Tag Archives: Downtown Bobby Brown

Brad, Morrison, Vassallo, and Blose Voted 2012 EWL Field Masters

3 Aug
2012 EWL Field Masters Kory Blose, Adam Vassallo, Brad Lentz, and Anthony Morrison

2012 EWL Field Masters Kory Blose, Adam Vassallo, Brad Lentz, and Anthony Morrison

Two Fish Sticks, a Caucasian, and a member of Downtown Bobby Brown have been voted Field Masters for 2012 as the best defensive players in the EWL. Three of the four field masters from 2012 have been selected for a second consecutive year as Morrison, Blose, and Vassallo repeat as award winners. Brad, of Downtown Bobby Brown, replaces his former teammate Luke as Fielder Master in 2012. Three of the four Field Masters are left fielders (Brad, Vassallo, and Morrison) and Blose plays center field.

Brad, the left fielder for Downtown Bobby Brown, was the top vote getter among Field Masters for 2012. He made an incredible leap in his defensive ability from 2011 and was the widely looked upon as the best defensive player during the 2012 season. His defense carried Downtown Bobby Brown as he often had to cover the entire outfield. His range and ball skills were unsurpassed as he tracked down flies, scooped up grounders, and played the ball off the fence better than anyone in the league. Brad also showcased his arm in 2012, as he likely retired more batters by gunning the ball to the pitcher than anyone in the league. If the EWL had Web Gems, Brad would have made at least 8 or 9 of the top 10 most spectacular defensive plays of the year. Now dubbed “the Ozzie Smith game,” Brad’s midseason game against the Caucasians will go down in history as the best defensive performance in a single game to date. His outstanding defense carried Bobby Brown to an upset win in that game, and helped his squad improve on their 2011 record. Brad led the league in put-outs with 103, 24 more than any other player in the EWL.

Morrison, the left fielder for the Caucasians, was not far behind Brad in votes and repeats as a Field Master in 2012. Morrison continued to make fielding look easy by making difficult plays look routine, unlike any other player in the league. Morrison harnessed fly and ground balls with one hand and on the run and almost nothing got past him. He covered left field as well as anyone, often covered center and right, and made many plays deep in foul territory. Morrison is known best for his bat, but his defensive play makes him one of the most well-rounded players in the game. Morrison finished second in the league in put-outs with 79 and is the career leader in put-outs with 170.

Vassallo, the left fielder for the Fish Sticks, also repeats as a Field Master after a stellar 2012 campaign in the outfield. Unlike Morrison’s flashy defensive prowess, Vassallo is likely the most fundamentally sound defender in the EWL. Vassallo was always sure to get in front of the ball, usually roping it in but at worst preventing extra-base hits. His catch and charge technique routinely prevented players from extending hits, and he likely retired more batters by tag or peg out than anyone. He played the ball out of the tree better than anyone in the league, and his range extended far beyond left field as he often tracked down balls deep in foul territory. He turned multiple double plays in 2012, and his 73 put-outs were third best in the EWL.

Blose, the center fielder for the Fish Sticks, is also a back-to-back Field Master after being voted a top defensive player again in 2012. Blose is the only non-left fielder to be voted and also the only one of the four winners to routinely pitch. His great fielding was consistent no matter where he played, as he had a knack for making big plays at either position. He played deep fly balls against the fence better than anyone in the EWL, and he often robbed players of what looked to be sure hits. He is likely the only player in the league to make an over-the-shoulder catch with his back to the playing field, and he made at least 3-4 throughout the season. After leading the league in put-outs in 2011, Blose finished 4th in 2012 with 68.

The only other player to earn a considerable number of votes was Evan of the Ham Slams. Evan was Brad’s only rival for spectacular catches and had incredible range when he was manning left field for the Slams. He was a top 3 fielder at the halfway point in the season, but after missing games down the stretch his value as a defender faded. Despite missing a significant portion of the second half of the season, he finished fifth in Field Master voting and put-outs.

