Category: Game Results

A double shot of blog posts this week…Sunday the 19th and last night:

First on May 19:

Here is Roger’s blog post:

RECORD SET IN TEAM WOLF VICTORY OVER TEAM HARRIS??????????

After winning their first three games, TEAM HARRIS hit a rough spot in the road and lost to TEAM WOLF…..

The real story in the game was the defense had a few breakdowns and offensively, balls that were hit hard were caught….

KUDOS GO OUT TO…….

*STU WEINSTEIN, once a top 3 pick in the league (a million years ago), had two shots for doubles and once again played a solid first base……

*PAT FELDMAN, playing in his first game of the season, might have set a JCC softball league record with four walks in four at bats…….none were intentional…..

*ANDY GOLLIN had two hits……

*MARK WEISSER had a hit and two walks…..

*JZ ZEIDENSTEIN had a couple of hits and three runs scored…..

*DEE HARRIS had a hit and hit by pitch….

TIDBITS…..

*”We didn’t play our best in the field, but it’s just one game and I’m confident we’ll bounce back in our next game. I like this team and I think we’ll be just fine, ” captain GRIFF HARRIS said to the media afterwards.

*Things got a little chippy and some words were exchanged when a potential double play wasn’t converted because of some questionable base running by RYAN BAUM, but that’s all it was. Boys will be boys!

*Get well wishes go out to EVAN WEISSER, who missed the game, but should be out there next game as one of the most daring base runners in the league.

*The JCC league has it’s fair share of famous people come to games……BARRY WAGNER, former softball great, was in town with wife, NANCY, to watch son BRAD play…..they may not be invited back as his team lost…..

And finally, I feel I owe it to the league to balance out all the comments about the CINCINNATI REDS and talk hockey, the greatest sport on the planet………it IS the playoffs!…….At this writing, the NEW YORK RANGERS play the FLORIDA PANTHERS in the Eastern Conference Finals and the DALLAS STARS await the Game 7 winner between the EDMONTON OILERS and VANCOUVER CANUCKS for the Western Conference Finals……Add ADAM CRONSTEIN to the list of players that follow hockey….he’s pulling for the Canucks…….KEN GROH is a Rangers fan…..GRIFF HARRIS is a TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS fan and knows everything about AUSTON MATTHEWS that you would want to know…..and yours truly is a LOS ANGELES KINGS fan who has a WAYNE GRETZKY mecca in his basement…..

UNTIL NEXT TIME……TAKE CARE AND GO X!!!!!!!

Next we have Rick T

On the leper field (Field 4), Team Tenenholtz hosted a feisty Team Kamrass.  Both teams were missing four regulars, so they split up the Kotzin brothers (Josh to Kamrass and Benji to Tenenholtz). Team Tenenholtz also had Greg Leader’s youngest son, 15-year-old Evan and Micah had brother, Jared. The Kotzin brothers played as expected, effortlessly crushing balls to the warning track and playing tough defense, while young Leader and bro Kamrass each helped their team’s defense.

The home team got off to a quick start batting around in the first and taking a 5-1 lead, but the visitors hung tough and trailed 6-5 after three. In the fourth, shortstop Jack Cohen led off with a single and the next three batters reached base. After a sac fly by Leader, the Hall-of-Famer, Howard Schwartz, got the third of his four hits to knock in a run and put Tenenholtz up 9-6. In the 5^th, Jeremy Spiegel led off with his second hit of the day to start a 7-run rally, which led to a 16-6 win in 5 innings. The winning hit was an opposite field line drive from Mike Rothstein, his second hit of the inning and his 4^th of the day.

After the game, Rothstein said, “If we can catch the ball and hold the other team under 10 runs, we can beat anyone. Of course, you can say that about everyone in the league!” First baseman, Zach Michelson, had another solid game at 1B. “If I keep it up, I should be able to snag defensive POY from Jeremy Fogel,” said Zach postgame. “Jeremy might be able to track a fly ball better, but he’s skinny, so you can push him around. Nobody’s gonna knock me off first base!”

Team Grefer beat Team Wagner 25-11. Our offense exploded in this one – taking advantage of difficult morning sun in the outfield on Field 1. It was a complete team effort with everyone having at least 2 hits and scoring a run, and 7 different guys having 4 hits each (Landon Krantz, Harry Meisner, Zach Mayer, Tim Trautman, Marc Simons, Gary Grefer, and myself). We broke out in the 3^rd inning scoring 8 runs, with most of them coming with 2 outs.

