Gold Country Buzzards

Gold Country Ol' Buzzards Game Report #12

Game: July 14, 2013

Buzzards stumble late against Dodgers in loss, 17-9

After the July 4th holiday weekend off and a two week break to heal-up, the 55+ division Ol' Buzzards gathered at C-Bar-C Park for a 10 o'clock game against the younger 45+ division Dodgers. The Dodgers (9-2) have the best record in the 45+/55+ combined divisions. Their only losses were to the Miners in April and to the Buzzards in May (7-4 at James on May 5th).

On a nice Sunday morning in Citrus Heights, the Dodgers sent their hard throwing southpaw, Phil 'Captain' Morgan #11 to the mound. The home team Buzzards started the game with their harder throwing righty, Taylor 'Welzy' Welz #26 on the hill.

The Buzzards struck first with a run in the top of the third inning. After fouling off a bunch of pitches, Norm 'Burner' Tucker straightened one out for a nice line-drive single to left-field on a full-count pitch. After a fielder's choice play, Paul 'Youngin' Lee was the runner at first. Next, Steve 'Cookie' Cook got an infield single putting runners at second and first. Later with two outs, Welzy knocked the first pitch sharply to left-field to score Youngin' with a single.

The good hittin' Dodgers (18 hits in the game) scored four runs in the top of the fourth inning. The first five batters got on base and they quickly put up the runs. The sequence was: infield error (tough hops all day), single, hit-by-pitch (on a 1-2 count) Sean #38 leaned into two pitches during the game to get on base each time over Buzzard protests, then a two-run double hit way over the left fielder's head, followed by a bloop single to short left-field near the line for a run, then a grounder to the right-side for a 4-3 put-out while the fourth run scored. After four, the score was 4-1 Dodgers.

In the fifth dig, the Buzzards put six runs in the scorebook to take a 7-4 lead. With one out, Mike 'Big Mac' McCabe hit a deep drive to left-center for a single. Mike was replaced at first base by Pete 'Baron' Von Zboray to run. Burner then walked on five pitches. After another out, Cookie was also walked on five pitches to load 'em up. Batting next, Jim 'Kuchie' Kuchar took a full-count walk to score the Baron. Up next and after fouling off several pitches, Welzy launched a blast to deep left-field for a bases clearing triple scoring Burner, Cookie and hustling all the way from first base, the oldest Buzzard, Kuchie.

Next, Dan 'Wookie' Wukmir took a base on balls before Dave 'Evy' Everingham smashed a deep double to left-center to score Welz easily from third and sent Wookie around the bases from first to score the final run of the inning on a close play. The Dodgers then changed pitchers and brought in the big right-hander Sean 'Leaner' Harrigan #38 from third base. Harrigan then threw puff pitches (slower than batting practice) and an occasional fast-ball to keep the swinging Buzzards off-balance the remainder of the game.

The Dodgers scored one run in the sixth and two in the seventh to tie the game 7-7. A key point in the seventh inning was Sean leaning into a full-count pitch for a pass to first base and that allowed the next batter, their shortstop with the Sacramento Dodgers jersey, Oscar Arriaga #6, who was five-for-five with six RBIs, to get to the plate and get a key hit for the runs. Entering the eighth inning, the Buzzards said good-bye to Evy, Baron and Welzy as they left for a Pirates' game in Elk Grove. The few game conflicts the NABA 55+ Buzzards and MSBL 40+ Pirates have had this season have not really hurt the Buzzards, until this game. The changes necessary to the defense and line-up just did not work-out, as well as planned. Losing top-notch talent did not help either.

The Dodgers got some breaks on seeing-eye grounders up-the-middle and some sloppy defensive play that contributed to a long inning and lots of pitches. The hot sun must have been heating up poor Buzzard brains as they reacted slowly to an easy pickle play between third and home (blowing it) and a potential double-play later, plus other plays were not handle as crisply as the Buzzards' fans are used to seeing.

Offensively the second Dodger pitcher, Leaner Harrigan (4 1/3 innings), held the Buzzards down until the last inning. The frustratingly slow pitches were almost crushed with the big swings, but missed by micro-millimeters and became high pop-ups (five), one long fly ball out, worm killing grounders (six) and a strike-out. Ouch.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, the Buzzards got a rally going and scored two runs and it looked good for a lot more, but the Dodger defense made some good plays to end the rally too quickly. Barry 'Crush' Forman led-off the last inning by getting on base via a funny looking E-4 by the Dodgers' manager Vince Miles #42, when he kicked the grounder from one foot to the other while trying to field the ball. With one out, Gregg 'Surf Dawg' Novotny drew a seven-pitch walk after fouling off tough pitches. Up next, Big Mac hit a nice deep drive to left-center field for a base hit to score Barry from second base and moved Surf Dawg to that same bag. Kelly 'KG' Garcia ran for Mike. After the second out, Youngin hit a flare to right-field for a single putting Buzzards at the corners. Cookie slapped a single to center-field to score the Surf Dawg for the last run. The final score was a brutal 17-9.

The Buzzards can't forget that the disappointing loss was to a very good Dodger team. The Dodger pitching and defense had given up over nine runs only once this season - in their loss to the Miners (10-8). It was nice to beat the 45+ Dodgers in May in a come-backer 7-4 in Auburn. But thankfully, we will not see them again this season.

The Buzzard pitching was good enough to win this game. Taylor pitched five strong innings and left the bump with a lead. Welzy threw 64 pitches (45 strikes & 19 balls) in facing 21 Dodgers. T-Welz gave up four runs on four hits, one walk and one hit batter with four strike-outs. Everingham threw the next two innings before departing. Evy faced 12 batters and tossed 43 pitches (24 strikes & 19 balls) and gave up three runs (two earned) on four hits, two walks and a hit batter with three K's.

