NEPEAN– It’s not often the SweatSox play against a franchise we’ve never played before, but on June 24th, the Rideau Valley Reapers, formerly the Ferda Baseball Club, became the next name on a long list of all-time SweatSox opponents.
Normally, the legendary SweatSox would have the advantage heading into a new match-up like this, but the Reapers hung around for the start of the Winchester game the week before where we got shit kicked, so any mental edge we may have held was long gone by this game.
To keep things even more interesting, the Reapers gave the reigning, defending, undisputed Tier 4 Pitcher of the Year + Most Valuable Player Brendan Ellingham the ball to try to take down the mighty SweatSox. We had no choice but to go straight to the bullpen and bring in Eric White, who’d be looking for the rare 7-inning close.
Before the game was to begin, we had a bit of business to take care of. At Kinsmen on Sunday, we came into possession of a vintage Reapers #9 jersey, and buddy kind of wanted it back for our game. While SweatSox Authority Cory Bond was kind enough to bring it to their dugout as soon as he got to the field, the Reapers wanted to make sure a lesson was learned, so they returned the jersey to us so their guy had to make the dreaded walk of shame in front of everyone. Well played gentleman.
GAME RECAP: I don’t remember much about this one, but fortunately the Reapers stream their games to YouTube, so let’s have a looksy and see how we did…
Final SweatSox vs Reapers YOUTUBE Stream Notes/Thoughts:
- The weather was described as a “desert heat”.
- Eric White is the pitcher, our closer is Eric White, #5 is Eric White.
- It seemed to take longer than normal to get the camera into the proper recording position.
- She’s a warm one, Mr. Grinch.
- I wonder if the camera is meant to slowly turn counter-clockwise.
- Aaaaaand the camera is now completely sideways.
- The only way to see Kent’s bases clearing double was to be there in person.
- 30 minutes later, someone seems to notice and fixes it. Thank you!
- The Reapers have the best middle infield there is.
- Eric’s curveball was described as “juicy”.
- Eric getting picked up and the ensuing rundown starts at the 1 hour 10 minute mark, and ends at about the 1 hour 14 minute mark.
- The Reapers promised to send us a link to Cory’s great diving catch in RF, but they did not. It did make the blog though (1 hour 17 minutes).
- Reapers batters needed some “pop in the box”.
- The black thing on Eric’s non-throwing hand is to keep his fingers from falling off.
- Did that dog end up getting all the hugs?
- Marc Lett made a mound visit after a 3rd inning Reapers single, White retired the next 13 batters to end the game.
- Final Score: Reapers 2. SweatSox 5.
It was a relatively clean game, the SweatSox played error-free, while the Reapers had just 2, both coming off the bat of Josh Ramage. We later learned Ellingham was pitching on short rest because he wanted to be a part of this historic inaugural matchup, so here’s to hoping we get to see him at full strength at some point this season.
The winner of the 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award: Eric White. It took a few batters for E to get properly warmed up, and he ultimately retired 20 of the final 21 batters he faced, while going 3/4 at the plate with a run scored.
Final SweatSox vs Reapers Notes/Thoughts:
- Cornell might be able to come, Jesus definitely can’t.
- Am I an Esquire? Maybe.
- Happy Belated National Hydration Day!
- Sandy Sandlot is a true baseball hero.
- Eric is making a play at Team Green MVP.
- The Bandits winning streak ended at 1.
- Ross has Eric’s vote for MVP.
- Josh will never be as good as Pat, both on and off the field.
- Drew be ‘cruit’n.
- Kent is both a par and parm guy.
- Torso time is after the game.
- Josh needs to spend less time talking about golf in the dugout.
- Josh stores his spare beer in his spare hole.
- Next SweatLympic Event: Lawn Bowling
- Domino Conrad is the best guy ever.
- The “Spine Kick” and “Coitus Puke” are two different stories involving two different women.
- Marc Lett was today years old when he learned cotton candy is pink, not gray.
- Josh should not be stretching where a ball can hit him.
- Car beats chair. Chair beats standing. But nothing beats butter in the bedroom.
- Pornhub is Eric’s go-to.
- I did not get one of Cory’s bonus beers, so no, I don’t have a spare to share, I can’t share a spare.
- Josh is horse-like.
- Justine’s nachos bring all the boys to the yard.
- I broke a bat, Lett broke a ball.
- I am the Keeper of the Bucket
- So many asses, so few feet.
- I write-up, they read-up.
Next up for the SweatSox was our 2nd matchup of the season against the Rockets at Trillium.
#WONTHEHYJINX