We got a little dinged up with Landon Krantz and Zach Mayer suffering minor injuries, but they’ll hopefully be fine for the next game.

Also wishing a speedy recovery to Brad Wagner who pulled his quad in the game as well.

And finally Team Fogel won but I don’t know the score

Now onto last night 

On Field 1 we had team Wolf vs. Team Rick T

Rick for…wait for it…the winners!!

On Field 1, undefeated Team Wolf hosted a beat-up Team Tenenholtz. Howie and Mike Gray battled all night long and both pitched well. The real story, however, was the play of Team Tenenholtz’s utility player, Brian Goldberg. “I lost track of how many putouts he had, but he fielded everything hit his way,” said the captain post game. “He also had four hits and kept us in it all night long.”

There is a reason Team Wolf has reeled off a regular season winning streak extending back to the beginning of 2023. They all can hit and SS and LCF are black holes for the opponent. Team Tenenholtz was fortunate to be in the right places at the right time tonight.

It looked bad for the visitors, when left fielder Yitzi Creeger came up lame after chasing a foul ball early in the game. Yitz was able to hold down 1B after a defensive shift was made. If anyone knows a good physical therapist, please call Yitzi!

Despite the defensive machinations, Team Tenenholtz was able to take a 6-1 lead after 4 innings, but Team Wolf came back with two runs in the bottom of the 5^th to make it 6-3. After a scoreless 6^th, Jack Cohen came up in the top of the 7^th with Sam Castellini at first base and ripped a two-run in-the-park homer to right field.  Howie was able to hold them in the bottom of the 7^th as Team Tenenholtz hung on for the 8-3 victory.

Next week is a much-needed bye for the ailing Team Tenenholtz before they play red-hot Team Grefer. 

(An amazing streak came to an end. Congrats to Wes for a fun streak to start his coaching career!)

On Field 2 it was Team Fogel vs. Team Harris:

After getting back in the win column on Sunday, Team Fogel took the field seeking their first winning streak of the season vs self-acclaimed rival, Team Harris. Falling behind in the top of the first, they took no time responding with a five-spot in the bottom half. Efficient pitching by Jamey Kurtzer and great defense behind him from every position lead to a lot of quick outs. The hit parade continued through the middle innings and was eventually capped off by a two-run walk-off homer by Pete Soltesz. Everyone recorded at least one hit, with Norm Frankel and Matt Brodof leading the way with a few each. When the bats are hot and the defense is good, watch out.

On Field 3 it was team Solomon vs. Team Wagner:

Team Wagner took down team Solomon 17 to 5 on Wednesday night. The victors were without Anton Loon, Brad Wagner, Joey Hiudt and Daniel Hiudt.  After going down 2-1 in the first inning team, Wagner battled back with seven runs in the second and kept on tacking on extra runs after that in a run-rule shortened game. Everybody hit well for Team Wagner however, Matthew Leader led the way with two homers over the fence. He was quoted afterwards and he gave all the praise to a switch in his bat ammunition. The defense was led by Mark Levine who played amazingly at second base with multiple put outs and great plays.

Team Wagner takes on Team Harris next week with Raphael and Ronnie Belliard on the call.
Team Solomon takes on Team Grefer with Luis Quinones and Bip Roberts on the call.

And last but not least Team Grefer vs. Team Brafman 

Kyle for the winners:

Team Grefer beat team Brafman 13-3 in 5 innings. This was a complete game for our team with sub pitcher Tim Trautman having another good game on the mound and after 4 starts he has only walked one batter. The defense was phenomenal playing a game without errors, and offensively we had one big inning carry us through.

Sub, Tyler Stansbury got the offense going with an early 3-run bomb to right field. Landon Krantz had a good game setting the table as our leadoff man, but game MVP goes to Will Coleman who hit two balls to the fence for a triple and home run.

League Notes:

Once again, please sign up the J Classic.

Jewish Night at the Reds game is coming up in a few weeks. Please buy tickets for that great night as well.

There is a Jewish Night at FCC but it’s on a Wednesday night, so boo on that.

Big news next week…please read the note from Gig who is going to treat us all to wings post game at Silver Spring House:

Please join us at the Franklin Wealth Advisors Wing Night at Silver Spring House after the games on Wednesday, 5/29.  Wings will be provided courtesy of the JCC Softball League’s Primary Sponsor, Franklin Wealth Advisors (Greg “Gig” Franklin).  For those of you who do not know Greg “Gig” Franklin, he has been involved with the JCC Softball League for over 50 years as a player, Commissioner and long-time supporter of the League through both sponsorship and other generous donations such as hosting Wing Nights.