Rick 'Salmo' Salmeri #7 took the mound in the eighth after catching the first five frames. Not to belabor the nightmarish eighth inning, but as an example of how a game can go when things aren't going your way with the hops, throws and calls. Salmo was the recipient of, in sequence: after a walk, an infield error on a smash down the third base line, grounder up-the-middle just out of reach of the middle infielders for a run, a short infield pop-up that landed behind the mound then kicked-off of Salmo's leg preventing an easy out and potential double-play, another seemingly slow-motion grounder going up-the-middle just out of reach again of three gloves for two runs, then a soft flare hit to right-field scored a run, and then finally the first out of the inning was a nice catch of a sky high infield pop-up by Surf Dawg. Then, a hard sinking liner by Oscar to left-field that squirted by the sliding Barry for a double to score two more runs. An infield force-out at second was sloppy preventing a potential double-play. Then another looping single just out of reach to short center drove in the last run before a fly-out to Crush in left-field ended the 33-pitch misery.

The Dodgers scored three more in their half of the ninth inning with a lead-off bunt(?) single, a fielder's choice out at second, then a double down the left-field line scored a run, a walk, a seven-pitch single by Leaner to left-field for a run followed, then Oscar blasted a deep drive to right-center that Kelly, playing center-field, got a good jump on the ball and ran a long way before jumping and twisting to just miss the back-hander off the glove before crash landing. A quick recovery by KG held the hit to a long single and one run, then one last short looper followed for one last run. Salmo then struck-out the last batter, loud-mouthed Dr. Antonio 'Swing' Servin #29 with the 30th pitch of the inning.

Rick faced 20 batters and threw 63 pitches (40 strikes & 23 balls) in two long innings. The Dodgers scored 10 runs on 10 hits and two walks with one strike-out.

The Buzzard offense of 11 hits and six walks scored nine runs on a tough Dodger team that committed just one error and had strong arms with good team speed on the field. The Buzzard hit club for the game included: Big Mac-2, Burner-1, Cookie-2, Evy-2, Salmo-1, Welzy-2 and Youngin-1. The Buzzards getting on base via a base-on-balls were (in order): Evy, Burner, Cookie, Kuch, Wookie and Surf Dawg. The always important ribbies were courtesy of: Big Mac-1, Cookie-1, Evy-2, Kuchie-1 and clutch Welzy with four.

The game was frustrating 'cause it did not go the Buzzard's way too often. From plays like in the long eighth inning - where a forced-out Dodger at second base continued on to third base (their dug-out is by first base) and confused the infield to call out a wrong base and halt a throw for a potential easy out while multiple runners were on the base paths and moving on the play. A long and loud, vehement protest by a highly ticked-off skipper made the umpires huddle for quite a while, but they eventually said it was not against the rules, just bush league antics. Or the phantom tag of Evy at third base in a rally killing call in the fourth frame. And we won't get into the lousy K-zone. Anyway, no one got hurt and some players like Tom 'TK' Keatley got to coach a lot, while his leg heals-up a little more. The one late at-bat looked good and the run to first felt good to TK, which is a good sign for the Ol' and getting older Buzzards.

The highlight of the afternoon was the lunch at Felipe's after the game. At 50% off, those Ol' Buzzards can put away large quantities of that great Felipe's Mexican food with lots of cervezas and some iced teas. Dean Perkins surprised the Gold Country gang and joined the group for lunch and tales of the game. Deano showed off the stitches on his left arm while describing getting screwed literally by Kaiser in reattaching the bicep tendon back to the bone - before the food arrived. With a three-month recovery time, Deano has swung his last bat for the season. Hopefully, coach Deano can appear at future games. Thanks for the info and the surprise visit.

Skinny and sleeveless, Barry was quickly freezing! with the restaurant fans going, so Paul nicely, but with some protest, made sure the fan above cold Crush stayed off. This, of course, just reinforces once again Forman's Formal Filosophy - It's all about Barry. Most Buzzards (that are not Pirates) made the lunch with the addition of two cute blonde wives - Sherri and Diane. The stuffed Ol' Buzzards rolled out of Felipe's happy and carrying left-over's home. Thanks Paul for the excellent food and a great team gathering.

Buzzard Note #1: Salmo is getting used to catching and bought his own cool looking gear during the holiday break. The black and orange design is a fabulous Buzzard look and would make even Buster Posey jealous of the sharp appearance. It is true - you look marvelous, you feel marvelous, and you play marvelous.

Buzzard Note #2: The Buzzards are home for the next two weeks with 2 pm games at James Field. The next game, July 21st, is another toughie against the 55+ first place Reds.

Buzzard Note #3: The live radio broadcast on the 950 AM airwaves of KAHI and their world-wide reach via internet streaming on kahi.com is coming on August 11th. The game time is 2 o'clock at James Field versus the Miners. BBQ after the game for family and friends of both teams and the radio announcer, Dave Rosenthal.

Gold Country Ol' Buzzards Game Report #11

Game: June 30, 2013

Buzzards beat Red Sox in hot one, 14-6

On the hottest day of the year with temperatures reaching 102° in Auburn , the game(y) Buzzards were ready at James Field to take on the 45+ Red Sox team. In the midst of this hot spell, it makes it hard to remember that last Sunday was cool and cloudy with rain pending.

The Red Sox (2-8) are a new 45+ team that does travel with a boisterous fan group. The hot-hot weather and a shortage of able bodied Buzzards for the game required a serious sports supplement. Dave 'Evy' Everingham, one of the best legal supplements known for a baseball team, was acquired for the game. Evy has helped us in a pinch before versus the Dodgers.

