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 Yardball Archives |
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Friday, July 6
Fourth of July Invitational
Fourth of July Fireworks-
The Fourth of July Invitational saw more offense than any previous tournament in yardball history. In the first game of the double elimination tournament, Sheed took the ball for West Bloomfield against the up and coming Farmington Hills Longshots. West Bloomfield's offense was able to overcome the awful pitching of Sheed, putting up 20 runs, mainly in part by 11 home runs from league leader Ben Weiner. West Bloomfield defeated Jeff and Farmington Hills 20-13. Facing elimination, Brian Noble went to the mound for the Longshots in game 2 against North Farmington. Steve Astrein, whose pitching career had been recently resurrected with better location on his fastball, took the ball for North Farmington. Steve pitched the game of the day, holding Farmington Hills to only 7 runs. However, North Farmington trailed in the bottom of the 5th, needing an Andy homer to tie, and a Steve walk-off to win 8-7. Donald Hadesman led his "summer-team" Bloomfield Hills back to the diamond for the first time since the snow in April. Bloomfield Hills faced off against North Farmington in their first game. Andy pitched another gem for North Farmington, keeping Donald off balance with fast pitch intimidation. North Farmington won a shortened game due to weather, 12-4. Now, in an effort to get their place in the championship game, West Bloomfield squared off against old-school rival Bloomfield Hills. Any time Donald faces off against former team mate Ben Weiner, his juiced get flowing. Donald finally displayed the energy he usually brings to the game and the sweet swing that comes with it. Donald belted off 11 home runs off Weiner. Unfortunately, flame-throwing Chris Cooley was unable to figure out the West Bloomfield hitters, spotting them an all-time worst 27 runs in the game. Donald, claiming he had an extra out in his pocket due to a controversial call, stormed back in the bottom of the 5th, attempting to overcome a 27-14 deficit. Via ridiculous moves such a blocking away strikes and issuing automatic singles after contact, Donald and Bloomfield Hills managed to crawl back to make it 27-24. With a man on and 1 out, Cooley flied out deep over the fence in right, caught by the nimble Sheeed. Under Donald's "3-out" theory, he insisted that Cooley called time before the pitch was thrown. When denied these allegations, Donald stormed off the field, claiming a West Bloomfield forfeit, which he currently believes is still in effect..... In the championship game, West Bloomfield and their hot bats were unfortunate enough to have Sheed on the Hill. As usual, North Farmington and West Bloomfield went back and forth, exchanging home runs. However, Andy became shaky in the field for North Farmington, dropping two routine fly-outs over the fence, very Bryce-Nemer-Kasier like. Down 11-8 in the top of the 5th, North Farmington struck back. Led by Andy, who homered 8 times in the game, North Farmington charged ahead 15-11. In the bottom half, Weiner came through huge with 2 doubles and a game tying, 1-out home run. With the stage set for Cory, who had recently become the first player-notBenWeiner to hit 100 home runs in a season. Cory took the first Steve Astrein pitch yard, a walk-off homer, winning the Fourth of July Invitational for the defending champs.
Tuesday, June 19
Problems in West Bloomfield
Problems for Champs?
Recently, the West Bloomfield School of Wiffleball has strayed from their winning ways, playing around .500 baseball. While an excellent start has them pinned at 14-6, concerns have arisen within the organization. The team has been carried by the golden arm of ace Ben Weiner, posting a 10-1 record this season. The number 2 pitcher in the rotation, Cory Manoogian, has struggled incredibly this season, currently standing at 3-5, giving up 18 runs one game, and allowing a 10-0 1 inning mercy in another. Cory, who at times presented unhittable stuff last year, cannot seem to find ways to get batters out this year. To add to the problems, Cory, nursing an ankle injury, has been unable to get to routine balls in the outfield. The only thing that has been working for the 3 time defending champs is their potent offense, already belting out 160 home runs this year. Weiner and Sheed have been able to exchange blows and scrap to win games thus far, but dont be surprised if things take a negative turn for West Bloomfield soon if adjustments arent made.
Monday, May 28
Power Rankings- May 28
Power Rankings- May 28th
1. West Bloomfield School of Wiffle Ball (8-4)- Should not have lost any games. Weiner is a legit ace for an offensive juggernaut.
2. North Farmington *** Weiner's (3-3)- 2-0 vs. not West Bloomfield. Struggled for the most part against the leagues best so far. Lack of pitching.
3. The North (0-0)- Lat year's runner up, should dominate in a league with this much parody.
4. Farmington Hills Longshots (1-2)- played all games very tough. Rosenberg leading a powerful offense.
5. Bloomfield Hills (1-3)- full squad led by Donald should win games
6. Birmingham Moist (2-1)- early success will not dictate rest of year
7. TET (1-1)- Wachler leading a resurgent TET. Eli blows
8. Lake Orion Rage(0-0)
9. White Lake Young Guns (0-0)
10. Cranbrook Wiffle Academy (0-0)
11. WB 2 (0-0)
12. Motely Crew (0-2)- Bleznak's 3 homers keeps them out of last
13. DCD Abominable Snowmen (0-0)- worst team ever?
Monday, May 28
West Bloomfield wins on Memorial Day
First Annual Memorial Day Tourney Taken By Champs-
In the first ever memorial day invitational, offense dominated the headlines. North Farmington and West Bloomfield took the field in the opening game, the leagues top two teams. West Bloomfield and North were even through the first 4 innings, until West Bloomfield pulled ahead 8-5 in the top of the 5th. With the game under control, Weiner made an error on a routine ground out by Andy. This lead to North Farmington tying the game up 8-8. In the sixth, West Bloomfield manufactured a run. However, in the bottom half of the inning, a Bucahanan homer tied it, and Steve hit a two run walk off shot, North Farmington stealing a game early. North Farmington was also able to handle the offensively charged Farmington Hills Longshots 12-8. The Longshots, much improved after last year played West Bloomfield next. Corey Manoogian had a rough outing for the defending champs, giving up 8 runs in the first inning before recording an out. All game West Bloomfield scratched back, inching closer. They trailed a remarkable 18-16 heading into the bottom of the 5th. Down 18-17, with one out, Ben Weiner stepped up. Weiner, having the game of the year for 2007, had 11 home runs already. The first pitch from the knuckleballer Matt Cole was fouled off the roof. Weiner, finding loop holes in the Major League Baseball rules, was able to take his time running the ball out, obstructing Matt's path to the ball, legal in yardball. This gave West Bloomfield new life. Weiner homered tying it, and Sheed ended it with a walk off shot. In the finals, West Bloomfield and North Farmington squared off again. Weiner and West Bloomfield controlled the tempo once again, leading 5-0 after 3. Weiner at this point, throwing a perfect game. Weiner got sloppy in the 4th, but West Bloomfield led 8-3 heading into the bottom of the 5th. Andy grounded out to start the inning, but then the wheels fell off for West Bloomfield. Steve led a North Farmington come back, hitting a game tying home run with 1 out. With a man on and a chance to win it, Steve stepped up again. Weiner tried to sneak a fast ball by him, and Steve launched it over the tree and onto the roof of the house in left (3rd time ever). However, unlike the previous 2 times, the outfielder, Sheed, was alert of the situation, and made a remarkable play, catching it off the roof. The game went into extra innings, where a Weiner home run off the back stop with 2 strikes following a fast pitch put West Bloomfield ahead. Leading 11-8, West Bloomfield managed to hold on, winning 11-10 and capturing their first tournament title of the year.
