18-Grip Shield Glory Days

Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent...and so very appropriate.

A Message by George Carlin: The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years.

We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less.  We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes.

These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

If you don't send this to at least 8 people....Who cares?

George Carlin

The Palm Beach League welcomed eight new players to four teams after open tryouts at Seminole Palms Park in Royal Palm Beach on Sunday, March 3.

The top pick was 24 year old Matt Zelgewicz, a West Palm Beach resident, who was chosen by the Create-Core Badgers, the only 18AAA team participating in the draft. Zelgewicz was impressive as a pitcher-infielder, showing ability with the bat as well as with the glove. He played college ball with Division II Georgia Perimeter after high school in Augusta, Georgia. He demonstrated a live fast ball and displayed a fine arm in infield drills. His best position when he is not on the mound is third base.

Rodolfo (Rudy) Plasencia, 34, and Brendyn Rojas,19, were both chosen by the 18AA Thunder, which will debut under veteran manager Mike Soulen. Plasencia was a youth league star in Miami and has a lot of Adult League experience in the South Florida Baseball League of Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. Rojas showed versatility, as an infielder and outfielder, and swung the bat well. Rojas now lives in West Palm Beach after growing up in the Miami area. .

The Expos added two pitchers to their 18AA squad when they chose 21-year old Magdiel Cortes of West Palm, and 35-year old Chad Webster, also of West Palm. Cortes played at Forest Hill High School., American Legion Post 12, and saw action with the NABA Palm Beach Pirates. They added a versatile veteran in Danny Means, a 46-year old with lots of Adult League experience, including a season with the Cheetahs last fall.

And, the Dodgers picked up two players in hard throwing pitcher Jedremy Badovick, who can play first base, third base, and outfield as well. Badovick has previous Palm Beach League experience. The Dodgers also claimed 20-year old infielder-outfielder, Leighton Davis, of Lake Park.

(Sunday, February 10, 2013)-The second seeded Los Tigres won their ninth league championship, taking the 18AAA title 5-2, over the top seeded Wild West Wranglers behind a 13-strikeout performance by former St. Louis Cardinals' minor leaguer Wilson Ciprian.

In the 18AA championship, the third seeded Gators defeated the top seeded Nationals 12-2. Ronal Diaz went eight strong innings for the win, and Yosvany Garcia hit a two run homer to give the Gators a lead they would never give up.

The Tigres scored all five of their runs in the 7th inning off Wranglers' ace Danny LaPerna, who had fashioned a two hit shutout until the big rally. Richard Paulino had a run scoring single, Luis Mejia a two run base hit and Rob Conver an RBI hit. The fifth run scored on an infield error.

The Wranglers took the early lead in the second inning on a two out double by Rob Wiley, and a single by former major leaguer Mike Wood (Florida Marlins). Cory Johnson singled in the second run in the third inning, but that was the last hit that Ciprian was to allow. He pitched no hit ball for the next 5 1/3 innings, when he notched eight of his 13 strikeouts. Former Marlins' farmhand, Gustavo Lopez, chalked up a save with a scoreless 9th inning.

Wranglers' manager and center fielder Brian Fitzsimmons suffered a calf injury going after a double by Jose Espino and was out for the rest of the game.

In the Gators' victory, they spotted the Nationals a 1-0 lead in the first inning before roaring back. Eddie Lopez doubled and scored a single by Jorge Diaz to give the Nats their only lead of the game.

Garcia's two run blast to left followed a two out error that extended the third inning. They added two more in the sixth and another run in the 7th off starter and loser Anthony Rodriguez. Carlos Jimenez' sacrifice fly and an RBI double by Eduardo Del Toro made it 4-1, and Yordany Martinez' infield grounder scored another unearned run in the next frame. Four of the five runs Rodriguez gave up were unearned as the Nationals' defense committed five errors.

The Gators put the game out of reach with seven runs in the last two innings off Nationals' relievers to capture their first 18AA championship. Most of the same players played on two 18AA championship teams when they were known as Blades Barber Shop and the Cubans Blades. The nucleus of the Nationals' team won a previous league championship as the Warriors.

Manatees 8 Los Tigres 4

   The Manatees completed a sweep of the 2012 seasons, adding the Spring title to their Fall 2011-12 championship.  They jumped out to a 6-run lead in the first inning, and never looked back.  Max Johnson, Emilio Vargas and skipper Brian Fitzsimmons, the first three hitters, all singled.  Ryan McDonald drew a walk to drive in the first run, and with one out, Drew Davis was hit by a pitch to drive in another. 

   Dave Gariepy’s sacrifice fly made it 3-0, and after Danny Laperna was hit by a pitch, pitcher Mike Wood ripped a two run single to right, driving Tigers’ starter Joel Vazquez out of the game.  Billy Campbell greeted Jose Acuna with an RBI single to cap the big inning for the Manatees, who came into the playoffs as the #2 seed.  

   The Tigres reached Wood for a run in the second and two more in the third to chop the lead to 6-3.   The Tigers put together three hits, singles by Jose Espino, Carlos Arroyo and Ariel Adames, with Espino scoring on an infield roller by Melvin Bruno to make it 6-1.

