U-9 Cyclones Roll On

Matthew Rogers gets ready to pitch Twelve young boys were awakened this past Saturday morning by the call of "Play Ball!" For the next two hours, there would be no thoughts of Saturday chores, weekend homework, or the dreaded fear of forced family fun (a/k/a "FFFF"). For the next two hours, the game of baseball would be played by those with joy in their hearts --- for the love of the game.

It was Week 2 of U-9 Cyclones Baseball. This week a formidable opponent in the Mineola Mustangs presented a unique challenge to Cyclones Manager Tom "Bud" Granville. Bud knew from past scouting reports that the Mustangs were well-versed in small ball with an uncanny knack to hit behind the runners. He knew he would have to keep the Mustangs off the base pads. Bud called upon his ace, Jonathan "The Rocket Man" Granville, to accomplish this task.

Pat Gibbons pitching one of his strikes The beginning of the game was not without tension as Bud had selected as the Rocket Man's battery mate, Johnny "The Motor City Cobra" Dehler. The press corp. had recently reported tension between the two young phenoms over disparate signing bonuses. However, the rumors proved to be unfounded as the Hit Man pocketed the ball into the Rocket Man's glove and was heard to say "Go get 'em kid".

Raymond Leto lands in first base The Cyclones scored early and never looked back. Strong middle relief was provided by Brian "The Nebraska Farmboy" Goulard. The Cyclones' closer, Raymond "Mariano" Leto shut the door on the Mineola squad. Stellar hitting performances were recorded by Ryan "Hit 'Em Where They Ain't" Smith, James "The Big Hurt" Amato, Joltin' Joe Torres and Bobby "Baby Bull" Clarke. Great fielding performances were turned in by Matthew "Turn Two" Rogers, Patrick "The Jet" Gibbons, Zack "Big Game" Stamoulis and Marty "The Great Bambino" Waters.

Next week, the Cyclones face another impressive squad hailing from Mineola. Come out and support the team.

Raymond Leto, James Amato, Jonathan Granville and Zach Stamoulis