Friday, April 6
2007 Preview
SEASON PREVIEW-
Pre-season Power Rankings-
1. WEST BLOOMFIELD SCHOOL OF WIFFLEBALL- 3 time defending champs. Potentially have yardball's most explosive lineup ever, Wiener coming off a 275 homer season, Erhmann coming off his most productive season ever hitting 78 homers, and the addition of Corey Sheed Manoogian, last years runner up for the Debenedictus Award who belted out a record 90 homers for anyone not named Ben Weiner. The staff will also be much more solid than many would expect. Ben Weiner, coming off a dominant year on the hill in which he won a league high 27 games plus going 8-0 in the playoffs, will be the ace. Corey Manoogian who threw a plethora of 1 hitters last year and had a league second best 12 wins will be a solid number 2 starter. The only potential issue for west Bloomfield is fielding. While Zack Erhmann may be considered the best fielder in the game, winning his third sun can't play factor last year, Erhmann will miss the first 3/4 of the season due to vaginitis. This forces Sheed to field all games Weiner pitches, potentially creating issues for the champs. None the less, this team looks to be a favorite out of the gate.
2. NORTH FARMINGTON WEINER'S ***- While it seems that every year Steve Astrein's squad is projected to be number 2, this year they actually have the fire power to back it up. Steve cleaned house in the off season and brought in long time rival Andaaay to fill the gap. Andaaay, just hitting his prime in yardball brings a second tremendous power bat to North Farmington's line up, something they lacked in years past. Andaay can also serve as a left handed ace, pithing dominant at times. North Farmington has always suffered from a tremendous lack of pitching. While Steve still struggles even to be a number 2 pitcher, North Farmington has finally created their longly anticipated yardball machine.
3. THE NORTH- Coming off last years magical run to the world series, the North look prime to make a repeat appearance. While still no verbal agreement with star pitcher and playoff mvp brad hedben, making him a free agent, The North return two emerging stars, ROY Josh Norris and Bryce Nemer Kaiser. Norris was one of yardball's best all around players last year finishing 4th in homers, 6 in wins (2nd in k's) and an honorable mention for the sun can;t play factor. Bryce finally started to pick it up offensively at the end of his rookie campaign, earning all star selection honors. The North made a name for themselves last year and should be reckoned with in September.
4. BLOOMFIELD HILLS- Lat year's number 1 seed in the playoffs, Bloomfield Hills missed their chance at a world series by 1 game. Led by hall of famer Donald Hadesman, the 2 younger Bloomfield Hills players have nicely developed. Matt Broder emerged as a yardball star and Steven Siegel continued to progress. Hadesman provides all of the offense a team could need at the top of the order and Siegel and Broder are both strong fielders. The major question of Bloomfield Hills is pitching. Hadesman has won a CY young, but has been beaten around on the hill since '04. Steven Siegel finished in the top 5 in wins in 2005. if he could return to that form, he could emerge as the Bloomfield Hills ace.
5. CRANBROOK WIFFLE ACADEMY- A sleeper team at number 5. Max Pace, last years cy young winner was a dominant 9-0 with an all time best ERA under 3. If he can continue this kind of success on his expansion team, they will be guaranteed to play .500 ball, making for great seeding in this top heavy league. Zakc Bobowski is listed as their only other player currently, but the roster is expected to receive depth, and the lefty righty combo of bobowski and pace makes for plenty of offense.
6. FARMINGTON HILLS LONGSHOTS- Jeff Rosenberg quietly emerged a s yardball threat last year, earning his first all star appearance. teamed up with Matt Cole, the Longshots had quality wins over TET and North Farmington last year. This year with the same roster, Farmington Hills could make some noise.
7. BIRMINGHAM MOIST- Expansion team led by Josh Smith. Smith and rookie Max Grossman expected to contend.
8. LAKE ORION RAGE- doubtful that they will ever show up. however, if they do, Josh Deeg has proven to be one of the leagues best all around players and presents a deep roster of some varsity baseball players no has ever heard of.
9. TET- With long time captain Andaaay gone, its now Eli's turn to show his leadership skills for TET. This team has none of the intimidation that it once did when it made back to back world series appearnces. Eli, at times one of yardball's best pitchers, will loose focus during every game. Eli also presents minimal offensive capabilities. The power will come from iron toe Jordan Wahcler who wears cleats when he plays. Eli and wachler will undoubtedly get in fights on the field and the lack of chemistry could be devastating.
10. WHITE LAKE YOUNG GUNS- Max Elkins has proved his love for the game but isn't very good. don't expect much from this team but alot of heart.
11. WB 2- don't even have a team name yet, unauthorized registration
12. ABOMINABLE DCD SNOWMEN- an annual pick for dead last, Josh Laker's squad always tries hard. This year, Laker adds Briggs Goldberg who shouldn't be too much help.
Registration for 2007 continues to June 31st.
Top free agents-
Brad Hedben, Drew Adameic, Craig Sacha, Joey Roberts
Hitters-
1. Ben Weiner (West Bloomfield)- not up for debate, more homers per ab than any1 ever
2. Josh Norris (The North)- second highest homers per ab
3. Zack Erhmann (West Bloomfield)- hardest out? power to all fields
4. Andaaaay (North Farmington)- still on the rise, power to all fields
5. Sheeed (West Bloomfield)- 90 homers last year, plenty left over
6. Donald Hadesman (Bloomfield Hills)- still the purest swing in the game
7. Steve Astrein (North Farmington)- production dropped way off in 06
8. Brad Hedben (Free Agent)- solid lefty bat
9. Matt Broder (Bloomfield Hills)- showed potential late last year
10. Jeff Rosenberg (Farmington Hills)- surprising power
Pitchers-
1. Max Pace (CWA)- un beaten last year, lowest ERA in MLY history
2. Ben Weiner (West Bloomfield)- 27-6 regular season, 8-0 post season, dominant curve
3. Brad Hedben (Free Agent)- dominant change of speeds
4. Josh Norris (The North)- tough side arm pitcher, hard thrower
5. Sheeed (West Bloomfield)- signs of brilliance last year
Wednesday, September 13
TOP 10 Games of '06
Top 10 Games of the Year-
10. 10 INNING FIASCO- It started as a slugfest. West Bloomfield went up huge on The North B in game 3 of thier first round series, North B facing elination. North B came back and went up 14-13 in the 5th. A weiner homer tied it in the top of the 5th. Weiner held them in the bottom. Seid kept shutting down WB in the top, while Weiner had to answer in the bottom. He pitched a hitless 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th. The 10th inning came making it the longest game of the eyar, and Weiner hit a go ahead homer, one of the eyars longest, clearing everything in center, shutting down North B in the bototm, win 20-15, move on to final 4.
9. THE CATCH- North Farmington had command of game 4 of the fianl 4, facing elimination against West Bloomfield. Up 4-0, North Farmington collapsed allowing West Bloomfield within 1. The bases were laoded with 1 out in the 4th for Ben Weiner off Drew Adameic. Weiner fouled off the first pitch near the window and Drew ran full speed into the air conditoning, tumbling over it with the catch of the eyar to get out of the jam. North Farmington, after another comeback held on 6-5.
