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 Latest News |
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Wednesday, April 15
Start of Season
Excellent turn out for training
last night. I enjoyed the session and hope you did too. It will be
great to keep the momentum up during the season and see a few more of
the 'older' Spartans there too. We can start to play scrimmage games
with the longer stretch in the evenings.
This weekend marks the
start of the season. We face the Greystones Mariners at Greystones. The
A game is at 11am and B game is at 2pm. You need to be suited and
booted ONE HOUR before first pitch - wear green. Direction to the field
are at the bottom of this email.
If anyone can offer a lift, please share your offer. If you need a lift, make it happen.
Monday, April 6
Blitz!
Great stuff on the weekend. Excellent turn out and effort from all. While the results aren't what the blitz is about it is nice to go undefeated!
Thanks for everyones patience in waiting for game time... with 25 players it was a nice problem to have! It will be different in regular season play when we play as separate teams. Some photos to follow...A special mention for Kevin Mitchel who got the strike out to end the game against the Mariners with the tying run on third. You really did not suck.
Friday, March 20
Season 2009
The spring training has been in full swing for the last few weeks,
excellent work outs for all involved. The opening season blitz is only
around the corner (4th April) and then the league starts for real away
to the Mariners on the 18th April. I hope you are all getting a work out
somewhere!
Like every year, we are required to register the team with the league.
The costs cover the fields and field equipment, umpiring costs,
baseballs, and insurance. To register the club will cost EUR2,220 in
total. The league have negotiated a reduction in insurance and passed on
EUR80 of that saving compared to last year. We need to pay the fees by
April 3rd in order to be allowed enter the Blitz and the league.
Click below for details of the 2009 Season!
http://www.baseballireland.com/adult_league.htm
Go Spartans.
Friday, October 24
Spartans do it again!
Spartans have retained the Irish League title again! This is the third year in a row for the Spartans as National Champions making it seven titles in total. The final was a showcase of the best of Irish baseball with Spartans needing only two games to clinch the playoff. Bring on 2009!
Go Spartans!
Sunday, September 30
Spartans win the 2007 Baseball Ireland League Championship
Saturday 22nd September
The Spartans deservedly claimed their sixth Irish League Championship by beating The Hurricanes 16-4 in the Winner Takes All Championship Final at Corkagh Park in Clondalkin on September 22, 2007. Led by terrific pitching and very timely hitting, the Spartans jumped out to an early lead that they never relinquished.
The Irish Baseball League Championship went down to a Winner Takes All Championship Final after the Spartans and Hurricanes split a doubleheader on Saturday, September 15th. The Hurricanes deservedly won an epic battle in Game 1 by a score of 6-5 but the Spartans combined a solid pitching performance and timely hitting in Game 2, winning 7-4, to push it to a Final Game decider. In Game 3 The Spartans started well and sealed the Championship early into the Game. The turning point of the game happened in the 3rd inning with some solid hitting that saw them go through their batting order, finishing the inning off perfectly when their pitcher, Andrei Apostoaie hit a base clearing triple to put them 13-0 ahead. Andrei then went on to claim the win and continue his season undefeated which deservedly earned him not only Pitcher of the Year but also Most Valuable Player of the Year. This is the first time in Irish Baseball history for one player to win both accolades in the one season. Andrei was helped to victory by his follow Countryman Cristian Hutanv who played fantastically all season at catcher. Both have played together since they were 11yrs old with the Romanian National Team set up. In the 3rd inning The Hurricanes brought in pitcher John Clark presenting The Spartans with a different challenge in the last four innings, during which they were held to 3 runs. The Hurricanes then battled on to score 4 consolation runs but it was all too little too late and the game ended 16-4 to The Spartans. After the game, Spartans’ Player Manager and Irish International Team player Darran O’Connor said: “It’s been a fantastic season, the team have performed at a consistently high level which has created a great atmosphere in the squad along with healthy competition for places in the line up. The standard of play by both teams in this years final is a reflection of how far Baseball has come in Ireland over the last ten, or so, years. The future is bright for club baseball in Ireland.”