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Les Carries Caucasians to Come-From-Behind Win as Caucasians Take 2-0 Series Lead

29 Jul
Les pitched a gem and went 4 for 4 at the plate as he carried the Caucasians to a 3-2 comeback win

Les pitched a gem and went 4 for 4 at the plate as he carried the Caucasians to a 3-2 comeback win

The Caucasians trailed most of the game, but prevailed late as Les pitched well and had the game-winning RBI in a 3-2 win over Bobby Brown in game 2 of their best-of-five series.

After getting destroyed in game 1, Bobby Brown had a much stronger defensive performance in game 2 against the Caucasians. Les started on the mound against Bobby Brown, and fell behind early. After retiring Mark to start the game, Brad blasted a solo shot to deep left field, putting Bobby Brown up 1-0 early. Les retired Cody to end the inning with a one-run deficit.

Brad's solo bomb in the top of the first put Bobby Brown up 1-0 early

Brad’s solo bomb in the top of the first put Bobby Brown up 1-0 early

Morrison led off the bottom of the first with a double, and moved to third when Ron grounded out to left for the first out of the inning. With one out and a runner on third, Guthrie singled, scoring Morrison and tying the game at 1-1. Les followed with a single, putting runners on first and second with one out, and it looked like the Caucasians were about to repeat their huge first inning in game 1. But Mark, Bobby Brown’s starting pitcher, got out of the jam, retiring the red-hot Morrison to end the first and strand both runners.

Les retired Holly to lead off the top of the second, and after Mark singled with one out, Brad flew out to center for the second out of the inning.

Mark had a much easier second inning, retiring Ron and Guthrie in order for a scoreless frame.

Cody grounded out to left for the first out in the top of the third, and following a Holly single, Mark was retired to end the inning.

Les singled to lead off the bottom of the third, but Mark stranded him at first, retiring Morrison and Ron in order.

Brad grounded out to center for the first out of the top of the fourth, but Bobby Brown would take the lead when Cody hit a solo bomb to center field, making the score 2-1. Les retired Holly to end the inning and minimize the damage.

Cody went deep in the top of the fourth, putting Bobby Brown ahead 2-1

Cody went deep in the top of the fourth, putting Bobby Brown ahead 2-1

As they did in the bottom of the first, the Caucasians immediately responded in the bottom of the fourth. Mark retired Guthrie to start the inning, but Les followed with a solo blast to center, tying the game at 2-2. Morrison followed with a single, but fell down in between first and second trying to extend the hit into a double, and was retired for the second out of the inning.

With the game tied at 2-2, Bobby Brown couldn’t regain the lead in the top of the fifth. Les cruised through the inning, retiring Mark and Brad in order.

Ron led off the bottom of the fifth by flying out to Mark at the mound, and Bobby Brown was an out away from heading into the final frame with the game tied. But the Caucasians, as they have all season, responded when it mattered most. Guthrie singled with one out, and Les followed with a double off the fence. Guthrie raced from first to home to score, putting the Caucasians ahead for the first time in the game 3-2. Morrison followed with a single, putting runners at first and third with one out. But Mark avoided a big inning, getting Ron to ground out to left for the second out of the inning, stranding both runners.

Guthrie singled to lead off the bottom of the fifth and scored when the next batter, Les, hit an RBI double off the fence

Guthrie singled to lead off the bottom of the fifth and scored when the next batter, Les, hit an RBI double off the fence

Down 3-2, Bobby Brown was down to their final at-bat. Cody led off the inning by grounding out to Morrison in left for the first out, but Holly followed with a one-out single. With the tying run at first, Mark doubled, pushing Holly to third and putting runners on second and third. With out one, the tying run on third and the go-ahead run on second, Brad came to the plate. But Les locked down and got Brad to ground out to Morrison in left, stranding both runners to end the inning and the game.