8. LEGACY- Donald Hadesman tried everything he could to win game 2 of the best of 5 final 4, trialing the north 1-0 in the series. Hadesman threw well, throwing cracked yardballs for half the game trying to get an edge. He also led his teams offense with 2 homers. Up 5-2 in the 5th with 1 out, The North spakred a rally, capped off by Brad Hebdens 3 run, game tying homer. Hadesman got out of the 5th and led of the bottom half where he took the first pitch iover the right field fence, his first career playoff walk off.
7. PITCHERS DUAL- Game 1 of the highly anticipated final 4 between North Farmington and West Bloomfield was anything from expected. Both offenses couldnt hit, and both ptichers, Weiner and Astrein turne din gems. Astrein carried a perfect game through 5 innings, Weiner a 1 hitter with no walks and 4 k's. Weienr shut down North Framington in the top of the 6th, and in the bototm half Weiner led off with a double. The enxt pitch Erhman laced for a double, consecutive doubles, game over, West Bloomfield took an early series lead, winning 1-0.
6. BARELY FAIR- Game 2 of the first round between North Farmington and Laguna was huge, with Laguna lready up 1-0 in the series. They turned to shut down man, Sheeed. Sheed was unhittablwe in the first 2 innings until Brad Hebden used the back stop in the thrid, htiitng an opposite fiekld homer, in his ringer sitnt on North Farmignton. Down 1-0 with 1 out in the top of the 5th, Laguna had their backs agaisnt the wall with Heby ptiching great. Hebby faced Brad Hantler, not known for yardball geratness. Hantler took a Hebby ptich waaay to right, around the bend around, off the pine tree, the closest to the foul foul anyone has ever gone, the ball stayed inches fair, tying the game up. In the bottom of the 5th, Sheed intentionally wlaked Hebby to get to a struggling Astrein hwo grounded out. He intentionally wlaked Hebby again to face Steve who poped up a ball, barely cathcing a leaf of the double tree, winning the game in the process 2-1.
5. HEBBY REDEMPTION- Game 3 of the North vs. Bloomfield Hills final 4 was also a classic. Bloomfield Hills led the whole way, behind Donald's offense and Broders pitching. They took a 5-4 lead into the bototm of the 5th in the swing game of the series. Playing the right/left fielder method agaisnt the lefty righty combo of the North, Bloomfield Hills got lucky. Brd Hebden led off with a shot to the elft fielder, who he forgot was inelgible. Hadesman reacted quickly, and hooped on the ball before Hebby could get to first. Down to their final out, Norris homered to tie the game. Then, saving himself, Hebby followed suit with a towering walk-off to send the North up 2-1 in the series, winning the game 6-5.
4. NORRIS VS. PACE- Game 3 of the semi final of the presitiogus Pre-August Blast was a classic. Max Pace and Josh Norris, two overpwoering ptichers at the peak of their game for North Farmington and The North respectively. Each pticher would etst the yardball speed limit with each pitch, the speed conitnually increasig. Down 1-0 in the 4th, Norris tied the game with a solo shot off Pace. The game went into extras. Norris hit a ball way up in the tree in 7th, off a fast pitch, that was caught by Astrein. In the bottom of the 7th with 1 out, Mike Margolis stood at the dish, a lefty. He went oppo with some distance. The best play on the ball would be from the optihcer Norris, who spirnted to it, the bal landing inches out of his hands, over the fence, game and series over.
3.SNAKES CLASSIC- In the Snakes on a Plane Open Final, The North squared off agsinst Laguna Becch, with Jeff Rosneberg, in a 1 game showodnw. The North took an early led, but Sheed and crew abttled back, chipping away each inning off Norris. In the top of the 5th, trailing, 2 Jeff Rosenberg homers with Sheed on, sent Laguna up by 3, heading into the bototm of the 5th. The North got 2 on with 1 out, up stepped Norris to face Sheed. Norris hit a towering ball, way over the fence, and the back tres at the Sheed coleseeum. The ball hit off an airconditoner, where it got stuck, but continued moving, slwoly rolling off. Sun can't play factor winner Jeff Rosneberg dashed over, and despite much controversy, caught the ball off the air conditoner, winning the Snakes Open for Sheed and Laguna.
2.PINCH HITTER- Game 3, the deciding game of the long and rpesitiogus Pre-August Blast. Two arch rival teams in a bitter argumentative series, North Farmington and West Bloomfield, 2 rivals, Astrein vs. Weiner on the hill. The game was back and forth until Astrein hit a go ahead homer in the bottom of the 4th to make it 6-5. During this time, Sheeed and Roberts were palying football in left. The top of the 5th saw Weiner ground out to start the inning. Erhmann homered off the foul pole to tie it i na cltch situation. Weiner, who hadn't pulled the right string all day gazed the field for ideas. He found 1 dicking around in left. He called time and pinch hit, the man, Joey Roberts in the most spontaneous and iditotic move ever. Joey had 5 ab;s all day, none in the playoff rounds, 0-5. Roberts, crakcng up as he step in, took the first Steve Astrein pitch yard, giving WB the lead. A sight like that had never been seen on a yardball field from all the chaos it caused. The msot improbabale of homers. Weiner put in closer Fat to end the game and he did just that. The Left handed specialist ending it agaisnt Big Margo, WB repeatng as Pre-August Blast champs.
1. THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED- You cant iamgine the drama. Or the setting. 2 teams with the title on the line. West Bloomfield had never been knocked off. Nemer kept annyong WEiener with his deep philospohical bulslhit, but Weienr ha dhis eyes on the prize. He took the ball and thing went bad. Nemer led off with a homer off the back stop. Norris hit a 1 out homer to left. Bottom 1, Erhmann hit a huge solo shot to make it 2-1 off Hebby. Weiner got 2 easy grounders in the second, 1 going off the pticher mound shoe. Bottom of the second, the vetran WB squad opened up the flood gates. Weiner started it with a homrer. Than Weiner and erhmann, the long time teames went double after double mixed i nwith each homering, getitng it to 6-2. Then with 2 on, Erhmann hit a huge 3 run shot, just out of Nemers reach, this seemingly icing the cake for West Bloomfield. To add insult to injury, the next ptioch from Hebby was a stirke off the back stop, lined for a homer by Weiner. The North after more hitd, West Bloomfield was closing in on a mercy, but the nroth survied. Disgusted indded, The North came back. Wiener stil lstruggling with Nemers stream of blabber coming from his mouth, back to pitch poorly. Bheind 3 nemer homers some Norris bombs and 1 or 2 Hrbby shotsd, the North stormed back. West Bloomfield was at 1 point 3 outs from victory before a Nemer homer around the curve around tied it and a Norris homer sent The North in the elad 11-10, going into the bottom of the 4th, a trenedmous comeback for a team nearly mercied with their backs agaisnt the wall. Erhmann answered in the bototm with a solo shot tying the game. Heaidng into the top of the 5th, in game 5 of the world series, we were tied. Hebby led off with a solo shot going opoo, giving the north the lead. Weiner bared down and got the next 2 outs, fooling Norris with a sick slow curve. Ehrmann led off with a ground out. West Bloomfield was 1 out from being dethroned. This set thestage for the geratest yardbakll player who ever lvied to answer his calling. Over anxious, he fell behind 1-2 to Hebby, 1 fast pitch from loosing. Earlier in the game, Hebby had puleld the stirng in a fast pitch count and Weiner made himself look real dumb, the moment every1 had been waiting for all year with the fast ptich changeup. Now, Weiner had to focus, Hebby had no tricks. He brought the ehat and Weiner foueld it off. Clutch. The at bat ensued with Wiener fouling off more ptiches and taking ball 2. He made a stance adjustment and boom, sent just another famous homer into the tree in left which got stuck, tying the game. Legend. Next up erhmann in the spot that kids dream about, with a chance to wn the world serie sgame 5 in wlak off fashion. Cptain Nemer puleld Hebby in disgust and brought in hard throwng Norris. Norris fel behind Erhmann 2-1. The next ptich jammed Erhmann off the handle but was hit well, deep over the fence to left center. The entire stadium went silent watching Nemers persuit, which was forced to take a weird angle due to his spirnters dance defensive stargety. Erhamn nand Weiner were slwoing creepuing down he first bae line watching. Norris watching from the hill, Hebby watching from behind home plate. The ball hung up in the air for eternity wihile Nemrr with his back to home plate was able to easily get to it making a relatively routine play look kind difficult, but no worries....OH WAIT!!! NOOOO. HE DROPPED IT!!!!!!!! HAHAHAHA HE LITERALLY DROPPED IT. DID HE CATCH IT?!!? NOOO HE DROPPED IT. NEMER- OOPS walk off homer for Erhmann,game over, series over, seaosn over, 3 -peat for West Bloomfield. Greatest game of yardball ever.
