Randy's Ramblings, 2008

Randy's Ramblings
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Randy Seidman is a constant at Washington games and has offered to file reports. We appreciate his hustle. Randy graduated from Washington, which his two sons have also attended. Randy is an award-winning producer of televised sporting events and now works for CN8, in addition to doing free-lance work for major networks and The News Gleaner. His career highlight -- producing games, on back-to-back days, when Julius Erving scored his 30,000th point and Mike Schmidt slammed his 500th homer. He may be reached at rseidman9@aol.com.
Check out Randy's reports from 2002 . 2003 . 2004 . 2005 . 2006 . 2007

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MAY 21
PUBLIC LEAGUE SEMIFINALS
Central 12, Washington 11 (10 innings)

OK, here is the setup. Washington, which was getting pummeled all game long, trailing by 9-0 and 11-1 deficits, had come all the way back and tied the game against Central in the bottom of the seventh. The Eagles and their fans were anticipating the winning run in this wacky semifinal game at La Salle University's Hank DeVincent Field. The bases were loaded. There were no outs. The infielders were in. The outfielders were in. The neighboring pigeons were at attention. Dan Engelberg came to the plate in a situation many kids dream about. On the first pitch from the Lancers' Stephen Schall, Engelberg got all of it. The solid ping of the bat, and for an instant it seemed the Eagles were finally destined to return to a Public League championship game. But now and forevermore, it will be a play that will be frozen in time. The scorching line drive (yes, it was a scorcher) was down the line at third ready to go into left field. A base hit to win the game, and make a miraculous comeback!! But wait ... there is Lancers do-it-all senior All-Pub Mike Braun making the reaction backhand grab, and touching third base for a bang-bang double play. Wow! Instead of souping next week at Campbell's Field, it was first and second with two out, and when the next batter whiffed to end the inning, it was on to extra innings. Phew! But let's digress.

Behind the pitching effort of team leader Micah Winterstein, a barrage of Lancers singles, and loose GW fielding, Central eased to a 9-0 lead into the fourth inning, and extended that lead to 11-1 going into the home sixth. Whereas the first semifinal of the day was a close, exciting battle between Northeast and Frankford, with the Pioneers eventually taking the lead with a three-spot in the sixth inning, the Washington-Central game was a yawner. It looked just like the regular season, when the Lancers swept a pair of mercy-rule wins, two of the four losses Washington endured this season. Central coach Bob Barthelmeh went to his strategy book, and replaced Winterstein with catcher Aaron Esbensen to start the sixth. Micah turned in another big-time performance, and with the big lead, it seemed to make sense. He has been battling nagging injuries this season, and has gutted out many games. However, the move led to a succession of defensive changes, and in the short-run, it backfired. The Eagles started to chip away against the usually reliable Esbensen. Three singles, a double, a triple, a hit batter, two walks, and an error by a defensive replacement later, the Eagles had closed to within 11-9, and you wanna talk momentum! Sophomore Aaron Wilmer became the third Eagles hurler, and he threw a scoreless top seventh. Mike Braun, who had come on in relief in the 8-run sixth, gave up a walk and then a double to Andrew Goodman to start the home seventh. Barthelmeh visited the mound, and looking back on it, it shows what a fickle profession coaching can be. Although his previous moves did not work out, and it seemed as if the Lancers were in dire straits, every future decision in this game by Bartelmeh, and there were many, were right on the money. With Zach Magdovitz sidelined, it limited the pitching choices, but Stephen Schall proved to be the right choice. It wasn't pretty right away, however. A fielder's choice on a goofy infield decision allowed Aaron Wilmer to reach first with the other runners holding. Stan Borodyansky stepped to the plate and hit the game-tying two-run single, sending the Eagles dugout into the counties of Bedlam and Hysteria. When Damien Wilmer was intentionally walked (for the third time), it loaded the bases setting the stage for Dan Engelberg. Well, Mike Braun was very Tony Stark-like and his Ironman grab of Engelberg's scorcher for a double play, was a game changing moment indeed.

In the eighth and ninth innings, Aaron Wilmer and Stephen Schall were able to work out of trouble, as both teams could not score, and stranded three. Central finally broke through in the 10th. Esbensen crushed a leadoff double to left, and scored on Tom Capewell's RBI single. In the bottom of the inning, Capewell threw the potential tying run out at the plate, on a contact play, and with the infield in. The Eagles did not threaten after that as Lancers Nation took a collective sigh of relief, and celebrated an unlikely 12-11, 10-inning victory. With the win, Central meets Frankford for the third straight season in the championship game. Central won it in 2006 behind then-junior Jared Farbman, and Frankford got revenge in 2007 behind the pitching of All-World Esteban Meletiche.

ONLY IN THE CATH
If Washington would have come back and tied the game in the tenth, the game would have been suspended. DeVincent Field does not have lights, and plate umpire John Jackson let both coaches know before the inning started, that it would be the last. A tie game would have been continued from the point of the suspension, per PIAA rules. The Catholic League brain trust made the incorrect decision of restarting a suspended game this week. How refreshing that there was a controversy that cannot be blamed on The Pub.

SENIORS
Although Northeast suffered a crushing defeat in game one, all of their core players are underclassmen, and will have another chance. Washington, on the other hand, is more senior-oriented, and have a number of players who have worn their high school jersey for the last time. A salute the seniors:

* Max Fenster, a great, hard working teammate, and son of "The Rabbi."

* Stan Borodyansky, new to baseball's nuances, he broke almost every cardinal rule in the book, but had a blast doing so.

* Eric Eder, the ultimate teammate who kept things loose, has just copyrighted "He hang it, you bang it ... kid!"

* Dan Engelberg, who worked hard physically and mentally to improve his game

* Andrew Goodman, will always be able to say he was an All-Pub in three sports as a senior

* Andrew Porter, didn't get a lot of playing time early in the season, but was patient, and finally got his chance

* Tom Radziak, had several big outings the last two seasons, including his heorics in the 2007 win vs Frankford

* Damien Wilmer, wow, not enough space here to write about this guy. Carried the team on his back with a kick-ass

senior season. Very touching moment after the game was Damien with coach Max Bilkins. Their four-year baseball association is over, and they were very thankful for each other.