Please join me in thanking Gig and Franklin Wealth Advisors for not only the upcoming Wing Night, but for his many contributions to the League over the years. 

The Wing Night will be held irrespective of the games being played on 5/29.  If the games are rained out, the Franklin Financial Wing Night will still be held at Silver Spring House and will begin at 7:00 PM.

Yesterday, I took myself down to Nova Care to have them look at my knee that I hurt last week. Lucky for me it isn’t anything serious (Although I’m on the IL for another couple of weeks) but the funny part is I was down there with all of the UC student athletes. My old ass is getting looked at next to some of the women’s soccer team, a couple of tennis players and then 5 of our lineman all going through their treatment. I feel old a lot but never more than that.

Watching the continued train wreck of the Reds season unfold it once again goes to show how terrible our front office was last year. You have a chance to win you go all in ALL in. You don’t worry about prospects. If a team wanted Edwin Arroyo, fine by me. They want Chase Petty, OK let them have it if that meant the Reds could have gotten major league talent who could have helped win the division last year. Instead we famously “Liked our team” and see where that has gotten you both last year and this. Thirty years…let me repeat, 30 years…and continuing since the Reds last won a post-season series. Such a sad sad state for our favorite team. By the way, that is the longest streak in professional sports.

See everyone next week.

Marc

Once again Ryan’s anti rain dance paid off as the weather was perfect for softball last night. 

On field 1 we had Team Solomon vs. the hurting Team Brafman

Stu for the victors:

Team Solomon- 12 Team Brafman- 2

Similar to Lebron James, “We Were All Witnesses” as we watched Past President of Wise Temple David Snyder round the bases for his first ever Home Run in JCC Men’s Fast Pitch Softball. As he crossed the plate after his faithful ride around the bases, David screamed ” I’m the Best MFing 10 in the League!” 

Synder, who turns 57 on Saturday, when on to say, ” It Felt Really Good, I can only hope for similar success through the season, not just for me, but our whole team. Anything is Possible!”  

David is also an author. (https://www.amazon.com/52-Shabbat-Musings-Congregational-President/dp/B0CPBB5KKS) Buy a book now and he will sign it for a small fee at any softball game the rest of the season. 

As for the rest of our team…. Ken had another masterful performance on the mound. He kept Brafman’s team off balance all game and had a huge strike out of Harry “And the Hendersons” Meisner. Defensively, the dynamic duo of middle infielders, David Squared, both fielded their positions like Furniture Fair, with style and flare. 

Offensively, Team Solomon played small ball, using their team speed to wreak havoc on the base pads. Gary “Big Fish Little Pond” Fisher had a well placed bunt to keep the inning alive. Chris “Kringle” Kunkel had two hits driving up his batting average when his family is watching to .745. Another big hit and Run scored for Brandon Lindsey “Graham”

Team Solomon looks to keep up their winning ways against Team Fogel on Sunday.

(Team Brafman would like to thank Fink for subbing and for Eppy’s “Extra Padding” for protecting him from serious injury when David Wertheim smoked a comebacker off him) Team Brafman would also like to remind his dumb capt. to not dive for balls in the outfield anymore which resulted in a sore knee.

On Field 2 we had Team Grefer vs. Team Kamrass:

Team Grefer beat team Kamrass 20-10 (I think?) in a game that was closer than the final score indicated. Commissioner Ryan Silverman responded to getting hit by an errant ball in warmups with his best game of the year with 4 hits and scoring 4 runs. Zach Mayer had a dominant 5-5 day at the plate as well setting the tone for the rest of the team. They made a nice comeback effort bringing the game within 3-4 runs, but our offense exploded in the top of the 7^th inning scoring 9 runs to ice the game.

Sub Tim Trautman pitched another good game with no walks and his first career strikeout. Gary Grefer, Will Coleman, and Howard Goldwasser all had great games at the plate with each having multiple hits.

On Field 3 it was Team Wagner vs. Team Fogel

Brad for the winners:

Team Wagner defeated Team Fogel on Wednesday night, 13-9. The game was back-and-forth throughout, with Team Wagner ultimately taking control in the bottom of the sixth. The offense was plentiful, as both teams had key hits along the way, but leading the victorious 3-1 Team Wagner was Landon Hawkins with two over-the-fence homers. One was to CF, while the second one was to LC.  Hawkins also made some great plays at SS.  Speaking of great defensive plays, Dr. Bob had another outstanding defensive Web Gem at 1B by stopping a hard-hit ground ball off the bat of Joel Fogel.  Capitan Wagner also made multiple putouts at the hot corner.  Besides Hawkins, Pelberg, and Wagner providing offensive power, Mark Levine and Daniel Hiudt had huge hits.  Brad was interviewed after the game by Annie Sabo and stated, “We are hitting the ball really well, getting major productivity from the bottom of our order and therefore able to turn the lineup over.”

