, of course, have suffered a roller-coaster ride in this Series… the last loopty-loops coming as Commissioner Greenberg first rewarded all three teams for their nearly identical play in the Hunlock qualifying matches by reformatting the Championship Game, but then reversing course and reverting to a two-team face-off… and the abolition of the 2008 Blue Dogs.

Saturday's game begins sharply at 10am.  All players are reporting at 9am, allowing only a quick warm-up before play gets underway.  A coin will be tossed for home field advantage.

Following the Hunlock finale is the 2008 Herts Little League Home Run Derby and Awards Ceremony… and a Herts Family and Friends Softball Game and Picnic.  Local residents are welcomed to the field and – with a little luck – the sunshine will reign over Grovehill for one final day in 2008.

THE 2008 HUNLOCK SERIES FINALISTS

RED ROOSTERS
ANDY CORNISH (SS/CF)
ROB CROUCH (RF/LF)
HUNTER DEVINE (2B/LF)
ILYA DIMITROV (SS/LF)
HUMBERTO GONCALVES (2B/P)
JASON GREENBERG (C/IF)
MARK HOFFMANN (P/1B)
PETE KIKEL (3B/P)
JOHN OLIVER (P/1B)
ANDREW SLATER (3B/LF)
DARRIN WARD (P/DH)
STEVE NIPPRESS (CF/LF)
PAUL AUCHTERLOUNIE (C/CF)
DAN KERRY (CF/LF)
JAMES ROBERTS (IF/OF)
ROB JONES (CF/LF)
STUART BOAST (P/IF)
DAVID HAMILTON (OF/IF)
JAKE KIKEL (C/P)
PETE COX (SS/2B)
LUKE ASHMEAD (IF/OF)
JACK MOON (/)
NICK RUSSELL (OF/IF)

BLACK WIDOWS
MARTY CULLEN (1B/3B)
ASPI DIMITROV (CF/P)
TIM ELKINS (OF/2B)
LUIS GONCALVES (SS/P)
LEE MANNING (LF/2B)
CARLOS CASAL (3B/P)
KAL DIMITROV (C/RF)
DAVE WESTFALLEN (C/SS)
JAMIE MUNN (IF/OF)
ROD NAGHAR (RF/LF)
GREG BOCHAN (LF/RF)
RODERIC ARISS (IF/OF)
ALEX CASEY (IF/OF)
LOUIS HARE (1B/P)
MARK HOUCHIN (IF/OF)
NICOLAS GOETZ (P/3B)
PAUL HAWES (1B/3B)
JIM HYDE (LF/CF)
KIMIYOSHI SAIONJI (2B/DH)
CHRIS BARNES (OF/2B)
EBOW HALM-QUASHIE (/)
REAGAN WOOD (/)

READY, STEADY, DRAW! HUNLOCK REPEAT AS ALL TEAMS EVEN

In an unexpected twist to the 2008 Kyle Hunlock Season, all three teams have pulled level at 2-2.  Only a scant run differential separates the first-place Black Widows (+4) from last-place Blue Dogs (-3).

This second day of intense qualifiers ended in precisely the same result as week one: each team split and no team was able to break away with two wins on the day.  Moreover, the wins and losses came in the same match-ups!

The Red Roosters fell early to the Black Widows who put up crooked numbers in the 1st, 3rd and 4th.  Only a single run here and there kept the Roosters in the game, but dominant performances from Widows pitchers Nic Goetz and Aspi Dimitrov showed no mercy and allowed no earned runs.  Carlos Casal went 2-2 with 2 runs and 2 RBI for the Widows… and only Rooster pitcher Stuart Boast looked able to contend with the other Widows batters, delivering two perfect innings with 3 strikeouts.