* Jon Wright, who quietly went about his business, and performed at a high level.

NOTES FROM THE OTHER GAME, FRANKFORD/NORTHEAST
* Shortie Meletiche is incredible. He made three plays that few others would have attempted, and he does it all with grace and style. Good luck to him in the championship, and here's hoping he chooses the right door, as they are now opening up to him. Frankford has had great ones recently: Alicea, Rosado, Reyes, Farina, Jimenez, but Shortie is in a class by himself.

* Brian Susten is in line to have a banner senior season. He pitched his heart out in the semis, and although he did not wind up on the winning side, this kid is a big-time winner!

* Northeast's pre game ritual bashing of coach Sam Feldman is scary. Good to see coaches mix it up with their guys.

* Although Shortie is moving on, the torch is being passed to Tito Rohena. Going from the raw talents as a freshman, and working hard and listening to his coaches, his upcoming senior season should be one for the books.

MAY 15
PUBLIC LEAGUE OPENING ROUND
Washington 3, Kensington 2

While the other top seeded teams cruised in the opening round of the 2008 Public League playoffs, Washington was extended to the limit by Kensington, holding on for a 3-2 win. To put it in perspective, in this land of Bracketology mania, it was as if a #15 seed almost upset a #2 seed. A pair of underclassmen held the usually potent GW offense to just five hits on the day. Starter Ricardo Torres, a junior RHP, yielded three runs (one earned) and the five hits in his 4.1 innings pitched, and was tagged with the loss. Sophomore Josean Bernard went from shortstop to the mound, and pitched 1.1 innings of scoreless relief. For the Eagles (11-4), Stan Borodyansky went the distance and carried a one-hit shutout into the final inning. With one out in the seventh, the senior righty yielded a single to freshman 3B Frank Soto. After recording a strikeout for the second out of the inning, Borodyansky appeared to be in line for a two-hit shutout, but a fielding miscue on Ralph Collins' slow grounder kept the Tigers' hopes alive. Senior 1B Andrew Montanez promptly launched an opposite-field two-run double in his final high school at bat, slicing the GW lead to 3-2. But Stan The Man of Way Too Many Letters, reached back and threw three straight strikes, notching his 6th K, and sending the Eagles into the quarterfinals against Prep Charter.

Other than First-Team All-Public catcher Damien Wilmer, the Eagles offense was quiet in this game. Damien connected for a double (7th of season), triple (3rd), to go along with a HBP and a run scored. He raised his season on-base percentage to .649, by reaching base in all three plate appearances. In addition, he nailed another runner on the basepaths. Kensington really hurt itself early with sloppy play leading to G-Dub's first two runs, but absolutely shot itself in the foot with its baserunning (or lack of) in the fourth inning. With a first and second, no-out situation, Kensington (10-2) learned the hard way about the old baseball adage: "Don't make the first or last out at third base." On a wild pitch, the runner attempted to advance to third base, only to be thrown out by plenty as Damien threw to third baseman and younger bro, Aaron Wilmer, for the putout. Not only that, but the runner on first stayed put. After a long fly out by cleanup batter Edgardo Ortiz, that runner on first was practically at third base when Washington sr CF Andrew Goodman got the ball back into the infield for an inning-ending DP. GW escaped the monumental upset, and did not repeat history. In 2000, the top-seeded Eagles lost to the 16th and lowest-seeded Saul, ironically by that same 3-2 score.

ALL-PUBS
Washington placed four players on the coaches All-Public team for the first time since 2004. Congratulations to first-teamers Damien Wilmer, and Andrew Goodman. Dan Engelberg, who led the team with 29 RBI, and Stan Borodyansky, were second-team selections. Triple threat Goodman was a first-team All-Pub in football as a wide receiver, and a third-team All-Public guard in basketball.

FLASHBACK
Washington last played Kensington in the 2002 and 2005 opening round of the playoffs. In 2002, GW won 17-0, as Rob Ritterson pitched a five-inning no-hitter. Ritterson is a senior 1B/DH for Rowan University, currently playing in the NCAA Division III Regionals at Kean University in Union, NJ. In 2005, Washington won 11-1 as first-team All-Public Marc Tankel contributed with two RBI. Tankel is redshirting this season with the Temple Owls, and will have two years of eligibility remaining.

THERE IS CRYING IN BASEBALL
Contrary to Tom Hanks' classic line in "A League of Their Own," getting eliminated in the playoffs can be very emotional for players, especially seniors. My heart really goes out to the Franklin Towne Charter Coyotes. After winning their first 15 games, FTC came up just short in the AAA final against Philadelphia Electric (see Ted's recap Here). The Coyotes will move up to Division A next year, and I am certain they will have success. Teams that moved up to A in recent years have been certifiably awful against the increased competition. Just talk to players and coaches from Roxborough, Olney, Mastbaum, Bok and Saul. Combined you could count their wins in the Gold Division on one hand (and still some fingers left over). The Lincoln Railsplitters and the Edison Owls better beware. Franklin Towne Charter will be in the A division for years to come, yes, you heard it here first. I have personally watched their players mature. I can remember Keith Rycek as a pimply-faced ninth grader. Four years later, he is the MVP of Division B, and has matured into a pimply-faced 12th grader. Just kidding, Keith! Other seniors like Jim Dailey, Joe Gilbert, and Mike Croft made it possible for the team to have success and move up in division, and although they won't be around next season, they left their mark on the program. Kyle Riley has put together a great program, and I look forward to covering his team in 2009.