Well wishes go out to Joey Hiudt of the Hiudteers, as he recovers from a leg injury.

Team Wagner takes on Team Grefer on Sunday, with Reggie Sanders and Reggie Miller on the call.

Team Fogel takes on Team Solomon on Sunday with Dennis Rodman and Dennis Eckersley on the call.

And finally on field 4 it was TEam Harris vs. Team Tenenholtz

Roger for the winning Harris team:

TEAM TENENHOLTZ  7

TEAM HARRIS.           8

With the score 8-3, going into the top of the 7th inning, TEAM HARRIS was in total control, but before you could say MARC BRAFMAN, the visitors had four runs in and the tying run at 2nd base with two outs. That was as far as it went as TEAM HARRIS held on for a 8-7 victory.

Captain GRIFF HARRIS remarked after the game, “That game got a bit too close for comfort. I was ready to pull out my hair. It was a nail biter, but in the end we withstood the rally and got the victory.”

MARK WEISSER once again pitched a gem of a game with the help of son EVAN WEISSER behind the plate. “Evan called a great game. There was one time though that he called for a fast ball and I thought a change up was in order. 

I threw the fast ball and it resulted in a hit. Other than that, he called a great game.”

On the offensive side of the ball, kudos go out to the following……

DEE HARRIS had perhaps one of his best games in a while. He had two hits and once again played a stellar SS. “I can’t be overshadowed too much by my son. I felt really good at the plate and felt comfortable at SS. I play wherever GRIFF tells me to play. He’s the boss on the field. Off the field, it’s a different story.”

DAN BERNSTEIN once again came up with a few huge hits, mainly a bases loaded single to drive in two runs. The rookie also legged out a triple on a close play at third base…..good thing we don’t have instant replays.

EVAN WEISSER showed his daring speed as he scored from second base on a sacrifice bunt.

RYAN MARCUS also contributed by getting on base three times…..MARK WEISSER, RYAN BAUM, JZ ZEIDENSTEIN, STU WEINSTEIN, GRIFF HARRIS also played roles in the hitting game.

Not to be outdone, ROGER ROSENTHAL, who has stated he wants to lead the league in sacrifice bunts, laid one down to advance two runners. “I can’t hit like I once did (lol), but I still want to do whatever I can do help the team. 

Play a solid defense and bunt runners over.”

Finally, a BIG shoutout to STEVE “Z” ZAWATSKY for subbing. He always brings energy and good play.

TID BITS……

*It amazes me that our dining choice doesn’t put on the NHL playoffs, at least not in the room we were in…….NBA….NFL….tennis and fishing, but NO HOCKEY!!!!!

*League mascot, JACOB BRAFMAN, was back after a week off (we missed him) and was saying that he liked a certain athlete because his name is JACOB, so I asked him if a XAVIER UNIVERSITY player was named JACOB, would he like him?…..He shrugged his shoulders….

*RICK TENENHOTLZ is still on the mend after an injury a couple of weeks ago…..here’s to getting back on the field asap……I’m not just saying that because he’s related by marriage, but because he’s such a nice guy…..

*Finally, I don’t know who saw the TOM BRADY ROAST a couple of weeks ago, but I’d like your take on some of the “crap” that was brought up…..I thought it went way overboard on roasting……certain subjects should NOT have been brought up and were very sensitive!!!!!

League notes

A speedy recovery to Rick Lefton who is also on the IL this season. My advice is don’t go to the Reds training staff..

I always thought nothing was dumber than people spending hours on end watching the NFL draft because you could get the same info the next day and your team isn’t any better on the field than they were at the end of last season. But nothing takes the cake like a THREE hour NFL schedule release show. Do the games start tomorrow? Sure it’s fun to look at the Bengals schedule and see when they are playing and who and which games are in prime time but my goodness do we need three hours? What in the world is anyone going to tell you about two teams now that will be even the least bit important in say Nov. or Dec? (See Burrow, Joe last season) I mean come on. Roger is right with playoff basketball, hockey and compelling MLS soccer and MLB games on, do we need three hours of the schedule? Give me the Indy Fever over that any day.