The Sox started the game with righty Louie 'Cool' Hernandez #55. On the hill for the home team Buzzards was the undefeated starting pitcher, Rick 'Salmo' Salmeri #7 (3-0). Versatile Salmo has been the starting catcher for the last several games.

The Buzzards struck first with two runs in the bottom of the first frame. With one out, Dan 'Wookie' Wukmir hit a soft liner up the middle for a single. Next, Evy laced a double to deep left field. Wookie, racing from first base, thought he would be sent home on the hit and was hitting high gear heading toward third when the stop sign abruptly went up with the relay throw coming in. Wook slammed on the ol' brakes after rounding third and stopped in time to see the cut-off throw coming to third. Wook's slide back to the bag beat the tag, but the infield ump with a terrible angle, called him out.  The home plate ump said after the inning that the manager should have appealed the play and he would have over-ruled it. That's a first.

With two outs now and Evy at second, a wild pick-off play allowed a hustling Dave to score the first run. Up next the clean-up hitter, Barry 'Crush' Forman, hit a hard grounder that was misplayed by the second baseman for an error. Kelly 'KG' Garcia then dropped in a short single to left-field putting runners at first and second. On the next pitch, Norm 'Burner' Tucker hit a liner to deep left-field for a base hit driving in Barry for the second run to make the score 2-0 after one inning.

The Gold Country gang busted-out for eight runs in the third inning. Evy started it with a base hit to center-field. Crush was then walked on four pitches. Up next, KG got to first on a booted play by the first baseman to load the bases. One out later, clutch Steve 'Cookie' Cook singled to right on a 3-2 pitch knocking in two runs. Batting next, Mike 'Big Mac' McCabe singled to right-center putting runners at the corners.

Wookie ran for Mike and then stole second base. Salmo then earned a seven-pitch walk to load the bases again with Ol' Buzzards. After a force-out at home for the second out, Taylor 'Welzy' Welz smashed a liner to center-field to score two runs. Welzy stole second before Wookie hit a deep one to the opposite field. The left fielder ran a long way to not make a fabulous catch. Wook cruised in with a two bagger that scored two.  Batting for the second time that inning, Evy singled for the second time to knock in Wookie to end the scoring.

The Buzzards led 10-0 after three digs and it appeared this might be a quick 10-run mercy-rule type of game. There was some early Red Sox grumbling regarding aggressive base running and the Buzzards racing to an early mercy-rule beat down of the visiting team.

The Red Sox scored a run in the fourth inning with a lead-off double followed by a single. The Sox scored five more in the next frame to tighten-up the game at 10-6 after five. Three walks, two hits and an error was the recipe for the five run burst by the Red Sox and it put some spunk back into their loud fan club.

After being quiet for a couple of innings, the Buzzards scored again in the sixth to add a little cushion to the score. With one out Wook walked and stole second base. Evy then sent a liner into center for a quick run-scoring single.

In the seventh frame the Buzzards pulled away with three more runs to make the score 14-6. Tucker started the inning with an infield hit. A collision followed at first base with Norm tumbling and landing hard face-down. It did not look good as it was happening, but all was ok when he got up, straightened the helmet and took the bag. After all of that, Burner was wiped out by a double-play two pitches later. Norm does lead the team in collisions at first base.

So, the three runs came with two outs starting with Big Mac getting hit in the hip by a non-working curve ball. Cookie ran for Mike. Salmo then singled sharply to left-field putting Buzzards at first and second. Dave 'Mumbles' Kelley, batting next, stroked a single to right-field to load the bases. Kelly then ran for Kelley. Up next, Gregg 'Surf Dawg' Novotny was nailed by a wayward fast-ball in the chest. A loud hollow thump could be heard from the hit. Chest pain, anyone? Ouch. Surf Dawg has had the 'real thing' chest pains followed by appropriate surgery several years ago, so this was just a show-and-tell bruise for after the game.

The hit batter scored Cookie from third and reloaded 'em for Welz. Taylor then clubbed the 0-1 pitch on a line into center to score Salmo and KG.

The Red Sox put up a fight, but scored no more runs in the nine inning contest as the 2 hour and 50 minute game came to a close with the final score 14-6.

Buzzard pitching worked well and spread the innings over three hurlers to work the oven-like conditions. Salmo was supposed to throw just two or three innings, but he was so efficiently mowing 'em down that he threw into the fifth before running out of gas. The pitch counts were 9, 6, 7, and 12 before a longer fifth frame. Rick faced 19 batters in throwing 48 pitches (32 strikes & 16 balls). The Red Sox scored five runs (3 earned) on five hits, two walks and a hit batter with three strike 'em outs against Salmeri.

Surf Dawg relieved Salmo and threw the six outs of the fifth and sixth innings. Gregg threw 41 pitches (20 strikes & 21 balls) to 12 batters. He uncharacteristically walked three batters, but held the Sox to no runs on one hit with a strike-out. Big Mac pitched the final three innings without giving up a run and earned the save. Mike threw 26 pitches (20 strikes & 6 balls) to 10 batters. McCabe gave up three hits and struck out one in the dominating performance.

The Buzzard offense struck for 17 base hits and was effective in scoring 14 runs. The hit club for the game included (in batting order): Welzy-2, Wookie-2, Evy-4, Crush-1, KG-2, Burner-2, Cookie-1, Big Mac-1, Salmo-1, and Mumbles-1. The ribbies were courtesy of: Burner-1, Cookie-2, Evy-2, KG-1, Surf Dawg-1, Welzy-4 and Wook-2. The Buzzard-eyed walkers were: Barry, Dan, Mike and Rick. The following Buzzards took one for the team or had slow reactions: Big Mac, Mumbles and Surf Dawg have new bruises. David was nailed in a bad spot in the second inning when he turned away from an inside fastball and got struck hard in the butt crack for an extra special feeling on the way to first base and an interesting spot for a bruise.