APRIL 30
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Washington 6, Northeast 4
With one week remaining in the regular season, teams continue to jockey for playoff positioning. In a key Division A match-up, Washington was able to hold on to a 6-4 win, sweeping the season series from Northeast for the first time since 2003. Stan Borodyansky was the Eagles hero in this game, pitching a complete-game with seven strikeouts and swatting a game-winning two-run homer in the sixth inning. GW got on the board first, scoring three runs in the second, two on an infield error, and one an RBI single to center by sr CF Andrew Goodman. Northeast (6-5) quickly reduced the lead when Julius Spann hit a solo homer to lead off the home second. Vikings lefty Brian Susten, who threw a ton of pitches in the first two innings, settled down and kept GW off the board for the next three innings. Meanwhile, Borodyansky, in only his second starting pitching assignment, kept Northeast from scoring until the bottom of the fifth, when an infield single and a pair of walks loaded the bases for Susten. He proceeded to hit a one-hopper to the right field fence emptying the bases and giving the Vikings a 4-3 lead, their first of the game. Washington (9-2) tied the score in the sixth on a single and stolen base by sr LF Jon Wright and an RBI single by soph 3B Aaron Wilmer. Borodyansky then got all of a 2-1 curveball lofting it high into the air and over the left center field fence for a two-run homer, and a 6-4 Eagles lead. "It felt great off the bat," said a jubilant Borodyansky, headed to Penn State University Park in the fall. Other than a warning track out by Julius Spann, Stan "The Man of Too Many Letters," was not in any trouble and pitched scoreless baseball the last two frames to send GW back home a winner, and clinch no worse than a third-place finish.

WHAT'S LEFT?

Washington's game with Lincoln on Thursday, May 1, has been re-scheduled for Monday, May 5. Therefore, GW will finish the season with three games next week: Monday at home vs Lincoln, Tuesday at Frankford and Thursday at Central. The Eagles started the season with four straight wins, before losing at home to Frankford and Central. Since then, the Eagles have reeled off five consecutive wins.

A HELPING HAND

Eagles jr 1B Mike LaRose has made contributions at the plate and in the field in his first varsity season. All of the drills in practice must be paying off. Mike has made so many scoops on short-hop throws this year, he could be in the Stone Cold Creamery Hall of Fame. Another member of his family has had a big impact on the team. Dad Dominic LaRose gets a big thank you for all of his work in practice with the pitchers, especially the individual attention given to Stan Borodyansky.

APRIL 24 - PUBLIC LEAGUE - Washington 12, Edison 2 (5 innings)

APRIL 25 - PUBLIC LEAGUE - Washington 13, Prep Charter 3 (5 innings)

Washington finished off its week with wins over Edison and Prep Charter, sweeping the season series from both teams. The Eagles season record now stands at 8-2, good enough for second place behind only undefeated Frankford (9-0). It has been like "The House of Horrors" playing on the road at Edison in recent years for GW. Eric Eder, in particular, was very eager to return to Edison's home field, Light Bulb Park. In last season's regular season finale, he yielded a first inning nine-spot against Larry Oliver's Owls. GW eventually tied the game, but lost 10-9. But that is now ancient history, as Eder went the distance in this five-inning game, running his season record to 3-1. His line: 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 73 pitches. He also helped himself with an RBI triple in a four-run third inning. Eder's triple was one of seven extra-base hits for GW.

Against Prep Charter, the Eagles used three pitchers, Aaron Wilmer, Tom Radziak and Stan Borodyansky. Collectively, they allowed 3 runs (1 earned), on 4 hits in the abbreviated contest. Senior Dan Engelberg knocked in four runs with a pair of singles and a sac fly. With a runner on and GW ahead 11-3 with two outs in the bottom of the fourth, jr 1B Brandon Waldorf was called upon to pinch-hit. The varsity rookie has impressed in previous pinch-hitting duty, but was hitless a day earlier against Edison in his first ever start. With a 2-2 count, Brandon smashed a deep fly to left that cleared the fence for a two-run homer, the first non-Wilmer HR for Washington this season. With the 13-3 score, GW just wanted a 1-2-3 inning from pitcher Stan Boro. Well, he was close, it was a 1-2-3-4-5 inning, but Prep Charter did not score, and the Eagles won their fourth straight game.

IT'S FUNDAMENTAL BASEBALL

In the home first against Prep, Washington's first nine batters were responsible for seven singles, a double, and a sac bunt, all leading to a 6-run inning. But perhaps the highlight of this half-inning, was the alert reaction of GW coach Max Bilkins, who was coaching third. Although coach made a nice play on a foul ball hit his way, I have just two small words of advice: TWO HANDS!!

STRETCH ARMSTRONG

My eyes were not deceiving me, but as GW came to bat in the bottom of the second with a 6-1 lead against Prep Charter, Joe Crooks came in as a reliever. The senior righty just four days earlier pitched a complete-game in a 9-5 loss against the Eagles. I intentionally failed to note in that game report how many pitches he threw -- well, it was 150, on the nose. In his three innings of relief, he uncorked another 58 tosses.

MAKING NUMBER TWO

In prior seasons, Coach Bilkins targeted a player who was struggling at the plate, and then elevated him to the two spot in the batting order, with very positive results. Brian Morgan (Class of '04) and Matt Peterson ('05) were two players who went on an absolute tear after moving to number two. This season, Aaron Wilmer is now batting second, and the sophomore is responding. Aaron has 6 hits in his last 10 at bats, with 2 doubles, a triple and 6 runs scored. Not to be outdone, big bro Damien Wilmer has 6 hits in his last 9 at bats, with a double and 3 RBI, out of the cleanup spot.

APRIL 21
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Washington 9, Prep Charter 5
In their first-ever regular season meeting, Washington defeated Prep Charter, and it took the full seven innings to do so. The Eagles raced out to an 8-1 lead in the third inning, taking advantage of some wind blown hits mixed in with aggressive base running. But in the home third, the Huskies converted their scoring chances, scoring four runs on an RBI double to right by jr C Angelo DelVecchio, an RBI single to left by sr SS Sean McGovern, along with a pair of bases-loaded walks. With an 8-5 score, sr RHP Tom Radziak relieved sr RHP Marquis Murray, and induced a popup to end the inning.

The first three innings of this game featured a combined 13 runs and 14 hits, the remaining four innings produced just one more run and only five hits. Radziak came in and did what was needed - throw strikes through the 22-mph winds that were blowing in and to right field. Tom recorded the win by tossing 4.1 scoreless innings, allowing one hit (McGovern's second double of the game), no runs, walking one and striking out seven. He threw an economical 53 pitches, with an excellent ball-strike ratio (13 balls, 40 strikes), and 11 first-pitch strikes to 16 batters. For the Huskies, a special salute to their starting (and only) pitcher, Joe Crooks. The senior righty notched a complete-game, and wound up with 9 K's. Even though his pitch count was easily in triple figures, he got better as the game went on. In his last four innings, Joe allowed four hits, one run (unearned), 1 walk & 6 K, making it tough to take him out.

