For the first game of the 2023 campaign the Yankees had some rust to knock off in all facets of the game as they were stymied by the Motor City Black Jacks 3-1. The Yankees lone 2 hits came from Jared Janssen and Jack Dynes who looked to start their 2023 season off on the right foot. The lone Yankee RBI came on a fielders choice by Jared Pingitore.
On the mound was Steve Simmons who took his first loss in more than a calendar year. Final line for Simmons was 7IP 4H 2ER 1BB 9K and some painful free passes to the opposition.
The Yankees will look to get into the win column against the Giants in an 2022 MSBL Championship rematch at Hazel Park on Thursday night under the lights.
The Yankees entered today's contest with an 0-2 record and looking to get back on track against the Bloomfield Hills A's at Ford Field. The first inning started rocky for the Yankees with a bloop hit down the RF line and some infield miss plays that allowed the A's to plate 3 early runs. However, the Yankee defense and pitching would tighten up and prevent any more runs for the rest of the game. The Yankees have had their struggles at the plate early in the year, but the bats showed some life this evening as they didn't give up and came alive in the 5th inning to score 4 runs via a double by Jack Dynes, a walk by Barno, a rocket single to SS by Nick George to plate one run, a missle of a single by Jabari Thomas to plate one, and then a well placed single by Cory Osborne to plate two more. Offense stats of note were Cory Osborne going 2-3 with 2H and 2RBI, Jared Janssen with a 2B, Jack Dynes with a 2B and 1R, Nick George 1-2 with RBI, and Alex Pogasic who was 1-2 with 1SB.
On the defensive side of the scorecard, Steve Simmons took the hill to earn his first win of the season going all 7IP while allowing 3 unearned runs, allowing a handful of hits, 1BB, and 13K's.
The Yankees will be back at Ford Field.....AGAIN... for the 6pm game this Wednesday versus the Cubs.
The Yankees brought their 6pm skeleton crew vs the Cubs in an early season matchup that would feature two MSBL greats on the hill in Tom Constand and Chris Godley. The Yankees would jump on the board early in the first to take a 1-0 lead via a single by Pogasic to score Saunderson after his double to left center. Scoring would trickle in throughout the game for the Yankees as in the 2nd inning, the Yankees would procure two more runs via a sac fly by Fannon and a single up the middle by Simmons (pitchers who rake with an exit velo of 69mph). The Yankees would be up 3-1 until the 5th inning when Fannon would include the offensive exclamation point of hitting a deeeeeeep drive to left through a steady wind for the Yankees first homerun of the season. The score of 4-1 was all the Yankees would need to close out the game due to some strong pitching by Constand who would post a final winning line of 7IP 2H 2BB 1ER and 10K and some good defensive plays at SS by Thomas and 2B by Simmons who may have surprised everyone with his ability to show any athleticism at all.
The Yankees will return to action this coming Tuesday against the Mets at Kyte Monroe for a 845pm under the lights showdown.
***Any grammatical errors by the author are excused given he was crushing a 20 piece Mcnugget at the time of authorship**
The Yankees squared off against the Mets in a late night affair in the friendly confines of Kyte Monroe on a tuesday evening. The Yankees would look to extend their winning streak to 3 after a shaky start to the season and they would do just that with an exclamation point in the form of two bombs and a couple key offensive contributors that would put this game out of reach for the Mets.
The game started in typical pitchers duel fashion with a scoreless first 4 innings until Nicco Lollio connected with a fastball sending it over the left center field fence for a oppo taco blast to put the Yankees up 1-0. The Mets would have their chances with a minimal runners in scoring position, but would not cash in on their opportunities.
A few innings later, Pingitore would play the role of papa and send another towering two run homer over the right field wall and into the wall of firs to give the Yankees a 3-0 lead. Additional insurance would come from a Leeming double down the RF line, a single by Dynes, and a 2 RBI single through the 6 hole by Nick George to give the Yankees a 5-0 lead. Dynes and George would both achieve a multi hit game against their former club.
On the defensive side of the ball, Simmons would take the hill for his 3rd start of the year against his former club. Simmons would work through an ambush in the 1st inning and 4th inning to strand two runners in scoring position that the Mets would desperately need to plate in order to keep pace with the Yankee offense. Simmons would eventually work the complete game shut out against the Mets and post a final line of 7IP 4H 2BB 0R and 13K's.
The Yankees will have 6 days off to recoup until their next game against the Red Birds.
The Yankees were the visitors tonight at Kyte Monroe against the 2nd place Motor City BlackJaxx, formerly known as the G Brand, formerly known as the DiamondJaxx, no telling what nexts years team name will be but this one might stick, we'll see. It was a chilly 61 degrees with the wind blowing in from dead center field on a hazing night in early June.
Yankees picked up the bats first donning the traditional all white pinstripes wasted no time in the first scoring 2 on a LOUD sac fly from Nicco Lollio, and a WP plating "Highlight Tommy" Eitniear and Diaz "the Hitman" Saunderson.
Tom Constand, aka Tommy Gunn, toed the slab for the reigning champs tonight. Constand ran into some early trouble giving up a run in the first with some questionable calls from behind homeplate with an absurdly high strike zone. Yankees lead it 2-1 where they would score again in the 3rd with a deep WTP double from the Swinging Italian Sausage, Nicco Lollio, plating the Hitman, Diaz Saunderson to extend the Yankee lead to 3-1. Yankees would score again in the 6th inning extending their lead to 4-1 on a Joey Leeming double that plated Alex Pogasic.
Tommy Gunn settled in, adapted, and overcame adversity from the first inning run scored, not allowing another run until the 6th inning where a leadoff triple was cashed in on a slow grounder. Yankees still lead 4-2.
Yankees responded in the top of the 7th with 4 runs scored on a Cory Osborne ground rule double and an Alex Pogasic single extending their lead to 8-2.
Constand made quick work in the 7th finishing his day in dominating fashion with a line of 7IP, 4 hits, 2 ER, 10 Ks, and 2BB'd with a last inning HBP that he then corrected himself immediately picking off the 7th inning runner to seal the deal for the Yankees.
The Yankees return Monday, June 12th to take on their division rival Team USA at 8:15 at Ford Field.
It was another cool and cloudy night 60 degree night in June for the 8:15PM start at Ford Field. The Yankees caught the back end of an Aaron Wick no-hitter as the Redbirds blanked the As. Big Congratulations to Aaron Wick, teammate of many current Yankees and member of our World Series Team, Motor City Trash Pandas!
Back to the action! The Yankees sent Austin Calopietro, aka the Swamp Donkey, to take the hill as the home team over familiar foe, Team USA. Swamp Donkey had that dirty look in his eye as if he had something to prove tonight, making quick work of the Team USA top of the order, 1-2-3 inning with 2 Ks.
The Swamp start created a buzz immediately for the offense that wasted no time in the first inning after a Jabari Thomas single who advanced on a past ball. Alex "Mr. Mens League" Pogasic, hit a big league pop up to right field that caught the jet stream almost dropping in beyond Right Fielder John Mansfield. Mansfield back peddled for 30 feet before falling down on his backside, just like this writers 15 month old toddler. The slip up allowed speed demon, Jabari Thomas to coast home on the rare SAC fly from 2nd base. Yankees on top 1-0.
Swamp Donkey continued his dominance on the mound making quick work through 3, including 6 punched tickets. In the bottom half of the 3rd, Yankees would extend their lead by plating 3 runs in the inning that was kicked off by a deep Jack Dynes double. With an Ethan Barno walk, it was Jon Starks up that drove in Dynes that rolled the lineup over to the top of the order. Jabari Thomas added another single, his 2nd off the day, bringing up The Hitman, Diaz Saunderson. The Hitman did what The Hitman does, gets hits. Saunderson ripped a laser that would plate 2 more Yankees. Yankees lead 4-1 through 3.