The 3-2 put the Caucasians up 2-0 over Downtown Bobby Brown in their best-of-five series, and putting the Caucasians one win away from returning to the Wiffle Series for the second consecutive season.

W: Les (1-0)
L: Mark (0-1)

Box Score

Game Notes:
– Les led the Caucasians, going 4 for 4 in the game with 2 singles, a double, a homer, and 2 RBI. He also pitched the complete game win, giving up 2 ER while scattering 6 hits.

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Caucasians Rock Bobby Brown 14-1 to Start 2012 EWL Playoffs

29 Jul
Guthrie held Bobby Brown to only 1 run on 6 hits while his offensive provided 14 runs of support in Game 1

Guthrie held Bobby Brown to only 1 run on 6 hits while his offensive provided 14 runs of support in Game 1

The Caucasians, last year’s runner-up in the Wiffle Series, started the 2012 EWL playoffs on the right foot, as Guthrie shut down Bobby Brown, and the Caucasians offensive exploded for a 14-1 win.

The Caucasians, who dominated the second half of the EWL season to claim the #1 seed for the second consecutive year, faced off against the #4 seed Downtown Bobby Brown to start the 2012 playoffs. Downtown Bobby Brown, formerly Pumice on Slow!, was swept by the Caucasians in the first round of the 2011 playoffs. Guthrie, who gave up 1 hit over two complete game wins in the first round of last year’s EWL playoffs, started on the mound for the Caucasians.

Mark, who had a fantastic rookie season for Bobby Brown, led off the playoffs with a deep solo homer to right, putting Bobby Brown up 1-0 early. Unfortunately, it would be the only run Bobby Brown would score in the game. After giving up the bomb, Guthrie locked down, retiring Brad, and following a single by Cody, got Holly to groundout to left to end the first inning.

The Lentz brothers celebrate after Mark's leadoff homer in the top of the first

The Lentz brothers celebrate after Mark’s leadoff homer in the top of the first

Down 1-0, the Caucasians crushed Holly, Bobby Brown’s starting pitcher, for 9 runs in the bottom of the first. Morrison led off the inning with a homer, and Ron followed with a home run of his own, making back-to-back jacks to start the game. Guthrie and Les singled with no outs, and Morrison hit his second consecutive homer in as many at-bats, a 3-run bomb that put the Caucasians up 5-1. Ron followed with a single, and with a runner on first, Guthrie blasted a 2-run homer, making the score 7-1. Les and Morrison each singled, and with runners on first and second, Ron tripled, driving in both runners with his third hit of the inning. Ron was caught in between third and home for the first out of the inning, but the score was 9-1. Holly then retired Guthrie to end the disastrous inning.

Ron had 3 hits and 3 RBI, and was only a double short of the cycle, all in the bottom of the first

Ron had 3 hits and 3 RBI, and was only a double short of the cycle, all in the bottom of the first

Guthrie cruised through the top of the second, giving up a single to Brad but stranding him at first for a scoreless inning.

Holly settled down in the bottom of the second, pitching a scoreless inning and stranding Morrison, who singled for his fourth hit in the game, at first.

The offense was quieted in the third, as Guthrie retired Holly and Mark consecutively, and Holly returned the favor by retiring Les and Morrison after Guthrie singled, stranding him at first.

Guthrie was dominant on the mound and was helped by a superb defensive performance from the Caucasians fielders

Guthrie was dominant on the mound and was helped by a superb defensive performance from the Caucasians fielders

Brad singled to lead off the fourth, but Guthrie held him there, retiring Cody and Holly in order to maintain the 9-1 lead.

The Caucasians would add to their lead in the bottom of the fourth. Ron grounded out to left for the first out of the inning, but Guthrie followed with a single. With Guthrie on first, Les pounded a 2-run bomb to left-center, extending the lead to 11-1. Morrison followed with a solo shot, his third homer of the game, and the Caucasians had an eleven run lead. Holly then retired Ron to end the inning.