Speaking of dumber shame on all of us who thought the Reds were going to take the next step. The only step they are taking is being sellers at the trade deadline. Sure, injuries and Marte eating “tainted meat” have crushed this team but this is the same front office that last year didn’t trade any prospects because “they liked the team” once again proving the time old sports story if you are winning and have a chance to win you trade your mother if it will help the team win NOW. Who knows if this group of guys will ever get that close again. And who knows if any of them not named EDLC are even any good. Rooting for the Reds with this current front office gives me, David Weil and Billy Kahn a headache.

Have fun seeing Neil Young in the Windy City, Mark Weisser.

And on the subject of concerts, check out Duffy Wolf’s pictures from Jazz Fest. He got some great ones of the Stones, Neil Young and Trombone Shorty to name a few. Very, very cool.

I’m stealing this line from Paul Doc from the Enquirer by saying stick to sports: Pres. Trump was in town yesterday and it cost $50,000 to eat lunch with him. If you had $50,000 couldn’t you think of something. ANYTHING better to do with your money than spend it on a lunch with anyone. I don’t care who it is…$50K for a lunch? 

Still time to sign up for the J Classic. Please do it. A great time will be had by all. 

I called Roger last week because he is related to a guy whose company I am calling on here at UC. I can confidently tell you that using Rogers name hasn’t worked at all as the guy still hasn’t gotten back to me. 

See everyone next week.

Marc

I’m not sure what is more amazing. the fact that the Wolf ran the table or we didn’t have a single rain out. Both are impressive in their own right. 

As we move into the post season, a big tip of the hat to the Wolf team who went a remarkable 16-0. League historians don’t ever remember that happening so we will go with that. Now just like Kentucky or Bama or the Pats the pressure is on to win 3 more games. Can they do it? We will all find out.

Onto the games:

On Field 1 we had Team Grefer vs. Team Zawatsky 

Kyle for the winners:

We beat team Zawatsky 14-12 in a game that was close throughout, but we made just enough plays to get the win and avoid the play-in game. Offensively there were big hits from David Wertheim, Jack Cohen, Dan Grefer, Rick Tenenholtz, and Landon Krantz.

Looking forward to a big tournament matchup with #2 seed, Team Kamrass. They have a very good team, but I’m confident our team can hang with anybody.

On Field 2 we had team Lefton vs. Team Fogel

Roger for Team Fogel:

TEAM FOGEL   18

TEAM LEFTON 16

In a game that looked like it would be a blowout for TEAM FOGEL after busting out with 13 runs in the middle of the game, including a shot over the right field fence by captain JEREMY “THE COMET” FOGEL, TEAM LEFTON came back to get within two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning only to lose on a SPORTS CENTER TOP TEN play by ANDY “THE BADGER” GOLLIN who made an unbelievable catch in right field.

The victory broke a four-game losing streak and they head into the tournament on an upbeat note.

“I knew the team needed a lift and I was happy to provide it with that catch. It was nice to play hero on that play, but really it was a team effort,” GOLLIN said afterwards.

Team captain, JEREMY “THE COMET” FOGEL, said , “That was a huge win. We’ve been losing some close games lately and it was nice to withstand that charge at the end to hold onto the victory.” He added, “It was a total team effort as everyone chipped in for the win.”

Kudos go out to the following……GOLLIN who asked to pitch just minutes before the game, knowing the team could be better with him on the mound just throwing strikes with the defense behind him. He gave way late in the game with FOGEL picking up a save….his first as far we know.

Kudos also go out to ZACH MICHELSON, who played a solid second base and BRANDON WRONKER, who was solid at shortstop along with both SCOTT “PLEASE BE MY” FRIEND and FOGEL, who both made a couple of terrific plays once again in the outfield.

It should be noted that JOEL “SPARKY” FOGEL, father of JEREMY, sat out the game due to a minor injury, but did double duty as the third base coach and the pitching coach.

Finally, no record of this, but it’s believed that ROGER ROSENTHAL’s three sacrifice bunts could have been the most ever in a JCC softball game. Each time, DAN “DANNY” GREEN followed up with hits.

On Field 3 it was Team Wolf Machine vs. Team Wagner

Team Wolf completed the first undefeated regular season in JCC Softball (known) history with a 6-5 win over Team Wagner. According to league historian, Scott Wolf, the only other team close was his first year as a captain, when they went 15-1, capped off by a tournament championship. Sometime during that season, he ran full speed into the centerfield shack at the old JCC and still lived to tell the tale. 