Everingham disappointed the team when he made an out in the bottom of the eighth. It took a semi-amazing back-handed catch by the right fielder to finally get Evy out. Dave was 4-for-5 against the Red Sox. In his previous Buzzard game this season, Evy singled and walked. The Buzzards were just used to Evy getting on base every time he comes to the plate.

The Buzzard defense looked good even in the high heat. The nine-inning affair had five strike-outs leaving 22 opportunities for put-outs. There were four fly ball outs. KG had two nice catches in center-field, Salmo had a huge catch of a sizzling, sinking liner to right-field with the bases loaded and two outs in the sixth. And Barry ended the game with a good catch looking into the sun in center-field in the ninth inning.

There were three double-plays to end Red Sox rallies. In the first inning, a Welzy to Cookie to Big Mac (6-4-3) looked good; in the seventh and eighth innings more 6-4-3 plays worked with Evy to Wookie to KG. Those double-plays do bring smiles to a pitcher’s face. The good defense and excellent pitching held the young Sox to six runs. Another nice, yet hot victory for the Ol’ Buzzards.

No game next week due to the Independence Day holiday. The next game is July 14th against the Dodgers at 10 am at C-Bar-C Park in Citrus Heights. Since we beat the Dodgers (9-2) in that nice come-back win on May 5th at James Field 7-4, they have not lost a game and beat the Miners last week. Beware of the Buzzards.

Buzzard Note #1: Dean Perkins had successful bicep tendon reattachment surgery on his left arm on Friday at the Kaiser Medical Center in Roseville. He is already up and teaching math at Sierra College for the summer, but can’t carry much. The arm is bent and in a half-cast for another week and a half and then rehab. Deano will be unable to play again this season, but we will likely see him at future games as a valuable coach.

Buzzard Note #2: It appears we will be on the radio again this year. KAHI 950 AM preliminarily has put us on the schedule for August 11th at 2 pm following the Oakland A’s game on the station. The game is at James Field against the Miners. Circle that date and bring the family. BBQ is planned for after the game. More info to come.

Gold Country Ol' Buzzards Game Report #10

Game: June 23, 2013

Buzzards come-back beats Solons, 17-10

On a cloudy Sunday afternoon with temps in the low 70's, the Gold Country Buzzards (6-3) faced the Sacramento Solons (4-5) in a battle of the ol' men league, the 55+ division of NABA. The first Sunday of Summer is normally a hot day with a clear sky, but on this Sunday it looked like it wanted to rain all afternoon. No one minded the different cooler weather, but the changing sky with splashes of sunlight followed by dark clouds made it tough on some fly balls and pop-ups at James Field in Auburn.

In a contest of hurlers wearing #1, the home team Buzzards sent their senior righty to the hill, Gregg 'Surf Dawg' Novotny #1 (1-0). The Solons countered with their senior right-hander, Ken 'Rong' Wright #1 (1-1).

The Solons jumped on the scoreboard first with two quick runs in the top of the opening frame. A lead-off single by Mike 'played in the minors with the Angels' Johnson was followed by a double by John Hagen driving in the first run. The pudgy pitcher, Wright, then hit a short looper near the line in shallow left field for a single putting runners at the corners. Big Frank 'Dante Club' Smith, batting clean-up, hit a line drive to right field for a would-be single, but Paul 'Youngin' Lee scooped up the ball and fired to first base to nail Frank 'holds no grudges'?, as a police officer in Sacramento, at the bag. A run scored from third on the play and the courtesy runner for Wright (wrong runner) hustled from first base and aggressively slid into third. The Solons inserted their lead-off batter who just scored, Mike, as the courtesy runner. With no outs in the first inning, the rule book is not perfectly clear on who can run in this situation, but the intent in the rule book would strongly suggest someone from the bottom of the batting order. In NABA, the courtesy runner is the last recorded out.

With one out and Mike at third, Ron Van Kempen hit a sharp grounder to shortstop. Taylor 'Welzy' Welz looked-back the runner before throwing to first for the out. Mike took off for home on the throw anyway. At first base, Mike 'Big Mac' McCabe took the throw for the out and then threw home to the catcher, Rick 'Salmo' Salmeri for the tag out on a close play. Mike slid wide outside and tried to reach back and touch home plate, but Salmo got him first in a scramble behind the plate to end the inning on a terrific double-play.

The Buzzards tied the game in their half of the first inning. Youngin' led off with a lined single to right field. Paul tried to steal second base, but the catcher's strong arm got 'em for out number one. Next, on a full-count pitch, Dan 'Wookie' Wukmir hit a high chopper at the first baseman who played it off his chest for an error. Batting third, Welzy smashed a double to right field putting both runners in scoring position. Up next, the clean-up hitter, Barry 'Crush' Forman, knocked in both runs with a lined-shot to right for a base hit. Next, Norm 'Burner' Tucker and Kelly 'KG' Garcia looped singles into short left field to load the bases with one out. An infield pop-up and a ground-out ended the rally and left the score at 2-2.

The Solons tacked on a run in the second inning on two tough infield errors, plus a passed ball and a fielder's choice that resulted in a 3-2 score. One run, no hits, not good.

After already throwing 38 pitches in the first two innings, the skipper sent Surf Dawg to the mound hoping to get another inning out of the ol' arm. Gregg pitched well, it's just that the Solons got six hits and five were little flares, some to the opposite field, that frustrated the Buzzards so much. With many of the hits just out of reach, the extended inning made for lots of pitches and a tired Ol' Surf Dawg. With two rare Novotny walks added at the end, the Solons had nine consecutive batters reach base before an out was recorded. Then the next three batters cooperated with outs including a strike-out to end the seven-run scoring spree with the Solons leading 10-2. Ouch.