In Game Two the Roosters bounced back to snag one from the Blue Dogs, who sent manager Tim Elkins to the mound in his career pitching debut.  Elkins threw consistent strikes, but the Rooster bats came alive and they connected for 10 runs on 11 hits overall.  Rooster starter Mark Hoffman kept the Dogs at bay with 4 strikeouts and some wicked breaking balls.  Dan Kerry, Andy Cornish, Stuart Boast and rookie Jack Moon had two hits apiece for the Red team.  Blue Dog rookie Jamie Munn went 2-3 with a triple and an RBI.

The Dogs then returned to the diamond after a short rest and bested the Widows in the day’s final five-inning showdown.  This topsy-turvy nail-biter was close to the finish… and despite the Dogs’ Series-high 8 errors, they held on tight and denied a last-inning Widows’ rally.  Tim Elkins and Darrin Ward had two hits each for the Dogs… and Widow Carlos Casal finished the day perfect going 4-4 with the 4 runs and 3 RBI in the two games.

Now that all qualifying play has been completed, Herts Baseball members are turning to October 5th and the Hunlock Series Championship Game.  Rumours and front office sources suggest the Commissioner is in consultation with the team managers and – due to the shockingly split results of the last two weeks – might take measures to reformat the Championship event.  Stay tuned to the Newswire for developments.


GAME ONE

Herts Black Widows at Herts Red Roosters
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 R H E
Herts Black Widows 3 0 2 4 0 0 9 9 3
Herts Red Roosters 0 0 1 1 0 1 3 5 4

 

Herts Black Widows 9, Herts Red Roosters 3
Herts Black Widows Herts Red Roosters
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Luis Goncalves ss 3 1 1 2 Hunter Devine 2b 3 1 0 0
Chris Barnes cf 3 1 1 1 Nick Russell cf-lf 2 0 1 1
Aspi Dimitrov 2b-p 4 1 1 0 Andy Cornish ss-c 3 0 1 0
Carlos Casal 3b-2b 2 2 2 2 Jason Greenberg c-ss 3 2 2 0
Marty Cullen 1b 3 1 1 1 Dan Kerry p-3b-cf 3 0 0 1
Lee Manning c 4 0 2 1 Peter Kikel 3b-p 3 0 1 0
Kal Dimitrov lf-rf 2 1 0 0 Humberto Goncalves 1b 3 0 0 0
Nick Goetz p-3b 2 1 1 0 Andrew Slater rf 2 0 0 0
Marco Lanni rf 1 0 0 0 Ilya Dimitrov lf 1 0 0 0
(b2) Mark Houchin lf 1 1 0 0 (t5) Stuart Boast p 0 0 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 25 9 9 7 TEAM TOTALS 23 3 5 2

 

E: Carlos Casal(2), Marty Cullen, Jason Greenberg, Dan Kerry, Peter Kikel, Stuart
Boast. LOB: Herts Red Roosters 4, Herts Black Widows 6. 2B: Marty Cullen, Andy
Cornish. SB: Carlos Casal(2), Aspi Dimitrov(2), Luis Goncalves(2), Nick Goetz, Nick
Russell(2), Stuart Boast, Jason Greenberg, Hunter Devine. CS: Luis Goncalves, Marty
Cullen, Peter Kikel.

 

Herts Black Widows IP H R ER BB SO
Nick Goetz W 3.00 3 1 0 0 2
Aspi Dimitrov 3.00 2 2 0 1 0
Herts Red Roosters            
Dan Kerry L 3.00 6 5 3 2 4
Stuart Boast 2.00 2 0 0 0 3
Peter Kikel 1.00 1 4 4 4 0

HBP: by Dan Kerry (Chris Barnes). . . . , by Aspi Dimitrov (Stuart Boast). , by
Stuart Boast (Carlos Casal). WP: Aspi Dimitrov, Peter Kikel. PB: Lee Manning, Jason
Greenberg(2). T: 2:00. A: 0.