For the last few weeks, teams have used the “We have nothing to lose, and they have everything to lose!” mantra only to be outlasted by Team Wolf. We’ve gotten here through the fundamentals: Great pitching, solid defense, and timely hitting. This one wasn’t as flashy as last week’s walk off homer, but we got the win. 

Enough with the celebrating, because the job isn’t done – Team Wolf is focused on the ultimate goal of winning the tournament championship. In the wise words of Evan Weisser, “No one remembers the ’07 Patriots”.

This week’s 6-5 victory was an encapsulation of the entire season. Another incredible pitching performance by Mike Gray, clutch hitting from Matt Brodof (2 doubles, 3 RBI), and strong defense all around including a back flip catch in LCF from Michael Askin. 

As the top seed in the tournament, Team Wolf awaits the winner of the Team Z / Team Solomon play in game. 

Finally on Field 4 it was Team Stu vs. Team Kamrass in the annual steel cage match.

Micah for the winners:

Team Kamrass completed a season sweep of Team Solomon with a 5-3 win. Fink was unhittable, coming up with key strikeouts throughout the night, and the defense behind him was outstanding. The bats were relatively quiet, but it was enough to get the job done.  12-4 is an incredible season in this league. Team Kamrass is fired up for the tournament.

So the tournament is set:

Team Stu vs. Team Z in the play-in game with the winners taking on the Wolf Machine.

The rest of the post season: 

#2 Kamrass vs. #7 Grefer

#3 Lefton vs. #6 Brafman

#4 Wagner vs. #5 Fogel

This year, after each round we will re-seed the teams meaning that the higher seed will always play the lower seed moving forward. So, for example, if Grefer upsets Kamrass and Wolf wins, Wolf would play Grefer instead of the higher seed left. Does that make sense to everybody? 

League Notes

Happy birthday this week to Eddie Gallop, Eric “Are the Yankee’s really in last place” Goldstein and Adam Cronstein.

If you are in your 20’s or 30’s, the JCC is hosting a young Jewish night at Rhinegeist to watch a Reds/Dodgers game on Sunday, July 30.

I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a Reds player who can influence a game even if he’s not hitting like Elly can. Wednesday night, Jacob and I went to the game and he made an over the shoulder catch at SS (that Benson should have caught in LF), then threw a ball about 100 MPH to complete a DP. Yesterday, he of course threw one 99 MPH to get a runner at the plate. It was the fastest throw EVER for an infielder. As long as the Reds front office doesn’t screw this up, this group of Reds players is going to be good for a while. When was the last time we said that? Plus with FCC, the Bengals, XU hoops (maybe) and UC in the Big 12, has there ever been a better time to be a sports fan in Cincy?

I’ll have a tournament preview ready after the play-in game. Good luck to both teams!

Marc

With apologies for the late posting, here is the short version from Sunday’s games.

On Field 1 we had Team Fogel vs. Team Wolf Machine

Scott with the update for the winners:

Without team Captain, Wes Wolf, the team turned to Matt “The Bobcat” Brodof to get them through another win. He did just that as we won 6-4. Team Wolf used the outstanding pitching of Mike Gray combined with the tremendous outfield play of Pete “the Straw that Stirs the Drink” Soltesz, Mike Askin and Rabbi Yitz to hold off Fogel for the win. Team Wolf goes for the perfect season this Wed. vs. Team Wagner.

And Roger for Team Fogel

In what turned out to be a pitcher’s duel, TEAM WOLF, with captain WES WOLF, vacationing in the Alps?…..isn’t that the saying?………prevailed over TEAM FOGEL, 6-4.

JEREMY FOGEL, who played a solid LCF again, came in for relief duty on the mound and shut the door, however the offense just couldn’t sustain anything.

“I’m ordering extra batting practice this week heading into the final week of the season and the playoffs. We, me included, just can’t seem to buy a hit,” FOGEL said afterwards. “We’ve got to break out of it soon or it’ll be 1-2-3 you’re out of the tournament.”

Rookie shortstop BRANDON WRONKER, a graduate of the UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, suggested that DAWN STALEY, coach of women’s basketball team, give the team a pep talk before the next game. That would rattle you!

Kudos go out to FOGEL for his great play in the outfield and his relief pitching…..who knows, he might be in the pitchers round next season?

TID BITS……

*ANDY GOLLIN is back from being off two games…..the reason?…..He was in Madison, Wisconsin checking out his alma mater, the UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN football summer program……ON WISCONSIN!!!!!!!