In the B-League Final, the Mariners took home their first piece of League Silver by defeating the Hurricanes B-Club 14-13. Amazingly enough, the Mariners took an 11-0 lead after two innings but trailed 12-11 after the fourth! They reclaimed the lead with three runs in the fifth and held on to take the Title.
Friday, September 14
Footage of Will Beglane's Retirement from the Irish National Baseball Team
Click on the link above to see footage of Will Beglane's retirement ceremony...
http://www.youtube.com/v/JsnLQjxKtYk
Friday, September 14
Playoffs!
The Spartans beat the Hurricanes in the playoffs to make it into the Irish Baseball Championship Series. A terrific performance from the full squad and excellent pitching by Francesco saw the Spartans win 10 - 2. The Hurricanes went on to defeat the Mariners in the second playoff to secure their place. The Finals take place on Saturday 15th in Corkagh Park. A double header that day and, if required, a final game on Saturday 22nd.
Go Spartans.
Sunday, August 19
Another Strong Performance.
Another strong performance yesterday against the Blacksox in what were very difficult conditions. Well done to Francesco who adapted his pitching style to suit the wet conditions and water logged baseballs. 16 hits and 6 walks was enough to produce 15 runs in our 11th A league win of the season bring our record to 11 and 2!
Next weekend we face the Hurricances in the last regular season fixture. We will face them at some stage in the playoffs (details to be confirmed) so it will be important to put on a good performance now
Thursday, August 2
Back in the game
It's been a busy month of July on and off the field for the Spartans. Firstly we played host to the Cork Druids for the second time this season, secondly we embarked on our first international road trip for the Spartans (Croydon!) and finally we claimed silver at the Dublin invitational tournament. A good month that would have been perfect except for the clash of holidays that resulted in a walkover - possibly the first in Spartan history.
Hopefully our 10-2 record will be enough to get us into the play-offs.
We are back in action on 12th August against Greystones Mariners in Shanganagh Park.
Go Spartans.
Monday, June 25
9 and 0
The Spartans continued their undefeated run the A league against the Blacksox.The final score was 6-2 in a game that showed how far our league has progressed. Some excellent at bats and outstanding fielding made sure everyone enjoyed real baseball. Francesco pitched a solid 7 innings giving up only 2 hits and going 2 for 3 at the plate.
In the second game, Phillip started on the mound throwing a lot of decent pitches including a tricky curveball. Getting the groundballs and pop ups was not enough on this occasion as we didn't take our chances in the field. Some crazy plays were witnessed during this game in which we went into the bottom of 7th with only 1 run. It was in the 7th that our bats woke up and we showed that we were up for a battle. Unfortunately it was too little too late and it finished 15-5. We can take plenty of positives from the game, Phillip got to continue developing his pitching with 4 good innings, Toni showed his ability to close out a game, Mario hit a double to the fence and Frank G got to air out his glove (and his arm).
No league game this weekend, instead I want to have a Spartans V Spartans game on Saturday at 11am in Corcaigh Pk. I will confirm on Wednesday if this is going ahead because the field may be in use for other games.
No training on Thursday.
Go Spartans.
Tuesday, June 19
Spartans Results
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Special Announcement!
The latest Spartan to be born into this world was Brendan John "lil Slugger" Dillon and according to all reports Mammay and Daddy are doing great.
Well done John and Sinead - make him a lefty.
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Mixed results again on the weekend against the Hurricanes, we won the A game 11-1 but fell apart at the start of the B game and lost 26-13.
I was very happy to see how we responded to the early set back in the B game. Other teams would have rolled over but we stuck it to them for a few innings avoiding the dreaded mercy rule. Jon Balling threw some decent pitching and Jens is proving to be a great allrounder!
Once again Andrei overpowered the batters in the A game getting himself out of some bases-loaded jams. It was great to see us stay calm when the opposition tried to create a stir. I believe that is the sign of a good manager(!) but an even better team. We have the A league for the taking but we must maintain our momentum.
This Sunday we face the Blacksox in a top of the table clash at Corcaigh Park. We need to be at our best again to beat these guys and can't afford any slip ups.
Training is going ahead this Thursday in Pheonix Park. 6.30 by the Papel Cross on the Soccer pitches. Will Beglane is going to work some Bullpen for budding pitchers. Get there for a work out if you can.
Go Spartans!