GAME TWO

Herts Red Roosters at Herts Blue Dogs
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 R H E
Herts Red Roosters 2 1 4 3 0 0 10 11 2
Herts Blue Dogs 2 0 1 1 1 0 5 6 3

 

Herts Red Roosters 10, Herts Blue Dogs 5
Herts Red Roosters Herts Blue Dogs
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Hunter Devine 2b 2 2 1 0 Rodney Naghar ss 2 1 1 0
Nick Russell lf 3 0 1 1 Dave Hamilton lf 3 1 1 0
Andy Cornish ss 2 3 2 0 Darrin Ward 3b-p 1 1 1 1
Jason Greenberg c-3b-rf 3 1 0 0 Dave Westfallen c 2 0 0 0
Dan Kerry cf 3 1 2 2 Paul Auchterlounie cf 2 0 0 1
Peter Kikel 3b-c 2 1 1 1 (b3) Greg Bochan cf 1 0 0 0
Stuart Boast 1b 3 2 2 0 Tim Elkins p 1 0 0 0
(b5) Humberto Goncalves p 0 0 0 0 (t3) Reagan Wood p-3b 2 1 1 0
Jack Moon rf 2 0 2 2 John Oliver 2b 2 0 0 0
(t5) Andrew Slater rf-3b 1 0 0 0 Jamie Munn rf 3 1 2 1
Mark Hoffman p-1b 3 0 0 0 Steve Nippress 1b 1 0 0 0
(b3) Paul Hawes 1b 2 0 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 24 10 11 6 TEAM TOTALS 22 5 6 3

 

E: Andy Cornish, Jason Greenberg, Rodney Naghar, Darrin Ward, Steve Nippress. DP:
Herts Red Roosters 1, Herts Blue Dogs 1. LOB: Herts Red Roosters 3, Herts Blue Dogs
7. 2B: Peter Kikel, Jack Moon, Rodney Naghar. 3B: Jamie Munn. SB: Andy Cornish(2),
Hunter Devine, Dan Kerry, Rodney Naghar(2), Paul Auchterlounie, John Oliver, Jamie
Munn, Reagan Wood, Paul Hawes. CS: Nick Russell.

 

Herts Red Roosters IP H R ER BB SO
Mark Hoffman W 4.00 4 4 3 4 4
Humberto Goncalves 1.00 2 1 1 0 1
Stuart Boast 0.00 0 0 0 0 0
Herts Blue Dogs            
Tim Elkins L 2.33 8 7 3 2 0
Reagan Wood 1.67 3 3 3 0 1
Darrin Ward 0.67 0 0 0 0 0

HBP: by Mark Hoffman (John Oliver). . , by Reagan Wood (Andy Cornish). . . WP: Mark
Hoffman(2), Reagan Wood(4), Tim Elkins(3). PB: Dave Westfallen. T: 2:00. A: 0.


GAME THREE

Herts Blue Dogs at Herts Black Widows
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 R H E
Herts Blue Dogs 0 1 3 3 2 9 7 8
Herts Black Widows 3 0 0 1 4 8 5 4

 

Herts Blue Dogs 9, Herts Black Widows 8
Herts Blue Dogs Herts Black Widows
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Rodney Naghar 2b-1b 1 0 0 0 Luis Goncalves ss 1 0 0 0
(t4) Dave Westfallen 2b-3b 1 1 0 0 Chris Barnes cf 3 1 0 1
Darrin Ward p-ss 3 1 2 0 Aspi Dimitrov 2b-p 4 2 1 0
Paul Auchterlounie c 1 2 0 0 Carlos Casal 3b-2b 2 2 2 1
Reagan Wood ss-3b-2b 3 1 0 0 Mark Houchin lf 3 0 1 1
Greg Bochan cf-p 2 2 1 0 Lee Manning c 2 2 0 0
Tim Elkins lf 3 2 2 2 Nick Goetz p-3b 3 0 0 1
John Oliver 3b-1b-p 3 0 1 0 Marty Cullen 1b 3 1 1 0
Paul Hawes 1b 1 0 0 0 Ebow Halm-Quashie rf 1 0 0 0
(t3) Steve Nippress 1b-cf 2 0 0 0 (b4) Kal Dimitrov rf 1 0 0 0
Dave Hamilton rf 1 0 0 0
(t4) Jamie Munn rf 2 0 1 1
TEAM TOTALS 23 9 7 3 TEAM TOTALS 23 8 5 4