Sunday, September 10
GREATEST SERIES/GAME EVER
Nemer-OOPS
The third world series of yardball was without question the best ever. With all the parody in the league this year, the world series turned to be the best playoff series ever, and game 5 being the best yardball game ever. The series was expected to be a good one, with all games very completive between The North and West Bloomfield this year. Before the series, the west Bloomfield scandal became revealed with Joey and ace being cut due to their involvement with a potential scandal to throw the world series. This left Weiner and Erhmann to do battle against Hebby, Norris and captain Bryce-Nemer-.....The series started off slow with 2 mercies, than game 3 shifted gears, game 4 was a battle, all setting up the magic of game 5, each game a story. GAME 1:The North had no idea what to expect in the world series. West Bloomfield had been there twice. Weiner shut down The North in order in the first. Hebby walked Weiner in his first world series batter, Erhmann doubled, and Weiner broke the ice with a huge 3 run oppo homer. He came back his next at bat, and took a Hebby fast pitch even farther to right, putting up a 4 spot in the first. After another blank by the North, watching Wiener sprawl all over the field for ground balls, they got the message how serious this was. Weiner and Erhmann continued to shell Hebby scoring 3 more runs. With 2 on and 1 out, Erhmann stepped up and hit a ball deep to left center. Nemer went back on it and failed to make the basket catch over his shoulder, simply dropping the ball, West Bloomfield winning with a 2 inning mercy.10-0. Nemer-oops in disgust. Foreshadowing? GAME 2:Zack Erhmann, not always known for his pitching, was hit extremely hard in the second inning of game 2. After giving up just 4 runs in the first, West Bloomfield road some more Weiner homers to tie it 4-4. Erhmann got lit up next inning. 11 runs by the North. Mainly from a Norris grand slam to compliment to other shots, and 2 Hebby homers, both going opposite field. Erhmann finally got out of the inning but it was too late and his 2nd inning homer only made the score 15-5, The North coming back to answer with a mercy. GAME 3:In game 3, The North jumped out to an early lead 4-1 off some Norris bombs. Weiner knocked in the lone WB run with a sac fly in the second off a pitch back. Bryce Nemer unveiled his strategy to stop West Bloomfields best player Ben Weiner, but laying mental games with him verbally. Wiener became almost useless on the hill and at the dish. Weiner still struggled and played like he wanted it, diving for balls everywhere, including doing 1 of his famous tumble and rolls over the tree roots in right. And West Bloomfield came charging back off Hebby to tie up the game off a series of doubles. In the bottom of the 4th, Hebby hit a 2 run shot off Weiner to send The North up 6-4. West Bloomfield answered with backs against the ball. After getting an out and a single early, Erhmann stepped up and hit a shot to Norris, Norris knocked it down and the throw was late. Weiner singled loading the bases for Erhmann. Erhmann stepped up with a huge clutch double, tying the game. Weiner answered, zoning out Bryce and hitting a go ahead 3 run shot. The 2 went back 2 back again and it was 11-6. Weiner shut down The North in their half of the 5th, and West Bloomfield took a 2-1 series lead. GAME 4:A solo homer by Erhmann in the first was the only offense for West Bloomfield through 4 innings. A Nemer homer for The North was theirs until the bottom of the 4th where they unloaded on Zack Erhmann who was pitching surprisingly well. After 2 walks and a single Nemer singled, Hebby hit a grand slam and Norris homered. West Bloomfield down 8-1 scored 2 runs off a Weiner homer, but went on to loose 8-3, with Norris throwing a gem. The controversial decision here was to intentionally walk Norris to get to Nemer who started the north rally. Nemer continued to mentally distract Weiner who was nearly going insane.
The series was right where The North wanted. Going to game 5 with cy young runner up Brad Hebden on the hill and flame thrower Josh Norris out of the pen. Nemers strategy to neutralize Ben Weiner, although implemented late was working perfectly, with Weiner ineffective in game 4 due to the ridiculous amounts of nonsense from Nemer. Both teams wanted it bad, and both teams would not go down without a fight.
GAME 5:The Greatest Yardball Game Ever Played
You cant imagine the drama. Or the setting. 2 teams with the title on the line. West Bloomfield had never been knocked off. Nemer kept annoying Weiner with his deep philosophical bull***, but Weiner had his eyes on the prize. He took the ball and thing went bad. Nemer led off with a homer off the back stop. Norris hit a 1 out homer to left. Bottom 1, Erhmann hit a huge solo shot to make it 2-1 off Hebby. Weiner got 2 easy grounders in the second, 1 going off the pitcher mound shoe. Bottom of the second, the veteran WB squad opened up the flood gates. Weiner started it with a homer. Than Weiner and Erhmann, the long time teams went double after double mixed in with each homering, getting it to 6-2. Then with 2 on, Erhmann hit a huge 3 run shot, just out of Nemers reach, this seemingly icing the cake for West Bloomfield. To add insult to injury, the next ptioch from Hebby was a strike off the back stop, lined for a homer by Weiner. The North after more hits, West Bloomfield was closing in on a mercy, but the north survived. Disgusted indeed, The North came back. Wiener still struggling with Nemers stream of blabber coming from his mouth, back to pitch poorly. Behind 3 nemer homers some Norris bombs and 1 or 2 Hebby shots, the North stormed back. West Bloomfield was at 1 point 3 outs from victory before a Nemer homer around the curve around tied it and a Norris homer sent The North in the lead 11-10, going into the bottom of the 4th, a tremendous comeback for a team nearly mercied with their backs against the wall. Erhmann answered in the bottom with a solo shot tying the game. Heading into the top of the 5th, in game 5 of the world series, we were tied. Hebby led off with a solo shot going oppo, giving the north the lead. Weiner bared down and got the next 2 outs, fooling Norris with a sick slow curve. Ehrmann led off with a ground out. West Bloomfield was 1 out from being dethroned. This set the stage for the greatest yardball player who ever lived to answer his calling. Over anxious, he fell behind 1-2 to Hebby, 1 fast pitch from loosing. Earlier in the game, Hebby had pulled the string in a fast pitch count and Weiner made himself look real dumb, the moment every1 had been waiting for all year with the fast pitch change up. Now, Weiner had to focus, Hebby had no tricks. He brought the heat and Weiner fouled it off. Clutch. The at bat ensued with Wiener fouling off more pitches and taking ball 2. He made a stance adjustment and boom, sent just another famous homer into the tree in left which got stuck, tying the game. Legend. Next up Erhmann in the spot that kids dream about, with a chance to win the world series game 5 in walk off fashion. Captain Nemer pulled Hebby in disgust and brought in hard throwing Norris. Norris fell behind Erhmann 2-1. The next pitch jammed Erhmann off the handle but was hit well, deep over the fence to left center. The entire stadium went silent watching Nemers pursuit, which was forced to take a weird angle due to his sprinters dance defensive strategy. Erhmann and Weiner were slowing creeping down he first base line watching. Norris watching from the hill, Hebby watching from behind home plate. The ball hung up in the air for eternity while Nemer with his back to home plate was able to easily get to it making a relatively routine play look kind difficult, but no worries....OH WAIT!!! NOOOO. HE DROPPED IT!!!!!!!! HAHAHAHA HE LITERALLY DROPPED IT. DID HE CATCH IT?!!? NOOO HE DROPPED IT. NEMER- OOPS walk off homer for Erhmann,game over, series over, seaosn over, 3 -peat for West Bloomfield. Greatest game of yardball ever. Weiner and Erhmann went on to trot the bases in complete madness. Falling at home plate, somewhere near where Hebby was lying. Norris lay flat on the hill. Nemer lay with his head down at the site of the travesty, not moving for minutes. Weiner and Erhmann than went through the motions of a third title. Drinking from the cup, taking the picture and engraving the cup. Everyone still in shock over the events that occurred. Nemer had been playing mind games all day. He probably should have focused on the ball. NEMER-OOPS.