   Espino smashed a two run single to left to score Luis Mejia, who had singled and advanced to third on Richard Paulino’s double. 

   Acuna kept the Manatees quiet for 3 1/3 innings, but Max Johnson led off the fifth with a home run to left for a 7-3 lead. 

   The Tigres got a run back in the bottom half as Andres Rodriguez doubled, went to third on an errant pickoff attempt by Wood, and scored on a sacrifice fly to right by Espino, his third RBI of the game and it was back to a three run deficit at 7-4. 

   Wilson Ciprian held the Manatees scoreless for three innings, allowing only a single by Campbell.  However, the Manatees got an unearned run off him in the 9th on a two base throwing error,  a groundout and wild pitch.  A frustrating inning for the Tigers should have ended with a passed ball on a third strike pitch to Dave Gariepy.  The pitch forced catcher Bruno to leave the game with a swollen thumb, Gariepy was safe at first, but Ciprian finally got out of it when Campbell flied out to center field with the bases loaded. 

   Fitzimmons gave up only two hits and no runs in three innings, with two strikeouts, to earn a save. 

   Max Johnson with an infield hit and a homer, Campbell with two hits and an RBI, and Wood, with a two run single led the Manatees.

    Espino led the top seeded Tigres with two hits and three RBIs.   Arroyo and Acuna also had two hits each.    

   Wood, whose pro career saw him pitch in the majors with the Florida (now Miami) Marlins,  was selected as the championship game’s Most Valuable Player.     

Blue Jays 7 Industriales 2

   The Blue Jays scored five runs in the first three innings and Chris Saxton pitched the complete game victory to give the Jays their first league championship.  The Industriales lost their second title game of the year, having lost to the Sugar Kings in the Fall of 2011-2012.

   KJ Ventry, who went 4 for 4, led off the Blue Jays’ first with a ringing double to right field, stole third and scored on an infield roller by Khris Hanna.

   The Jays added two in the second on hits by Kevin Menschel and Aziel Shea, a sacrifice bunt by Greg Kelm, a passed ball and a sacrifice fly by Saxton. 

   Two more runs in the third made it a 5-0 game.  Ventry led this rally off as well, smashing a single up the middle and scoring on Chris Laforge’s long double to left field.  After moving to third on Hanna’s groundout, Laforge scored on a single by Barry Kent.

   The Blue Jays made it 6-0 with another run in the sixth.  Ventry led off the frame with a single, Laforge doubled down the left field line, and Menschel’s sacrifice fly scored Ventry. 

    The Industriales finally broke through against Saxton for two runs in the top of the 7th.  Jose Corea singled to right for his third hit of a four hit game.  Hector Rivera singled, moving Carea to third.  Carea took third on a fly ball to short right field caught by the Jays’ second sacker, Carlo Dominguez, and scored on Angel Javier’s RBI single.  Rivera scored an unearned run when Saxton erred in an attempt to pick off Javier at first base, but that was all the Industriales could manage.   

    Saxton wound up with nine strikeouts, and kept nine hits well scattered.  He did not walk a batter, hit Felix Armas with a pitch, but  did not allow a runner past second base until the I’s got their two run in the 7th inning.  He was selected as the game’s Most Valuable Player.

   The Blue Jays got their final run in the bottom of the seventh.  Kelm led off the frame with a double, and after pinch hitter Keith Buck, batting for Saxton, moved him to third, Kelm scvored on Dwayne Cabral’s deep sacrifice fly to left. 

   Ventry led all hitters with a perfect 4-for-4, a double, stolen base and three runs scored.  Laforge had two doubles. 

   Carea led the Industriales with his four hits, a stolen base, and a run scored.  He also registered four putouts in center field.  Javier had two hits and drove in one run for the I’s, who came into the tournament as the number five seed.  The Blue Jays were #3. 

   Laforge was playing his final game in the Palm Beach League before moving back to Dutchess County, New York.  

ALL STAR GAME

18AAA All Stars-Wednesday, December 19, 2012—North 12 South 6

     (Royal Palm Beach)—The South, featuring Wild West Wranglers, Tigres and Hurricanes All Star players, blitzed  the North squad, headed up by a half dozen Beach Bums, joined by the Badgers and Titans, 12-0 at Seminole Palms Park.  The Wrangers are now in first place, but were in second behind the Beach Bums back on December 2, the date for All Star allotments based on position in the league standings. 

     Four pitchers combined on a two hit shutout, but the big story on offense for the South was catcher Melvin Bruno, who had four hits, including two doubles, a sacrifice fly and three runs batted in to earn the game's Most Valuable Player award. 

     Steven Hibbs, Danny La Perna and Drew Davis, all from the Wranglers, posted a combined ten strikeouts, and Bruno got the final out of the game, which ended as time approached the three hour limit and lights went off just before 10PM.

     Hibbs pitched a hitless three innings, fanning three.  LaPerna gave up the three North hits, and fanned five in his three inning stint, and Davis also pitched no-hit ball while registering five K’s.