Wednesday, June 13
Spartans ready for Action
Spartans have been waiting a while for some serious game time. This weekend we face the Hurricanes. Game 1 is at 10 am on Saturday in Corcagh Park.
No training on Thursday.
Monday, June 4
Spartans unchallanged
Spartans took the points this weekend without having to do battle. The Twins failed to field a team. The day was not wasted as a good scrimmage game was played instead. The only question to be answered was asked at Massimo's BBQ. Does Francesco's ass look big with his 'manbag'?
Tuesday, May 29
Spartans Roll on!
A great weekend for the Spartans and for Irish Baseball.
In the first game on Sunday, Francesco overpowered the Belfast Northstars holding them to only 4 runs. Our bats were on fire knocking in 15 runs and taking advantage of some shakey fielding. The highlight of the game was Sean's left field homerun - his first in Clondalkin. May it be the first of many.
In the second game both teams battled the elements in a classic game in which the lead changed hands on at least 4 occasions. Both teams failed to make some routine outs but none the less showed potential for great things in the future. A big thank you to the Cork Druids for making the trip and letting us be the first team they ever played.
Next weekend (Sat) is an A game against the Twins at 11am in Corcagh Park.
Saturday, May 19
Spartans at the Mariners
The Spartans returned to action this weekend after a break for the Corkagh Park Annual Youth Tournament and travelled to Shankill to face the Greystones' Mariners. This is the second meeting this season of these two clubs. In their previous encounter, the Spartans took the A game but failed in the B game. The Spartans were fired up for this rematch and showed it by scoring 10 runs off 17 hits. Defensively, the Spartans were not at full strength and the Mariners took advantage of this whenever they could. Fortunately, they left too many runners on base and amassed only 4 runs. The Spartans A stretch their unbeaten streak to 4.
In the B fixture, even with a number of A team players taking the field, the Spartans failed to mount a decent attack and scored 6 runs off just 2 hits. The Mariners once again took advantage of errors in the field and drove in 11. The Spartans can take some positives from the game, notably the performance of Irish National team veteran Noel Mitchell who pitched and entire game and a solid performance behind the dish by Canadian Kevin Sisel.
Next Sunday the Spartans are back at home in Corkagh Park, Clondalkin to face the Belfast Northstars. This will be the first meeting of the two clubs this season and should be a colourful event. The action starts at 11am. Following the game the Spartans will play an exhibition game against the recently formed Cork Druids, All are invited to come out and watch.
Sunday, May 13
The children are our future...
Yesterday at Corkagh Park 8 teams came together from all over the island of Ireland to take part in a fantastic all day blitz.
Organised by Spartan's Will Beglane (aka the Roscommon Rocket), the day was a great success with Kerry Green Sox running out as overall winners in a final that was as exciting as it was close. Kerry eventually winning 6-5 against the Cork Druids.
Thanks to Kevin Sisel and Massimo Lepri for helping me to represent the Spartans at the event.
The future looks bright for Baseball if we keep supporting the amazing work that is being done with youth teams all over Ireland.
Go Spartans!
Wednesday, May 9
Spartans Roll on!
Training is cancelled on Thursday - Instead, come to Corkagh Park to cut the grass if you are available, Thanks to Kevin and Chipey for making the effort on Monday.
Next Saturday I need volunteers to help with the Kids Tourniment. Sign up if you can make. We really must provide at least 3 bodies...step up to the plate! LET ME KNOW!
Next Game is Saturday 19th May in Shankill against the Greystones' Mariners
Here is an update from the weekend's games.
Saturday saw the Spartans visit the Blacksox in Shankill in what was a repeat of the 2006 'A' and 'B' league finals.
In the A league, both team entered the weekend undefeated making this a top of the table clash. The Spartans jumped to an early 2 run lead in the first inning by putting the Blacksox defence under pressure with strong hits and aggressive baserunning. The Blacksox never got their bats going and were overpowered by Andrei's pitching. In the end he amassed 11 strikeouts, conceded no runs and gave up only 2 hits in 7 innings. The Spartans bats continued to fire and scored 6 runs off 9 hits to stay top of the A table. Spartans 6, Blacksox 0.