 

E: Paul Auchterlounie(4), Darrin Ward, Rodney Naghar, John Oliver, Tim Elkins, Luis
Goncalves, Lee Manning, Marty Cullen, Ebow Halm-Quashie. LOB: Herts Blue Dogs 4,
Herts Black Widows 7. 2B: Greg Bochan, Jamie Munn, Mark Houchin. SB: Greg Bochan,
Rodney Naghar, Tim Elkins, Darrin Ward, Lee Manning, Marty Cullen, Aspi Dimitrov, Kal
Dimitrov.

 

Herts Blue Dogs IP H R ER BB SO
Darrin Ward W 3.00 3 3 1 1 1
Greg Bochan 1.33 2 4 0 4 1
John Oliver 0.67 0 1 0 2 0
Herts Black Widows            
Nick Goetz L 3.00 4 4 2 3 2
Aspi Dimitrov 2.00 3 5 1 2 0

WP: Darrin Ward. PB: Paul Auchterlounie(2), Lee Manning(2). T: 2:00. A: 0.

HORSHAM ALL-STARS COME OUT ON TOP IN EPIC FINAL AGAINST HERTS JUNIOR HAWKS

 

Baseball may not be the number one sport in Great Britain but on Saturday’s evidence it is clear that it has been making real progress in the last few years and is beginning to attract many new players and fans.  In one of the final events of the 2008 baseball season, eight of the top youth teams in Great Britain took part in the Herts Futures Tournament.  This is a new event in the British baseball calendar organised by Herts Baseball Club and held at its Grovehill Ballpark in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.  It proved to be a real celebration of baseball and a very fitting way to celebrate the end of the season.

 

The eight teams were split into two groups of four and they battled it out in a round robin format.  The London Mets and the Horsham All-Stars stamped their authority early with two convincing wins against the Windsor Bears and the Herts Junior Raptors.  This set up an intriguing clash between the two teams in the last group game to decide which of them will clinch top spot in the group and a place in the final.  Horsham came out on top with a 6-4 win.

 

In the other group the visiting teams did not know what to expect from the Herts Junior Hawks which is a team representing the hosts, Herts Baseball Club.   The Herts players play in the Herts Little League which is an independent league created only 12 months ago.  Despite fielding some players who were visibly younger than their opponents, the Junior Hawks produced some terrific baseball.  They won all of their group games to clinch first place in their group. 

 

This meant that the final of the first ever Herts Futures Tournament was to be contested between two teams representing independent youth Leagues. 

 

The Horsham and Herts teams were removed by the BBF from participating in the 2008 National Championships.  It must be said that the BBF were forced to do so for logistical reasons which were out of their control but still it is ironic that these same teams overcame their BBF opponents to reach the Final on Saturday. 

 

The Herts vs Horsham Final proved to be a classic.  Herts Junior Hawks took a 2-1 lead and seemed to be on their way to a famous victory, but then Horsham struck back in the top of the final inning with 3 vital runs.  Herts managed to reduce the deficit scoring a run in the bottom of the inning, but the all important tying run was left stranded on second base.

 

The disappointment on the faces of the Herts players was there for all to see, but those players should be very proud of finishing second in only their second tournament against opponents outside of Hertfordshire’s Little League. 