On Field 2 we had Team Lefton vs. Team Stu

Team Lefton won 13-11.

On Field 3 it was Team Wagner vs. Team Zawatsky

Brad for the winners

Team Wagner beat Team Zawatsky 24-14 in a 6-inning affair on Sunday morning.  Big shout out to Benji Kotzin, who was subbing in place of Josh Rosen. He took a pitch in his second at bat over the fence in center field.  Other offensive contributions came from Ian Conwell, Cam Kirzner, AJ Goldhoff, Matt Grindle, Norm Frankel, and Jerry Kirzner.  Team Zawatsky wouldn’t go away and had some big hits from Mike Rothstein, Eli Zawatsky, and Joey Mattis. 

Team Wagner looks to take down Team Wolf on Wednesday.  That game airs on Star 64 with Don Muraco and Hercules Hernandez on the call.

Team Z faces Team Grefer on channel 6.  Otis Nixon and Willie McGee are on the call for that battle.

Finally on Field 4 it was Team Brafman vs. Team Grefer

Joel “Hallelujah” Buckley for the winning Team Brafman side

Despite some incredible defense from Team Grefer, Team Brafman was able to win 11-3 due to some timely hitting. After Team Brafman got a leadoff inside-the-park homerun from Joel Buckley, Super-sub David Solomon hit a bases clearing double while also scoring 3 times. Defensively, Alex Krause led the way with 5 catches leading to a bunch of stranded runners. Also notable for Team Brafman was Griffin Harris, who would have had an additional 3 RBIs and been one step closer to the cycle if not for the amazing catch of Jack Cohen who jumped up and took a home run away from over the fence, the first time I think anyone has seen that happen during a game.  Capt. Brafman would like to thank his team for going 3-0 in games he wasn’t at this year, proving once and for all that he is the Vern Rapp of this year’s captain group.

Another hot one out on the fields (but nothing like the action on field 2) more on that below. We are two games away from a perfect weather season and I’m going to keep bringing it up as a reverse jinx. 

Let’s head to the fields

On Field 1, we had Team Brafman vs. Team Kamrass

Micah for the winners:

Playing without ace pitcher Jeff Finkelstein, Team Kamrass was still able to cobble together a 13-11 win against Team Brafman by utilizing three pitchers. Michael Margolis served as the opener in the first inning. Dave Solomon was the long man pitching 5 innings of 2 run ball. Zach “Ricky Karcher” Mayer closed it out in the 7th.

Scott Raskin hit a three run homer and also made two great plays in the field. There were lots of stolen bases tonight, including an Elly-like heist of home by Zach Mayer.

Captain Kamrass was pleased with the performance. “This one was a lot of fun,” he said. With the bye on Sunday, Team Kamrass is glad to have Fink back on the hill for the season finale against bitter rival Team Solomon.

For Team Brafman Jamey “The Rookie” Drennan continued his ROY season with a homer. And as usual Griff hit a bases clearing triple. Joel “Hallelujah” Buckley would personally like to thank the ump for inventing rules on the fly last night. “That was a nice treat for us,” Buckley said post game.

On Field 2 we had the game of the season Team Wolf Machine vs. Team Z

Team Wolf prevailed 13-12 today in an instant classic against Team Z. Great play all around, complete with incredible defensive plays on both sides, a bunch of timely hitting, questionable fan interaction, and drama to end the game. 

We’ll pick up in the bottom of the seventh after Team Z took an 8-6 lead following a close back-and-forth game. Ty “cut-it-close” Wolf led off the inning with a double to right field and was quickly knocked in by Pete Soltesz. After an out, Bryan Goldberg hit a game-tying triple down the left-field line to tie the game. A couple batters later, Team Z turned a bang-bang double play to send the game to extra innings. 

Team Z rallied for 4 two-out runs to take a commanding lead going into the bottom of the eighth. Dan “The Stache” LaCerva led off with a huge infield single, followed by Michael Askin’s third hit of the game. Wes Wolf then hit a liner down the right field line that made it to the wall, resulting in a home run that reduced the deficit to 1. Matt Brodof was finally rewarded with a hit after smashing the ball all game. Before walking to the plate as the winning run, Pete Soltesz said to his teammates “I’m going to pull it, and I’m going to pull it hard”, and he did just that, crushing a home run over the fence in left-center field to walk off the game. 