Swamp Donkey would take the mound in the Top of the 4th against the top of the order. Team USA leadoff man, Colin McGeen, drew a controversial walk, Swamps only BB on the night. McGeen then stole second on Barno, who put on a throw that beat the runner by 2 steps with a highlight tag by Thomas that was somehow called safe according to the field umpire. Calopietro gridded his teeth and beared down striking out 2 USA hitters. With 2 outs, a light liner squeeked by outstretched glove of Yankees 2nd Baseman, Nick George that would plate McGeen for Team USA's lone run of the night. Yankees still lead 4-1 through the top half of the 4th.
Yankees would come back in the bottom half of 6th to add some insurance. 2 runs would score on an Alex Pogasic and Craig Zimmerman single that extended the Yankees lead to 6-1.
In the top half of the 7th, it was once again the Swamp Donkey show. Calopietro would go 1-2-3 in the 7th, putting a stamp on an absolute dominating night. Earning his first career MSBL Win, Calopietro final line was 7IP, 25 BF, 2 Hits, 1 ER, 15KS, 1 BB.
Yankees will return in 2 days as they take on top ranked Giants at Ford Field 6PM on Wednesday, June 14th.
The Yankees would square off in another championship rematch against the Giants at Ford Field in a 6pm fiasco. Players from both sides would scramble through rush hour to try to give each side a starting 9. The Giants would send Jake Leija to the hill who had previous success against the Yankees to oppose Steve Simmons. Both starters would cruise through the first inning with no damage. In the second inning the scoring would commence as the Yankees would hang one via a Pogasic triple in the gap and then a Zimmerman double to bring him home. The Yankee would put up a 2 spot in the 3rd via Constand reaching on an error, Simmons on a single, Starks on an RBI single, and Barno on an RBI walk with the bases loaded. The Yankees would retain a 3-0 lead until the 4th when the Giants would scrape across their only run on a Hernandez single and Meaders double in the left center gap. The rest of the game would proceed without to much extra drama outside of a run saving catch in centerfield by John Starks
With the win tonight, the Yankees move within 0.5 games of 1st place and will take on the Red Birds on Friday at Hazel Park for another 6pm first pitch.
The Yankees would take on the Red Birds in the early game at Hazel Park this evening in a tightly contested upper division matchup. Tom Constand would toe the rubber for the Yankees against a formible Red Birds lineup that would oppose Tom with Mitch Shedlowsky. This game would break pace records for the MSBL as this affair was over in 1.5 hours. This pace would only be slowed by a few singles by the Red Birds that were scattered over 7 innings and by an early Jack Dynes double off the LF wall and then the big blow that would occur in the 4th inning which would eventually give the Yankees the W. The blow being referred to was a no-doubt 2-run shot homerun over the left center field wall by Cory Osborne which would plate him and Alex Pogasic who reached on a walk. This would mark the 4th Yankee to tally a homerun this year through the first 10 games. In the manager's words.... "we bang." Another XBH would be tallied by Osborne in the 6th via a triple in the left center field gap that would score the 3rd insurance run in the form of Alex Pogasic again that reached via a painful HBP to the foot.
The Yankees wouldn't have to worry about the defensive side of the ball as Tom Constand limited the damage on the bump by only scattering a few singles and not giving up a few pass during the contest. Constand's final line would be 7IP, 5H, 0BB, 0R, and 9K against a Red Bird offense that doesn't swing and miss much.
The Yankees move to 7-3 on the season still 0.5 games out of 1st place depending on the result of the late games. The Yankees will travel to Capitol Park Monday for a rematch with the A's in ANOTHER early contest that will no doubt be affected by rush hour traffic. GIVE THE BOYS SOME PRIMETIME
The 7-3 Yankees were the visiting squad tonight against the 4-4 Bloomfield Hills A's. The Yankees wearing their light navy blues took to the bats to start the game off on a steamy, Juneteenth night. The site was the MSBL beloved home, Capital Park. It is worth noting that Capital Park did not dissappoint with a driveby train in centerfield in the 3rd inning!
The Yankee bat showed up ready to play in the top off the first when Diaz "The Hitman" Saunderson roped a sharp double with 1 out in the game. The Hitman was able to swipe 3rd off a pickoff attempt even though Yankees had up their hottest hitter, The Swinging Sausage, Nicco Lollio. The red hot Lollio stroked a double that would easily plate Saunderson to give the Yankees the early 1-0 lead.
In the bottom half of the 1st Yankees would send workhorse, Steve Simmons to the hill. Simmons celebrating his first Fathers Day a day before would have the pleasure of pitching in front of his own dad tongith who made the trip in from Sarasota, Florida. Mr. Simmons would be able to sit back and enjoy the show as young Steve had his mojo flowing in tonights affair. Simmons mowed through A's hitters all night making quick work of the familiar foes. After a leadoff double to start the 1st inning, Simmons would not allow a runner past 2nd until the 3rd inning. From there is was lights out, not a single runner made it 2 second base.
In the top half of the 7th, Yankees sent the top of the order up to the plate where Jabari Thomas would end up drawing a walk before advancing to third on a Lollio Laser to the 2nd baseman. Thomas would eventually be cashed in by Yankee cleanup man, Cory Osborne on a hard hit, rbi double, adding 1 more insurance run to extend the Yankee lead. Yankees lead 2-0 though the top of the 7th.
Steve Simmons would continue his dominance after giving up a soft hit to then strike out the next 3 A's to slam the door for the Yankees in style. Simmons would finish his day with 7IP, 6 H, 11K's, 1BB, 0ER.
After the win tonight, the Detroit Yankees(8-3) take control of 1st place in the MSBL Upper Pistono division with tonights victory. The Yankees return in 2 days for the nightcap game against their arch nemesis, Team USA(6-5) at Flat Rock on Wednesday, June 21st.
It was a hot, dry day and in beautiful Monroe County, Michigan for nightcap 8:45PM start at the "Level Pebble" where 2 familiar foes would square off. Former Yankee, Nick Montroy, took the hill against Yankee horse, Tom "Tommy Gunn" Constand. A big congratulations to Nick Montroy, newly married and proud new dad to a healthy young son! Montroy had his work cut out for him early against the red hot, 1st place, Detroit Yankees. The Swinging Italian Sausage(SWIS), Nicco Lollio, touched the moon on a towering homerun putting the boys in pinstripes on the board early 2-0. SWIS now takes the Yankee HR lead and ties the league lead in the young MSBL Season with 2 Yabos on the year. Members of the grounds crew at Flat Rock Municiple Fields flocked Lollio after the game after yet another Level Pebble blast. Of his 10 career MSBL homeruns, over half are at Flat Rock. Ground Crew members expressed interest to Flat Rock Mayor, Mark A. Hammond, in regards to building a bronze statue for the Swinging Sausage. Lollio obliged, statue ETA 2025 (pending upcoming election results).
Southpaw, Tommy Gunn, took the mound in the 1st with his A+ juice - going 1-2-3 with 2 Ks getting the ball right back to the offense. Offense would tack on another in the 2nd, extending the Yankee lead to 3-0 after Joey Leeming belted his 1st of 3 hits in tonights affair leading off, with a hit rally from Ethan Barno, and a hard fought 12 pitch at bat by the Sparkplug, Jonny Starks that earned the knock to plate Leeming. Best at bat of the night!
