Andy's Coed C North Championship: Wind and Umps Blow Championship

Congratulations to Moose Knuckles on winning the Coed C North Championship. 
Unanimous MK co-MVPs: Vinnie and Jeff.

Date: Monday, September 9
Field: Field of Dreams
Time: 9:00P 
Weather: Clear, cool

Andy's Coed C North, Championship

(2) Moose Knuckles: 17
(1) Dirty Pirates: 13

Poor early inning Dirty Pirates defense and multiple homeruns proved a challenging hurdle for the Pirates, but woeful officiating sunk the ship. 

With an assist from the wind and some poor defense, the Dirty Pirates dug themselves an early hole, but umpires Vinnie and Jeff ensured the hole was too deep. After 4 innings, the Pirates were down 13-3. The Pirates, however, never lost their fight rallying 3 times. Unfortunately, Vinnie and Jeff conspired to squelch each budding ralley. "It's (Vinnie and Jeff's officiating) awful..." said commissioner Frank Rogers, "...but what can I do about it?" Jeff was also involved in two key blown calls during the Friday, September 6, Coed B1 Championship game that helped determine the victor.

"I was awful..." said John C, "I gave up 4 HRs in the 2nd. I feel horrible...I let my team down. Kudos to them for hitting fly balls into the wind. I tried pitching up and out a bit, make them hit it across the wind. None were called a strike, so they could lay off. I had to bring them too close to the middle or stay inside. Knowing now what Cody was going to do, I should have walked them..." The game started with a stiff wind blowing out to dead left field. Once the wind changed direction in the 5th, Moose Knuckles found themselves with limited "power" and a surging Pirates offense.

Twice, on 8 straight balls, Moose Knuckles' pitcher Cody H intentionally walked Pirate Dustin T with runners on in key situations. Despite protestations from Pirate Manager John C, Vinnie allowed the cowardly maneuver to continue unabated. "There were a couple of close ones..." said Vinnie defiantly and provocatively. "He has to say that..." countered John C, "What other excuse does he have?" Further, after John C petitioned Vinnie regarding the intentional walks, Vinnie followed him back toward the home bench area seeking an argument. "Yeah, I walked away. I was finished. He followed behind..." said the Pirates' manager while continuing "He acts like a bully. Twice I had to stop him from provoking and taunting my players. He seeks confrontation, but cries foul when it's returned. We play to have fun, not to suffer gross incompetence and abuse from field officials."

The Pirates fought back holding Moose Knuckles to 7 runs over 5 innings while dumping 10 runs on their pliable defense in the 5th and 6th innings. A subtle application of pressure on pitcher Cody H forced him to pitch to Pirate men and even Vinnie couldn't offer Cody further reprieve. Unfortunately, the Pirates could not overcome Jeff's seminar on incompetent officiating as he stifled three rallies with blown calls on the bases.

The Pirates are scheduled to start fall ball today, September 10, 7:30P at Coyne Field.