After the long inning in the field, the Buzzards returned to the dugout determined to stop the Solon scoring and start the Buzzard scoring machine. Wookie led off with a sharp liner to right for a hit. Welzy hit a grounder that was muffed by the shortstop briefly before throwing to second. Wook got a good jump at first and beat the throw to the bag with a hard pop-up slide putting two on and no outs. Crush batted next and lined a single on the first pitch to right-center field to load the bases. KG then slapped a grounder that the shortstop misplayed with a bad throw to first putting Kelly on base with two runners scoring. McCabe then singled through the middle putting runners at first and third. Jim 'Kuchie' Kuchar, batting next, hit into a run scoring fielder's choice. Next up, Dave 'Mumbles' Kelley spanked one to right field for a hit to score Kelly G. Steve 'Cookie' Cook then hit an infield single loading the bases with two outs.

Up next, Dean 'Deano' Perkins was returning from four weeks on the DL with a leg injury in his first Buzzard game. Playing second base and after singling in his first at-bat with a flare to right-center field in the second inning, Deano was looking for a run-scoring hit. Probably expecting a fast fast-ball on the 1-0 pitch, Deano took a big swing at a slow high pitch. Out in front of the pitch and trying to hold-up the swing, Deano encountered a problem that highly muscled studs have when stressing their arms - the bicep muscle tendon tears away from the bone. Ouch!

Dean felt a pop in the left arm during the swing and released his left hand from the bat on the follow through. The left arm looked a little (no, a lot) strange with the bicep muscle in the wrong place, so Perkins left the game. Surf Dawg stepped in with a 1-1 count and grounded out to finish the at-bat. The score after three digs was 10-6. Deano will have surgery on Friday at Kaiser to reattach the tendon with screws.

The Buzzards changed pitchers putting Big Mac on the hill in the fourth. Mike stopped the Solons from scoring for the rest of the game, giving the Buzzies a chance to catch up and win. In the bottom of the fifth, the Ol' Buzzards scored three more to tighten the score at 10-9.

Welzy led-off with a nicely placed bunt single. Taylor then stole second and scored on Barry's scorcher to right-center. The ball got past the hustling center fielder sending Crush cruising into second base with a double. Up next, Burner lined a single to left-center scoring Forman. Norm was advancing to second on the throw home, but the throw was cut-off and a relay throw to second base was wide and into the outfield. Tucker was able to hustle all the way around the bases on the play. He reached home plate with burning lungs and tired legs, but what an exciting long run to tighten the game, 10 to 9.  Garcia followed with a gift base hit on a fly ball in the sun to left field. Big Mac then singled to center before the inning ended.

Going into the bottom of the sixth inning, the Buzzards were down by one and needed to score with an hour left in the 3-hour game. Leading off, Cookie was hit by an inside pitch with a 1-2 count, good job! Surf Dawg followed with a line-drive single to center. Salmo, batting next, lined a single to left that scored Cookie and the tying run. With two runners on, Paul loaded the bases with a tough infield grounder. Next, Wookie hit a grounder to second with the fielder rushing his throw and the resultant off-line throw scored two runs.

The Solons then changed pitchers and brought in a harder thrower, big righty John 'Hagar' Hagen #24. Wookie greeted Hagar with a steal of second base on his second pitch and Welzy sent the third pitch on a line into left field for a single knocking in two runs. Barry followed with another solid line drive to right field for his fourth hit of the game. On the relay throw to third base, the first baseman cut it off and threw wildly trying to get Barry moving to second on the play. Welzy and Crush scored on the throwing error. After six innings, the score was 16-10 in favor of the Gold Country gang.

The Buzzards scored one more in the bottom of the seventh with time running low. Cookie led-off with a grounder to third. A wild throw to first allowed Steve to end up at second base. Cookie scored on a lined single by Salmo to left field to end the scoring for the game. The Solons went 1-2-3 in the top of the eighth inning to end the game at 17-10.

Buzzard pitching was effective early and then lights-out after the pitching change. Gregg threw too many pitches in three innings of work - 84 with 55 strikes and 29 balls. Sloppy defense did not help in the second and third innings. Surf Dawg faced 23 batters in giving up 10 runs (four earned) on 10 hits with two walks and two strike-outs. Big Mac came out of the game at first base in the third inning to warm up and took the mound for the top of the fourth frame behind 10-6. Mike pitched five innings and faced near the minimum of batters (16) in throwing 56 pitches (37 strikes & 19 balls). McCabe mowed 'em down. After he walked the first batter faced, Big Mac gave up no hits or walks while striking out three to win the game.

The Buzzard defense was off and on during the game. The three errors were early in the game and made it tougher for Surf Dawg. The third inning was looong with several 'just missed' plays with balls 'just' out of reach on the flares, pop-ups or grounders. The double-play in the first dig was excellent and shut-down a potential big inning. Two Solons were thrown-out at first base after hitting line-drive would-be singles into right field. The first throw from right was by Youngin' to Big Mac at first base in the first inning.

That not-often-seen play was equaled by Kuchie in right field for the first out of the sixth inning. Kuch quickly fielded the line-drive and threw a strike to KG to beat the runner at first for the demoralizing out. The only fly-ball out of the game was caught by Barry in the seventh inning in left field. There were 16 infield outs and five strike-outs to go with the two throw-'em outs from right field. Good outfield-infield team work can bring tears to a manager's eyes.