Morrison went 6 for 7 with 3 bombs and 6 RBI

Morrison went 6 for 7 with 3 bombs and 6 RBI

Mark and Brad each singled to lead off the top of the fifth, but Bobby Brown couldn’t cut into the deficit. Guthrie retired Cody and Holly in order, stranding both runners and ending the inning.

Guthrie singled to start the bottom of the fifth, and moved to second when Les grounded out for the first out of the inning. With a runner on second, Morrison tripled, scoring Guthrie and making the score 13-1. The next batter, Ron, singled, scoring Morrison from third and pushing the lead to 14-1. Holly fanned Guthrie for the second out of the inning with the deficit at thirteen runs.

Bobby Brown went quietly in the top of the sixth, as Guthrie retired their two most potent hitters, Mark and Brad, to end the game.

The Caucasians went up early and the game was never in question, as they took a 1-0 lead in the best of five series.

W: Guthrie (1-0)
L: Holly (0-1)

Box Score

Game Notes:
– Morrison led the Caucasians going 6 for 7 with 3 homers and 6 RBI.
– In three first round postseason starts, Guthrie is now 3-0 and has given up only 1 ER on 7 hits in 18 IP.
– Mark and Brad led Bobby Brown offensively. Mark went 2 for 5 with a solo homer and 1 RBI, and Brad went 3 for 5 with three singles.

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After 5-Run Rally in Top of the Sixth, Ham Slams Top Bobby Brown 9-8 in Seven Innings

28 Jun
Evan helped power the Ham Slams as they stormed back to top Bobby Brown in extras

Evan helped power the Ham Slams as they stormed back to top Bobby Brown in extras

Down 8-3 coming into their final at-bat, the Ham Slams scored 5 runs with no outs in the top of the sixth, then pulled ahead and beat Bobby Brown 9-8 in the seventh inning.

In the second game of their week 7 double-header, Bobby Brown returned to Gaurav, who pitched a gem but took a loss in their previous game. He started well, as Anthony and Evan were sent down in order in the top of the first.

Steve, who was dominant in the Slams previous win over Bobby Brown, was the starting pitcher and was hit hard early. Bobby Brown came out of the gates firing, starting with Mark, who led off the game with a solo homer. Brad followed with a double, and moved to third when Gaurav singled. Gaurav was caught making a base running error, however, and was retired for the first out of the inning. Bobby Brown wasn’t shaken, as Holly singled, driving in Brad and making the score 2-0 early. With a runner on first and one out, Mark crushed a two-run bomb to the opposite field, his second homer of the first inning. Brad made Lentz-back-to-back homers, as he hit a solo shot, putting Bobby Brown up five runs. Gaurav was unable to keep the inning going, as he flew out to center for the second out.

The Lentz Bros. combined for 3 homers in the top of the first as Bobby Brown jumped out to a big lead

The Lentz Bros. combined for 3 homers in the top of the first as Bobby Brown jumped out to a big lead

With some run support, Gaurav held the lead in the top of the second. Steve led off the inning with a triple, but Gaurav struck out TJ for the first out of the inning before Alec grounded out to left, stranding the runner on third and ending the inning.

The Slams and Steve pulled things together in the bottom of the second, as he retired Holly and Mark in order for a scoreless inning.

The Slams cut into the 5-run deficit in the top of the third, starting when Anthony led off the inning with an inside-the-park homer, putting the Ham Slams on the board. Evan followed with a single, and moved to second when Steve singled. TJ then grounded out to left for the first out of the inning, but with runners on first and second and one out, Alec singled, scoring Evan. Gaurav ended the rally there, as Anthony grounded out to left for the second out of the inning.

With the score 5-2, Steve continued to gain momentum in the bottom of the third. Brad singled to start the inning, but he was stranded there, as Gaurav flew out to the mound and Holly grounded out to left to end the inning.