THE IGNITER

Before the season, GW coach Max Bilkins thought of Andrew Goodman in the leadoff spot, and envisioned lots of walks, base hits, stolen bases, and runs scored, basically hoping he could ignite the offense. The senior captain certainly provided ignition and leadership with his play against Prep Charter. He was on base all five times (3-4, walk, error), scored three runs, and swiped four bases. But it was his first at bat that showed the type of tough competitor he is. Andrew hit a nubber to the left of first base. The speedy Goodman outhustled the pitcher to the bag, leaving Prep Charter jr 1B Josh Brydges the unenviable task of outrunning Andrew to first. Well, Goodman got to the base a split second before Brydges and then ... SPLAT! A mammoth collision, and after the dust settled (really a cliche, but exactly what happened), there was Andrew standing at first base as if nothing happened, and Brydges on the ground (only momentarily). Goodman will be attending Penn State Main campus and will try to walk-on Joe Paterno's Nittany Lions. By the way, Goodman at 6 feet and 175 pounds was yielding much size to Prep's tough first baseman. By the way, Josh's brother, Matthew Brydges, was the starting pitcher for Prep Charter in its only other contest against GW. The Eagles won the opening round playoff game on May 22, 2003 versus the Huskies, 10-0, in Prep's first-ever playoff game. GW lefty Harry Parfitt twirled a three-hit shutout.

WILMER DOES IT AGAIN

Another Washington game, another Wilmer extra-base hit. Although, senior catcher Damien Wilmer was on base three times, stealing bases and scoring runs, it was brother Aaron Wilmer, who stroked GW's only extra-base hit of the game. The sophomore third baseman went the other way, using the high winds, and reached second on the solid double, which scored Goodman. Aaron has moved up to second in the batting order, and showed an understanding of that spot in the first inning when he did his job, advancing the runner (Goodman, again) with a ground out to first. Good luck to father Thomas Wilmer in the fall. He will be shuttling between Damien's football games at Albright, older son Thomas Wilmer's football games at Millersville (he is a defensive back), and Aaron's football games for GW.

CELEBRATING JOHN MARZANO

All of the family, friends, former teammates, colleagues and fans of the late John Marzano are feeling an emptiness this week. He brightened the lives of so many, yet he was just one of us. A native son of Philly, who starred in the Public League at Central, then played at Temple under the legendary master, Skip Wilson. He went on to play major league baseball, the dream of so many, but a reality for so few. Yet there he was spending ten seasons with the Red Sox, Rangers and Mariners. And then to become such a popular fixture in the local media, most notably with his work on Comcast SportsNet's Phillies Postgame. A special thank you goes to all of the anchors at SportsNet, for all of their writers and producers, tape editors, and countless others. This was a very difficult story to report, and they are to be commended for their compassion and class in a very, very trying time ...

APRIL 17
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Washington 23, GAMP 5 (6 innings)
It was a beautiful day for a South Philly baseball doubleheader. In game one, the Phillies clubbed the Astros, 10-2, as Chase, Ryan, Pat and Chris played long-ball. Just a quarter-mile north of Citizen's Bank Park, the Washington Eagles were playing small-ball, as they peppered four GAMP pitchers for 21 hits, at the GAMP Grounds at 7th and Packer. True, about a half-dozen of those hits were the result of shoddy GAMP defense, and there were very few "I got it's" heard when the Pioneers were in the field. GW (5-2) was able to take advantage of those misplays, and complete a season sweep of their Division A rivals, the team that knocked them out of the playoffs the prior two seasons.

GAME STUFF

First of all, disregard the score of this game, please! When GAMP fr SS Dom Raia lined a bases-loaded triple with one out in the bottom of the third, it reduced Washington's lead to 11-5, and the Pioneers bench was up and cheering. However, the Pioneers would not score again on this day, and Washington was patient enough to combine walks and hits with aggressive base-running to score in every inning. With a 14-5 lead entering the sixth, coach Max Bilkins went to his bench freely, and the hungry reserves helped score nine runs to secure the win.

OH, YEAH, IT IS A GAME OF REDEMPTION

In my last posting, I wrote about how a team or individual can have a bad game, but come back quickly to have a redeeming performance. The team I was referring to was the Central Lancers, who had just pasted the Eagles, 18-7, after losing to Lincoln one day earlier. Well, in the GAMP-GW game, it was an individual who would gain redemption.

Meet Stan Borodyansky. Senior co-captain. Starting catcher as a sophomore. Starting third baseman as a junior. Starting shortstop as a senior. New England Pizza delivery man. Fun loving guy who is popular with his teammates for three seasons. When jr SS Will McFillin, the three-sport star, was sidelined with a back injury before the season began, coach Bilkins went to his team leader, and asked him to learn a new position for the third straight season. Team player that he is, Stan The Man of Too Many Letters, said OK and went about his business. However, shortstop is incredibly demanding, and Stan has scuffled in the field, and his confidence was in a very low place. Wow, what a time to then get your first career starting pitching assignment. Boro was so hyped up that maybe it affected him in the first inning when he logged 31 pitches, and gave up two runs. After a 1-2-3 second inning, he yielded the 3-run triple to Raia, raising GAMP hopes for another of their famous comebacks. That set the stage for the Randy's Ramblings Turning Point of the Game. With the Pioneers hooting and hollering (led by a very loud and energetic jr Ronnie Malandro), Stan recorded a pair of strikeouts to end the inning. Stan's stats after Raia's triple: 3.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K! Most importantly, he was pitching ahead in the count. At the plate, he officially went 5-for-6. Yes, a couple of those balls should have been outs, but he did drive the ball and finished with six RBI, including a two-run triple. Baseball is indeed a humbling game. Now it will be up to GAMP to see how they respond in their next game (at a suddenly re-born Central, who just beat Northeast). A big outing by the Pioneers could gain them a sense of redemption.