 

IMAGES OF THE DAY

 

FULL TOURNAMENT SCOREBOARD

 

GROUP 1 HOME       VISITORS GROUP 1 STANDINGS W L Runs +/-
11:00am London Mets 16 vs 0 Herts Jr. Raptors Horsham All-Stars 3 0 27
11:00am Horsham All-Stars 10 vs 0 Windsor Bears London Mets 2 1 21
12:15pm Herts Jr. Raptors 0 vs 15 Horsham All-Stars Windsor Bears 1 2 -4
12:15pm Windsor Bears 3 vs 10 London Mets Herts Jr. Raptors 0 3 -44
1:30pm Horsham All-Stars 6 vs 4 London Mets
1:30pm Herts Jr. Raptors 2 vs 15 Windsor Bears
GROUP 2 HOME       VISITORS GROUP 1 STANDINGS W L Runs +/-
11:00am Bracknell Blazers 5 vs 9 Herts Jr. Hawks Herts Jr. Hawks 3 0 13
11:00am Brentwood Bucks 8 vs 1 Tonbridge Bobcats Bracknell Blazers 2 1 6
12:15pm Herts Jr. Hawks 9 vs 7 Brentwood Bucks Brentwood Bucks 1 2 3
12:15pm Tonbridge Bobcats 2 vs 10 Bracknell Blazers Tonbridge Bobcats 0 3 -22
1:30pm Brentwood Bucks 1 vs 3 Bracknell Blazers
1:30pm Herts Jr. Hawks 7 vs 0 Tonbridge Bobcats
FINALS HOME       VISITORS
3:00pm Horsham All-Stars 4 vs 3 Herts Jr. Hawks
3:00pm Bracknell Blazers 11 vs 0 London Mets
3:00pm Windsor Bears 2 vs 7 Brentwood Bucks
3:00pm Tonbridge Bobcats 11 vs 10 Herts Jr. Raptors

HUNLOCK: BUSY DAY ON THE TRADING TABLE

In a flurry of Friday afternoon action, several players exchanged hands midway through the 2008 Kyle Hunlock Series.

Rookies Jack Moon (Red Roosters), Reagan Wood (Blue Dogs) and Ebow Halm-Quashie (Black Widows) were picked up on waivers.  They will join their benches for the first time on Sunday.

Widows Manager Marty Cullen kept up the pace, today, trading RBI-machine Jamie Munn to the Blue Dogs for a waiver option.  Cullen still looks to spend his waiver before Sunday – time is not on his side as this weekend's sudden-death qualifiers approach.

The unofficial rumour mill reports some hefty trade proposals have been quashed at the last moment, including a straight up swap of Widow Aspi Dimitrov for either Rooster Andy Cornish or Jason Greenberg.  No trades have been announced, but such negotiations are prone to delays due to a disputed contract clause or a shaky player physical.

RECENTLY WIDOWED: CULLEN PADS ROSTER, SIGNS FREE AGENT BARNES

In a surprise move Thursday, Black Widows Manager Marty Cullen designated Alex Casey for the DL and claimed clutch Canadian Chris Barnes off waivers.

Barnes – who works in the north and makes the long trek Sunday to aid the Widows in the qualifiers – has yet to complete a full season with the BBF Herts Baseball Club.  No doubt his big bat, quick feet and keen eye in the outfield will help the pennant 'fade to black.'

Casey is listed week-to-week and is not expected to play in the Series.

According to an unnamed Newswire source, all eyes are on Tim Elkins and co-manager Hunter Devine.  Both hold waivers and are eagerly scoping out their free agent possibilities.  Sources suggest Devine and his Red Roosters will be first to respond to the Widows aggressive off-day dealings.

MEDIA COVERAGE OF KYLE HUNLOCK SERIES

Herts Baseball Newswire has been alerted to the fact that the 2008 Kyle Hunlcok Series is being covered by other media outlets.  Below is an article published on www.baseballgb.co.uk BaseballGB is a site dedicated to writing about baseball from a British perspective, with contribution from writers such as Joe Gray, Matt Smith and Steve Bartley, among others.

Beautiful weather is not wasted thanks to innovative baseball club

After the persistent rain made the National Finals rather less enjoyable than they could have been back on the first weekend of this month, the September sun is familiarizing itself once again with our green and pleasant land. Thankfully, there is still baseball being played, so the solar rays are not going to waste.