The Ol' Buzzard offense was good enough for 23 hits. The hit club for the game included: Big Mac-2, Burner-2, Cookie-1, Crush-4, Deano-1, KG-2, Mumbles-1, Salmo-2, Surf Dawg-1, Welzy-3, Wookie-2 and Youngin'-2. The always important RBI's were knocked in by: Barry-3, Danny-1, David-1, Jim-1, Kelly-2, Norm-1, Rick-2 and Taylor-2. D. Kelley led-off the second inning with a base on balls and was the only Buzzard walked during the game. Runs were scored by: Youngin'-1, Wook-3, Welzy-4, Surf Dawg-1, Salmo-1, KG-1, Crush-3, Cookie-2 and Burner-1.

Another good Buzzard win. To not panic and come-from-behind by eight runs, though early, was good to see. Let's just not make a habit of spotting the opponent sooo many runs.

The next game is at James Field again at 2 o'clock against the 45+ Red Sox.

Buzzard Note #1: All-star ballots will be passed out prior to the next game. The Buzzards (7-3) will likely have the third or fourth best record at the end of the month - out of eight teams - in the combined 45/55+ division. That means the Buzzards will have only four selections for the all-star game, which will be played on Wednesday, July 10, at 7 pm at Playfields Park in Davis.

Buzzard Note #2: Photos were taken at the game by Diane and Barry's long-lost buddy, Mike Nykoruk, who was visiting from Michigan. The 35+ year old stories told by Barry and Mike of their world travels together were entertaining with cold ones and snacks after the game. Diane's 239 photos from the game are available on the internet. Barry's 'good' photos he talked about are available by special appointment only. Game photos can be viewed and printed at: wukmir.com/photos/ . Click on the picture with players for the photo album for June 23, 2013. Any problems with the site, give Wook a call and he'll ask the grandson. More photos will be taken at future games.

Buzzard Note #3: This was the first game of the second-half of the 18-game regular season. In the first half, the Buzzards were 6-3 while on the road for six games with three at home. The Buzzards will be home for six of the nine games in the second half of the ol' men league. The intent was to have many of the hotter weather games of mid-summer scheduled in Auburn.

Gold Country Ol' Buzzards Game Report #9

Game: June 16, 2013 - Fathers' Day

Buzzards claw Yankees, 12-2

The Fathers' Day game was a morning contest with the Yankees on one of the nicest ball fields in the area, Playfields Park in Davis. On a mild morning that would later warm up to the low 90's, 12 Ol' Buzzards were ready to take on the damn Yankees. With family in the stands to watch the dads play, there was added pressure to do well and put away the last place Yanks.

The starting pitcher for the Yankees was the hard throwing southpaw, Tom 'Fazio' Defazio #17. On the mound for the visiting Buzzards was the cagey veteran righty, Gregg 'Surf Dawg' Novotny #1.

The traveling Gold Country Buzzards scored first with a nice crooked number (4) to start the game. Jim 'Kuchie' Kuchar started the game with a lead-off walk on a full count. Dan 'Wookie' Wukmir followed with a single through the left side hole. After a wild pitch moved the runners up, Kuchie scored on a grounder to short by Kelly 'KG' Garcia while Wookie moved to third on the play. Batting clean-up, Norm 'Burner' Tucker singled sharply to right field on a 1-2 pitch to score Wook. Tom 'TK' Keatley then singled to right field putting two runners on.

Batting next, Steve 'Cookie' Cook took a base on balls to load 'em up with one out. Mike 'Big Mac' McCabe then walked on five pitches to force in Burner from third. Rick 'Salmo' Salmeri, up next, knocked in the fourth run with a grounder to the right side. Fazio was throwing hard and just wild enough to be effective on batters. All of the hits in the inning were to the opposite field.

The Yankees scored one in the bottom of the second inning on a single, wild pitch and a base hit to make the score 4-1 after two innings. The good pitching on both sides slowed the offenses through the next several innings and no one scored until the Buzzards added one run in the fifth frame.

With one out, Kuchie walked on a 3-2 pitch and moved to second on a passed ball. Next, Wookie hit a looper into short center field for a single putting runners at the corners. Up next, Garcia nailed the first pitch to deep center field for a sacrifice fly that scored Kuch easily from third. The score after five was 5-1.

The Buzzards added two more to the scoreboard in the sixth dig. David 'Mumbles' Kelley led-off with a high chopper in the infield that he beat out for a hit. With one out and Cookie now on first, Big Mac was up next. Mike lined a 2-1 pitch into right-center field for a solid base hit and put runners at the corners. KG ran for McCabe at first base. Kelly then stole second putting both runners in scoring position. Salmo knocked in Cookie with a grounder to second and KG moved to third base. With Surf Dawg at the plate and a wild pitch bouncing to the back stop, KG scored on a nice hook slide on a close play at home.

The Yanks scored a run in their half of the sixth inning on three singles to make the score 7-2.

The Ol' Buzzards scored one again in the seventh. Barry 'Crush' Forman started it off by getting on base via an infield error. Barry moved to second on a wild pitch. Kuch then sacrificed Crush to third base with a bunt. Wookie walked on five pitches putting Buzzards on the corners. KG then knocked in Barry with a sacrifice fly to center field for his third RBI of the game. Buzzards 8 - Yankees 2.

In the eighth frame the Buzzards took advantage of a tired Fazio and Yankees team and scored four more runs. Mumbles led off with a line drive double to the left-center field gap while showing off good speed to leg out the stand-up two bagger. Cookie followed with a double of his own down the left field line to drive in the run. Big Mac got on base via an infield misplay putting runners at first and third. Up next, Salmo lined a single to left to score Cook for his third RBI of the game. Surf Dawg then singled up the middle to send KG home from third for the last run of the inning.

With the score now 12-2 in the eighth, the Buzzards could hold the Yankees and end the game with the 10-run mercy rule. With the end of the game in sight for more Fathers’ Day fun and cold drinks waiting, the Buzzards’ pitching and defense continued to make the plays and the game ended after nearly 2 ¾ hours in eight digs with the final score 12-2.