SLUGGING PERCENTAGE LEADER

GW catcher Damien Wilmer once again had a big day at the plate, smacking three doubles, and knocking in three runs. In the first inning, he hit a 3-run homer. Or did he? GAMP coach Art Kratchman questioned the call saying the ball never left the field of play. After a brief umpires conference, two runs came off the board (if there was a board!), and Wilmer was credited with an RBI ground-rule double. By the way, the reversal was the correct call, as the ball bounced off the top of the fence and back in play. Both runners then came in to score on Dan Engelberg's single. Damien, who will be going to Albright to play football this fall, has two home runs this season, and now has had two more taken away. In the season opener against GAMP, he hit one that was fair, but ruled foul. Three innings later, he went yard, but this time took no chances and deposited it over the left-center field fence.

THESE BENCH PLAYERS ARE NOT BITTER PENNSYLVANIANS!

Baseball is a game of nicknames, and there were plenty to go around when the bench players for Washington got an opportunity to play. Two of those players deserve a special mention. Infielder Scott Kret is the type of quick, scrappy player that I like to watch. He takes an over-sized lead when he appears as a courtesy runner, and is very aggressive. I heard some of his teammates calling him "The Kretz-man," and "Wayne Kret-zky."

Junior 1B/OF Nick Romanisky reminds his teammates of old-time players like Ty Cobb, Shoeless Joe Jackson, and Jimmie Foxx, because of the way he wears his uniform. A few were even calling him Roy Hobbs. But like the players from yesteryear, Nick looks like a hard-nosed player. The performance of all the reserves is a very encouraging sign for G-Dub fans. As a group, they were challenged to take advantage of their playing time, and they responded in a big way. Along with The Great One and The Natural are soph Mike Foley, juniors Brandon Waldorf and Gavino Rodriguez, and seniors Andrew Tepel and Max Fenster. These guys all practice hard and are supportive of the starters. Way to go, guys!

SORE ARMS AND BAD GRADES

At this time of the season, the makeup of team rosters in all divisions are negatively affected by these annual occurrences. First, let's talk about grades. I don't like to be the typical parent harping about schoolwork every year, but it is quite simple for every player. You better perform in the classroom, if you want to be on the field. No exceptions!

I don't want to get on my soapbox, BUT ... it seems like most teams from Division A through Division D are going through tired, sore and hurting arms from the pitching staff, and we are only at the midway point. I know the PIAA has pitching guidelines, but there definitely should be some kind of area sports panel discussion among athletic trainers, athletic directors, coaches and players to address a problem that will not go away by itself.

APRIL 15
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Central 18, Washington 7 (5 innings)
Baseball is a game of runs, hits, errors ... and redemption. Teams and players can experience poor performances, yet know that their next opportunity to redeem themselves could only be a day or two away. Such was the case with the visiting Central Lancers, who were smarting from a stunning loss to previously winless Lincoln just 24 hours earlier. Plus, Central was without its coach (Bob Barthelmeh's penalty for his ejection in that Lincoln loss), one of its top players (Aaron Esbensen), and was trailing GW 5-2 after a horrendous first inning in which they committed two errors and looked like they were still hung over from the Lincoln loss. But just as they rallied a day earlier to erase a 9-0 deficit, the Lancers dusted themselves off, and bounced back in a huge way. It was truly a defining day in the high school career of Micah Winterstein. The senior captain IF/P not only provided a reassuring confidence in the field for his teammates, and was productive at the plate (2-for-5, 3 runs, 2 RBI, 1 double), and smart on the basepaths, but he filled in as the third base coach. With Bob Barthelmeh out of uniform and relegated to "the other side of the fence" (quite a punishment!), Micah rose to the occasion and provided his team with the ultimate in leadership. It was an important win against a division rival, and gave the Lancers a measure of redemption. Now it is up to the Washington Eagles, who will look to get back on track in two days when they travel to GAMP. (ALERT: Anybody going to the 2:45 GW-GAMP game, be forewarned the Phillies-Astros game starts at 1:05, so be creative, but legal when you park).

GAME STUFF

The first inning of this game was unfortunate, to say the least. Five total errors, and a couple of other brain cramps made starting pitchers Eric Eder and Zach Magdovitz have to work harder than they needed to. After two innings, it was a 7-7 tie. Key hits: Eagles sr C Damien Wilmer crunched an RBI triple to center, his sixth extra-base hit in six games this season (1 double, 3 triples, 2 HRs) and Winterstein's 2-run bases-loaded single, making GW pay for an error and three walks in the second inning. Central broke the deadlock in the fourth on a 2-run single by sr LF Shane Meyer and an RBI double by jr RF Zach King. In the fifth, King hit another RBI double, as Central scored eight runs on six hits. Zach Magdovitz went the first three innings for the win, and sr 1B/RHP Mike Braun threw two scoreless innings, earning the save. Two players deserve special mention. Washington sr RF/RHP Dan Engelberg looks very confident at bat. He laced a two-strike, two-out, two-run single, as part of his 3-for-3 day. Central's jr IF/C Tommy Capewell is starting to get recognized around the league for his hard-nosed brand of play. He has been pressed into service as a catcher, and although under-sized for the position, has a big heart, and a pretty decent arm, throwing out two base-stealers (the ump missed one).

SINGING ABOUT RAMPARTS

Washington seniors Phil Pane and Blake Rosenberg are doing a fantastic job with their pre-game and between innings entertainment this season. "My Sharona" appears to be a fan favorite. Also, a real tip of the cap goes to Washington football players Howard Caldwell and Curtis Graham. During the national anthem, the sound system glitched and went dead. But the seniors who played under coach Ron Cohen didn't miss a beat and starting to not only sing the anthem, but to bellow it out so much that all in attendance joined in and made it a rather special moment. Good going, Howard and Curtis!

ZEUS, THE THUNDERBOLT KID

Senior LF Jon Wright picked up a couple more hits out of the 9-hole, and must be heavily into his studies of Greek mythology. Wright, the Public League Division A leader in hair for the second straight season, has an army of teammates and on-lookers calling out to him when he bats - "HEY ZEUS, HEY ZEUS, HEY ZEUS" Of course, they are referring to Zeus, the ruler of Mount Olympus.