Constand would run into a sorry unearned run off a leadoff walk on a few head scratching pitches. Yankee backstop, Cory Osborne, sunk the knife into his left handed ace after a blunder of a past ball squeeked by eventually scoring a run to cut into the Yankee lead 3-1.
The hit parade continued for the scortching hot Yankees. There was multi-hit performances from 3 Yankees tonight, Joey Leeming lead the way going 3 for 3 with a 2 bagger and 3 runs scored and also adding 2 hits was Alex Leija and Cory Osborne. 13 hits for the Yankees in total. That is correct, THIRTEEN HITS. A special mention here to Mikey DeCarlo and Connor Fannon, both men adding a sharply lined RBI double in critical moments of this one that provided additional insurance for the boys in pinstries. Not to rub it in further - ahem - BUT....... EVERY Yankee had a hit tonight! All besides Yankee 5 hole hitter, Jared Janssen. The baseball gods did not favor the MSBL veteran, however, it is worth noting if you're going to go 0fer, you do it in style, 4 barrels with exit velos of 120+ mph right into the webs of TUSA defenders. Head up JJ, plenty of baseball left!
Back to the defense. Tommy Gunn would cruise, earning the W with a final line of 5 IP, 4 Hits, 0ER, 7Ks and 1 BB. Constand would selflessly flip the ball to the Swamp Donkey himself, Austin Calopietro, in the 6th. Swamp ran into a pair of boot jobs by Yankees that shall remain nameless, but ultimately battled himself out of a bases loaded 1 out situation with 2 Ks in the 6th. And then added 2 more in the 7th to close the book on this one. Yankees win in convincing fashion against arch nemesis Team USA, 8-2. This marks the Yankees 2nd win of the year against Team USA. Yankees win streak extends to 6.
Yankees end their 3 game "road trip" this week on Saturday, June 24th where they take on the pesky Cubs at Hazel Park at 10AM.
It was a hot and humid hazy night at Capital Park in Redford, MI. Detroit, Michigan under an Air Quality Alert. According to USA Today, Detroit is currently experiencing the worst air quality in the world. All teams across the league dealing with the haze. The thick hazy air did not favor the boys in Pinstripes in tonights affair as one thing let to another to spiral out of the Yankees grasp.
Yankees sent southpaw horse, Tommy "Gunn" Constand to the mound tonight against a right handed heavy A's lineup. Early trouble on 2 unearned runs left the southpaw hotter than a hornet as the Yankees quickly went down 3-0 to A's. Tommy Gunn was forced to take the mound swiftly after the lackluster Yankee offense went 3 up 3 down in 4 of Tom's 5 innings pitched. Not the recipe for success the southpaw horse is used to experiencing.
Yankees offense produced their lone run in the top of the 3rd when Jonny Sparkplug Starks got plunked and swiped 2nd base. Worth noting here Jon Starks DID NOT rub it after being beamed in the thigh, we checked, and the ball was okay to be utilized in the game still. Starks would be plated on an Alex Pogasic single giving the Yankees some life trailing just 2 after the top half of the 3rd. 3-1.
Battling through adversity all night Tommy Gunn ended his night after 5 innings of work with a line of 5 IP 2 ER on 9 Hits, 10Ks, 1BB, 1 HBP and 4 unearned runs. Alex Leija took the ball in mop up duty and was stellar making quick work in the 6th with 2 Ks. On the A's side of the diamond, Starting Pitcher Patrick Najor went the distance. Najor was on top and ahead of hitters all night long, holding the Yankee lineup to 1 ER on 3 F***ING Hits, 6 K's 0 BB 1 HBP.
Not to beat a dead horse... Yankees only with 3 HITS TONIGHT, Pogasic, Osborne, and Zimmerman.
Final Score 6-1 A's.
Yankees return after the 4th of July holiday swiftly on July 5th to take on, now 1st place, familiar foe - Giants. Gametime will be 6PM at Hazel Park. Yankees seeking revenge at HP against the Giants after an early season L back in May.
The rubber match meeting between the Yankees and Giants would take place during the early game at Hazel Park on a very balmy day. The Giants would send Jacob Leija to the hill to oppose Steve Simmons. The Yankees took the last meeting between these two pitchers, but today would be a different story. The meat of the Giants lineup would give them a major boost by finding barrels consistently throughout the game and paired it with taking advantage of walks. Hernandez would end up hitting a homerun to RF in the 5th to put a nail in the Yankees' hopes of a comback. Simmons would end with an uncharacteristic line of 7IP 6H 5R 5BB and 16K. Despite the strikeouts there were just too many walks and XBH's to limit the damage on the defensive side of the ball.
Offensively, the Yankees continued to slump while only putting up 4 hits and 1 run on an air mailed through by the Giants. The Yankees would threaten with some walks that got into scoring position, but couldn't get the timely hits that they are accustomed to. Notable offensive performances were Osborne who was 2-2 with an RBI and HBP, Janssen with a hard hit single up the box, and Leeming who worked counts well and got aboard with 2 walks at the bottom of the order.
It should also be noted that the baseball gods were angry last evening as there were NUMEROUS foul balls that drilled players cars in the Hazel Park parking lot. Insurance claims on the players' Mazeratis, Buggatis, and Ferraris obtained by the MSBL signing bonuses were boundless. The players union will discuss the possibility of a covered players lot in 2050.
Yankees Pull Out from a Tight One at the Level Pebble
The Yankees pulled up to a busy, softball filled day as the road team at Flat Rock Municipal Park today. The 3rd place Yankees (10-5) would take on the Motor City BlackJaxxxxxxxxx(7-6-2) on a hot and humid night in July. Flat Rock, while easy on the eyes, was as dusty and beachy as you can imagine, leaving a frequent red clay dusty haze over the infield all night long.
Yankees would be the road dogs in tonights affair and they would take their time getting going tonight. Luckily for the boys in blue, the Swinging Italian Sausage, Nicco Lollio, was able to smack his league leading 3rd homerun to put the Yankees on the board 1-0 in the top half of the 4th. Flat Rock Mayor was in attendance after the idea for a SWIS statue was introduced 1 short month ago. The Mayor of the Level Pebble caught lightning in a bottle when he was able to watch Lollio belt one that dissappeared into the night in living color. Curveballs, sliders, knucklers, change-pieces, heaters, it really doesnt matter what you throw the SWIS at the level pebble, he simply hits em all! Not to dampen the cristening of the approved statue, however, one inning prior it is to be noted that a particular Yankee leadoff man thought it would be a good idea trying to swipe 3rd to make the final out of the inning with the big swingning SWIS up to the plate with runners on 1st and 2nd. This player was promptly repremended and have since issued a public team apology and will pay his post game pop fine with enthusiasm.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Yankees would send the southpaw horse, Tom "Tommy Gunn" Constand. Constand brought the juice tonight cruising through 4 with minor damage done, allowing no runs.
After the Lollio homerun in the top half of the 4th, Yankees would continue to rally with an RBI double from Ethan Barno, plating Jared Janssen to extend the boys in blues lead to 2-0. Yankees would continue this pace with a quick 4th inning from Tommy Gunn getting the boys back into hit ever so swiftly. Yankees would get a basehit from the ageless Skipper, Cory Osborne, who would eventually score on a Nicco Lollio double. At this point in the game, the opponents in the other dugout tipped their cap to the SWIS, after 2 balls 110 MPH off the SWIS barrel, he wouldn't get another opportunity to swing the lumber for the rest of the night with an intentional walk in the 7th. Yankees now lead it 3-0 through the top of the 5th.
