| More to follow and last season recap.....Ever wonder what your life would be like if you had taken that different road? Or perhaps said yes to that captivating or lucrative job offer?, or pursued that stunning female when you shared a moment together . What about that vacation you always dreamed about or the business opportunities and investments you were presented with? But you were afraid to step up to the window or awaited the all clear signal; or red carpet to roll out and tell you its ok. Believe me it doesn't work that way. More often than not- if you' wait a minute' like the song lyrics for those signs its usually too late to move on whatever is being presented to you. We all have played the what if card and still do so every day as you all can attest to. Well sometimes you just have to let it fly so you can thrive and prosper. Remember people either give you wings or they give you weight. You will eventually find out the result as long as you are still taking your cuts in the batters box of life. You may not get the outcome you had hoped for but without taking that risk you will never be able to thrive and prosper as we mentioned before. So where am I going with this 'we belong together' grabber line? Well you all know the iconic Mariah Carey song and sensual video. I have it playing in another window on my computer for about the 8th time as it puts me in writing mood so I can deliver the goods to you the reader. But cant make it too too deep like the lyrics say! The song is about something that was missing in Mariahs life, The Southern Yankees had once again advanced to the playoff semi-finals only to get upended by the champion Miami Yankees, Like the Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees recently in baseball it fuels you to improve and get back up after you fail or fall short of your goals. We got invited to the dance as a team after a long played out Summer Season but fell short in getting the coveted crown. So we had been off in between seasons for about a month but there never was a doubt we all wanted to come back, like the lyrics in the Valentines anthem song say-When you left I lost a part of me -its so hard to believe come back baby please cause we belong together' , The Southern Yankees channeled their Baby face moment and said I only think of you I need you back in my life and like MVP Reidy Olivo proclaims- 'There ain't nobody better'. So all the camaraderie the team has and believe me it is intoxicating in the dugout and on the field with this team. After all sunlight is always the best disinfectant. We all bond every Sunday and no one escapes the ribbing or comments no matter who you are or where you hit in the lineup. So on a sun splashed 85 degree opening day the Southern Yankees smacked the South Florida Angels 15-3. Hats off to the Angels and you will improve with each game. For the Southern Yankees -Luis Sanchez crushed 3 hits including a home run to lead the attack. Reidy Olivo, Eric Judd, Papi Sanchez, Vinny Zarella Justin Bartoletta and Angel Medina slapped 2 hits each to lead the balanced 19 hit attack. Bobby Stallone was masterful on the mound keeping the Halos in check while giving up only one run. In recapping the Southern Yankees just finished previous season Sam Bartoletta played hurt and had another standout season swatting to a 571 batting average, stealing 7 bases and also maintaining his force behind the plate. Justin Bartoleta is getting his feet wet and learning positions on the fly as he excelled in all 3 outfield positions. He also hit 432 to boot. Mike Drath is the consummate team player does all we ask and came up with some big hits and defensive catches when he was called upon which was quite often. Bob Esposito returned for part of the season after injury and when he returns to form like last year he is one of the most clutch hitters on the team. Jose Fermin got some big hits and looks to return perhaps next season. Scott Goodwin was lights out changing speeds and keeping batters off balance until his arm blew out late in the season. He is rehabbing and should be back in a couple of months. Eric Judd hit 300 again and ran down everything in the outfield like he was gliding to the ball. Melvin Martinez and Frank Crupi played only one game and they hope to return in the future. Bob Stallone was an artist as he returned for a few games after missing most of the season with an injury, he smacked to a 333 batting average and always wanted the baseball. he is a true warrior and loved by many. Angel Telemundo Medina played everywhere and was a hitting machine swatting 353 at the plate. Reidy Olivo was the MVP OF OUR TEAM AND DID IT ALL AND THEN SOME. He swatted to a 607 average and led the league in several offensive categories. LUIS SANCHEZ slugged to a 516 batting average and stole 20 big bases leading the South Florida Baseball League Over 35 Division. Steve Sandman is off to the SFBL HALL OF FAME & will be sorely missed -like the song says who's gonna take your place. HE HIT .533 in his final season. Ken Silberling hit 278 and and is always ready to go and help the team, Jerry Wichert played hurt all season but came up with some big hits and has been a big help keeping the team together. Vinny Zarella was once again flawless in the infield defensively and hit a respectable 250.Player Manager Ray Asmar had a small sample size with about 1 AB a game but swatted to a career high .400 batting average which looks great on the final resume or when the NY Yankees look for a new 3rd base coach. All in all it was a good season but we look forward to being more competitive as all the other teams have upgraded for this new season. So like the song says we belong together and are again for yet another perhaps final season before we hit the golf carts. Time to play that video and song one more time OMG! Southern Yankees meet the Palm Beach Pirates at 10 am this Sunday Feb 23rd in Ft. Lauderdale with expected sunny 75 degree perfect weather for the game. Hope you enjoyed the color commentary and you comments and feedback are always appreciated! Baseball will always be our baby but that's another Mariah moment in time song..... So +3 hours later{ you think writing and composing this is easy? } in closing & with tradition we say .....'Always Remember To Stay Thirsty My Friends! ' |