The Slams chipped further into the deficit in the top of the fourth when Evan led off the inning with a solo homer, making the score 5-3. After Steve flew out to the mound for the first out of the inning, TJ hit a one-out triple, but Gaurav held him there, as he fanned Alec to end the inning.

Steve pitched a perfect bottom of the fourth, retiring Mark and Brad in order to hold the Bobby Brown lead at 2 runs.

The Slams couldn’t capitalize with the top of their order up in the top of the fifth, as Anthony and Evan were sent down in order.

Bobby Brown opened up a bigger lead in the bottom of the fifth, starting when Gaurav singled to lead off the inning. He moved to third when Holly doubled, putting runners on second and third with no outs. Mark grounded out to the mound, but Gaurav raced home on the play, putting Bobby Brown up 6-3. With Holly on third and one out, Brad hit a towering bomb to left field, his second of the game, and Bobby Brown was back on top by 5 runs with the score at 8-3. Steve ended the inning by getting Gaurav to ground out to left, but it looked as if Bobby Brown had put the game away in the bottom of the fifth.

Holly doubled and scored in the bottom of the fifth, extending the Bobby Brown lead

Holly doubled and scored in the bottom of the fifth, extending the Bobby Brown lead

Two outs away from slipping the double-header, things turned on Gaurav quickly in the top of the sixth. Despite giving up only 2 runs on 7 hits through the first five innings, the Slams would hit him hard in the sixth. Steve started with a single, and moved to second when TJ singled. Alec hit yet another single, scoring Steve from second and putting runners on the corners with no outs. With the score 8-4, Anthony doubled, scoring the runner from third, and cutting the deficit to three runs. With no outs, runners on second and third, and the tying run at the plate, Evan delivered in the clutch, smashing a 3-run blast to right-center field, tying the game at 8-8. The Slams had come from five runs down to tie the game before recording a single out in the top of the sixth. A run away from taking the lead, the Slams fizzled. Steve struck out for the first out of the inning, followed by TJ grounding out to right to end the inning.

Despite blowing their big lead and the win, Bobby Brown still had a chance to score in the bottom of the sixth. The Ham Slams pulled Steve from the mound and switched to Alec. The move worked, as Holly and Mark were retired in order, sending the game to extra innings.

Gaurav remained in the game for Bobby Brown, and he retired Alec for the first out in the top of the seventh. But the next batter, Anthony, crushed the first pitch to deep left field, and the line drive homer put the Ham Slams ahead 9-8, their first lead of the game. Gaurav got Evan to fly out to left to end the seventh, but Bobby Brown would need a run to extend the game.

Anthony bombed a solo shot in the top of the seventh, putting the Slams ahead for good

Anthony bombed a solo shot in the top of the seventh, putting the Slams ahead for good

Alec shut the door fast and hard on Bobby Brown in the bottom of the seventh, as Brad and Gaurav were each retired by Anthony, ending the game and giving the Ham Slams the improbable come-from-behind win.

Alec closed the door on Bobby Brown, retiring 4 straight batters and picking up the win for the Ham Slams

Alec closed the door on Bobby Brown, retiring 4 straight batters and picking up the win for the Ham Slams

The victory moved the Slams to .500 at 7-7 on the season, while the heartbreaking loss put Bobby Brown at a record of 4-10.

W: Alec (3-2)
L: Gaurav (3-5)

Box Score

Game Notes:
– Anthony and Evan led the Ham Slams on offense. Anthony went 3 for 6 with a double, 2 home runs, 3 RBI and 3 runs scored. Evan went 3 for 6 with a single, 2 homers, 4 RBI, and 3 runs scored.
– Brad led Bobby Brown at the plate in the loss, going 4 for 6 with a single, a double, 2 home runs, 3 RBI, and 3 runs scored. Mark also hit two homers in the contest.
– Alec entered the game in the bottom of the sixth inning, and retired 4 consecutive batters in 2 scoreless innings to get the win.