We move to the bottom of the 5th where the Yankees provided some self inflicted run support to the pesky BlackJaxx. After a CNI single from the 10 hole and a controversial walk to the leadoff man, runners would be on 1st and 2nd with 2 outs. After a wild pitch and past ball and a throwing blunder, the Yankees would gift the Jaxx 2 runs to cut into the Yankee lead 3-2.
Keeping their momentum, BlackJaxx would add another run on an impressive swing by Gio Aiuto for a scoreboard clanking bomb, tying the game at 3-3 in the bottom of the 6th. Gio only allowed to SWIS to enjoy being the leagues HR front runner for about 25 minutes before tying him again in a tight 2023 homerun race.
Game tied 3-3 in the top of the 7th, Yankees with the momentum against them was able to grab ahold of the bull and wrestle it back their way. Alex Pogasic would leadoff with an HBP to then swipe 2nd base. With 2 outs, men on 1st and 2nd, up comes the red hot, John "Jackie" Dynes. Jack would battle back from an 0-2 count to make it full, giving the runners a head start. Jackie Dynes found lumber on the 3-2 pitch to that would find green grass to plate Pogasic putting the Yankees ahead 4-3.
Tommy Gunn would continue to work on the bump, demanding the ball after battling the 5th inning blunder that nearly costed the boys in blue. Constand would see 4 batters and end his day with 3 more punched tickets to slam the door for the Yankees. Yankees hold on and win it! Constand final line earning his team leading 5th Win of the year going 7 strong IP allowing 8 Hits, 1ER, 12 Ks, and 2BBs.
While the spotlight and night was dedicated to the SWIS and the approval of his brass status, it was Jack Dynes who ended up being the hero for the Yanks! Yankees earn their 10th win of the year, now 10-5 and within 1.5 games of first place. Yankees travel to their beloved home of Hazel Park for a 6PM first pitch on Wednesday, July 11th. Yankees take on the scrappy, and not to be taken lightly, Mets. Mets have been on the wrong side of W column this season but have been subject to heartbreak all season with 6 of their 12 losses coming by way of just 1 single run.
The boys in blue would be the road dogs coming back into action on a nice sunny, mid July day for the 6PM contest at Ford Field. Yankees first game in exactly 7 days after 2 rainouts last week. Yankees would take on their respected rival, the Redbirds.
It was all Yankees in this one, 8 out of 12 Yankees would log knocks in the Hit column. Yankee offense, while only tallying 6 runs total, threatened each and every inning with runners in scoring position. in 3 out of the 7 plate appearances the Yankees would leave the bases juiced not getting that big time base clearing hit to burst the game open. Nonetheless, there were some noteworthy performances on the offensive side of the ball. Offense was lead by Jared Janssen with 3 hits, Connor Fannon would add 2 knocks, and none other than the Hitman himself, Diaz Saunderson, added 2 hits including a sharply lined triple. Saunderson's triple would go down in the record books of this writers memory as the single most awkward triple ever seen. Saunderson tripped running around 1st base, tripped again after hitting 2nd from an undisclosed sniper shot, and then receiving a donk job off the noggin to be safe on the throw at 3rd. The Hitman never seems to dissappoint us with his base running ability!
On the defensive side of the ball it was all about the southpaw horse, Tom Constand. Tommy Gunn took no prisoners in tonights contest, allowing just 2 lonely base runners in separate innings. There was only allowing 1 single hit by the powerful Redbirds offense on a double from seasoned veteran, Dave Duva. Tommy Gunn would strike out 12 in tonights game, matching his season high that was set exactly 7 days ago against the BJ's. Tommy Gunns final line on the night was 7 IP 1 Hit 0ER 12 Ks 1BB. Constand extends his Win total on the year for team and league best, 6. Constand also took the league lead in Innings Pitched.
With tonights victory, the Yankees improve their record to 11-5, moving into 2nd place just a half game back from the 1st place Giants. This is the Yankees 1st game of 3 this week as they jump right back into action tomorrow against the last place, Cubs (2-13) at MSBL beloved home, Capitol Park.
The Yankees would face off against the Cubs in their second matchup of the year. This game would be a make up game from late June that was washed out by a few sprinkles of rain at the dust bowl known as Hazel Park. The Cubs would send MSBL Hall of Famer Chris Godley to the mound to oppose the Yankees' Steve Simmons in a heavyweight tilt. Godley would keep the Yankees lineup off balance with all 8 plus-pitches for strikes while Simmons would bring the heat...with an occasional curveball every 3-4 innings. The Yankees bats would come alive in the 2nd inning with 3 runs plated via a Lollio walk and stolen base (rubs eyes and looks at book again), Janssen walk, Fannon double, and Barno double to RF.
The Yankees would carry the 3-0 lead until the 6th when the Yankees would have their gamely baserunning blunder (Hi Diaz) and Nicco "the swinging sausage" Lollio would proceed to hit a ball out of the park for a solo shot that should've been a 2-3 run jack. I guess somebody put a large wager on Lollio to go Under on RBI's this year.... not pointing any fingers but Alex Leija seems like the likely suspect.
The Yankees would also get a bit loose in the 6th up 4-0 while Simmons would loose some gas. A pair of hits, a walk, and an error would plate the Cubs two runs of the night. However, Simmons would finish with a "second best pitcher on the team" line of 7IP 4H 1ER 2R 2BB and 18K's. Due to being the second best pitcher on the team, media outlets (Redford Public Access Television and PBS) reported manager Cory Osborne will be sending Simmons down for a "Alex Manoah" rehab assignment. In the wise words of Bob Barker in Happy Gilmore..... This guy sucksssss.
Oh but hey, three Yankees smashed the rock in this contest. Of note are Connor Fannon who was 2-3 with a 2B and RBI, Ethan Barno who has also 2-3 with 2RBI and a 2B, and of course everyones favorite sausage Nicco Lollio with a 2-3 night with an RBI off of a league leading 4th HR.
Yankees are back in action against the pesky A's this Saturday morning at Macomb CC.
Macomb CC would be the site of another matchup between the Detroit Yankees and Bloomfield A's. The Yankees would send Steve Simmons to the bump to oppose fellow Brother Rice Warrior Nick Spillane for the A's. Runs would be sparse in this contest as defense and pitching was superb. The Yankees would break through first in the 2nd inning with a leadoff single by Ja-rod Janssen, HBP by Mike Decarlo, and a single that would score Janssen from second by the hot stick of Ethan Barno. The Yankees would add two additional insurance runs over the next two innings in the form of a Alex Pogasic single, passed ball, and Diaz Saunderson single and then finally the next inning would be a single by Decarlo, FC by Barno, and then two singles by Travis Ferguson and Johnny "Sparkplug" Starks.
The Yankees would only need one of these runs and Simmons spun a gem pitching 5 innings, allowing three baserunners via an infield single and two walks, zero runs, and 9 strikeouts. Simmons would achieve his 100th strikeout of the season for the 4th time in 6 seasons. The ball would be tossed to Calapietro for the two inning save in the 6th. Calapietro would cruise in the 6th giving up only one headscratching hit on a misread defensively. The 7th would be a little more anxiety inducing as the A's would lead off with a single and get a walk to get the tying run to the plate with two outs in the 7th. Calapietro would shut the door with a strikeout to seal the win for the Yankees.
The Yankees will travel to Kyte Monroe to play the Cubs on Tuesday at 8:45pm
The Yankees would take on the Cubs in their third and final matchup of the season at the friendly confines of Kyte Monroe on Tuesday night. This affair would be all Yankees as the Yankees offense would be withdrawing all the runs they saved over the course of the season into this one game with multiple standout offensive performers. The Yankees would tack on 6 runs in the first inning and 5 in the inning after to take a commanding 11-0 lead. The Yankees would tally 5 hits alone in the first inning accompanied by two walks and then tally 5 more hits in the second with one being a bomb to left center by SS Alex Pogasic.