Credit goes to both teams in one of the best games of the season. A huge thank you to Mark Weisser for a gutsy pitching performance – the Wolf boys always love playing behind you!  (League notes ads this was a fun game to watch with cheering family members, good coaching and general good play from both teams)

On Field 3 it was team Fogel vs. Team Wagner

Brad for the winners:

Team Wagner took down Team Fogel 18-4 on Wednesday.  Wagner scored three in the first and held Fogel to a single tally, then scored five in the second inning before closing it out with nine runs over the last two innings.  Howie Schwartz was dominant on the hill, with a couple of strikeouts and strong defensive plays.  Cam Kirzner made a great catch going into centerfield to grab a pop-out in the fifth inning.  Chris Kunkel, Matt Grindle, and John Spears made solid plays defensively, while Wagner, Super Sub JZ, and Norm Frankel brought out the big sticks at the plate.  Wagner takes on Zawatsky on Sunday.  Fogel takes on Wolf.

And Roger for Team Fogel

Another game….another loss……

After two tough losses, TEAM FOGEL was never in the game as TEAM WAGNER jumped out early and breezed to the victory……

Kudos go out to BRANDON WRONKER, who went 3 for 3, but hits were far and few for the rest of the team……

Team captain, JEREMY FOGEL, one of the best defensive outfielders in the league had to pitch as both pitchers on the team were out….COREY NORRIS, with an injury and DAN 

“DANNY” GREEN missed for personal reasons……he was back home in Philadelphia participating in a cheesesteak eating contest.

Kudos go out to TEAM WAGNER shortstop, CAM KIRZNER, a huge UC men’s basketball fan, who after striking out earlier in the game and getting razzed by ROGER ROSENTHAL, a huge XAVIER UNIVERSITY men’s basketball fan, made a Top Ten Play Of The Year play at shortstop when he made an almost impossible catch in shallow left center field.

ROSENTHAL said after the play, “I can’t believe I’m complementing a UC fan, but that was one hell of a catch. Elly de la Cruz would have been impressed!”

TEAM FOGEL’s locker room was closed off to the media once again, but there was a lot of yelling going on in there. It is believed that there were some words said to certain players and that a near fight broke out, but JOEL “SPARKY” FOGEL, father of JEREMY, calmed things down and said, “NO desserts for you guys for a week!”

TEAM FOGEL will try to break a three game losing streak this coming Sunday when they take on undefeated TEAM WOLF.

Finally on Field 4 a real pitchers duel between Team Grefer and Team Lefton 

Jimmy for the winners:

From the “you never know” episode of JCC softball. Team Lefton came back from six runs down in the bottom of the 7th to win against Grefer 22-21.

There were many offensive stars for Team Lefton but none as big as the three “Loony tune clan” Anton, Matt and Peter each went yard. “Not since the Alou brothers have three family members on one team done so well,” Jimmy said post game. Jamie Kurtzer was the game ball winner for perserving through an offensive explosion from Grefer. Jamie also drove in the winning runs with two outs in the bottom of the 7th with a line drive over the CF head.

League notes:

Happy birthday goes out Brandon “gray” Wolf, former player  and league sponsor Billy “Wrath of” Kahn and current player Oren Shmoel.

I forgot to mention this last week but a HUGE congrats to Matt Miller for being promoted to chief of staff of UC basketball. 

Former JCC all star and now one of the most buff jewish guys you’ll ever meet Jeff Cohen a happy anniversary 

Kevin Youkilis has a new coffee to go with Loma beer. Congrats Youk.

Jason Esterkamp became the next liar in our league saying how much he misses his kids while they are away at camp. How come all of the pictures of you empty nesters for the summer say we miss our kids while also on vacation on the beach somewhere?

Last night during the exciting Team Z vs. Team Wolf game Brad Wagner and I were discussing Ryan “the One Man Gang” Marcus and whether he should adopt Akame the African Dream persona moving forward. If any of you know what we are talking about I feel sorry for you.

David Wertheim was on TV yesterday promoting some sort of Irish festival coming to town. Now I know there were river dance type of dancers on the show with him. I hope there is video of him dancing like that

Not to be Debbie Downer on the Reds but let’s remember they could have signed Luis Castillo to a team friendly deal and that none of the players they got for him are currently on the team. So when they trade Arroyo or Marte to some team for a pitcher nowhere close to Castillo’s skill level remember that our ownership team is still awful (Nick Krall is not) and that we could have had a rotation of the 3 young guys, Abbott and Castillo. 

Roger informed me that he can price out EDLC baseball cards for any number he wants. $5 bucks 10, 25 he said it doesn’t matter. 

See everyone on Sunday