Gold Country Buzzards

Gold Country Ol' Buzzards Game Report #12

Game: July 27, 2014

Buzzards beat-up the Yankees, 11-1

The 13th game of the season was played on the road in Citrus Heights against the last place Yankees. On a humid and hot day that hit 102°, the afternoon game is not preferred. Nor is a short-handed team, but the 10-man Ol' Buzzards team did have the advantage of playing the damned Yankees. This was the Buzzards' fifth and last game at C-Bar-C Park this season. The record at the field is 2-2 with wins over the Solons and Astros, and the Buzzards only two losses of this season - to the Dodgers and the Athletics.

Pitching for the visiting Buzzards was the veteran righty, Gregg 'Surf Dawg' Novotny #1. And taking the bump to open the game for the Yankees was the big righty, Jim 'Dizzy' McAdams #26.

The Buzzards opened the game with three runs to take an early lead. Leading off, Tom 'Tomahawk' Keatley hit a sky-high fly ball to left-field. The fielder ran over to make the catch, but dropped the ball for an error and put Tomahawk at first base. Up next, Dan 'Wookie' Wukmir smacked the 2-2 pitch into right-center-field for a base hit. Batting next, Mike 'Mickey' Wilson hit a flare to left-field for a single to load the bases.

With the bases full of Buzzards and no one out, Pete 'Baron' Von Zboray came to the plate. Dizzy did not give the Baron a chance to swing at a good pitch, by pitching too carefully, and he walked the clean-up hitter on a 3-1 count to push Tomahawk in from third to score the first run. Jim 'Milli' Milligan followed with a fielder's choice at second to score Wookie. The Baron ran for Milli at first.  With runners at the corners, the Baron stole second base before Norm 'Burner' Tucker walked to load 'em up for Dave 'mMumbles' Kelley. mMumbles bounced into a fielder's choice at third, but scored Mickey from third to end the first inning's scoring.

In the second inning, the Buzzards added two runs to take a 5-0 lead. Paul 'General' Lee started it off by getting on base via an infield error. Tomahawk, up next, singled sharply to right-center. Wookie followed with a walk to load the bases with no outs. Batting next, Mickey bounced into a fielder's choice at third that scored the General from third base on the play. Next, the Baron slammed the first pitch into left-field for a line-drive single to score Wook from second for the last run of the second dig.

The stubborn Yankees also wanted to score. They did not score the last time the teams met on July 13th in Rocklin. In the second inning, the lead-off batter, John Davis, walked and stole second on a close play, then moved to third on a wild pitch before scoring on a grounder to first base. The score after two innings was the Buzzards 5 and the Yankees 1.

The Gold Country gang tacked on another run in the third. Burner led-off the inning with a hard hit grounder through the left-side for a single. Norm advanced to second on an attempted pick-off play at first by the catcher. The throw was down the line and Burner moved-up 90 feet. mMumbles got aboard via an infield error at third with Burner staying at second base on the play. Batting next, Rick 'Salmo' Salmeri chopped one sharply right-down the line. The third baseman bobbled it just long enough for Salmo to beat-out the throw to load the bases. The General then launched a high fly to center-field for a sacrifice to score Burner. Two ground balls later and the inning was over with the score, 6-1 Buzzards in the third.

Surf Dawg must have thought he was in his old landscaping business, with the way he effectively mowed down the Yankees like they were weeds. The pitch counts were low and Gregg was throwing strikes, as the defensive innings were quick, which is great on a hot day.

The Buzzards did not score in the fourth and were still looking for a big inning to put away the pesky Yankees with the 10-run rule. In the fifth, just one more run was added to the scoreboard. The Yankees changed pitchers and brought in a hard throwing lefty, Jerry 'Flinger' Whalen #11. After a strike-out, mMumbles lined one to left-field for a single. Norm ran for David. Salmo and General then followed with walks to load the bases with one out. Batting next, Tomahawk hit a sacrifice fly-out to center-field to score Burner. Wook walked on a 3-2 pitch to load 'em up again, but the inning ended without the big hit to blow the game open. The score after five was 7-1 Buzzards.

Finally in the sixth, the Ol' Buzzards broke through with a nice big crooked number (4) to put on the scoreboard and it gave the team a 10-run cushion. The inning started with the Baron lining an 0-2 shot into center for a single. Milli and Burner then walked to load the bases. mMumbles hit into a botched fielder's choice to score Pete and keep the bases full. Up next, Salmo knocked a 3-2 pitch into the right-center-field gap for a two-run single.

The Yanks changed pitchers again and brought their shortstop to the mound, a barrel-chested, right-hander, John 'Snarly' Davis #7. The General then bounced into a close double play, but scored a run. The dig ended on a strike-out, but with the score after six innings, 11-1 Buzzards.

Surf Dawg struck-out three Yankees in the bottom of the sixth after a lead-off single. The Buzzies did not score in the top of the seventh. Gregg then held the Yanks scoreless in the bottom half of the last inning by inducing three grounders to Wookie at short to end the 2-hour and 20 minute game with the 10-run mercy rule and the final score 11-1.

The team quickly adjourned to Felipe's for cold drinks and hot food to enjoy the victory. Thanks again, Paul, for letting the team enjoy Felipe's after the C-Bar-C games this season.