After the 2nd inning, skipper Steve Simmons realized he was hypoglycemic and needed some nourishment in order to finish out this arduous game. Alex Leija would come in clutch by ordering Domino's to the dugout in the 3rd, saving the Yankees skipper from impending doom.
After the third inning, the Yankees would only score twice more via a single by Craig Zimmerman and a sac fly from Alex Pogasic that would score Alex Leija who would get into scoring position by stealing 2nd up 12-0 and advancing on an errant throw to 3rd..... when asked by the media after the game why he stole up 12 runs, his response was...."to avoid the 12 run rally"....... do with that what you will. Thank goodness he brought pizza.
With no surprise, the Yankees would send Tom Constand to the hill who would secure his 7th win of the season by keeping things breezy all game whiffing 15 batters in 6 innings while only allowing 2 hits and 3 walks. He would toss the ball to Alex Pogasic in the 7th who would bring the goods for his first apperance of the year and strike out two of the three batters he faced.
The Yankees will travel to face off against division foe Giants in a Monday evening affair at Clawson after a much needed 5 day break.
Clash of the Titans: Yankees Outlast Giants in Extras
It was a wet one to start tonights affair but the baseball gods were gracious enough to open up the skies unveiling the full moon and cranking up the humidity for a hot and sticky one between the clash of the leagues titans. With a 1 game lead, the 1st place Yankees would be the road squad donning their 1995 blues against the 2nd place Giants wearing their all blacks. Giants would send their ace, Jake Leija to hill for his 4th start against the Yankees. Yankees would counter with right handed horse, Steve Simmons for the 3rd time this season. Both right handers would deliver on why they are amongst the leagues best with the pitchers dual of the year in tonights battle for 1st place matchup.
Jake Leija would toe the slab against the road Yanks and would make quick work of the first inning, going 1-2-3. Steve Simmons would face early adversity in the 1st with a bang bang questionable safe call at first base to start the game to ultimately give up an unearned run on a dropped ball to the centerfielder. Giants take the early lead 1-0 after 1. Yankees would not waste any time after a 1 out walk to the wizard, Jared Janssen to set the stage for the big fella, Jared Pingitore. Ping would touch the full moon with a 2 run homerun to put the Yankees on top 2-1.
The pitchers dual would continue the entire game with little offensive outbreak from either dugout. It wasnt until the 7th inning, down their last out, when Jermain Crawford would come up big for the Giants with a clutch RBI infield single to score Victor Chavez. After 7 innings played we were all knotted up at 2. Sending the game to extras the Yankees would pinch run the Sparkplug, Jon Starks to 2nd base as the ghost runner. Ethan Barno would pinch hint to deliver a bunt that would result in all parties safe! After an Alex Pogasic walk, the bases would be loaded with no outs with the Yankees heart of the order coming up. After a K to Cory Osborne, Leija would face the SWIS, Nicco Lollio with 1 out. Lollio would deliver a clutch sac fly to plate Starks to give the Yankees a 3-2 lead in the 8th.
Steve Simmons would come out in the bottom of the 8th to face the Giants top of the order for a 4th time on the night. To put an exclamation point on his night, Simmons would strike out the side in the 8th! A complete game 8 inning masterpiece with a final line of 8IP 1ER on 4 Hits with 12 Ks 3 BBs and 1 HBP. A complete team win from everyone in attendance tonight that included great defense by Eitniear, Lollio, Pingitore, Pogasic. Hitting was lead by Pogasic and Pingitore, each with 2 hits. Banquets for all, shoutout to Diaz for making a post game Banquet appearance (save some for the rest of us!), also a big shoutout for yet another amazing story from the great Nick George!
Yankees extend their 1st place lead to 2 games and return back to Clawson on Wednesday for the early 6PM matchup against the BJ's.
Well sheeeeeeeeeeet. The Yankees might've traveled to Clawson or maybe they didn't to take on the Black Jacks in the early affair at Clawson Park. The Yankees would send Alex Pogasic to the hill for his first start of the year to oppose the thick young lad Gio Aiuto. The Yankees would dig themselves quite the hole with the Black Jacks putting up a 6 spot in the 1st and another 2 in the second to go down 8-0.
The Yankees would try to dig out of it the only way they knew how.... bunting and small ball... just kidding with dingers. Craig Zimmerman would put his 1st of the year out for a 2 RBI jack in the 5th after doubling in the 2nd #PlatinumBats. The Yankees would draw a little closer with a Saunderson HBP and SB then a Nicco "the SWIS" Lollio tower bomb to right central to tack on two more. The Yankees would sniff around for the final two frame by loading up the bases, but would fall well short of the comeback and fall to the Black Jacks 8-4 in a let down game after a big emotional win on Monday night.
A big shoutout went out to Joe Leeming who came in relief in the 2nd inning who spun 6 innings of 4H, 1BB, 7K and 2 unearned run ball to keep the Yankees in the contest.
Yankees travel to Hammtramck Stadium to play the Mets at 10am on Sunday to try to keep the division lead alive.
Steve Simmons Completes No-Hitter in Yankees 2-0 Victory over the Mets
It was truly an honor and a blessing to be granted the opportunity to step foot on the legendary Hamtramck Stadium. Hamtramck Stadium is one of only 12 remaining Negro league baseball stadiums and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. On this Sunday morning in August, both teams made a reluctant stroll to the ballpark undergoing what seemed to be an imminent rainout. By the grace of God, the boys in blue were granted an opportunity to play, marking the only game in the league to NOT be rained out on the day.
Yankees would send the trusted ace and right handed horse, Steve Simmons to toe the slab. Simmons, a 4 year standout for the Mets, took the bump with a little extra pep in his step and brought out his A+ juice for his former squad. In today's game the Yankees brought an exact 10 man lineup, the lineup included a rather "thicc" defense that proved to be an elite bunch to assist Simmons as he made history.
Lets break this No-No down inning by inning to serve proper justice for the right hander:
1st Inning - Simmons would strike out the first 2 while issueing his 1st of 2 walks today to then lean on Nick George to take the air out of his chest and also the ball for a nice play to end the inning for the Yankees.
2nd Inning - It would be Nick George AGAIN, ranging far to his left (two steps) to snag a sharp liner. Alex Pogasic would man SS for 2 identical GBs with nice throws to end the inning.
3rd Inning - Simmons would get 2 quick strike outs to then lean on his handy man at 2nd Base, Nick George, again would prove that 2nd base was closed for business marking his 3rd play of the day.
4th Inning - Simmons would gift his battery mate, Jackie Dynes with a Catchers pop fly, the only one of the year, and Jack would not miss.
Story behind the story here folks - Jack Dynes, while being tasked to not only catch against his former Mets squad, he was also anxiously anticipating THE CALL from his wife. The Dynes' are expecting their first child, and lucky for Jack, Kristyn would take a reign check on delivering just so Steve and Jack could man the ship of this No-No. Shoutout to Kristyn! The real MVP of the day!
5th Inning - Simmons with a strikeout to the 3 hole man, would then lean on the trusted handy man, Nick George, for his 4th play of the game. Nick George is a man of the people, he wakes up everyday, puts on his hard hat and goes to work. The 5th would end with a would-be double that RF burner, Cory Osborne, would run down saving Simmons no-no.