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Ham Slams Shut Down Bobby Brown in 4-1 Win

28 Jun
Steve pitched 5 innings in a win for the Slams, giving up 1 run on 4 hits while striking out 2

Steve pitched 5 innings in a win for the Slams, giving up 1 run on 4 hits while striking out 2

Evan went 3 for 4 with 2 triples and a home run as the Ham Slams never trailed in a 4-1 win over Downtown Bobby Brown.

The Slams started Alec on the mound, but he made only a brief appearance in the game. Mark led off the game with a triple, but the Slams stranded him at first, as Brad and Gaurav were retired consecutively to end the inning.

Mark went 3 for 4 for Bobby Brown, but got little help from his teammates

Mark went 3 for 4 for Bobby Brown, but got little help from his teammates

Bobby Brown started their ace, Gaurav, and he got off to a good start, sending down Anthony and Evan in order to maintain a scoreless tie.

The Ham Slams removed Alec from the game in the top of the second, opting for Steve on the mound. He got Holly to groundout to left for the first out before fanning Mark to end the second.

Gaurav continued to cruise in the bottom of the second, as Steve and Alec grounded out to Brad in left consecutively.

Gaurav pitched well for Bobby Brown but got little run support

Gaurav pitched well for Bobby Brown but got little run support

The scoreless game would continue in the top of the third, as Steve retired Brad and Gaurav in order to maintain the 0-0 score.

The Slams broke the scoreless tie in the bottom of the third as they finally got to Gaurav. Anthony led off the inning with a double, and scored when Evan followed with a triple, making the score 1-0. Gaurav got the first out of the inning when Steve grounded out to left, but Evan scored from third on the play, putting the Slams up two runs. With one out and no runers on, Alec grounded out to left, ending the inning.

Steve picked up his second strikeout of the game in the top of the fourth when Holly went down on strikes to lead off the inning. Mark followed with a one-out single, but was held at first when Brad grounded out for the second out of the inning.

Anthony makes a running catch as his Ham Slam teammates look on

Anthony makes a running catch as his Ham Slam teammates look on

Anthony and Evan sparked a few more runs for the Slams in the bottom of the fourth. Anthony led off with a solo homer, making the score 3-0, and Evan followed with a solo shot of his own, making back-to-back jacks and putting the Slams ahead 4-0. Gaurav settled down following the homers, getting Steve and Alec to fly out in order to end the fourth.

Evan went 3 for 4 with 2 triples and a homer, driving in 2 of the Slams 4 runs

Evan went 3 for 4 with 2 triples and a homer, driving in 2 of the Slams 4 runs

Bobby Brown would cut into the deficit in the top of the fifth, but only minimally. Holly singled to lead off the inning, and scored when Mark doubled. But Mark tried to extend the double into a triple, and was caught in between bases for the first out of the inning. The rally ended there, as Steve got Brad to ground out to left to end the inning with the score 4-1.

The Slams couldn’t add to their lead in the bottom of the fifth. After Anthony grounded out to the mound for the first out of the inning, Evan tripled with one out. But Gaurav stranded him at third, getting Steve to fly out to Holly in right for the second out.

Up three runs, the Slams kept Steve on the mound to close things out. Brad led off the inning by grounding out to left, and after Gaurav singled with one out, Holly flew out to the mound for the second out, ending the game.

The win moved the Ham Slams to 6-7 on the season, while the loss dropped Bobby Brown to 4-9.

W: Steve (1-1)
L: Gaurav (3-4)

Box Score

Game Notes:
– Evan led the Ham Slams going 3 for 4 with 2 triples, a homer, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored. Anthony also played well, going 2 for 4 with a double, a homer, an RBI, and 2 runs scored.
– Mark led Bobby Brown on offense, going 3 for 4 with a single, a double, a triple, and an RBI.
– Steve pitched 5 innings for the win, giving up 4 hits while striking out two.
– Gaurav pitched well in the complete game loss, giving up 4 runs on only 5 hits.

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