Surf Dawg pitched a complete game on this hot day against the Yanks. Gregg threw 79 pitches (51 strikes & 28 balls) to 24 batters in seven innings of work. Novotny gave up just one run on three hits with one walk and seven strike-outs. The pitch counts for the seven frames went: 9, 15, 12, 12, 9, 13, and 9. The game had the typical excellent Buzzard pitching and solid defense to speed the game along.

The Ol' Buzzard offense scored just 11 runs on nine hits and nine walks plus the help of six Yankee errors. The Baron, the clean-up hitter, had the only multi-hit game, going three-for-three. The hit club for the game included: Baron (3), Burner, Mickey, mMumbles, Salmo, Tomahawk and Wookie. The key RBI's were knocked in by: Baron (2), General, Mickey, Milli, mMumbles (2), Salmo (2), and Tomahawk. For stat purposes, runs are considered scored by the original batter/runner, not the courtesy runner. The 11 important runs in this game were scored by: the Baron, Burner (2), General, Mickey, Milli, mMumbles (2), Tomahawk, and Wookie (2). The eagle-eyed Buzzards getting free passes to first base were: the Baron (2), Burner (2), General, Milli, Salmo, and Wook (2).

The defense was a little different and short-handed for the game, but played solidly and without an error. The defense performed so well, that memories are already faded as to who the former starters were at second, third and shortstop. Playing different positions were mMumbles at third, Burner at second and Wookie holding down short.

At third, Kelley made a fabulous play to end the third with a back-handed snatch of a hot-shot down the line. The catch was followed by a nice long, one bounce throw to the Baron at first base. A definite Wow play.

Burner played second base well and made one great play for a double play in the fifth dig. After a one-out Yankee double, a line-drive was flagged down by Burner near the base. The long, quick reach caused Burner to fall down onto his back on the play, while the runner dashed toward third. Tucker calmly tossed the ball from his back to second base to the covering Wook for the only double play of the game by the Buzzard defense.  At shortstop, Wookie handled all four assists (three in the last inning) and two put outs at second. Wook also made a nice catch to end the first frame when he jumped high to snag a rising line-drive.

There was just one fly-ball out in the game. It went to Tomahawk in center-field to open the second inning. There was one pop-up to the Baron at first base in the first frame. Pete also got three tough grounders to handle for put-outs at first. The Baron had 10 put-outs for the game.

The catching held up under the heat with a good game caught and called, as usual. Salmo went five digs behind the plate and Milli went two. There were seven strike-outs to help limit the number of batters to three over the minimum at 24 Yankees. Great defense, Buzzards.

Gold Country Buzzards like victories, even easy ones. The extra hot weather made it interesting especially with the small crew. The Ol' Buzzards held up well, though, and easily beat the Yankees.

The season record is now 11-2 with five regular season games remaining.

Buzzard Note #1: The next game, this Sunday, is August 3rd at James Field at 2 pm against the Solons. The remainder of the games are: 8/10 at 10 am at Playfields Park in Davis vs. Astros; 8/17 at 2 pm at James Field vs. the Yankees; 8/24 at 10 am at James Field vs. Solons; and the last game on 9/7 at 2 pm at James Field vs. the Astros. Labor Day weekend includes August 31.

Buzzard Note #2: There will be two playoff games this season. The first place Buzzards will play the fourth place Yankees on September 14th. It appears at James Field. The championship game will be on September 21st at Playfields Park. Time and opponent to be announced.

Buzzard Note #3: The Buzzard team party with wives and girl friends, but please not both, will be at the Salmeri's on September 28th at 1 pm. More info to come. Mark those calendars.

Gold Country Ol' Buzzards Game Report #11

Game: July 20, 2014

Buzzards down the Astros, 11-1

On a strange weather day, the Buzzards gathered at the home field to take on the Barry Spiller led Astros. It rained later that evening and night, but the day was humid and full of thick clouds to cool it down to 80° in Auburn. The visiting team came with a large squad of eager Astros that warmed-up early and were ready to go.  Meanwhile, the Ol' Buzzard were down to 12 players for the game and a couple of those were running gingerly on their still-healing hamstrings.

The starting pitcher for the afternoon game for the Astros was ol' righty Rankin 'Fireplug' Lyman #01 and his 35 mph fast ball and slower curve. On the hill for the Buzzards was the veteran right-hander Gregg 'Surf Dawg' Novotny #1 and 5-0 this season as a starting pitcher.

The Ol' Buzzards bounced on the scoreboard first with three runs in the bottom half of the first inning. With one out, Dan 'Wookie' Wukmir started it off with a stand-up double, hit sharply down the right-field line. Fireplug and Spiller, playing second base, kept Wookie close to the bag by stationing Barry right-near second base and Rankin throwing back or faking a throw before every pitch. Wook got tired of the hassle of staying on second base, so on the fourth pitch, with Dave 'Evy' Everingham at the plate working the count, Wookie stole third to surprise the Astros. On a 3-1 pitch, Evy delivered a run-scoring single to center-field. Evy then proceeded to steal second base and third while Jim "Milli' Milligan was batting.

Milli launched the 1-1 count pitch to right field for a sacrifice fly-out to knock-in Evy. With two outs and the bases empty, Tom 'Tomahawk' Keatley pulled a high fastball down the left-field line for a long single. Tomahawk then advanced to second on a passed ball. Batting next, Fred 'Freddie' O'Donoghue nailed a 1-2 pitch sharply into right-center to score a speedy Tomahawk from second to end the scoring and give the Buzzards a 3-nothing early lead.