In the B fixture, both teams failed to convert their enthusiasm into solid performances with defensive errors occurring frequently. Glen Poor of the Blacksox dominated the Spartans in the early innings and that, along with their aggressive offence, should have been enough to see off the Spartans. But, like the name suggests, the Spartans never roll over and a grand slam home run from Toni Lopez in the 5th inning gave them a glimmer of hope. The Spartans took a one run lead into the 6th but failed to close the door and bled three more runs in the bottom half of the inning. In the last inning the Blacksox shut down the Spartans and held onto their 2 run lead. Spartans 14, Blacksox 16.
In other games, Hurricanes travelled to Belfast and defeated the Northstars 7-5 with Tom Kelley hitting a home run. The Mariners hammered the Twins 21-6 in Corkagh Park.
Go Spartans!
Tuesday, May 1
Spartans Roll on!
Game Reports:
BASEBALL at Corcaigh Park, Clondalkin. 29/4/07
The Spartans beat the visiting Greystones' Mariners in this weekend's A fixture 9 to 2 in Corcaigh Park on a glorious Sunday Afternoon. Jonathan Lerner from Albany NY via Cork made his Spartan debut on the mound throwing 4 dominant innings allowing only a couple of hits and no runs. Andrei closed it out allowing only two consolation runs. The Spartans jumped on Greystones ace Shaun Michelas early knocking in five runs in the first inning. While Shaun settled down in the latter innings, the Mariners continued to bleed runs with a number of errors in the field. Highlight of the day was a battle between Mariners Catcher and Irish National team player Gareth Donnelly and Romanian Juniors Star Andrei. The count went full before Gareth hit a ball to the fence that was just inches foul. The next pitch was a teasing change up that caught Donnelly off guard and 'put him in the book' as a strike out. In the same game a line drive to the shortstop (Francesco) with runners on first and
second nearly turned into a triple play with the runner only just making it safely back to first.
Meanwhile in the B fixture, the Mariners took advantage of a rookie Spartan infield which failed to support a decent performance by Romanian pitcher Marious. After 5 innings Philip Keeney came in as middle relief and made his Pitching debut for the Spartans. Unfortunately the bats never fired fully for the Spartans and with some running errors (including 2 runners hit by batted ball!) the Mariners cruised to a 17-8 victory. Even in the face of defeat the Spartans kept there heads held high and now look forward to next weeks visit to Shankill (Shanganagh Park) to play the Blacksox in a fixture that is a repeat of last year's final.
In other results, the Blacksox travelled to Belfast to defeat the Belfast Northstars 26 - 7 where Sal, Jose and Brendan were the offensive heroes for the Blacksox.
Monday, April 2
Start of Season!
Let me start by thanking the 23 Spartans who made it out for the spring training Blitz yesterday. It was great to have so many of us competing together. What I saw yesterday makes me confident that we have every chance of going all the way this season in both leagues.
For those who couldn't make it, we entered two teams into the competition. While the day was all about getting game time we also had some great results with one team getting to the final! It was great to give our pitchers a couple of innings to loosen up. In total we used 7 different pitchers throughout the day. That means we have great depth and a chance to mess with batters heads!!
A special thanks to Kevin for his full day of Umpiring and to Noel, Jens, JD and Joe for getting stuck in on the field umpiring duties.
What we also saw was the difference a bit of training will make. On that basis we are going to reinstate the midweek training sessions in Pheonix Park. Thursday nights from 6.30pm in the shadow of the Obilisk.
Please let me know if you will make training this Thursday evening. We will focus on some fielding drills and a lot of hitting. Lots of hitting.
Our first game is against the Huricanes in two weeks, we gotta be in great shape to beat them.
Tuesday, April 17
Start as you mean to continue!
What a great start to the season for the Club. Two strong performances against the Hurricanes resulted in two wins!
The B game score was 11-6 with Marijo throwing five solid innings and Noel (The Professor) closing out the last two. Plenty of hits led to the 11 runs including a 3 for 4 day from Philip. For those who supported the team from the bench for a few innings, thanks. It is vital we keep that atmosphere in the club.
The A game finished 10-1 with Andrei throwing 7 dominating innings. The hits were plentiful and topped off with a home run in the 5th inning from '4 for 4' JD.
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