I’ve just returned home from Hemel Hempstead, where a 3-week, end-of-season tournament is being run within the Herts Baseball Club (today is the first of three consecutive Sundays). This is the club that put together what was probably the most innovative Spring programme seen in the country for a number of years, with the Herts Spring League. And now the club is ensuring that the season runs through into Autumn with the Kyle Hunlock Series. Hunlock, who played for the Herts Baseball Club in 2005, tragically died in 2006 after an industrial accident in Ohio, USA.

This is the third year that the series has taken place, but this year there was added excitement as the rosters for the competing teams were selected in what is thought to have been the first live radio draft in British baseball.

And this is not the only baseball action still to come in 2008. There is the match between the GB national team and a squad of top cricketers already mentioned on this site, which is taking place on Saturday 4 October in Taunton. Furthermore, I have heard that the rescheduled AA-final between the Bournemouth Sharks and the Sindwinders is set to be played at 1pm on Sunday 28 September, at Bracknell’s ground. If you are interested in that game, keep an eye out for details on the British Baseball Federation site.

Visit BaseballGB for more indepth analysis of baseball from a British perspective.

 

A WHOLE NEW BALLGAME: TEAMS GO 1-1 IN HUNLOCK OPENER

The first round of the 2008 Kyle Hunlock Series was a validation of the free-market draft system, and an affirmation of the depth and unity of the Herts Baseball Club.

In an intense, fiercely contested day of baseball in which no runaway victors emerged, it quickly became apparent that the three Hunlock squads are well-balanced and full of surprises.  By the end of play each team had secured one win and suffered one loss, and the standings remained dead-even heading into next Sunday's final-round qualifying matches.

Many of the players remarked how evenly matched were the Red Roosters, Blue Dogs and Black Widows.  These three teams – selected in Thursday's Live Hunlock Draft – are comprised of pitchers, catchers and fielders, sluggers and liners, and 2008 season Raptors, Hawks and Falcons.  Speculation abounds as to which team sports the more dominant pitching staff, stronger offensive lineup or tighter defense.  But everyone agrees that the Herts Baseball Club is surprisingly 'deep' in every facet, and this intra-club competition bodes well for Herts' 2009 regular season prospects.

Some of the most impressive plays of the day came from 2008 Raptors.  Rookie Jamie Munn connected for his first Herts hit (a convincing 3 RBI stroke) and former Raptors shortstop Rod Ariss went 3-for-4 with 2 RBI.  Speedster Rob Jones was 2-for-4 scoring 4 runs.  Andrew Slater, Ilya Dimitrov, Mark Hoffman and rookie James Roberts all connected for solid hits up the middle against Falcons Championship pitcher Darrin Ward.  Roosters manager Hunter Devine crushed the ball all day long, and turned the series web gem from deep in the hole at second base.


GAME ONE

Herts Black Widows at Herts Blue Dogs
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 R H E
Herts Black Widows 0 0 0 3 5 8 8 1
Herts Blue Dogs 2 1 5 5 0 13 10 2

Herts Blue Dogs 13, Herts Black Widows 8
Herts Blue Dogs Herts Black Widows
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Rob Jones rf 2 1 1 0 Luis Goncalves ss-p 3 1 1 0
Rodney Naghar 2b 3 0 1 0 Atsuari Ariga 2b 1 2 0 0
Darrin Ward p-1b 2 2 0 0 Aspi Dimitrov p-cf 2 2 2 1
Dave Westfallen c 1 2 1 0 Marty Cullen 1b 3 1 1 0
Greg Bochan 3b 2 2 1 2 Mark Houchin 3b 3 1 1 1
(t0) Steve Nippress cf-1b 1 1 0 0 Kal Dimitrov c 3 1 1 0
John Oliver 1b-cf-p 2 0 0 1 Lee Manning cf-ss 3 0 1 1
Paul Auchterlounie cf 1 1 1 1 Arnold Longboy lf 2 0 0 0
Rod Ariss ss 3 3 3 2 Jamie Munn rf 3 0 1 3
Tim Elkins lf 3 1 2 3
TEAM TOTALS 20 13 10 9 TEAM TOTALS 23 8 8 6

E: John Oliver(2), Marty Cullen. LOB: Herts Blue Dogs 4, Herts Black Widows 4. 2B:
Rod Ariss, Tim Elkins. SB: Rod Ariss(2), Darrin Ward(2), Dave Westfallen(2), Tim
Elkins, Greg Bochan, Rob Jones, Luis Goncalves. CS: Rodney Naghar.