In the third frame, the Gold Country gang scored two more to stretch the lead to 5-0. After an out, Taylor 'Welzy' Welz beat-out an infield hit to start the scoring rally. Evy followed with a two-out double to deep right-center to plate Welzy. Evy then aggressively stole third base and then scored on the over-throw by the catcher on the play.

The Buzzards put two more on the board in the fifth frame. Norm 'Burner' Tucker started the inning by getting on first base via a fielding error by the shortstop. Up next, Kelly 'Cagey' Garcia hit a line-drive single down the left-field line. Mike 'Mickey' Wilson followed with a sharp grounder that was muffed by the shortstop to load the bases with no outs. Fred ran for Mike at first. Next, Rick 'Salmo' Salmeri bounced one to the hole on the left-side that was snagged by the shortstop, who threw to third for the force-out, but scored Burner from third on the play. Surf Dawg, batting for the first time in the game, hit a flare to right-center for a single on the first pitch to re-load the bases. A fielder's choice scored the second run later in the inning to make the score 7-0 Buzzards.

The Astros had one hit through five innings before they strung together a base hit, a stolen base and a run-scoring single in the sixth inning to score the lone Astros run and make the score 7-1.

The awesome Buzzard pitching continued as the Buzzards continued to score more runs. In the bottom of the sixth, the Buzzies scored one run. The inning started with Evy using his patented inside-out swing for a looping and curving base hit to right field. Evy then stole second base. One out later, Tomahawk's chopper to the shortstop's backhand was muffed and that put runners at the corners. With Freddie at bat, Tomahawk stole second before O'Donoghue hit a laser to center that looked like a sure base hit. The center fielder, however, charged the ball hard and made a diving catch for the out, but that also made for an easy tag-up at third for Evy to score run number eight.

After a excellent defensive play to end the seventh inning squashed an Astro rally, the Buzzards were anxious to get more runs to end the game early. On the play, Fireplug Rankin got a nice hit to left-center with two on and two outs. The runner starting on second base got cold feet after rounding third base and decided he couldn't score on the play and then attempted to return quickly to third. The relay from Tomahawk playing center to Evy at shortstop and then to the right base at the right time, Evy threw a strike to Surf Dawg at third, who put the tag into the face of the diving runner to ignominiously end the Astros last real chance to score in the game.

With a seven-run lead and batting in the seventh, the team's goal was to get a 10-run lead and ensure a victory with the 'mercy rule' and end the game early. To open the inning, Burner smoked a grounder through the left-side for a base hit. With one out, Mickey hit a scalding liner into left-field for a single putting runners at second and first. Up next, Salmo slapped a single to left to load the bases. Surf Dawg, batting next, bounced into a fielder's choice at second base that allowed Burner to score from third for the only run of the inning. The score after seven digs was the Buzzards 9 and the Astros 1.

The thirsty Buzzards, needing just two more runs until cold beer time, came to bat in the eighth looking to end the game soon. After one out, Evy hit his typical looping-curving flare into right field for his fourth hit of the game. Evy then stole second base (call the cops, it was his fifth stolen base of the game). Batting next, Milli grounded one sharply to the left-side that the third baseman bobbled, putting runners at the corners. Tomahawk, up next, hit into a fielder's choice at second base and beat out the attempted double play at first while Evy scored from third. With a runner on base with two outs and the game to be won, up stepped big Freddie O to the plate.

Tomahawk stole second base on the first pitch putting a runner in scoring position. On a 2-1 pitch, Freddie sent a line-drive screamer to right-center-field for a base hit that scored a flying Tomahawk from second to end the game with a walk-off hit by the newest Ol' Buzzard, Freddie O. The final score was the Buzzards 11 to the Astros 1 in a 2-hour and 20 minute game.

The first place Buzzards are looking pretty good and really put it to the Astros. The previous match against the Stros was a closer 7-3 game on April 27th. Another good Buzzard game with a solid win and no injuries. The season record is now 10-2 with six regular season games left.

The Buzzard pitching was fabulous. Surf Dawg started the game and went four innings and threw 50 pitches (35 strikes & 15 balls) in facing 15 Astros. Gregg was supposed to pitch the first three innings, but when he only threw six pitches in the entire third dig, his time was extended on the mound to an extra frame. Novotny gave up no runs, no hits, and two walks while striking out three Astros. Salmo took the mound for three inning and threw 52 pitches (40 strikes & 12 balls) in facing 14 Stros. Rick gave up one unearned run on five hits with one walk and two strike-outs. The closer for the game was Freddie, who got only one inning in before the Buzzard offense ended the game early. Freddie O faced four batters and threw 14 pitches (10 strikes & 4 balls). Fred gave up no runs on one hit and with two strike-em outs to end the game.

The Ol' Buzzard offense was frustrated all-day by Rankin's slow stuff. The offense consisted of 14 hits and only one walk plus four errors. The hit club for the game included: Burner, Cagey, Evy (4), Freddie (2), Mickey, Salmo, Surf Dawg, Tomahawk, Welzy and Wookie. The key ribbies were courtesy of: Evy (2), Freddie (3), Milli, Salmo, Surf Dawg, Tomahawk, and Welzy. The always important runs were scored by: Burner (2), Evy (4), Mickey, Tomahawk (2), Welzy, and Wook. The lone Buzzard walked by Fireplug was Tomahawk leading off the fourth.