HOMETOWN PHILLY ROOKIE OF THE WEEK

Although it has not been released yet, this winner of this week's top freshman collegiate player from the Greater Philadelphia area is Central grad Jared Farbman. Now at Philadelphia University, Jared has posted a 3-0 record, and thrown two complete-game shutouts. For more info, go to tedsilary.com and under baseball, click on Randy's Weekly Awards.

APRIL 10
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Frankford 16, Washington 4 (5 innings)
Just two days after receiving their first real test of the season in a 5-3 win against Central, Frankford visited Washington in a meeting of 4-0 teams. The outcome of this game was decided in the very first inning when Frankford scored six runs, a combination of timely hitting, and poor fielding by the host Eagles. Frankford collected four singles and a double in the inning, while GW shot itself in the foot over and over by committing four errors, en route to a ghastly nine errors on the day. Pioneers' coach Juan Namnun decided to start Edwin "Tito" Rohena against Central on Tuesday, saving ace pitcher Esteban "Shortie" Meletiche for the matchup against Washington. When Shortie is staked to a 6-0 lead, it is quite a daunting task to get back into the game. Frankford scored four more in the second to stretch the lead to 10-0 before Washington scored twice on a pair of walks and a pair of singles. Frankford would go on to score in all five innings, and while Meletiche wasn't his usual dominating self (4 walks, 5 hits allowed), he still was good enough to notch 12 strikeouts of the 15 outs recorded. The key for Meletiche was staying ahead of the hitters, as he threw first pitch strikes to 20 of the 24 batters he faced. Eagles catcher Damien Wilmer continued his offensive assault against Public League pitching with an RBI triple to deep center field. However, the two keys to beating Frankford are to play error-free baseball, and take advantage of scoring opportunities. Shortie limits those opportunities, so tight defense is required, as the Eagles came up very short in this game, quite a contrast to their thrilling 7-5 win against there Pioneers a season ago. Frankford pounded three GW pitchers for 14 hits, 12 of them singles. The Pioneers sprayed the ball all over the field collecting six hits to left field, and four each to center and right field. The most impressive part of Frankford's early season play is their ability to advance runners, especially from third base with less than two outs. In the two games I watched Frankford this week, they consistently went the other way to move runners, and executed the sac bunt and sac fly to perfection.

The only negative note for the Pioneers was a first inning injury sustained by sr IF Jon Bracero. He tried to score from third on a wild pitch, but Damien Wilmer got to the ball quickly, and set his position blocking home plate. Although Jon was an outstanding wrestler for Frankford this year, Damien is solid as a rock and an All-Public tight end and linebacker for the football team. It was a nasty collision with Wilmer holding on for the out. Bracero came out the game immediately. His left hand ring finger was not where it was supposed to be. Jon's mom was at the game, fortunately, and took him for X-rays. Hopefully, it is nothing more than a dislocation. Bracero is the ideal number two hitter. He is willing to give himself up at the plate to move runners into scoring position, and is a solid defender at second base or shortstop. Like John Chaney's Temple Owls of years past, Frankford carries very few extra players, so Coach Namnun will have to be creative in Bracero's absence.

THE FORMER ASSISTANT HAS AN ASSISTANT

Juan Namnun assisted Bob Peffle over the last decade, winning five championships along the way. Now the head coach, Juan is being aided this season by a person very familiar with the Frankford style of play. Helping out in practice, on the bench, and coaching first base is Pedro Torres. Although he attended Edison, his brother, Juan Torres, was a standout first baseman for the Pioneers, and Pedro became part of the extended Frankford family. By the way, Juan is a sophomore at Salem Community College, where his high school teammate, Ramon Reyes, also attends.

STANCE WIDE OPEN, PART 2

I mentioned Dave Doggett's unusually wide-open stance after the Central game. Although it doesn't seem possible to generate power, his off-balance approach has yielded results. In a game where the Pioneers had many hitting stars, Doggett really stood out, going 2-for-2, with a single, double, hit by pitch and sac fly. In all, he drove in four runs. Ironically, one of the Pioneers' hitting stars, Tito Rohena, went 0-for-3, with a walk and a hit by pitch. He reached base on error three times in this game, and scored four runs.

BLAST FROM THE PAST

In attendance at The Eagle's Nest was Marty Hoffman, a long-time phys ed teacher at Washington, now retired. Although I am a grown man, I still call him Mr. Hoffman. He was one of my gym teachers at GW back in the day. Wow, am I old!

BIG WEEK COMING UP

Washington is very busy playing three times next week. On Tuesday, they play Central for the first time this season. That is a home game, and because of an earlier rainout, it means Washington will have played five of their first six games at home. For all of you math majors out there, that means they will play six of their final eight games on the road. That road portion starts with away games against GAMP and Prep Charter, next Thursday and Friday. Both of those teams play at The GAMP Grounds, at 7th and Packer, in the shadow of the stadium complex in South Philly.

APRIL 8
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Frankford 5, Central 3
When Bob Peffle decided he had seen enough Public League baseball, he stepped aside and long time assistant Juan Namnun was named head coach. But Peff was not like so many other coaches who coincidentally retired the same season as all of their star players. He left the Pioneers well-stocked, as they returned seven starters from last season's championship team. Of those, Namnun has two certified blue-chippers, in sr SS/P Esteban "Shortie" Meletiche, the reigning Public League Player of the Year, and jr OF/P Edwin "Tito" Rohena, who should get that honor in 2009. The Pioneers, as they have been most of this decade, are the obvious team to beat. Central, on the other hand, lost key players to graduation, none more important than ace pitcher Jared Farbman. Although Bob Barthelmeh has a solid core of senior leaders in Micah Winterstein, Mike Braun and Aaron Esbensen, he is starting six juniors this season. On paper, the Pioneers clearly appeared to have the advantage. But games are not played on paper, or on some rambling blog, but between the lines. The keys to beating Frankford are to play mistake-free, and take advantage of scoring opportunities. The bad news for Frankford opponents is that they are still as tough as ever. The good news for the GAMPs, Washingtons and Northeasts of the world, is that Frankford can be beaten, but you'd better bring that 'A' game with you.