Herts Blue Dogs IP H R ER BB SO
Darrin Ward W 3.00 1 0 0 0 3
John Oliver 2.00 7 8 5 4 1
Herts Black Widows            
Aspi Dimitrov L 3.00 5 8 7 7 3
Luis Goncalves 1.00 5 5 2 2 0

WP: Aspi Dimitrov(3). PB: Kal Dimitrov(5). T: 2:00. A: 68.


NOTE: Game Two (Red Roosters @ Black Widows) was not officially scored.



GAME THREE

Herts Blue Dogs at Herts Red Roosters
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 R H E
Herts Blue Dogs 5 3 0 0 3 11 7 8
Herts Red Roosters 6 3 0 6 0 15 13 8

Herts Red Roosters 15, Herts Blue Dogs 11
Herts Red Roosters Herts Blue Dogs
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Hunter Devine 2b 4 2 2 2 Rob Jones cf 2 3 1 0
Nick Russell cf-lf 4 2 1 1 Rodney Naghar 2b 2 2 0 0
Andy Cornish ss-c 4 3 2 1 Darrin Ward p-1b 3 3 3 3
Jason Greenberg c-ss 4 1 1 2 John Oliver 1b-p-rf 2 1 0 0
Dan Kerry 3b-cf 3 2 2 1 Dave Westfallen ss 4 1 2 3
Peter Kikel p-3b 3 2 1 0 Paul Auchterlounie c 3 0 0 0
Andrew Slater 1b 3 0 1 1 Greg Bochan 3b 4 1 0 0
Ilya Dimitrov lf 2 1 1 1 Tim Elkins lf 3 0 1 2
(t4) Mark Hoffman p 1 1 1 1 Steve Nippress rf 2 0 0 0
James Roberts rf 2 1 1 1 (b3) Rod Ariss rf-p 1 0 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 30 15 13 11 TEAM TOTALS 26 11 7 8

E: Hunter Devine(5), Andy Cornish, Jason Greenberg, Andrew Slater, Dave
Westfallen(2), Paul Auchterlounie(2), John Oliver, Rodney Naghar, Greg Bochan, Rod
Ariss. LOB: Herts Red Roosters 4, Herts Blue Dogs 8. 2B: Andy Cornish, Tim Elkins,
Darrin Ward. SB: Andy Cornish(3), Hunter Devine, Ilya Dimitrov, Rob Jones(2), Darrin
Ward, John Oliver, Rodney Naghar, Dave Westfallen.

Herts Red Roosters IP H R ER BB SO
Peter Kikel W 3.67 6 8 3 4 4
Mark Hoffman 1.33 1 3 3 4 0
Herts Blue Dogs            
Darrin Ward L 3.00 9 9 3 0 5
John Oliver 0.67 2 4 4 0 0
Rod Ariss 0.33 2 2 1 0 0

HBP: by Darrin Ward (James Roberts). . WP: Mark Hoffman, Darrin Ward. PB: Andy
Cornish, Paul Auchterlounie(3). T: 2:00. A: 68.

GROVEHILL BALLPARK TO HOST THE HERTS FUTURES TOURNAMENT THIS SATURDAY

 

Eight of the top British youth baseball teams will play in the first ever Herts Futures Tournament.  It will be held at Grovehill Ballpark in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire on Saturday, 27 September.  The action begins at 11am.

 

The 8 teams will be placed in two groups of four teams. Teams play games against each team in

their group. To determine the winner and the overall Tournament standings all teams will play

in a Final against the corresponding team in the other group.