The Buzzard defense was solid again. Seven of the 24 outs were by strike-outs. There were three put-outs in the outfield. The opening out was a nice sliding catch by Salmo in right field. The other fly-outs were to Tomahawk in center to end both the third and fourth innings. Tom also quickly tracked down the base hit by Rankin in the seventh that resulted in the picture-perfect relay execution to nail the runner at third.

There were five infield pop-ups shared by Evy (3) and Welzy (2). And one line-out to Evy in the fourth. There were not as many ground-outs as usual. There were five ground-outs to infielders and one come-backer to the pitcher. The come-backer was a nice play by Salmo in the fifth frame to knock-down the grounder and from his knees throw out the runner at first. Evy had two assists, Welzy with one, and Surf Dawg and Burner each had one assist at third base.

Burner played third base in the last inning after catching earlier in the game. He was not that excited to play the position when he was sent out. Well, the ball nearly always finds the new guy, so with an 0-2 pitch the first batter pulled a sharp grounder right down the third base line looking like a sure double. Burner with quick reactions, stepped, reached and snagged the ball with a blurred back-handed catch and made the looong throw to Cagey at first base for the out, look easy and it brought a smile to Burner's face.

The rock solid catching corps of Burner and Milli called and fielded a good game, as usual. Kelly Garcia showed no rust at first base and played a slick game with some good glove work. Cagey ended the fourth frame on his butt after showing off his range and snatching a ball pretty far to his right. The final stretch for the ball by the lefty got the ball in the glove, but it put him on his butt. The pitcher, Salmo, was racing the batter to first base and getting closer to the bag as Kelly led Rick nicely with the toss for the out. Salmo's game opening catch and David 'mMumbles' Kelley's presence in right field apparently caused the Stros to adjust their game plan and stay away from hitting the ball in that direction.

Another good Buzzard baseball game. The next game is Sunday at 2 pm at C-Bar-C Park for our last game in Citrus Heights.

Buzzard Note #1: The team will be going to Felipe's after the game. This is our last game at C-Bar-C Park this year and maybe longer. The Parks District's plan is to convert the field to women's softball during the off-season.

Buzzard Note #2: There will be an end of season afternoon Buzzard team party with wives/girl friends on Sunday, September 28th at Salmeri's at 1 pm. Save the date.

Gold Country Ol' Buzzards Game Report #10

Game: July 13, 2014

Buzzards hit big and no-hit Yankees, 23-0

The Ol' Buzzards circled-in on new feasting grounds in Rocklin called the Tri City Senior Little League Field. The field is in a nice, old park with plenty of shade for the fans and players on this hot day. With temps rising to 100° later in the day, Ol' Buzzards like morning summer games when playing in the valley. You gotta give the Yankees plenty of credit, they arrived early and were eager to play, but they are still winless this season.

The starting pitchers for the match-up between the first and last place teams in the over-52 division were: right-hander, Taylor 'Welzy' Welz #26 for the visiting Buzzards and big righty, Jim 'Dizzy' McAdams, also #26, on the mound for the Yankees.

The Buzzards jumped on the score board first with four runs in the opening inning. Welzy started it off by getting aboard via an infield error. Up next, Dan 'Wookie' Wukmir watched Taylor steal second on the first pitch and then steal third, before grounding one through the hole on the right-side for a run-scoring single. Wookie then stole second before Dave 'Evy' Everingham doubled to right-center-field and scored easily on the play.

Batting next, Pete 'Baron' Von Zboray smashed a 1-1 pitch to center-field to score Evy. Pete then stole second and moved to third while two outs were made. Next, Norm 'Burner' Tucker looped a single into left-field to drive in the Baron and take an early 4-nothing lead. Before the inning ended, David 'mMumbles' Kelley took one for the team with a fastball to the left thigh for a bruise shaped like Brazil.

In the second frame, the Buzzards added the same crooked number, 4, to the board to take a commanding lead. Gregg 'Surf Dawg' Novotny led-off with a sharp single to right-center. Rick 'Salmo' Salmeri then ran for Surf Dawg. With Welzy at the plate, Salmo stole second base to get into scoring position. Taylor then hit a long drive into left-field for a base hit to score a hustlin' Salmo. Welzy then stole second base and moved to third on a wild pitch, before Wookie bounced a 3-2 pitch to the first baseman for a groundout, while Welzy easily scored from third.

Up next, Evy doubled to right-field on a 1-1 pitch. Evy was then erased in a run-down on the Baron's hot grounder gloved by the pitcher. Pete ended up at second base when Evy was tagged out near third. With two outs, Tom 'Tomahawk' Keatley banged out a hit to center to score the Baron. Then Fred 'Freddie' O' Donoghue got on base with a throwing error by the third baseman. Tomahawk scored from first base on the play to up the score to 8-0. Burner hit a flare to right-field to continue the inning, but was left stranded as the dig ended.