It was a stark contrast of junior starting pitchers. Frankford's Rohena, is a very unpolished gem at this point, and can be brilliant at times, and wild at others (Mets Oliver Perez wild). Central turned to jr Zach Magdovitz, who wouldn't necessarily register on the radar gun. However, it was Magdovitz who was on target early in the game. Through three innings, Zach kept the Pioneers off-balance, as evidenced by holding Frankford's 1-2-3 batters to a collective 0-for-5. But as usually happens to their opponents, Frankford has that one inning. In this case, it was the 4th inning. Magdovitz was relieved by Esbensen with the bases loaded and no outs. Two runs would score on ground balls (one an out, one an error), and Central escaped further damage with a heads up 1-2-3 double play initiated by Esbensen.

Rohena was not sharp early in the game, but the Lancers could not capitalize. They would strand nine runners on the day, eight of those in scoring position. The key turnaround for Rohena came in the third inning when he started to pitch ahead of the hitters. In innings one and two, he threw first pitch strikes to only 3 of 9 batters, and had five 3-ball counts. From that point on, he threw first pitch strikes to 18 of the last 24 batters he faced. Tito humped up and got the important out when needed. He recorded six strikeouts, all with Central runners on third base. Four of those K's were looking.

Key offensive moments: Meletiche (who had earlier grounded out and flied out), laced a 2-0 fifth inning pitch into the left-center gap for a double. He was bunted to third by sr 2B Jon Bracero, and scored on an infield grounder, giving Frankford a 2-run lead. After Winterstein's sac fly in the top of the sixth made it a one-run game, sr C Robinson Rodriguez went yard, almost nailing an unsuspecting rush hour motorist on Pratt Street.

Key defensive moment: Frankford had already tied the game in the bottom of the second, and had second and third with one out. Junior LF Danny Rodriguez lofted a fly ball to medium right field, and Zach King threw out the tagging runner. But it was Esbensen, looking like he's headed for another All-Pub selection, who short hopped the throw that was to the first base side, and pivoted to tag the runner for the DP.

STANCE WIDE OPEN

Northeast's Tim Freiling has a wide-open stance that almost fits his 6'5" frame. Frankford sr 3B Dave Doggett has been using a similar stance with a bent back leg. Only thing is, Dave is almost a foot shorter. Against Central, Doggett walked, was hit by a pitch and struck out.

JUST IN CASE YOU'RE KEEPING SCORE AT HOME

In the eight seasons since 2000, Frankford has captured five Public League championships (2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007), Central has won twice (2001, 2006), and of course who could ever forget the 2002 GAMP Season of Dreams?

APRIL 3
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Washington 6, Northeast 5
The last time the George Washington Eagles started with a 3-0 record was in 2005. That season also marked the last time GW had beaten Northeast. The Vikings swept the season series in each of the last two seasons. With ace Brian Susten unavailable to pitch (he started vs Frankford earlier in the week), Lance Lempert got the nod for Sam Feldman's junior-laden Vikings. Eric Eder, who got the win vs GAMP in the season opener, took the hill for Max Bilkins' senior-laden Eagles. Northeast's two big offensive stars drove in first inning runs. Susten, the jr LHP/1B, hit a deep sac fly to center plating jr SS Jose Delgado. That was followed by an RBI double by All-World jr C Tim Freiling, a one-hopper-to-the-fence. Eder was able to get out of trouble, thanks in large part to soph 3B Aaron Wilmer's acrobatic over-the-fence grab of a foul pop. GW batted around in the second, scoring five runs on six hits against Lempert. RBIs in the inning: jr 1B Mike LaRose single to right on a 1-2 count, 2-run doubles by sr LF Jon Wright and sr SS Stan Borodyansky. There could have been more damage done, but Lempert showed why he is such a special talent. The 5'6" righty got a pair of looking strikeouts, ending the disastrous second inning. From that point on, he settled down while the Vikings were coming back. In the next 4 innings, he yielded a run on 3 hits with 8 strikeouts. A starting pitcher's job is to get his team late into the game with a chance to win. Lempert's complete-game effort was matched by Eder, who has been living on the edge in his two starts, but has managed to get the big out when it is needed. NE narrowed the margin to 5-4 on a sac fly by Delgado and an RBI groundout by Susten. GW countered in the fifth after sr C Damien Wilmer was hit by a pitch, advanced on a wild pitch, and scored on a clutch RBI single by sr RF Dan Engelbert. Eder was one out away from a complete-game win, when soph DH Hayden Underland very calmly smacked an RBI double, making it a one-run game. Senior RHP Tom Radziak earned the save, a great birthday present, after jr 2B Josh Rivera hit a sharp liner to sr 2B Marquis Murray to end the game. Pub Division A coaches beware of Rivera, he is going to be a dangerous hitter during the stretch run. Although he went 1-for-4, he tattooed everything thrown his way.

WHY WAIT?

It's a pleasure to watch Tim Freiling come to bat. From his wide-open stance to his focus on the pitcher, he is what the late-great Phillies broadcaster Richie Ashburn referred to as looking "hitter-ish." Here are Tim's last three first inning at-bats against GW: RBI double to left field fence, double to right field fence, and 3-run homer to left. One thing all three had in common ... they came on the first pitch.

ALUMNI FILE

Both of these traditional rivals have former players performing at the collegiate level. Andrew Lihotz, Northeast Class of 2004, is a senior starting lefty for Rutgers-Camden. Ironically, ten minutes after the GW-NE game got underway, Andrew would get the starting assignment, and throw the best game of his collegiate career. Lihotz recorded his first shutout at Rutgers-Camden, a four-hitter, as the Scarlet Raptors defeated conference rival Richard Stockton College. 3-0. This season, he has a 2-2 record, with a 3.77 ERA and leads his team in starts (5), innings (31) and complete-games (2). His former catcher, Brandon O'Malley is a junior for Philadelphia University, and is getting a first-hand look at the progression of former Central ace Jared Farbman, a frosh at Philly U. Washington has a quartet of college performers. Former Pub pitcher of the year, Marc Tankel ('05), is currently being redshirted at Temple and will have two years of eligibility remaining. Brian Morgan ('04) is a senior outfielder for former Northeast assistant Dennis Weiner's Penn State Abington squad. Rob Ritterson ('02) is a senior 1B at Rowan University, where he has made 10 starts this season. On March 10, Rob hit a grand slam in a 7-0 shutout win against Alvernia College. Dave Mullen ('07) is a freshman IF at Bucks County CC.