 

The invited teams will be from the BBF Southern Conference and the independent Little

Leagues in the South, including London Mets, Horsham All-Stars, Wi9ndsor Bears, Bracknell Blazers, Brentwood Bucks, Tonbridge Bobcats.  They will join the two host teams, the Herts Junior Raptors and the Herts Junior Hawks.  The two Herts teams play in the Herts Little League established this year, so this Tournament is a great opportunity for the Herts Little League players to play against teams from other parts of the country.  It will also be a test to see how the Herts programme will compare against much more experienced and well-established youth teams.

 

The Tournament is expected to attract a record attendance at the baseball diamond at Grovehill Ballpark and is set to be a great day out for the whole family.  Apart from great baseball action, the players, and fans will be able to sample traditional baseball snacks and drinks, as well as fresh doughnuts provided through the Krispy-Kreme Fundraising Programme.  All profits will go towards Herts Baseball Club’s project to develop Grovehill Ballpark by improving existing facilities and adding a second baseball diamond.

 

It is not too late for boys and girls to sign up and play in this event.  For more details about the Tournament and how to take part please contact us.

 

2008 HERTS FUTURES TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

 

GROUP 1

HOME

 

VISITORS

FIELD

11:00am

London Mets

vs

Herts Jr. Raptors

3

11:00am

Horsham All-Stars

vs

Windsor Bears

4

12:15pm

Herts Jr. Raptors

vs

Horsham All-Stars

3

12:15pm

Windsor Bears

vs

London Mets

4

1:30pm

Horsham All-Stars

vs

London Mets

3

1:30pm

Herts Jr. Raptors

vs

Windsor Bears

4

GROUP 2

HOME

 

VISITORS

FIELD

11:00am

Bracknell Blazers

vs

Herts Jr. Hawks

1

11:00am

Brentwood Bucks

vs

Tonbridge Bobcats

2

12:15pm

Herts Jr. Hawks

vs

Brentwood Bucks

1

12:15pm

Tonbridge Bobcats

vs

Bracknell Blazers

2

1:30pm

Brentwood Bucks

vs

Bracknell Blazers

1

1:30pm

Herts Jr. Hawks

vs

Tonbridge Bobcats

2

FINALS

HOME

 

VISITORS

FIELD

3:00pm

1st (Group 1)

vs

1st (Group 2)

1

3:00pm

2nd (Group 2)

vs

2nd (Group 1)

2

3:00pm

3rd (Group 1)

vs

3rd (Group 2)

3

3:00pm

4th (Group 2)

vs

4th (Group 1)

4

HUNLOCK UPDATE: WIDOWS CLAIM TWO VETERANS OFF WAIVERS

(Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire)  In a surprise move, Black Widows Manager Marty Cullen spent both his remaining trade waivers on free agents Arnold Longboy and Mr. Ariga.  Following Thursday night's exciting live draft, the Widows and the Blue Dogs were shorted two critical final round picks and acquired two draft waivers.  Waivers are used to sign free agents, or to initiate an unbalanced trade (e.g., one player for two prospects).  Saturday's surprise move leaves the Widows with no trade flexibility before Sunday's first round, while patient Dogs manager Tim Elkins stands alone with unspent waivers, and could surprise the league with an eleventh-hour trade.

Arnold Longboy and Mr. Ariga – the enigmatic Japanese superstar who goes only by one name, like Hall of Famer Ichiro – are both highly-prized Herts Little League parents.  As fathers to Zach Longboy and Mikito and Yuki Ariga, respectively, talent obviously runs in the family.  Nevertheless, their positional and athletic abilities are yet to be determined, and Hunlock Series insiders are curious whether Cullen's move will prove impressively prescient or highly risky.  Only Sunday's first round qualifier results can say.

In a related development, Black Widows Carlos Casal and Louis Hare will arrive late to Sunday's Hunlock games, and are likely to miss the early action at Grovehill.  Casal and Hare hope to be on-hand to push the Widows through the later stages of Sunday's showdown with the threatening Red Roosters.