The no-mercy Buzzards scored five more runs in the top of the third frame. Salmo started off the big inning with a four-pitch base-on-balls. Rick was erased on a fielder's choice play with Surf Dawg now at first. Salmo then replaced Surf Dawg as the runner on base. At-bat next, Welzy bounced into a fielder's choice play with no out recorded to put runners at first and second with one out. Wookie followed with a run-scoring single to right-field. Next, Evy walked on five-pitches to load the bases for the Baron.  On the first pitch, the Baron Von Zboray smashed a double into the gap in left-center-field to clear the bases and knock-in three runs. One out later, Freddie drove in the Baron with a line-drive single to left to complete the scoring in the third. The score after three was 13-0 Buzzards.

The Buzzards pounded-out two more runs in the fourth frame to put the game out-of-reach for the damned Yankees. With one out, Surf Dawg and Welzy drew walks. The Yankee pitcher, Dizzy McAdams, was obviously getting tired and Wookie, not wanting to walk, swung at a 3-0 pitch and lined it into left-center for a run-scoring base hit. A fielder's choice by Evy and an error on the Baron's grounder to third, led to the second run. The score after four was the Buzzards 15 and the Yanks with zero runs and no hits.

Welzy pitched the first four frames and spent most of the innings working on the slider, change-up or curve, but he still over-matched many of the Yankees with seven strike 'em outs. Even with a no-hitter working, Welzy was pulled by the skipper after four innings in a controversial move. Freddie then threw a solid and efficient two innings of work and Surf Dawg closed it out in the seventh and final inning as the pitching trio threw a no-hitter.

While the pitching and defense were holding the Yanks to no score, the greedy Buzzards wanted more for the score board in the sixth inning. Welzy started it off with an infield hit, easily beating out the long throw. One out later, Evy singled to center and was followed by a walk to the Baron to load the bases. Tomahawk then took the walk to push Welzy across the plate for another run and keep the bases full. Freddie then lifted a high fly-ball to center-field for a sacrifice fly to score Evy. The center-fielder lost the ball in the sun at the last minute and dropped Freddie's fly-ball, so the bases remained loaded. Burner then lined a single to left to score the Baron.

mMumbles, up next, singled to score Tomahawk and kept the bases full of Buzzards. Salmo then walked to force in Freddie with the fifth run and still with just one out.  After an out, Kelly 'KG' Garcia in his first at-bat of the season, smashed a long single to left to score two runs. Welzy finished off the scoring with a two-out single to center to drive in Salmo with the last run of the game.

Except for the seventh inning, the Buzzard pitchers faced the minimum number of batters each inning. Since it took four batters to get three outs in the last dig, the Yankees had one batter over the minimum with 22 in the two-hour and 40 minute, seven-inning 'mercy-rule' game.  With dominant pitching, good defense and lots of hits, the final score was 23-0 Buzzards. Three Buzzard pitchers did throw a rare no-hitter.

In the first four innings, Welzy threw 48 pitches (32 strikes & 16 balls) in facing 12 batters while striking out seven and walking one. Freddie pitched the fifth and sixth innings and threw 17 pitches (12 strikes & 5 balls) while facing six Yanks with no walks and one strike out. Surf Dawg closed out the game in the seventh by facing four Yankees and throwing nine pitches (5 strikes & 4 balls) to end the game.

The Buzzard offense was strong with 19 hits and seven walks to put away the Yankees early. The hit club for the game included: Baron (2), Burner (3), Evy (3), Freddie, KG, mMumbles, Surf Dawg, Tomahawk, Welzy (3) and Wookie (3). The ribbies were knocked in by: Baron (4), Burner (2), Evy (2), Freddie (2), KG (2), mMumbles, Salmo, Tomahawk (2), Welzy (2) and Wook (4). The runs were scored by tiring Buzzards in batting order: Welzy (5), Wook (2), Evy (3), Baron (4), Tomahawk (2), Freddie, Burner, mMumbles, Salmo and Surf Dawg (3). The eagle-eyed Buzzards that were awarded first base by the plate umpire were: the Baron, Evy, Salmo (2), Surf Dawg, Tomahawk and Welzy.

The defense was tough and made some good plays to prevent a Yankee hit. Of the 21 outs, there were eight strike-outs, but seven for outs. Of the other outs, there was only one fly ball out to Tomahawk in the seventh inning. The Yanks had a base runner in the second on a wild pitch strike-out, but he was erased later on a steal attempt. The runner in the third inning via a walk, stole second, but was picked-off second base on the very next play.

The infield had two pop-ups, both caught by a hustlin' pitcher for the first out of the inning. Welzy in the first and Freddie in the fifth made good, take charge, catches. Salmo made some nice plays at second and behind the plate, while Kelly Garcia showed he's still 'got it' at first base and swinging a bat.

Norm caught the first four innings and threw out the runner in the second inning to keep the bases clean of Yankees. The nine infield assists were spread amongst seven Buzzards. Surf Dawg and Burner led the team with two assists each in the game. Surf Dawg earned the assists at third base in the fifth and as pitcher in the seventh. Burner got his assist catcher in the second inning by throwing out the attempted stealer and playing third in the sixth with a long, quick reach to his left to snag a hot grounder that was the last real chance for a hit by the Yanks.

The other assists were handled by: Evy at short in the fourth, Freddie at second in the seventh, Salmo at second base in the first, Welzy at pitcher in the pick-off to end the third, and Wookie at shortstop in the sixth. Mike 'Mickey' Wilson came off of the disabled list for the seventh inning, due to a shortage of players, and played first base and handled the throws for two put outs.

