During our ON THIS DAY series, we’ve been going back in time and highlighting (on Twitter) some of our most memorable, forgettable, or extremely mediocre games from that day in SweatSox history.
Today, we’ve gone back to June 5, 2012, when we took on the Metcalfe Mudd (now that Townless Giants) in the rain at Southgate. And as a special bonus, I’ve taken the old recap for this game from the black & white Courier site and remastered it in HD (with modern day commentary):
HOW DO YOU IGNORE THE HARD ON?
With a pair of rainouts this past weekend, the SweatSox were back in action last night for the first time in over a week, facing the Metcalfe Mudd for the 2nd of 4 times this season.
(We’d go on to split the season series 2-2)
BEND OVER BIG BOY
Having not pitched in almost 2 weeks, the SweatSox were excited to send Josh “All He Does is Win” Ramage to the mound looking for his 3rd win in 3 starts. Unfortunately, minutes before the game The Authority Cory Bond received word that The Arsonist wouldn’t be attending on the count of he forgot about a previously scheduled doctor’s appointment, where he’d be undergoing his first career prostate exam. Hope you studied!
(Nobody cares more about the physical well-being and overall mental health of the SweatSox than Josh, so his request to skip this game was granted. Josh “fondly” recalls enjoying this examination so much, that he asked his doctor for indefinite weekly appointments to have his prostate checked. That request was also granted, and to this day he’s never missed an appointment)
THE INSIDE OUT UMBRELLA
With this unexpected scratch, the SweatSox turned the ball over to the other starter: John Groves. OMG wasn’t fazed by the surprise start or the nonstop rain, and kept the Mudd off the board through 4 innings – even more surprising was that the SweatSox put up 6 runs in those 4 innings!
(It’s not surprising that Cory wasn’t an option for the start here, rain has been known to mess up those pretty little ERA’s and WHIP’s)
Then we remembered we were the SweatSox and gave up 5 runs in the 5th, but then we forgot we were the SweatSox and scored 4 runs of our own in the bottom, taking a 10-5 lead into the 6th and final inning.
(When we play bad we’re the SweatSox, and when we’re doing good we’re role playing, this writing is so tacky)
With two runners on and just one out, The Authority made the call to pull Groves in favor of the GLE. Most managers probably would’ve waited until it was a save situation before putting in the closer, but that’s not how the SweatSox roll. We don’t care about individual stats, the game situation dictated a pitcher switch, and so a switch of pitchers was made. SweatSox win 10-6.
(The SweatSox have always been a put-the-team-first team)
TOP 4 BATTERS = 1 RUN SCORED…
Big shoutouts go first to both teams for rubbing down the wet, sweaty balls dry throughout the game, and second to the umpires who weren’t scared off by the rain, opting at one point for a rain delay instead of a quick payday cancellation. Excellent work all around.
(The SweatSox have always been strong proponents of safe ball play)
…BOTTOM 5 BATTERS = 9 RUNS SCORED
The winner of the 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award is: Kent Johnston. The Director was a perfect 4/4 at the plate, with 4RBI, a stolen base, and remarkably 0 errors in the outfield!
(Who has the actual A&W right now? Haven’t seen that thing in years)
Honourable Mentions go to:
- Rookie Mark Stinson, who got his 1st career NCBL hit and led the team with 3 runs scored.
- Bus Cop Mark Bond, who went 2/3 with a double, an RBI, and 2 runs scored.
- Craig Cornell, who didn’t strike out – to be fair though he didn’t get to bat.
(This was Mark Stinson’s 1st of 47 career hits – R.I.P. Mark Stinson 2012-2016)
IS OMV THE NEW RAF?
We’d also like to acknowledge Daniel Villeneuve’s “Welcome to the NCBL” moment. At one point OMV was barreling down the 3rd base line looking to score, but instead of sliding home he opted to stay up and stand put on the plate, which ended up getting Denver Hunt called out at home moments later due to pitcher interference. The moral of the story, listen to your manager when he’s on deck yelling at you to slide – you’re forgiven though.
(Narrator: He was never forgiven – R.I.P. Daniel Villeneuve 2012-2012)
THE GREAT COOLER SHORTAGE OF 2012
The Après Baseball Hyjinx was hosted by the Consultant, who resolved his own “Code: Baby Blue” by bringing a garbage bag filled with ice to hold the pops. Where are everyone’s coolers this year anyways?
(Take note kids, a garbage bag is a million times better than nothing)
So all I can remember from “last night” was Groves talking about a stuffed dead cat attached to some propellers flying around via remote control…
(I hope OMG isn’t doing this with his current cat)
Next up for the SweatSox is a trip across the river to face the Aylmer Pirates. I’m sure there won’t be much to talk about after that one.
(We won it 5-2)
#WONTHEHYJINX
(Always)
Regards,
Shaun R. Keay