The North was so close. With their glorious come back and the pitch Brad Hebden made to Weiner in the 4th on a fast pitch count change up, everything was on his shoulders. Just 1 fast pitch, 1 little fast pitch from winning it all. Weiner took a pitch after that extremely close to the outside corner and fouled 1 off, inches from third base. It was that close. The ball got stuck in the tree. That close. And Obviously the ball was in Nemer-oopses hands. That close. Nemer after the game stripped the C from his jersey that he had been flaunting all day. A captains gotta want the ball in his hands for a cliche. The North, who had been so close to loosing in the first round, down 0-2, had come all this way, for virtually nothing. West Bloomfield, riding Weiner's golden arm to 6-0 in the final 4 and ship had won it all for the third straight year. Weiner shared co-MVP honors for the playoffs with the first player ever from a loosing team to receive it, Brad Hebden. Hebby had been apart of every North win, with go ahead homers in seemingly every game and a 5-1 record going into the series, 1 pitch form icing it. West Bloomfield, the great franchsie was finally tested this year. When the call comes, the great ones answer.
Sunday, September 10
World Series Preview
World Series Preview-
And were finally here. West Bloomfield. Yardball's great franchise. 2 consecutive wiffleball titles. Greatness wherever you look. They have great pitching, great dfeense, and an epic offense led by all-time homerun king and 3 time Debenedictus Award winner Ben Weiner and Zack Erhmann, red hot in the playoffs, 3rd all time in homers. Weiner and Erhmann have been the nucleus of this West Bloomfield team for their 3 year run, with help from Hadesman. Joey Roberts, '05 playoff mvp, was cut before the final 4, with Max Pace soon resigning after. Details on the mysertious losses of Pace and Rpberts to come. The only players remaing on the roster are Weiner, Wapes, and Erhmann, with Wapes not attenind. So it coems down to Weiner and Erhmann to win it all again. The infamous Black and White looked great from the hill toay, with Weiner, normally a number 2 pitcher, stepping it up with 3 glorious gems, and Erhmann, normally a relief pticher, throwing 2 quality games as well. The offense, struggled agaisnt North Farmignton i nthe final 4, but heated up at the end looking close to normal. Erhmann and Weiner both also looke dgerat i nthe field, Erhmann made numerous spectacluar plays and conitnues to be the most conistant fielder in the league. West Bloomfiekld has dominated their 2 finals appearnces winning series 3-1 (2004) and 3-0 (2005) both over TET. Erhmann, who was injurd for the '05 finals campaign, played extremely well in the '04. Weiner, who always shows up for the world series, has a life time 2-1 record in the finals. Theres not a whole lot more yo ucan say about a team as great as West Bloomfield, when their in the zone, the '06 West Bloomfield squad is unbeatable. They started off the year huge with a win at the Pre-August Blast, beating North Farmington in that epic best of 3.They had the emotionl series win over Bingham and former teammate Donald Hadesman. They coninuted to play well in week 1, in sole possesion of first at Talladega until the tournoment got suspensed. Week 1 ended with West Bloomfield slotted at number 1 in the power rankings. Week two saw more great wiffle from West Bloomfield. Weiner caught fire at the dish, hitting 39 homers in 4 games, an epic mark and West Bloomfield was 8-0. Things were good. However in week 2 we saw the brawl, suspending Zakc Erhmann for a week. This set up West Bloomfield to struggle in week 3 without Erhmann, loosisng 11 games, and at 1 point 8 in a row, finishing last at the snakes on a plane open. During this week, we saw the Wapes debut, and Joey Roberts struggles on the filed got worse, a conitnuous saga in the wb season. Roberts got even worse in week 4, being moved from the rotation to the bullpen, following the fialure of his new debenedictus deal pitch. it appeared that he would never return to '05 status. West Bloomfield imporved i nweek 4, getitng erhmann back and making the final of the blanch memroail, only to get spanked by the team they wil face sunday, The North. West Bloomfield o nthis day also finally got Max Paxe to switch from North Farmington, anchroing their staff. Pace played 5 games for West Blomfield. West Bloomfield wrapped up the reuglar seaosn at 48-24, percentage wise not great for West Bloomfield. They entered with the 2 seed and swept the North B in the first round behind paaar from Erhmann and Weiner, especially in 4th inning variety. Drama emegred in the fianl 4. Playing arch rival North Farmington for the first time in the playoffs, Joey Roberts was cut before the series for undisclosed reasons and Max Pace quit, potneitally cause of the treament to Joey. This left West Bloomfield 2 3-year players, Weiner and Erhmann to do the work, and won the epic series in 5 games, Weiner an dErhmann enter sudnay hugnry, looking for that third ring. The North: a team of all rookies. They had no idea what yardball was while West Bloomfield was winning championships. Led by Bryce- Nemer Kaiser who will be returning, they featured rookie of the year and star player Josh Norris, as well as cy oung runner up and emerging star brad Hebden.The North is a cmpeltely rounded team, great offensfe with Norris and the 2 lefties, Norris and Nemer were both mentioned for sun cant play factor and Norris and Hebby make what is considered idely to be yardballs best staff. The North have emerged very well this year and grown as rookies and are ready for the challenge to beocme the frist team to knock off wb. They started out rough, loosing their first 2 games onm opeming day before defating who else but..West Bloomfield. They were also 0-3 in pool play at the pre-august blast before playing North Farmingtn rough i na 3 game series and loosing. The North was also 2-1 at Talladega, with their big tardemark comeback win over TET. They finished week 1 at 4-9 with the 5 spot in the power rankings. The Nroth took off week 2 to retool. They played very well at the Snakes Open, loosing to Laguna in the fianls, going 2-1 in the process. The high point of thr season came at the blanch. 2-0 in pool play, had a bye into the finals. They swept West Bloomfield, mercying game 1 and domiantng game 2 as well. The North netered the layoffs at 11-11, as the 5 seed, but seocnd in the power rankings. They fell behind 2-0 to TET with Brad Hebnde leaidng the way, Norris and Nemer grounded. Than, Norris showed up. They became the first team ever to come abck from 0-2, winning the series behind domiannt tiching from Norris and Hebby. The ebnxt day, Norris and Hebby hit the road to Bloomfield Hills for the final 4, still no Bryce. They went 5 again agaisnt Donald and crew, Hebby throwing a shut out in game 5, and The Niorth advancing to the ship. The 3 rookies look forward to their matchup agaisnt WB. They actually match up well agaisnt the smalelr wWB roster. Norris, a outstanding power hitter, has rocked Weiner, hwo has ptihced well recently. Wienr has gotten the better of the elfties Hebby and Bryce, but Erhmann, a tarditional left fielder fdoes not field right as well. Erhmann is a brand new pithcer and wil lcause matchup issues with his new spitter. Norris will most liekly take it to left center, creaitng a long run for Weiner who is not fleet of foot. Weiner, slightly mroe comfortable in right, will be able to make opays off Hebby and Nemer when Erhmann is on the hill. The North will most likely bat 3 and will cause fatigue with the lefty righty switch. They are all patient hitters, that work coutns and arent affraid of fast