There was an unusual play by the Yankee third baseman late in the game. Manny Alvarez #11 appeared to play the high pop-up well and followed it into foul territory, near the third base line, before he lost it in the sun and covered his face with his glove just as the ball hit him on top of the head. Manny was surprisingly alright, as the ball hit the button on top of the soft cap. That will leave a mark. He was seen later holding a cold beer on top of his head while drinking another with the other hand.

The Gold Country Buzzard's record is now 9-2 with seven remaining regular season games. This was a good game where nobody got hurt and the stat sheet got filled up. Up next, the Astros at James Field at 2 pm on July 20th.

Gold Country Ol' Buzzards Game Report #9

Game: June 29, 2014

Buzzards fly high on airwaves, beat Miners 5-2

KAHI Radio was setting up early in the stands behind home plate for the annual Radio Game as the teams warmed up and field prep continued. The day was a hot one with the high temperature in Auburn on Sunday at 96°. This Radio Game followed the Oakland A's victory over the Marlins in Miami. The morning broadcast of the A's game, allowed KAHI to schedule the three-hour block for the Gold Country Battle Royale at James Field between the youngsters and the oldsters for baseball bragging rights of the Sierra Foothills from 2 to 5 pm.

The Miners are having a good season and have only lost to the A's twice for their 7-2 record, matching the Buzzards 7-2 record for the season. The highly anticipated game brought out a good crowd to add to the fun atmosphere. A little added pressure was on the Ol' Buzzards team since previous Buzzies have not lost a Radio Game to their opponents (five years), and have beaten the Miners a couple of times in past broadcasted games to include last year's Radio Game.

The pitchers for the Radio Game were both tough veterans that would go the distance for their teams in this game. The visiting Buzzards sent righty, Rick 'Salmo' Salmeri #6 to the hill, while the Miners sent lefty, Mike 'Smiley' Vargas #11 to the mound to open the game.

The Buzzards struck first with a run in the top of the first inning. With two outs, Dave 'Evy' Everingham bounced one between third and short for a base hit. Evy then stole second and alertly took third on the wide throw that deflected into short center. Meanwhile, at the plate, Pete 'Baron' Von Zboray was up to a full-count before he smashed a liner into right-center for a run- scoring single to take an early 1-nothing lead.

Because the game's pitching and defenses were up to the task of shutting down their opponent, the 1-0 score stood until the seventh inning. The Buzzards had two runners on in the third and sixth frames, but that was the extent of the scoring threats.

In the third, Mike 'Mickey' Wilson led-off with a sharp line-drive single to left-field. After Mickey was erased by a fielder's choice at second, Paul 'General' Lee was at first. Batting next, Taylor 'Welzy' Welz earned a full-count walk to put runners at first and second. A wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position before the frame ended without the key hit. The Buzzards had another scoring opportunity in the sixth when Dave 'DK' Kelley led-off with a base hit. One out later, Welzy singled to put two Buzzards on base with one out. However, the next two batters popped-out and flied-out to end the rally.

Meanwhile, the Miners were putting runners on base in every inning except the fourth. There were two runners on board in the first with a single and a walk, and two on in the second with a single and hit batter. The two runners in the third inning were on base via another hit batter and then a goofy grounder, a spinning come-backer to Salmo, that alluded his grasp and then tripped him up for an awkward crash landing near the mound.  In the fifth frame, the Miners had two runners on-base due to a base hit and an infield error. And in the sixth, hit batsman number three was the runner.

The Buzzards broke through with two runs in the top half of the seventh. The Baron started it off with a full-count base on balls. Up next, Tom 'Tomahawk' Keatley hit a flare to short center-field that appeared headed for a base hit. The Baron went half-way to second on the play, but the center fielder was able to scoop up the hit and throw out the Baron at second. Jim 'Milli' Milligan followed with a blast to the left-center-field fence for a double and knocked in Tomahawk hustlin' from first base. Pete then ran for Milli at second, as Jim tweaked his right hamstring on the double.  With one out, Fred 'Freddie' O'Donoghue slapped a single to left-field that put Buzzards at the corners. Batting next, Norm 'Burner' Tucker lined a 1-1 pitch into left-center to score the Baron and take a 3-nothing lead.

The Miners answered with a run of their own in the bottom half of the inning on a leadoff single, a stolen base, then advancing on a ground-out before scoring on a sacrifice fly-out to tighten the score at 3-1 Buzzards.

The Ol' Buzzards put two more on the score board in the top of the eighth. A leadoff single by the General was followed by another hit by Welzy. After a fielder's choice play put runners at the corners, Evy slammed an 0-1 pitch to right-field for a double to score General Lee. The Baron, batting next, hit a long fly ball to left for a sacrifice fly to drive in Wookie from third with the fifth run of the game and to add some run-cushion going into the last inning.

The Miners did not go quietly in the bottom of the ninth. A one-out double down the left-field line was followed by a base hit to score the second run. The exciting finish included a two-out wild-pitch strike-out with the runner getting to first safely. There is nothing like a four-out, ninth inning with the tying run at the plate for exciting drama.

The 52+ Buzzards held on with their renowned defense for a 5-2 victory over the 42+ Miners in their only meeting of the season. The game lasted for 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Even though there were lots of Miner runners with 12 left-on-bases, the pitching performance and low pitch-count merited the complete game. Rick had a shutout going through six inning against a very good hitting team. Salmo threw 9 innings and faced 40 batters in throwing 118 pitches (83 strikes & 35 balls) in winning his second game of the season. Rick gave up seven hits with one walk but had three hit batters (Brett McCourt was hit twice) to go with five strike-outs - four for outs. Salmo leads the Buzzard pitching staff in hit batters with five. The next closest is a three-way tie at zero.