Buzzard pitching was superb. Novotny threw the first six innings and faced 25 Yanks in throwing 70 pitches (46 strikes & 24 balls). Surf Dawg gave up two runs on nine hits with no walks. After throwing 22 pitches in the first inning, Gregg got into a nice rhythm and began to shut the Yankees down with minimal pitches. The pitch counts after the first inning were: 14, 6, 6, 6, and 16. Three innings in a row with just six pitches each. Wow. Gotta love those short defensive innings. Salmeri finished off the game effectively by throwing 19 pitches (16 strikes & 3 balls) in the last two innings. Rick faced 9 batters while giving up two hits with no runs and no walks. Salmo, Surf Dawg and the Buzzard defense gave up no free bases during the game.

The Buzzard offense scored 12 runs on 11 hits and took advantage of the six walks. The four Yankee errors occurred in the last two innings, two on one play. The Buzzard hit club for the game included: Big Mac-1, Burner-1, Cookie-1, Mumbles-2, Salmo-2, Surf Dawg-1, TK-1, and Wookie-2. The ribbies were courtesy of Big Mac-1, Burner-1, Cookie-1, KG-3, Salmo-3, Surf Dawg-1 and Wook-1. The runs were scored by Burner-1, Cookie-2, Crush-1, Kuch-2, Surf Dawg-1, TK-1, and Wookie-1, while Kelly G crossed the plate three times as a courtesy runner, twice in the last inning. Gotta love those wheels and slides. The Buzzies also earned six bases on balls. The Buzzard-eyed walkers were Big Mac-1, Cookie-1, Crush-1, Kuch-2, and Wook-1. Wookie also got to first on a catcher's interference in the eighth on an 0-2 pitch. Coach Deano Perkins spent much of the game directing traffic on the bases while still on the DL.

The Buzzard defense was excellent. With no strike-outs, all 24 outs were made by the infield (13 outs - 12 assists) or the outfield (11 fly-ball outs). Lots of defensive chances with solid play all game sprinkled with some outstanding catches and plays made the game extra fun. KG made the tough catches in center field look easy. Maybe it's the famous number 24 on the jersey that helps make the plays look so smooth in the outfield. There was a lot of fly-ball action for the glue-gloved outfielders. Barry had five put-outs in left field, Tom had two in center before leaving after two digs with a leg pull, and Kelly had four while patrolling center field.

Infielder assists for outs were plentiful also. Kuchie had three at third base, Wookie was tested and busy with seven at shortstop, Cookie at second and Big Mac at first each had one. The defensive play of the game occurred in the seventh. McCabe at first base fielded the grounder wide of the bag and tossed a floater to Salmo covering the bag from the mound. Rick had a good jump and was clearly going to beat the runner in a close play before he caught a cleat on the infield lip by first base and was tripped-up just as he caught the toss. An uh oh! became a wow?.

After catching the cleat plus the ball and going airborne for a moment toward first base, Salmo landed with both feet together on the base an instant before the runner. An out was called, but a collision ensued knocking our pitcher down hard and awkwardly as both players went flying. Thankfully, Salmo bounces well and he was able to get up, shake it off and finish the game. Fabulous concentration to get the feet to land on the bag. The Russian judge gave Salmo a low score on the legal, yet unorthodox two-footed landing.

The Yankee offense could not get on track because the Buzzard pitching and defense were awesome. The Buzzard dads did good. The season record is now 6-3.

Buzzard Note #1: The annual NABA all-star game for the 45/55+ divisions is scheduled for Wednesday, July 10. The game will be at Playfields Park in Davis at 7 pm. The Buzzards will have 5 selectees as a second place team. Ballots will be passed out at an upcoming game this month. The league is looking for a singer for the National Anthem and 7th inning Take Me Out song for the all-star game. Anyone's invited to sing.

Buzzard Note #2: The 2013 NABA t-shirts have arrived and will be passed out to the team starting the next game.

Buzzard Note #3: The team stats posted on the web site: eteamz.com/gcbuzzards/ vary on only one item with major league kept statistics. Due to the high number of non-runners and limited courtesy runners, the runs scored category gives credit to the hitter who originally got on base, not the courtesy runner who actually crossed the plate. Stolen bases or pick-offs by a courtesy runner do count toward the runner. The game report gives credit to the vital courtesy runners.

Buzzard Note #4: The NABA and MSBL World Series' tournaments in Phoenix during October can be an enjoyable week with lots of baseball played on excellent fields and in stadiums used by the major leaguers in the Spring. If you may be interested in joining a team, see Wook. The tourney schedules are: NABA 55+ is Oct. 6-12; 60+ is Sep. 30-Oct 6; MSBL 55+ is Oct. 19-24; 60+ is Oct. 28-Nov 2; and Father-Son is Oct. 24-27.

Gold Country Ol' Buzzards Game Report #8

Game: June 9, 2013

Buzzards ground Astros, 12-2

On the farthest away game of the season and a morning game to boot, the Ol' Buzzards car-pooled their way successfully to Galt Community Park. With some sleepy and some still grumpy, the Buzzards warmed up on a cool breezy morning. The team was especially short-handed due to other commitments, vacations and injuries totaling seven Buzzards missing or unable to play in the game. To compound the situation, one player needed to leave early for another game.

With only 16 guys on the roster, it was clear extra players were needed. For a temporary fill-in, Ernie Von Zboray, Pete's brother, showed up to play and brought his 9-year old son, Nick. In uniform, Nick was not only a terrific bat boy, but a good looking one as well. For the season, the Buzzards added Jim Kuchar, a refugee from the Patriots who lives in Grass Valley, to the team.