pitches with 2 strikes, fouling them off cinsitantly. The North has been on an offensive tear. On the other side of the ball, u have the best staff agsisnt the best offnse i na classic matchup. Erhmann has hit Norris well all year, while Wiener will need to make adjustments. Wienr has hit Hebby well, but the same cant be said or Erhmann. Hebby has great control and will mix speeds and breaking pithces whie Norris is a domiant fastball pithcer with good brekaing stuff, a dveloping changeup and is the best in the business at working both sides of the plate from his weird angle. West Bloomfield will appriach by taking ptihces and working doubles, folowed by homers, that will have 2 be earned due to the gold glvoe otfield of the North. Weiner, who caught fire at the end of the final 4 can carry a team at any point, and the pressure is off hi mdue to Erhmanns sucess in these playoffs. If the north doesnt hit their spots, it could be a long day due to Erhman nand Weiner always using the whole field and at any given time (especially 4th inning) can feed off eachother and go back-2 back- 2 back- 2 back...The North will need to be coistant. Expience favors WB here but an intersting stat likes the North. The great manager Ben Wiener, a pioneer of the game, wion 2 titles in yardball with a 3 man roster i na 2 man sport. He made it acetpable and favorable to use 3 players, a 2 set up lineups b for chmsitry and c for use of bullpen (Nemer). Due to recent team turmoil, West Bloomfied enters with 2 players, The Niorth with 3.
Saturday, September 9
The Series That Took 3 Years to Build
Going To The Ship-
The series that took 3 years to build up, lived up to its hype. With the abcsnese of Max Pace, and Joey getting cut, it came down to the 4 players who truly resemble yardballs geratest rivarly. Steve strein and Drew Adaneic ('06 debut) vs. Zack Erhmann and legendary Ben Weiner. Both teams started off slow after not playing yardball for a while. Game 1 was one of the best ptichers duals ever, Steve taking a perfect game into the 6th, Wener a 1 hitters with no wlaks and 4 ks. Weiner shut down the side in the 6th, and led off with a double, WBs first hit of the series. Erhmann took the next pitch off the trees, winning the game on consecutive doubles 1-0. Game two saw mroe of the same with Drews second inning, 2-run homer winning it 2-0 for North Farmington, behding his own solid tiching performance. (To read about each game i ndetail, go to "schedules") Game 3, saw a struggling Weiner turn it around off a called fast pitch homer off Steve in the top of the 4th. Aided by 3 erhmann homers and another gem from Weiner, West Bloomfield won game 3, 4-1, jumping ahead 2-1 in the series. Game 4, with Erhmann i na rush saw sloppy ptiching. Down 4-0 in the 4th West Blomfield came alvie, scoring 3 runs. With the bases laoded and 1 out, Weiner stepped up facing Drew. He foueld the first ptich off and Drew made the catch of the century, running itno the ac to catch it. North Farmington put up 2 more off solo shots by Seve and Drew i nthe bottom of the 4th, and a Weiner 2 run shot i nthe 5th wasnt enough, North Farmingto nforcing game 5, winning 6-5. Game 5 nearly saw the demise of West Bloomfield. Stve and Drew went up 3-0 in the top of the second. ottom of the third saw Erhmann and Weiner go back to back to tie it, and than the big play of the series, when Erhmanns 2 run homr was nearly trapped by Drew, but the ball squeezed out. Up 5-3 in the bottom of the 4th, Weiner had 2 hoemrs, Erhmann 1, to give West Bloomfield a solid 9-3 lead. North Framington made it inetresting, ut West Bloomfield, behind the arm of Weiner won 9-4. The series between these 2 teams that was so hyped, lvied up to it. Early on, we saw great optiching and rusty hititng. The bats came alvie slowly, and runs were socred in games 4and 5. West Bloomfield was kept in the series by Zack Erhmann, while Weiner played terrible offensive yardball for the first 2 and a half games, depsite throwing a 6 inning shut out and winning game 3 allowing just 1 run. Steve pitched supisngly well, but was matched up agaisnt Weiner who outdualed him every game. Drew Adameic did not bring the same offensive punch a sin '05 and Erhmann ptiched much better than expected, allwoing WB to hang on, on a day they did not bring their A game. West Bloomfield, hopefully with Pace, intends to bring it tommrow for their third staright title agaisnt The North, at 4. More on this series to come.
Tuesday, September 5
3 Years In The Making
The Most Balla **** Eva-
This Saturday..a week too late, North Farmington is finally ready to due battle agaisnt their arch nemesis of 3 years, West Bloomfield. The 2 teams have been consistantly the top 2 teams in yardball over the last 3 years, meeting in the regular season 57 times in the 3 years, a staggering figure for two yardball teams. But get this, the 2 teams have NEVER faced off in the playoffs. In the rpevious 2 years, West Bloomfield was the 1 seed and North Farmington was the 2 seed, and they were on a colission course for the world series. However, both times, North Farmington was upset in the final 4 by pesky rival TET, never getitng their dream matchup agaisnt West Bloomfield. Due to the '06 Bloomfield Hills shake up, West Bloomfield was the 2 seed, Noerth Farmington the 3, making them meet in the final 4. North Farmington, whom traditionally sucks in the playoffs, came up huge with a 3-1 series victory over yardball new comers Laguna Beech, and the wnated man Sheeed.North Farmington has been lead by captain Steve Astrein over the last 3 years. Steve, usually equipped with wing-man Drew Adameic (97 career homers, 2 sun cant play factors, 0 games in '06) is second carer in yardball homers with 182 homers, although he has slowed down this year. Steve and Drew have been together for all the previous North Farmington playoff heart break. However, this year Steve has done it with a different cast of characters. Big Margo and Max Pace helped during the reuglar seaosn until the stunning and unexpected and illrelevant retirement of Mago and the moved that shocked the world with Max Pace jumping to West Bloomfield. Steve, who had also been paired with Brad Hebden, was allowed to pick him up just for his victory in the first round. Now, Steve and Drew will be baxck together once again for the final 4. The 2 make a very legit offense for yardball, and both o=pack some punch on defense, with many considering Drew as the ebst fielder ever. However, the 2 simply cant pitch. Steve has a history of getting rocked, and Drew baely has a history of ptiching. West Bloomfield ahs the best offense in yardball led by the gerat one, '04,'05,'06 MVP Ben Weiner and '04,'05,'06 3rd place in home runs, Zack Erhmann. The last time these 4 met together on a wiffle bal ldiamond, Erhmann and Weiner teamed up to score 17 runs in 2 innings off Steve in a mercy. Max Pace, another interesting factor in this series due to switiching mid seaosn, will beocme the seocnd player to ever play agaisnt former team mates in the same seaosn in the playoffs (sheed '05). Pace, the cy young, is expected to wasily go 3-0, causing more hatred. And than theres Joey Roberts, a marked man in North Farmington whom will spend most of this series indoors. This bitter rivarly which has been witness to so many fights and great moments. Who could forget great moments like "the game that never happened" in '04, the drew adameic "trap" in '04, Joey Roberts getting his ephus knocked in in '05, or the 17-7 mercy at the '05 Blanch, or the famous final at the Pre-August Blast in '06 with the Roberts pinch hit homer. So much yardball history between the 2 teanms and it all ocmes down to this. 1 series, 5 games, for a chance at the finals.