MARCH 25
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Washington 11, GAMP 9
Although this is the start of the seventh season of Randy's Ramblings, the headlines previewing each of those seasons has been the same: "Frankford and Northeast, The Teams To Beat," "Central is Always Tough and Hungry," "Better Watch Out for Washington and GAMP," "Oh, and There are Three Other Teams in the Division." As much as there is change in the Public League Division A, things are pretty much the same. Bob Peffle retired from Frankford, yielding to long-time assistant Juan Namnun. Jared Farbman finally graduated from Central (it seems like he pitched for 7 years!), but the Lancers have players ready to fill the void. Frankford's Shortie Meletiche and Northeast's Brian Susten return as staff aces. Include Washington and GAMP, and this is a wide-open five-team race.

THE OPENER

There were positive notes in this game, such as the solid outfield play by both teams, and well, uh, um, oh yeah, the weather was beautiful. As for the not so positive side, it would seem that to be successful in baseball at any level, catching the ball might be considered a must. To be kind, let's just say there is room for improvement for both GW and the GAMP gang, a point surely to be driven home in upcoming practices.

Missed opportunities by GAMP at the outset, changed the complexion of this game. Washington senior captain Eric Eder earned the victory, lasting 5.2 innings. But early on, he was in deep dogstuff. A solid double by GAMP sophomore leadoff man Nick Coppola, an infield single by senior Jon Sheridan, and an infield error loaded the bases with no outs. That was the first of six, yes count 'em, six errors on the day for the Eagles, as they try to see if it possible to give coach Max Bilkins any more gray hairs. I don't think that is possible. Back to Eder, he finished with three strikeouts in his 5.2 IP, but certainly none bigger than whiffing GAMP's cleanup and number five hitters in succession. With two outs and the bases juiced (bad baseball reference) in the season opener, it was an appropriate time for the Randy's Ramblings Defensive Play of the Game. Pioneers jr RF Ronnie Malandro laced an 0-2 pitch, that jr 1B Michael LaRose snared on the backhand, preventing two runs, and possibly more. Quite an introduction to your first inning of varsity action, Mike! Through four innings, coach Art Kratchman's Pioneers were 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position, stranding seven runners. GAMP scored a pair of unearned (what else?) runs in the third, but Washington answered with a four-spot, highlighted by a two-run double (or was it a HR?) by sr C Damien Wilmer. Those runs were made possible, by senior captain Stan Borodyansky making an out! It looked like the "Man of Too Many Letters" had just grounded into an inning ending double play. But an infield bobble, and Stan's hustle down the line, earned the safe call, and the inning went on. For his running style, which is defined in the Eagles media guide as "not swift," Stan earns the New England Pizza Delivery Man Turning Point of the Game.

GW extended the lead to 8-2 and 11-4, before the final rally came. GAMP mounted a furious comeback in the seventh, scoring five times to make an 11-4 cushion into an 11-9 nail biter. The aforementioned Borodyansky came on in relief, and eventually got the final out. By the way, the last time Stan relieved was in last season's 21-20 victory against Edison, when the Light Bulbs scored 8 times in the seventh to fall just short of defeating G-Dub.

SLUGGING % LEADER (AFTER 1 GAME)
    Damien Wilmer smashed a two-run homer clearing the fence in straight-away leftfield in the sixth inning. Three innings earlier Damien was officially credited with a two-run double, but the replay clearly showed the ball hit the fair/foul pole, and should've been a four-bagger. For the record, replay doesn't exist.
FUTURE PUBLIC LEAGUE ALL-STAR
    GAMP lost three star players from last year's team due to graduation: LHP/1B Andrew Caines, SS/RHP Anthony Venafro and C Eric Funaro. Perhaps the next big star to play at 7th and Packer could be freshman SS Dominic Raia. He was very impressive and confident at the plate, and will only get better in the field. (Note from Ted: I'll make a strong guess that he's the son of ex-Southern star Dominic Raia, an former first team All-City infielder for Southern. Yes, Southern DID have strong teams back in the day.)
SERIES STUFF
    GAMP has ended Washington's season in the playoffs the last two seasons and had won five straight in the series. The two teams meet again on April 17 at South Philly's GAMP Grounds. Washington's last win was on April 11, 2006, as the Eagles came back from a 7-1 deficit to win the game. Here is an excerpt from that 2006 Ramblings:
   Although there was brilliant sunshine up above, the Washington situation appeared gloomy. Staring at a 1-4 start, the Eagles started their comeback scoring twice in the home sixth, cutting the lead to 7-3, and causing GAMP to bring jr Anthony Venafro to pitch in relief. Anthony quickly recorded a pair of outs the end the threat. In the fateful bottom of the 7th, a pair of GAMP pitchers could not find the strike zone, issuing five consecutive free passes. The GW hitters were patient at the plate, especially a trio of underclassmen: jr Jim Galen, jr Tim McHale, and soph Stan Borodyansky, who for the next three years will now be referred to as Boro (to prevent carpel tunnel). Whereas the young guys set the table, the three senior tri-captains took care of the rest. Bases loaded walk to Chris Phares, 2-run single to tie the game by CF Rolando Fontanez, and the game-winning single by 3B/RHP Sean Engelberg. The GW bench exploded at their sudden come-from-behind heroics. It was a bitter pill to swallow for GAMP, but behind the leadership of fiery jr C Eric Funaro, they will come back more determined when games resume next week.
EAGLES PRE-GAME SHOW
    Washington PA announcer, the zany Phil Payne, is in negotiations to host the Eagles Pre-Game Show, before every home game at The Eagles Nest at Farrell Field. Music, trivia contests, raffles, and the announcement of the school lunch menu are some of the topics Phil has proposed. Stay tuned!!