The Buzzard offense consisted of 13 hits and two walks, but was short a key hit or two early in the game. The quick, two-hit run in the first inning and then the clumped hits in the seventh and eighth innings proved enough to beat a good Miner team. The hit club for the game included: the Baron, Burner (2), DK, Evy (2), Freddie (2), General, Mickey, Milli, and Welzy (2). The five ribbies were knocked in by: the Baron (2), Burner, Evy, and Milli. The always important runs were scored by: Burner, Evy, General, Tomahawk, and Wookie. The two Buzzard walkers to earn a free pass to first base were: the Baron and Welzy.

The Ol' Buzzard defense played like young Buzzards and made several fabulous plays at critical times to kill a Miner rally. The solid D, that made all the plays except for some infield sun balls, was very impressive. There was only one double play, but it was very timely in the first inning.

With two of the first three batters getting on base, the clean-up hitter then smashed a lined shot toward second that was snagged by Welzy and quickly followed by a strong throw 'on the money' to Evy covering second base to end the inning. Not to be out done, Milli made an unbelievable catch and went a long way to snag a foul ball near the dugout screen to end the fifth with two runners on base.

Welzy was all over the field with three far-ranging and impressive catches in the second and third digs. Taylor made another impressive play in the eighth. With no outs and a man on second, Will Boulware hit a ball far to Welzy's left. Taylor hustled over near the edge of the outfield grass and then went into a pop-up slide while quickly scooping up the ball. T-Welz then made a strong throw to first for a big first-out of the eighth inning. In the game, Welzy had five put-outs and three assists at second base. Evy was rock solid, as usual, with four assists and one put-out at shortstop. The Buzzard defensive toughness is due in large part to having the best middle infield in the league with Evy and Welzy.

The outfield battled the sun and made every play, and none of them were easy fly-ball outs. Tomahawk had two nice put-outs of deep line drives to center-field. Mickey had one huge put-out in left in the fifth frame. The first two Miners got aboard via lucky breaks - an infield sun ball and a hot grounder right down the third base line that glanced off of the fielder's glove and into foul territory. A three-pitch strike-out followed for the first key out. Next, slugger Alton Cooper sent a screaming line-drive to left-field. While fighting the sun and chasing the sinking liner, Mickey strained his hamstring while making the sliding, reaching catch of the ball just inches from the ground. The next out of that inning was Milli's great catch in foul territory.

The General moved to left-field after Wilson was injured and played the field without sun glasses. Lee made three excellent catches of deep drives in the 7th, 8th and 9th innings to keep those pesky Miners off of the bases.

The Ol' Buzzards put on quite a show. By beating the tough and younger Miners on the radio with a good-sized audience made for an extra sweet victory. Good job, Buzzards.

The after-game team gathering with the barbecue ribs, brisket, cole slaw and that excellent potato salad with rolls worked out well. The food was picked up from Bam Dazy BBQ in Auburn. The food tables were set-up by the gazebo and the hungry gang plowed through the serving trays in good order with plenty to drink. The good, competitive and fun victory was followed by good food and better fellowship. It was just another day to show: It's good to be a Buzzard.

Buzzard Note #1: The broadcast will be available soon to be downloaded from KAHI's web site for recording to disk or saved for later listening, especially when we are in the old folks home.

Buzzard Note #2: Thanks to the sponsors for making the 2014 Radio Game possible. Barry and Back To The Drawing Board, Taylor and Welz Financial Services, Gregg and Mount Pleasant Farm and Gardens, Paul and Felipe's Mexican Restaurants, Pete and Keys Plus, and his wife, Kelley's 'Those Were The Days' vintage clothing shop in Auburn, and Diane's Costumes. Norm talked the Strike Zone batting cages and Knee Deep Brewing into also being game sponsors.

Buzzard Note #3: This was the last game against the youngsters this season. The remainder of the season will be against teams in the 52+ division. The next game is July 13th at 10 am at a new field to the Buzzards. The game against the Yankees is at the Tri City Little League fields located at Johnson-Springview Park in Rocklin near where Whitney Blvd and Sunset Blvd cross.

Buzzard Note #4: The NABA All-Star game for the 52+ division has been moved up from later in July to Tuesday, July 8th. The plan was to have ballots for voting at the next game, but now there is no time since the game is next Tuesday. Ballots will be e-mailed to you soon. Please send them back quickly. It looks like seven players can go, plus the manager. The game is at 7 pm at Playfields Park in Davis.

Gold Country Ol' Buzzards Game Report #8

Game: June 22, 2014

Buzzards skunked by young A's

The Buzzards resumed the season, after the Reds forfeited the Father's Day game, with a morning game against the super young A's. The game at C-Bar-C Park pitted the over 52+ Buzzards with the A's, a team in their 30's and 40's, and that has dominated the 42+ division. The Buzzards do well against teams in their mid-40's, but many on the A's were as young as 34, and not a fair match for a team with most players in their later 50's and several players in their 60's. The oldest Buzzard is 63, almost a 30 year difference on the field.