6th Inning - Steve Simmons issued a walk to long time Mets teammate, Jordan Mancillas, for his 2nd issued walk on the day. Steve would bare down after the leadoff walk, striking out the next 2, to then depend on his gold glove RF, Cory Osborne, to turn and burn, and I mean burn(like a clydesdale) to take away a would-be double at the warning track!
7th Inning - In the end it was all Simmons. Steve would field 2 sharply hit ground balls himself and add another strikeout to finish complete the No-Hitter. Simmons line on the day 7IP 23BF 0 Hits 0 Runs 9Ks 2BBs and some lovely defense.
Steve Simmons becomes the first player in MSBL history to throw a No Hitter at historic Hamtramck Stadium.
As for offense, the Yankees would have a hit party, with 6* hits. The Yankees 2 runs would come in the 2nd inning when Alex Pogasic ran into an obstruction call by Mets catcher and a sharply lined RBI single from Yankee cleanup hitter, Jared Janssen to score Cory Osborne from 3rd.
A special mention to Craig Zimmerman for a nice day at the plate with a base hit and moving a man over but also in charge of Jack Dynes' phone. Also another special mention for the apparent/obvious drug user beyond the left field fence shouting obsenities and "hey battahh battahhh" throughout the ballgame. As the great Lawrence Taylor once said "that brings me to my next point children - Dont. Smoke. Crack."
The 1st Place Yankees meet the Mets again as the home team on Tuesday at Royal Memorial at 8:15PM.
The Yankees would come back home for a matchup against the Mets after a tightly contested affair on Sunday. The Yankees would be cheered on down the 3rd base line by huge Detroit Yankee fan Judge Mathis. Judge Mathis would demand justice from the Yankees and they would give him just that. The Yankees would continue their hot streak with a 2-0 win over the Mets in the second to last game of the regular season. Tom Constand would go against his former team for the Yanks and spin a 7 inning shutout with minimal stress while punching out 8. The Mets would have one productive inning where they would have two baserunners on with arguably their best stick at the plate with two outs, which would be thwarted by a questionable decision to attempt to steal 3rd base.
The Yankees offense would be paced by the highest caliber player in the form of Nick George who would go 2-2 with two hard hit singles, a double by Cory Osborne, an RBI by Craig Zimmerman, and another RBI single by Reid Olmstead who would also have some nifty glovework in the form of a dig at 1B to close an inning for the Yankees when they needed it most.
The Yankees will play their final game of the regular season later in the week against Team USA. With a win or a Giants loss, the Yankees will clinch 1st place for the second time in two seasons.
In the final day of the Yankees 2023 Regular Season, all seemed to be trending in the wrong direction before the boys even left for the ballpark with imminent thunderstorms and tornadoes in the forecast. The baseball gods put up a forcefield around beloved MSBL home, Capitol Park, to allow the boys in pinstripes to battle arch rival, Team USA. With the league on the line, Yankees would send Alex Leija to the hill. Leija experienced quite the adversity in the 1st inning that included an errant cut off throw allowing 2 runs, also battling off 2 lightning delays.
The heat lightning would be present throughout the entire night, creating an electric feel to this one. Yankees would counter in the bottom half of the 1st logging 6 runs, batting through the order. Momentum swung back to the pinstripes and just like that, the game would get set into cruise control. Yankees bats lead by Alex Pogasic and Craig Zimmerman, each tallying 3 hits a piece and also Chris Zajas adding hits 2. Zajas a beloved Yankee, made his return to the pinstripes after his long psychedelic hiatus in Amazon rainforest. Zajas would play 2nd base where he and SS Alex Pogasic would log 2 double plays on the night, doubling the regular season total of only 4 double plays turned up the middle. Great to have Zajas back!!
Alex Leija would log 3 innings, striking out 6, to then hand the ball off to southpaw horse, Tommy Gunn Constand for the final 3 innings. Tommy Gunn in elite form per usual would face 10 batters, striking out 3, allowing one lone base hit, 0 runs. Yankees win this one in convincing fashion over the skeleton crew TUSA 9-3. Yankees a perfect 3-0 against TUSA this season, 3-0-2 in lifetime series.
Yankees clinch their 2nd STRAIGHT Regular Season League Championship in 3 years. Yankees take on the 8th place Cubs in Round 1 of the Playoffs on Monday, August 14th at 6PM at Clawson.
It was a beautiful, 77 degree August Saturday in the lovely town of Hamtramck, MI. It may as well been a scene from San Diego today, not a cloud in the sky with beautiful sites and sounds of police sirens in the distance and a train behind the field that would only seem to move ever so slightly to consistently crash to a dead stop ALL afternoon.
The #1 seed Yankees would send the right bauer, Steve Simmons, to the hill. Simmons fresh off a Mets no-no would take the hill and would not dissappoint hurling 5 innings of no hit baseball. Simmons made it look easy today, tossing 5 innings with one base runner who got on base via error, no hits, no runs, 11 Ks, no walks!! Simmons has not given up a run in 13 innings now, a season best for the right handed ace! A true professional, Simmons, put the team first allowing teammates Austin Calopietro and Tom Constand get an inning of work in to lock up the complete game 1-hitter. Simmons "did not" put up an argument to stay in the game, and "did not" need to coerced by several Yankee teammates into giving up the rock, WHAT A GUY! Austin Calopietro would make swift work in his perfect 6th inning, striking out the side to hand off the ball to the left bauer of the Yankees fully stocked bullpen, Tommy Gunn Constand. Constand would get 2 strikes on leadoff man and future MSBL HOFer, Matt Vangoss, before Vangoss would poke in the first hit of the ball game. Constand would seal it for the Yankees, striking out 1 in his 1 hit 7th inning of work earning the save.
The boys in blue would make quick work on the offensive side of the ball, striking on a Cory Osborne 2-run homerun in the 1st inning. Turns out that would be all the Yankees would need in this one. Yankees would add insurance in the 3rd after a 2 out Craig Zimmerman triple to be cashed in again by skipper, Cory Osborne for his 3rd RBI of the game. In the 6th Yankees would tack on another on a Jared Janssen SAC fly to plate Zimmerman again. Osborne would lead the way for the Yankees with 3 hits, followed by Craig Zimmerman with 2 on the afternoon.
Special shout out her for Jack Dynes returning to the ballpark after a 2 week maturnity leave catching a 1 hitter. Jack has now given up just 1 hit in his last 14 innings for the Yankees as the batterymate to the powerhouse Yankee pitching staff. Another special mention to Yankee Leadoff man Alex Pogasic who had his entire family of 32 in attendance only to catch a grounder off the tip of the cup on a groundball in the early game to also grounding out in ALL 3 at bats. One of the ground outs featured a loud F-Bomb that would be heard around the town of 28,000 proud Hamtramckians, woman and children of all ages. The Pogasic family would not be swayed, cheering loud and proud of the Yankees leading batsman and SS.
#1 Seed Yankees take on the lowest seed remaining after Sundays matchup which will either be TUSA, Blackjaxx, or the A's. Yankees semi final game will be at 8:15PM at Royal Oak Memorial field on Wednesday, August 23rd. (barring any inclement weather).
It was a cooler humid evening at Royal Oak Memorial following 2 consecutive days of some of the most violent storms the state has seen in years. A's would be the road dogs in tonights affair against the defending MSBL Champion, Detroit Yankees. Yankees would sport their 1995 Navy Blues in this one as the bats and arms stay hot in preparation for the finals.