The Astros play some of their home games at this Galt park baseball field and were on a four-game win streak and tied with the Buzzards after seven games with 4-3 records. The starting pitcher for the Astros was old veteran righty, Ron 'Belly' Turner #13. Taking the hill for the Gold Country Buzzards was the hard throwing righty, Taylor 'Welzy' Welz #26.

The Buzzards jumped on the score board first with two runs in the top of the first inning. Jim 'Kuch' Kuchar started it off with a full-count walk. With one out, Welzy doubled to the opposite field in right, sending Kuch to third. With two outs, Pete 'Baron' Von Zboray hit a high bouncer over the third baseman's head for a clutch single driving in Welzy and Kuch for the early lead.

The Astros scored one in their half of the first inning on two hits and a sacrifice fly for a 2-1 score after one dig.

The Buzzards threatened in nearly every inning before scoring two in the fifth. Ray 'Bull Dog' Henry got to first with good hustle on an infield misplay of his dribbler in front of the plate. Two outs later and with Bull Dog at second, Dan 'Wookie' Wukmir hit a sharp grounder into right field for a single to score Ray. Wookie then stole second base and scored on Welzy's triple down the right field line. Taylor was left stranded at third to end the inning with the score after six innings, 4-1.

The Astros did not have many scoring opportunities. The Astros lead-off runners in the second and fourth frames were quickly wiped out by double-plays. And excellent defensive plays abounded in the outfield with a nice running catch in left field by Kelly 'KG' Garcia of a sinking low liner in the sixth inning, and Bull Dogs' amazing catch in the deep left field corner to rob the hitter in the seventh. The tough defense made it hard for the Astros to rally.

After a sixth inning that had the bases loaded with Buzzards and no outs, then not to score, the Ol' Buzzards were anxious to add some runs in the top of the seventh. Bull Dog led off with an infield hit showing hustle and linebacker speed to beat a very close play. One out later, Kuchie bunted for a single taking advantage of a deep playing third baseman. With two on, Wookie pulled the first pitch into right field on the line for a double driving in Ray from second. With runners at second and third, Welzy walked on a full-count to load the bases. Batting next, Norm 'Burner' Tucker walked on seven pitches to force in Kuch from third for the second run of the inning. The Baron then hit a sacrifice fly to center field scoring Wook.

With two outs, Kelly hit a line drive single to left field scoring Taylor. Up next, Barry 'Crush' Forman blasted a shot past a diving right fielder for a triple scoring two more runs. Steve 'Cookie' Cook then walked on a 3-2 pitch putting runners at the corners. Batting next, the 11th hitter of the inning, Gregg 'Surf Dawg' Novotny spanked a single up the middle scoring Crush. Batting for the second time this inning, Bull Dog lined a single to left for hit number two in the inning, and knocked in Cookie for the eighth run of the dig. The score was 12-1 going into the bottom of the seventh.

Since the league's 10-run mercy rule kicks in after seven innings of play, the Buzzards wanted to hold the Astros to at least one run and end the game. The red-jersey and white pants clad Astros did not go down easy. With two on and no outs, their clean-up hitter crushed one high and deep into the left field corner. Bull Dog, recently off of the six-week disabled list for his knee and just entered the game, made a spectacular catch before falling to the ground. With runners at the corners, a run scored on a failed double-play grounder to make the score 12-2. The next batter grounded out - Wookie to Cookie (short to second) to end the game.

Buzzard pitching was excellent. Welzy pitched the first five innings and threw 51 pitches (36 strikes & 15 balls) in facing 17 Astros. Taylor gave up one run on three hits with four strike-outs and no walks. Surf Dawg finished the game with two innings of work throwing 38 pitches (24 strikes & 14 balls). Gregg faced 9 Astros and gave up one unearned run on two hits with no base on balls allowed.

The Buzzard offense scored four runs in the first six innings and eight runs in the seventh inning to end the game early. The 15 hits and eight walks made for some nice run production. The hit club for the game included: Barry-2, Baron-1, Bull Dog-2, Cookie-1, Kelly-2, Kuch-1, Surf Dawg-1, Welzy-2 and Wookie-3. The ribbies were courtesy of: Barry-2, Baron-3, Burner-1, Bull Dog-1, KG-1, Surf Dawg-1, Welzy-1 and Wook-2. The offense was boosted by the eagle-eyed Buzzards that took a base on balls. The walkers (without canes at this time) were: Cookie, Kuch, Norm and Pete. The double-walkers were the pitcher feared: Crush Forman and Welzy.

The previously mentioned defense was solid and made it easier for the pitchers. The two defensive gems in the outfield by Kelly in the sixth and Ray in the seventh were keys to keeping the Astros score low. There were also two double-plays early in the game to keep the Astros in check. In the second inning with one on and one out, Welzy fielded a hot come-backer on the mound then turned to second to feed Wookie crossing the bag. Danny then threw to Pete at first base to end the inning. In the fourth frame with one on and one out, Wook caught a line drive at shortstop then doubled-off the runner with a throw to Ernie at first base to end that inning.

Also noteworthy was the solid performance by Burner Tucker behind the plate for the entire 2 1/2 hour game. There was no relief for the catcher today. Injured Buzzards Deano Perkins and Mumbles Kelley came to the game as emergency back-ups plus to coach and score keep. That also helped and was much appreciated by the team. A good all around game and nice win against the Astros in the seven inning contest. Those cold drinks always seem to taste better after a victory.

The Ol' Buzzards really appreciate Ernie, Pete's older brother, playing plus bringing Nick to the game. It was nice to have a good bat boy for the game.

The next baseball game is this Sunday, June 16th, on Fathers' Day. The Buzzards play at 10 o'clock against the Yankees at Playfields Park in Davis.