The first game of the summer was a warm one, but the breeze made it feel fine. The temps during the game in Citrus Heights were in the low 80's. The pitchers for the match-up were the lanky, hard throwing righty, Taylor 'Welzy' Welz #26, starting for the visiting Buzzards. The A's sent their oldest pitcher to the mound, 43-years old righty, Bill 'Slinger' Frazell #5.

The A's jumped on the score board first with a run in the bottom of the first with a leadoff 'seeing-eye' single through the middle and followed by a long double to take a 1-0 lead.

The Buzzards threatened in the second inning with a leadoff single to left by Pete 'Baron' Von Zboray. Batting next, Tom 'Tomahawk' Keatley hit a long fly ball to right-field that was dropped for an error putting runners at first and second with no outs. The next three Buzzards then struck-out with two looking at strike three.

The strike zone never became consistent during the game, thereby leading to five 'looking' strike-outs of the eight in the game. The A's scored two runs in the second inning on a leadoff double, a walk, single and sac fly. They scored two more in the third on a leadoff single and a home run over the left-field fence by their 34-year old left fielder. That was the first homer of the year hit against the Buzzards. It came on a curveball and cleared the 300 foot fence by 30+ feet.

The A's pitcher was keeping hitters off-balance and made the Buzzard offense sputter to a shut-out. The opportunities were few and far between. In the third and with two outs, Dan 'Wookie' Wukmir reached first after a slapped high chopper to the left-side was bobbled by the third baseman. Wookie stole second on the next pitch, but was stranded on the base path.

In the fifth frame, a two-out rally built-up nicely when Paul 'General' Lee walked on four pitches. Batting next, Welzy singled to center to put runners at second and first. Wookie followed with a six-pitch walk to load the bases. However, a nice play by the second baseman on the next play ended the inning without a score.

The swinging A's were held scoreless in the fourth dig, but scored four runs in the fifth frame. After a leadoff walk, four consecutive hits followed before a nice double play slowed the rally. Two more hits followed before a fly-out ended the long inning. The A's scored the tenth run in the sixth on a one-out single, stolen base with a throwing error, then scored on a ground-out.

The Gold Country gang's other scoring chances came in the sixth with a leadoff walk to the Baron, but a strike-out and then a double play with slick glove work by the shortstop started the inning-ending play. In the seventh, the newest Buzzard, Fred 'Freddie' O'Donoghue, lined a single to right-center to start the inning. After another 'looking' strike-out, General Lee followed with a base hit putting Buzzards at first and second.

Welzy then hit a sinking line-drive to center that was controversially caught with a sliding scoop of dirt and ball by a hustling center fielder. He made two spectacular catches against the Buzzards during the game. This time his glove brought up too much dirt and dust, so the catch did not look clean. However, the ump called it a catch as the Buzzards were running forward and the A's were able to easily double-up one of the runners to end the game.

The final score was 10-0 and was stopped after seven-innings due to the 10-run mercy rule. That is pretty rare to 10-run the Buzzards, but the A's did it and made it look easy.

Buzzard pitching had a rough day against the hard-hitting A's. Taylor started the game and threw 51 pitches (34 strikes & 17 balls) in three innings of work. Welzy faced 18 batters and was nicked for five runs (three earned) on seven hits, and one walk with three strike-outs. Everingham threw the fourth and fifth frames while facing 13 A's and threw 44 pitches (25 strikes & 19 balls). The A's got five runs (three earned) on eight hits and one walk with one strike-out. Salmeri threw the final inning and faced just four batters while throwing 13 pitches (9 strikes & 4 balls). Rick gave up one hit and struck-out one batter.

The Buzzard offense was anemic against the slinging Frazell. No runs on four hits with three walks is not really an offense. The hit club for the game included: the Baron, Freddie, General and Welzy. The eagle-eyed Buzzards getting a free pass to first base were: the Baron, General and Wookie.

Ol' Buzzard defense made the plays when they weren't chasing the 17 base hits. The six stolen bases also prevented several double play chances. The Buzzards had only one double play. In the sixth with runners on the corners and no outs, a grounder to Wezly at short was then shoveled to Wook at second for a force-out and then throw to Freddie at first to complete the double play.

Another defensive highlight occurred in the third with a leaping snag on the mound by Welzy of a hot high-chopper. The catch fooled Freddie at first base as he thought the ball got through for a base hit. In fact, the runner was barreling down the line and Welzy had the ball and was running toward first base. Freddie was still not aware that a play was coming to his bag. Taylor yelled-out to Freddie in the nick of time to get the out.

The other defensive highlight was General Lee's long running catch in the left-center-field gap to end the sixth inning. Paul reached high for the snow cone catch with Tomahawk closing in from center-field. The outfield made good plays and all the possible catches during the game with four fly-ball outs. The infield hung-in with the bad hops and made eight big outs.

This will be a good game to forget quickly as the Buzzards get ready to face-off with the Gold Country Miners next Sunday for the Radio Game. After the next game, the schedule shifts back to teams in our own age-group and division.

Buzzard Note #1: Management will be seeking a head-count for the upcoming game and barbecue. The excellent dry-rub ribs with side sauces, coleslaw and the fabulous potato salad will be coming from the award-winning, Bam Dazy bbq restaurant in Auburn. Drinks will be beer, diet and regular soda, and water. If you want wine or something else, feel free to bring it.