Tonights game seemed to be over in the first inning when the Yankees sent the Grim Reaper aka the A's father, Steve Simmons to the hill. Simmons pulled out his belt for this whoopin' tonight of the Bloomfield As, matching last years complete game shutout with another one tonight. Simmons would only allow 2 base runners on a liberal base hit call in the 2nd to ROY candidate, Tyler Frankhouse, and then a lonely double in the top of the 7th to catcher, Max Mooring, only to be left stranded. Simmons line on the night 7IP 0ER 2H 11Ks 0BBS.
On the offensive side of the rock, Yankees would keep the peddle to the metal all night scoring in 4 out of 6 innings. Craig Zimmerman lead the Yankee offense with 2 hits including a nice double and 2 RBIs. 6 other Yankees would also record a hit while also keeping a keen eye drawing 7 walks. Diaz Saunderson, known for his entertainment ability on the basepaths, put on another show with a late inning single turned triple turned passed ball homerun. The birthday boy would receive oxygen treatment and yet another Big Mac Door-Dash delivery. Also a congratulations is in order for Diaz Saunderson for setting a National Mens League record tonight for adding to his in-game door-dash delivery, now over the $200 dollar mark on the season.
Yankees will take on the Detroit Giants in a rematch of last years finals. This marks the Yankees 2nd trip to the finals in 3 seasons together donning the pinstripes. Best of 3 Championship series set to begin at 10AM, with Game 2 to follow immediately after. Buckle up folks!!!!
It was a brisk 65 degree, late August morning with clear skies at Novi High School to kick off the Championship Series. A rematch from one year ago as the long time Detroit MSBL power, Detroit Giants take on the Reigning Champion, Detroit Yankees. Yankees would don the smokin' hot 1995 mesh navy lues against the Giants wearing their Sunday best whites. Yankees would send talented right hander, Austin Calopietro aka the Swamp Donkey, to the hill in game 1. Swamp would go up against Kristian Scalf. Both teams opting to start pitchers the opposing team hadn't seen all year.
Calopietro would make quick work in the 1st before giving up costly unearned run in the 2nd inning to put the Giants on the board 1-0 through 2. The boys in blue would bring the top of the order up in the bottom half of the 4th where Craig Zimmerman would draw a 1 out walk, followed by a sharply laced single from the sweet swinging SWIS, Nicco Lollio. Clean-up man and skipper, Cory Osborne would rope a single into LF where ace turned 3rd base-coach, Steve Simmons, consuming far too much caffeine, would eagerly and mistakenly send Zimmerman home to be thrown out by an undisclosed amount of steps for the 2nd out at the plate. With 2 outs, fresh off a birthday and world record setting DDDD (dugout-door-dash-delivery) season, "DDDD"Diaz Saunderson would delivery the 3rd straight laser beam to plate the SWIS and tie the game at 1-1.
Giants would waste no time off Calopietro in the top of the 5th, with a homerun by Scalf on a tuff 2 strike pitch to help his own cause and put the Giants back on top, 2-1. Giants would tack on another in the top of the 6th on another 2 strike pitch to Giant hits leader, Jesse Hernandez, to extend the lead to 3-1.
Giants ace, Jake Leija, would take the ball from Scalf in the 5th to get out of a jam and cruise through the top of the order in the 6th before going back out for the 7th. With the game 3-1 in the bottom of the 7th, Yankees morale not particularly high would get 1 out walks by Jared Pingitore and Jared Janssen putting the tieing run on first. Runners would move up to 2nd and 3rd after strike 3 ball to Jack Dynes squirted away from Giants catcher, Hernandez. With the tying run at 2nd base, Connor Fannon would step in the box against Leija. Fannon, down to his last strike, would delivery a sharply lined single to score the runner from 3rd, Yankees down 1 with 2 outs! After an errant throw, runners would be on 2nd and 3rd.
1st-Year Yankee, Nick George would step into the box with the winning run at 2nd base. George would quickly go down 0 balls and 2 strikes against Leija, and with the Yankees Game 1 hopes whitering away, down to his last strike... Nick George would do the unthinkable! George would stick out his rear, reach his bat to the left handed batters box, and find one of the hardest barrels of the day scorching a worm burner down the right field line right passed the 1st basemen! Janssen would score and tie the game and here comes Connor Fannon rounding 3rd to try and win the game. Fannon, 6'7 with a completely surgically fused back, running like a stiffer but swiffer version of Barbaro, drew a throw from Right Fielder, Devin Ahart. Aharts throw would be on the money a half step early to meet Fannon at the plate... Umpire's initial call, "OUT".. But Wait! Fannon would risk his surgically repaired back on a perfectly timed aggressive slide and would send his size 15 right into the glove of Hernandez, dropping the would be out!
"SAFE, SAFE, SAFE!!" YANKEES WIN!
Nick George's 2 RBI double will go down in Yankee history forever in one of the most electricfying plays this writer has ever seen in 30 years of baseball. Yankees would ambush Fannon at the plate and then meet Nick George at 2nd for incredible chain of events to win the ballgame for the Yankees and take game 1 of the Championship Series 4-3. Nick George had a permanent smile on his face the rest of the day as he proceeded to call his entire phonebook to share the news, well done Nick!!
In a game that seemed all but over and out of reach, the boys in blue pulled it off and stole ALL the momentum in preparation for Game 2 as they looked to seal it with an exclamation point.
After coming off an emotionally charged Game 1, the boys in blue would be the road teams in Game 2. Giants would peel off their Sunday best whites, and replace them with all blacks to express their rage. With all the momentum in the world, and spirits riding high, Yankees would keep the energy up and the foot on the gas to start Game 2.
Giants would send Jake Leija to start Game 2 after finishing the final 2 and 2/3rd innings of Game 1. Was about 20 minutes in between games before the first pitch was underway. Leija would walk Alex Pogasic and Craig Zimmerman to start the game. The SWIS (Swinging Italian Sausage), Nicco Lollio would step up to the plate. After a 4 pitch walk to Zimmerman and Pogasic, every coach of baseball's past would have told the SWIS to "take the first pitch". But the SWIS had other plans. Worth noting here, the SWIS called his shot before the game saying "if the first 2 guys got on base I'm clearing the trees in center." Swinging at the first pitch, Lollio sent one over the centerfield wall, as promised! As soon as he hit it, Lollio reminded his dugout who he was, the 3 time and reigning homerun champion. The electrically charged Yankees take the early 3-0 lead sending clean up man, Cory Osborne to the plate. With the Yankee dugout on absolute FIRE, Osborne would add more fuel to blow the roof off the place, belting the 2nd pitch he saw far beyond the left-center wall for a no-doubter! The sold out crowd of 29 went wild. Stoppage would take place on the field as the grounds crew would clean up panties, bras, and empty cold ones from the eruption that has taken place.
BACK-2-BACK Bombs make it a 4-0 ball game in the 1st inning!
Yankees would send left handed ace, Tom "Tommy Gunn" Constand to the hill to seal it for the boys in blue. Constand, during the mobbing of Nick George and Connor Fannon, reluctantly rolled his ankle during the celebrations. Keeping this information to his self, Tommy Gunn would grit his teeth and keep the Giants bats on ice all afternoon for this one. Constand would go all 7, earning the W, giving up 1 Run on 5 Hits, striking out 5 with 3BBs.
The games momentum would stay with the Yankees all day. The score was 5-1 going into the top of the 6th when the Yankee offense rallied all the way around to tack on 5 more runs making the game 10-1, which would be our final in this one folks! Offense would be lead by the SWIS, Nicco Lollio, with 2 runs scored, 4 RBI's from 2 hits, including a long homerun. Skipper, Cory Osborne, would lead the team with 3 hits including the 1st inning homerun, also tacking on 2 RBI's and 2 runs scored. "DDDD" Diaz Saunderson would add 2 hits and 2 RBIs and Jared Janssen would also get in on the action, adding 2 hits 2 runs scored and an RBI. Other offensive notes here on the offense with hits from Jack Dynes, Chris Zajas, Connor Fannon, and a sharply lined double from Nick George. Alex Pogasic and Craig Zimmerman would add 2 runs scored a piece from a pair of HBP's for the team and a couple BB's. A total team effort to win it all!!