Saturday, September 2
The North Dances Deeper Into September
"You play like an ***"-
The wise words of Donald Hadesman to teamate Matt Broder. It seems like The North always finds a way to make their opponents crumble. The North won their final 4 series, in 5 games again, and become the third etam in yardball history to reach the finals. They began their quest with the long drive to Bloomfield Hills and Poolside Crecsnet, the lognest roadtrip in yardball history. The North was without question motivtaed to dethrone Donald Hadesman. To read about indivudal games, please go to "schedules". Game 1, won by the north, was almost lost due to a late Bloomfield Hills come back. Game 2, was Hadesman's walk off homer, which saved his own self from nearly blowing it in the top half of the 5th. Game 3 saw Hebby's walk off homer capping a great come back by the north, a hgue turning point in the series. Game 4 was Donald, leading by example, with Bloomfield Hills working Norris to a win. And game 5, just like the previous day, was a blow out by the north, team effort, weith Hebby throwing a huge gem, 9-0, stiking out the side in the 5th. Bloomfield Hills just did not get along all day, with Broder starting off hott, than slumping. Whle Broder slumped, he was continually ripped into by Donald, a motivational startegy that only works on some. He also remvoed Broder form the li neup, although Broder is team captain, he was repalced temporarily by clsoer and designated fielder Steven Siegel, who in his limited batting appearnces played very well. The North, kept their mouths shut and took care of business as usual. Norris, although he struggled middleofthe seris, came alvie with his game tying 5th inning homer in game 3, when the north had their back agaisnt the wall following a Hebby mental blunder. Hebby, 3-0 on the day, continued to prove himself as a pticher, and consistantly homered and got on base for the north, proving that he was the missing opiece in their line up all along. The North have not looked as dominant as expetced in th playoffs, but continually get the job done. This may be due to the abscence of team catpain Bryce- Nemer-**, whom is still serving suspension due to off the field actions, but plans to return for the world series. Bloomfield Hills, a team that looked so good all year, could not hold it togetehr in the end of games. They blew the game 3 lead, whiuch cost them the seires,dug a huge hole with errors in game 1, which was almost small enough to climb back from with an incredible 5th inning, and also almost blew game 2 before Hadesman's late inning heriocs. Bloomfield Hills, a veteran team idd not capitalize on their oppotunities to shut the door, let the north hang around, and got spanked in game 5, the seocnd time they were 1 win form the finals and lsot. The day ended on sadder not when legend Donald Hadesman announced the '07 campaign will be his last. Donald, a free agent next year, has no idea where he will play. While it was a sour day for the 3 time fianl 4 loosers Bloomfield Hills, who really thought it was their year, The North triumphed and drove away, far away back home. They now look to the most hyped series ever in yardball, North Farmignton vs, West Bloomfield aka 3 years in the amking, to see who they will meet on the epic day of the world series.
Saturday, September 2
Final 4 Preview
The Final 4-
Big Names. Big teams. Big spots.3 of the 4 teams that have reached yardball's elite group have been here 3 times. The other, is a brand new team that consists entirely of rookies. West Bloomfield. A team whose name is synonimus with the word yardball, is back in attempt to 3-peat. They bring Ben Weiner, yardball's greatest player, whom has taken part in all 3 final 4s. Zack Erhmann has had his greatest year of yardball, and attenidng his seocnd final 4, like closer Joey Roberts. The new face on West Bloomfield, they aquired mid-season from the team their facing North Farmington. Max Pace, 10-0 on the year, won yardball's cy young and is supposed to be the misisng peice that elevates West Bloomfield 2 the 3-peat. West Bloomfield looks very goosd, with their offense clicking, defense sharp, pen in tact, and the new staff of Pace and Weiner looks to be 2nd best at the final 4. The team their facing is their long time arch rival North Farmington, whom they have never played in the playoffs. North Farmington has struggled in previous playoffs, but not this 1. Led by long-ime captain Steve Astrein, North Farmingtn htinks they can finally win it all this year. Drew Adameic, their key playr has not shown up to 1 game, but is expected to do great htings in the final 4 to make up for lost offense from an againg Astrein who is looking to go out ontop. North Farmington lacks alot of pitching, but offensibely and defensively, they can match up with any1. North Farmington was ranked 2nd for most of the season, but recent losses of Pace to West Bloomfield and Big Margo's retirement have weakned their value. Bloomfield Hills was one of the most quesitonable 1 seeds in yardball history. Led by vertan Donald Hadesman, who won 2 rigns with Weiner, Bloomfield Hills is very well-rounded and plays smart, solid, conistant yardball.Matt Broder is an emerging sueprstar for Bloomfiel Hills, and long time teamate Steven Siegel is a key role player that has come up huge for them in the past, loosing in 2 consectuive final 4's to West Bloomfield. They will match up agaisnt yardball new kids the North, a team of all rookies. The North features the best staff at the final 4, with cy young runner up Brad Hebden, and hard throwing Josh Norris. They have a very balanced offense led by ROY Norris, and the 2 lefty power bats in Hebby and Bryce Nemer-***, the heart and soul of The Niorth, whom is listed as qesitonable still after displinary actions. The North, the vaorites in this series, have been on fire lately. The fial 4 will see some of the greatest yardball ever played, with only 2 teams advancing to the pinacle at Debenedictus Memoria on the 10th. Poeple should watch for Bloomfield Hills to play the North surprisgly tough with Hadesman's veteran leadershp and Broder quitely emerging. They know their home field well and it takes aay the Norths advantage of power lefties. All though in the end, The North is a much more compelte team. West Bloomfield and North Farmington has been in the making for 3 years and wont disapoint. New foud tension between these teams has ben caused by the move of Max Pace. Pace will take the ball game 1 agaisnt his former mates and hasn't lsot yet this year. Weiner and Erhmann have been on fire at the dish, scoring 5 more runs per game than any other team. If the series is close, with Steve refinidng his grove and Drew playing well in his debut, it may come down to Joey Ronerts out of the pen, and who knows what to expect of that.
