CHAMPIONS...AGAIN!

Second-seeded Sacramento beat third-seeded Point West in the first round of the Rotary playoffs, 6-4 Monday evening.  In the second game, fourth-seeded Roseville had a 13-1 lead over the top-seeded combo teams from East Sac/Arden Arcade and North Sac.  The lead would not be enough as the combo team came from behind in a stunning 20-19 win in the last inning by scoring 10 runs!  Then Sacramento played the Combo Team for the Championship Title and……won 14-12!!!  The trophy is back in Sacramento for the sixth championship in the last 9 years!  Congratulations, Sacramento Rotary!

“This is very satisfying,” shortstop and sparkplug Kevin Smith-Fagan kept repeating over and over and over again all throughout the celebration at the local pizza joint and watering hole.

“There’s nothing like the sweet taste of that first championship beer,” President-elect Peter Dannenfelser said as he sipped with a smile.

“Next year,” past-president Hal Bartholomew continues, “I’ll be in the best shape of my life, or at least I’ll be able to bat for myself with no designated hitter”. 

Unofficial awards given to:

MVP – Pitcher, Past President Hal Bartholomew.  Not for his prowess as a middle infielder or his presence at the plate--simply for pitching.  Throwing the pitch for a strike more often than not, working the batter high and low and inside and out, and consistency.  How many walks all season?  Maybe three.

Team Spirit Award – Kevin Smith Fagan, our shortstop for his hustle, willingness (I think he likes) to throw his body after the ball and his positive and infectious attitude.  He loves this game!  Nice work!

Comeback Player of the Year - Dick Osen - returning after 11 years after injuring his wrist.

Rookie of the Year - Tie - Rick Osen and Nate Black

 Most Injuries During the Season - too many to choose from

 Most Valuable Bat - Bob Daly (not him, but for the green bat)

 Generation Award - Rick and Dick Osen

 Best Fans -  Tami Lowden and her two daughters

 Best Supporting Spouse (for keeping her husband on track) - Barbara Swentowsky

Off season training begins October 1 with weight lifting, strength conditioning, cardio wind sprints and lung capacity breathing.  Softball theory and film study continues through Christmas with 1 week off for the holiday and we start January 2 with continued body conditioning and aerobics.  Sorta makes the softball season look like a walk in the park, but, that’s what it takes to win 6 championships in 9 years—dedication!  Anyone wish to try out for next year’s team?  Applications accepted beginning October 1st. 

By John Swentowsky and contributing writers, Peter Dannenfelser and Hal Bartholomew.