Yankees would go onto celebrate with the sold out crowd and spray champagne with their freshly garnered carolina blue championship t-shirts. Back-2-Back Championship rings coming soon!
Season Summary:
Yankees secure their 2nd MSBL Championship in as many years. Over the last 2 seasons, Yankees record a staggering 44-10-3. Yankee all-time record since established in 2021 now at 64-16-3.
Ethan Barno- Barno's rookie year in the Detroit MSBL consisted of solid defense behind the plate and timely hitting. Barno got off to a slow start at the dish, but his stock began to rise as the season went on as he collected 9 hits and 9 RBI's in his rookie season. The sky is the limit for Barno as he goes back to college this offseason after a productive 2023 campaign and MSBL champion.
Austin Calopietro- The "Swamp Donkey" hopped aboard the Yankees train for his second year in the MSBL. Last year Swamp was a spot starter, but this year he would expand his role as the Yankees closer and 1C starter with the three headed monster of himself, Simmons, and Constand. The Swamp Donkey would obtain a 2-0 record with 3 saves, a 34/4 K to BB ratio, and a 1.35 ERA. Most memorable moments for Swamp would be being the Team USA Killer and obtaining a game 1 championship win over the Giants going a CG with few earned runs which gave the Yankees to ability pull off the comeback and take control of the series.
Tom Constand- Tommy Gun would return for his 4 MSBL season and second on the Yanks. Constand would bring the goods as expected. He would go 9-2 on the season while hurling 76 innings with a K/BB ratio of 115/19 sporting an ERA of 1.30. Memorable moments would no question be closing the door on the Giants championship hopes and dreams by shoving 7 innings of 1-run ball to secure the Yankees 2nd consecutive MSBL championship.
Mike Decarlo- Decarlo would return as a Yankee for his 4th year in the MSBL and provide much needed leadership to the Yankee squad. Decarlo would hold down SS and 3B when needed and provide a stick that would sport a .384 batting average.
Jack Dynes- Dynes would return as a Yankee for his 6th year in the MSBL as one of the Yankees primary backstops. This would be a breakout year for Dynes at the plate as he consistently saw himself in the middle of the order. He would collect 15 hits and sport a .263 batting average. Dynes would also become a father before playoffs to a beautiful baby girl which made the season all the better.
Thomas Eitniear- who is this? Heard he loves knockers
Ty Eitniear- Ty would arrive as a MSBL rookie part timer who would contribute 3 hits to the cause. Ty would also provide a steady glove in the OF and consistent bashing of his aforementioned brother.
Connor Fannon- Fannon would return for his 4th year in the MSBL after a 3 year hiatus due to back surgery. Fannon would get back into the swing of things by collecting a .256 batting average. Fannon's memorable moments consisted of belting a HR against the Cubs at Ford Field into the wind and the game winning slide into home to give the Yankees the game 1 championship win.
Travis Ferguson- The Ferg would be back for his 3rd MSBL season as a part timer. Ferg would provide a couple key hits and defense to secure some wins. He would lose a hamstring in the process, but for a good cause.
Nick George- The playoff MVP would return for his 4th MSBL season after a year hiatus. He would smash a .289 batting average while delivering 8 rbi's. Of course the most memorable moment would be the game winning 2 RBI single in the championship round while down to his last strike.
Jared Janssen- the strategist would be back for his 5th MSBL season and 3rd with the Yanks. Janssen would be an integral part of game day planning while hitting in the middle of the order with a .273 batting average.
Joe Leeming- Leeming would return for his 4th MSBL season as a part timer. Leeming was a true two way threat as he hit .345 on the year and took the rock for 6 innings of scoreless pitching. We hope to see more of Joe next year!
Alex Leija- Leija or Mr. Draft Kings would take his 4th year in the MSBL to be a dual player for the Yankees. Leija would provide aggressive AB's and the clinching win on the mound to give the Yankees the first seed in the regular season. Leija would also be known for his gambling habits in betting Mali vs Cameroon soccer and betting MLB pitchers to throw exactly 69 pitches in their outings.
Nicco Lollio- The SWIS (Swinging Italian Sausage) would return for his 4th MSBL season and reign supreme as the MSBL homerun king once again. Nicco would bomb out 6 dongs with maximum height and distance throughout the year when the Yankees needed it most. Nicco would also sport a .353 batting average and plate 19 RBI.
Reid Olmstead- Reid would be in his 3rd MSBL season. The ultimate team guy would show up when the Yankees were in the most need. He would sport a .286 average and provide solid defense for the Yankees. Reid would also keep up his streak of 3 straight years without a cuss word. A streak that shall persist until the end of days.
Cory Osborne- The captain would return for his 7th MSBL season and 3rd at the helm of the Yankees. Osborne would provide pop in the middle of the order year round. Cory would provide 25 hits, 20 RBI, and a .403 batting average. Cory would provide leadership behind the dish in big games and out in the outfield when needed.
Jared Pingitore- Jared would return for his 4th MSBL season as a power source in the middle of the lineup. Ping's batting average would meet his expectations, but he would belt 2 big HR's in the biggest of games to give the Yankees some key wins.
Alex Pogasic- Mr. Mens League would return as a Yankee for his 2nd year in the MSBL. He would sport a sparkling .403 average, his first career homerun to dead center at Kyte, and 13 RBI's. Pogasic would table set the Yankee offense all year in the leadoff spot and hold down the infield defensively.
Diaz Saunderson- Diaz would become a Yankee in his 4th MSBL season and would smash the rock for a .298 average and a career high 14 hits and 10 RBI. Diaz' blazing speed would also be remembered as he swiped a team leading 10 bags and would be the only Yankee fast enough to trip around the bases and still be able to leg out a triple.
Steve Simmons- Simmons would return for his 6th MSBL season as part of the three headed pitching monster on the Yankees. He would sport a 10-3 record with a K/BB ratio of 146/22 and an ERA of 1.36. Simmons would bring poise to the mound to take down big opponents on the Yankees schedule. Most memorably the Giants in a pivotal extra innings matchup to decide the regular season where Simmons would face the top of the Giants lineup and punch out the side to strand the tying run at 2nd. Simmons would additionally throw a no hitter at Hamtrammck against his former squad the Mets.
Jon Starks- Starks would return for his 3rd MSBL season and anchor the defense in CF. Starks would end both his last campaigns with the championship winning catch in CF.
Jabari Thomas- Jabari would play his 8th MSBL season as a part timer until Jelly Roll requested his services on tour. Jabari would ball out and provide plus defense at SS for the Yankees in key games early in the season. The Yankees hope that Jelly Roll goes the way of Jimmy Buffet so Jabari can play more games as a Yankee next year.
Chris Zajas- Zajas or Jeter 2.0 would return for his 5th MSBL season as a part timer. He would hold down 2B for the Yankees in crucial games and add a big hit on championship Sunday against the Giants.
Craig Zimmerman- Zimmerman would bring the goods to his 4th MSBL season as a reliable 2 or 5 hitter for the Yankees. Craig would start off slow at the dish, but then pick up steam to reach a .357 average. Craig would blast his first career HR at clawson this year and he even got to run the bases this time!
Yankees Schedule