     Starters Hibbs and Nick Renault (Beach Bums) battled through a scoreless first three innings, with Renault yielding only a first inning double by Bruno, a walk and eight strikeouts.  The South, though, cracked through against Beach Bums’ manager Charles Sano, who was also hampered by a porous defense in the fourth inning when two unearned runs scored.

     Bruno’s second double started the inning, but back to back errors enabled Bruno to score, and Ryan McDonald (Wranglers) also tallied on a one out fielder’s choice by LaPerna, both runs scored as unearned.  The South added another in the fifth on a walk and two steals by Max Johnson of the Wranglers, who scored on Bruno’s RBI hit to left.

     The South broke it wide open with four runs in the 7th and 9th innings, sandwiched around one run in the 8th.  An RBI triple by Davis, followed by a Bruno RBI hit, a single by the Wranglers’ Ryan McDonald, a throwing error and an RBI double by Luis Mejia (Tigres).  Bruno’s sacrifice fly in the 8th scored Chris Hanna (Hurricanes) who walked and reached third on an outfield error on a ball hit by Johnson.  Hanna knocked in two more in the 9th with a single, Johnson plated another with a triple to right, and Johnson scored on a fly ball to center that was dropped for an error. 

     The South also pulled off an unusual triple play in the 7th inning.  With two runners on, both hit by Davis’ pitches, Luis Gonzalez (Badgers) hit a comebacker to Davis, who fired to second for a routine 1-6-3 double play, but Hibbs alerted fired to third base where the Beach Bums’ Ryan Togher got caught in a rundown with Hibbs crossing the diamond to apply the tag for the third out.

     Andrew Hansack (Beach Bums), Omar Hernandez (Badgers) and Dave Salley (Beach Bums) had the only hits for the North, both singles.  LaPerna drove in two South runs on infield grounders.    In addition to Bruno’s four hits, Johnson, Davis, McDonald, Mejia, LaPerna had one each. 

     LaPerna received credit for the pitching win.  Sano (3IP), the second of four North hurlers, took the loss, with teammate Dave Salley (2IP) and Hernandez also appearing on a staff, depleted by the absence of four Twins’ players, including two pitchers.  Two eligible Hurricanes and a White Sox’ representative also missed the game.   

                 18AA All Stars—-Wed.,December 19, 2012

                             1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9  R  H  E     

                 South       0 0 0 2 1 0 4 1 4 12 10  2       

                 North       0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0  3  4     

SOUTH (12)             AB  R  H BI W  K NORTH (0)             AB R H BI W  K

Max Johnson(Wranglers)  4  3  1  1 2  2 Dave Salley(Bums)      4 0 1  0 0  1 

Drew Davis(Wranglers)   5  1  1  2 0  4 Nate Palmer(Bums)      4 0 0  0 0  2

Melvin Bruno(Tigres)    5  2  4  3 0  1 Nick Renault(Bums)     2 0 0  0 1  1

Ryan McDonald(Wranglers)6  2  1  0 0  2 Andrew Hansack(Bums)   3 0 1  0 0  0

Francis Dinzey(Tigres)  5  0  0  0 0  0 Ryan Togher(Bums)      2 0 0  0 0  1

Luis Mejia(Tigres)      3  1  1  1 1  1 Junior Reyes(Titans)   2 0 0  0 0  1

Danny LaPerna(Wranglers)3  1  1  2 2  0 Luis Gonzalez(Badgers) 3 0 0  0 0  1

Ariel Adames(Tigres)    4  0  0  0 0  1 Omar Hernandez(Badgers)2 0 1  0 1  1

Chris Hanna(Hurricanes) 4  2  1  2 1  1 Eduardo Godines(Badg.) 3 0 0  0 0  3

Steven Hibbs(Wranglers) 0  0  0  0 0  0 Charles Sano(Bums)     0 0 0  0 0  0

TOTALS                 39 12 10 11 6 12 TOTALS                25 0 3  0 2 11

LEFT South 8,North 4 ERRORS-Hibbs,Bruno,Gonzalez,Palmer,Reyes,Hansack.Togher

TRIPLE PLAY-South DOUBLES-Bruno 2,Mejia TRIPLES-Davis,Johnson

SB-Johnson 3 CS-Johnson SAC.FLY-Bruno,Davis WP-LaPerna,Hernandez 2

HIT BY PITCH-Togher(by Davis), Reyres (by Davis)

SOUTH PITCHING        IP  H  R ER BB SO NORTH PITCHING     IP  H  R ER BB SO

Steven Hibbs         3.0  0  0  0  1  3 Nick Renault      3.0  1  0  0  1  8

Danny LaPerna (W)    3.0  3  0  0  1  5 Charles Sano (L)  3.0  3  3  1  1  1

Drew Davis           2.0  0  0  0  0  2 Dave Salley       2.0  4  5  5  2  1

Melvin Bruno         0.1  0  0  0  0  1 Omar Hernandez    1.0  2  4  3  2  2

Managers-Rob Wiley (Wranglers, South), Charles Sano (Beach Bums, North)

Umpires-Bernie Ginsburg (P), Hector Cruz(B)

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER-Melvin Bruno (Tigres, South) 

Time of Game-2:57