The Game of the Century. A unique game concept for a unique season we are all going through. For a variety of reasons, the traditional pomp and circumstance of our regular All- Star festivities didnt really fit this year, thus prompting the creative idea from the commissioner to gather 8 burby legends of past and present for the most star studded game in league history.
Adrian Golombek and Rob Scotland, the two winningest managers in TBL history had the enviable task of splitting these stars into two teams and managing the game. Team Golombek consisted of Jeff Snow, Art Stoner, Kevin Leach and Rocky Parejo vs Team Scotland’s squad of Joe Callaghan, Kevin MacDonald, Marcus Belardi and Jack Cherry.
Prior to first pitch, 6 of the competitors took part in a good ol fashioned homerun derby. Heres the quick synopsis of what happened: Jack Cherry won his matchup vs Rocky Parejo. Kevin Leach upset teammate Kevin MacDonald and Jeff Snow defeated Joe Callaghan. In the next round, Snow and Leach homered to advance to the derby final. The Snowman just did what he’s been doing all year and crushed a couple out for the walk-off derby win. Now, onto our main event...
Jeff Snow and Joe Callaghan got the starting assignments and both guys tossed 3 innings of pretty dominant shutout ball against these great lineups. Reigning POY Marcus Belardi entered the game in the 4th and precipitation was in the forecast as Snow proceeded to crush one to deep CF to open scoring. 1-0 after 4.
The 5th inning proved to be the fatal inning for Team Golombek as former reliever of the year Parejo ran into big trouble when Cherry and Callaghan collected RBI hits followed by MacDonald and Cherry RBI walks. When some of the dust settled, Leach had entered to try and clean up the mess and struggled with command. With Team Scotland now up 5-1, Belardi stepped up with bases loaded and smoked a linedrive grandslam to right for a 9 run mercy inning.
Team Golombek would chip away with a solo bomb from Leach and an RBI triple by Art Stoner but it was too little too late as KMac shut the door on the rally to make the final 9-3. Cherry was a standout in the field with 5 catches but id have to say the MVP goes to Belardi who pitched 2 strong innings, was the winning pitcher and cranked a grand slam.
Great game which was way closer then the score indicated. Truly anyones game and very competitive. Thanks to commish for the idea and the organizing of this game, it was lots of fun for all involved.
Rob Scotland