Friday, September 1
Greatest Playoff Series Ever Taken By North
TET Fails To Reach Finals For First Time Ever-
If there was ever another sure thing in yardball besies West Bloomfield winning it all, it would be TET loosing to them in the finals. In the greatest playoff series ever, TET fell to The North, yardball's up and coming team in a lengthy 5 game set. The North became the first team ever to come back from an 0-2 whole to win a series. (Rochester foreced a game 5 in '05)The main reason for The Norh fal;ing behind 0-2 was the absnce of star Josh Norris. Norris missed all of game 1, wherwe ndys bat was on fire and he singl hadidly shut down The North 8-4. Norris was filled in by Brad Hantler, who started game 2 on the hill. Hantler and Rosenberg dueld to a 5-5 tied, due to consecutive Hebby homers. Norris showed up in the 4th. He was rusty, going 0-4 and allowing 3 runs in the bottm of the 4th, off an Andy homer and a Jeff homer. North lost game 2 8-5. In game 3 everything changed. Quote Andaay in the 4th inning of game 3 "If we don;t win here, the series is over." Despite being up 2-0. For no reason at all, TET superstar and the face of the organziaion, Andaaay began to struggle at the plate. Also, teamate Jeff Rosneberg began to loose his random power that had shown up in the regular season. Hebby pitched a gem in game 3 and The North won 6-3, behind 2 Norris homers. Game 4 was very similar with Norris pithcing the gem winning 7-4, stirking out a playoff all-time high 5 batters. Game 4 also saw a fight break out between teamates Andy and Jeff. Andy kept throwing the bat after outs, except this time, he hit Jeff in the head. Jeff charged at Andy and the fight lasted all but 10 seconds before the two made up. There were obviously issue at TET. Game 5 was set to be a classic, with the previous 4 game sin the series all being very competetive. The momentum was way on the side of The North, whom had puzzled the TET hitters with their aard winning staff and trmendously lowered tgheir powr numbers. Game 5 started out rough for the perenial runner-ups allowing 5 runs in the first. They came back with 2 in the second off singles, but it wouldnt be anywhere near enough. The North won 8-2. TET, a franchise known for turmoil got more of it, despite cutitng Eli, with the fight between Andy and Jeff. Superstar Andy Buccahahn, who normally dominates in the playoffs, cooled off in games 3-5, cause ihm much frustation. We got to see the uglier side of Andy, whose love for the game caused him to act out of character. The offensive slide of TET can only be explained b the superior ptiching of the North whom claim to have yardball's best staff. Hebby and Norris create ofr a dnageorus 1 2 punch, but The North would sitll love to have back suspended captian and leader Bryce Nemer-***, whom was continaully up to date with the event sf the seires. However, the absence of Bryce motivated The North to play on. No one knows if Bryce will attend tommrows final 4 matchup agaisnt Bloomfield Hills.
Friday, September 1
North Farmington Finally Wins a Series
North Farmington Pounds Sheeed-
North Farmington, one of yardball's most historic franchises, seocnd winningest ever, had never accomplished 1 thing before today. They had never won a playoff series. They were in 2 staruight final 4's, 1 due to there being only 4 teams, 1 due to forfit, and had lost both final 4 series to TET, both times huge upsets. Today Steve and crew got the monkey off their back. Game 1 sent a message to North Farmington, showing that Sheed ment business. Laguna snaged game 1 in a playoff classic 6-5. Laguna led 6-1 going into the 5th off a bautiful gem from one of the greatest pitchers in playoff history Eli Lewitt. Laguna signed Eli in the offseason for him to pitch in the playffs. However, after 4 beautiful innings, Eli had 2 leave for the second straight year due to parental discplinary actions, making the streak alive of him never actually finishing a playoff series. Brad Hantler was sent in from the pen on Laguna and got rocked. Steve, who struggled in the series flew out to the track on a Hantler fast pitch with the bases laoded and 1 out in the 5th, killing the North Farmignton come back at 6-5. All Laugna offense was proivdded by their star leader Sheed, who hit 6 solo homers. (To read more on each individual game, see "schedules") Without Eli, Sheed and crew marched on. Steve played all day with former teammate Brad Hebden, who ha dleft North Framington for the North but was cleare dto play by the comissioner due to no other avaible players on NF. Game 2 was another classic being won by North Framington. Sheed and Hebby both pitched great. Laguna, down to thier last out trailed 1-0 before a memorable Brad Hantler oppo homer to tie it. Pitching around Hebby to get 2 Steve, Sheed got burned when Steve delvered with a game winning double with 1 out in the bottom of the 5th. Laguna and Hantler blew a 4-2 5th inning lead in game 5 behind 2 Hebby homers and North Framington blew Laugna out 9-3 to win the series in 4 games. After game 1, it was very noticable that Laguna had lsot their big bat in Sheed. Sheed's bat was silenced, perhaps overhwlemed with the pressure of having to carry a team in the playoffs. North Farmington, not known for their pitching pitched Sheed exceptionally well, and the superstar could not overcome it. Sheed, runnr up for the Debenedictus Award will look forward to aniother tremendous campaign next year, but it will without quesiton be hard to swollow the choke in the series after starting off with 6 homers in game 1. Laguna did nt appear to be the same team without Sheed's consistant batr. Yardball will be very sad to see Sheed go. Poeple wll also take away Eli's quick exit as a sign that he will never reach his potential. The sot dominating playoff pitcher ever, can't compelte 1 ***ing series. As for North Farmington, they ifnally win as the favorites and advanced, hopefully with key player Drew Adameic. They advance to face arch rival West Bloomfield in the final 4, the first itme these two teams have met ever in the playoffs.
Wednesday, August 30
Bloomfield Hills; 3 Straight Final 4's
Bloomfield Hills Reaches 3rd Straight Final 4-
Donald Hademsan. He floated around the free agent market, flriting nd signing with teams all year until he found a happy home in Bloomfield Hills. Since his arrival, Bloomfileed Hills has been great. They secrured the 1 seed during the rgular season and now swept through their first round opponent, WB Orchartd. WB Orchard, a pairing of Josh Laker and Jordan Wahcler, managed by Briggs Goldberg, was a last mintue repalcement for the Farmingtn Hills Longshots in the playoffs. People expected them to roll over, they fought. Things immeditaitely got weird when Wahcler showed up wearing cleats. This created a real issue on the field. Laker, a yardball vertan, hadn';t hit the filed in ages. Gsme 1 was much closer than expected. After firing manager Briggs, Laker finnaly started to hit, throwing the bat literally at the ball, he pounded a hgue homer in the 4th making it 7-5. However, SDonald managed to finch his way out of it and held on. In game 1, Donald and Broder were able to beat up on an aruging WB Orchard that fell apart late. Game 3 was not much differnet and WB Orchard's dream was overe. (To read individual game summaries, go to scheduels, '06 playoffs.) The series MVP hands down was Matt Broder. The submarine throwers of Wahcler and Laker could not position Broder in the field and were barely able to get him out, hititng home runs everywhere. Hadesman was solid at the dish, continuing his terrific playoff career. The power of rookie young Wachler relaly wasn't apaprent until game 3, when it became to late. Big things are expected of WB Orchard next year, with a solid offense and terrific defense, highlited by Laker's all out dives everywhere in left field. Bloomfield Hills, a quesitonable 1 seed is now set to take on the winner of The North and TET in Saturday's final 4 matchup, most likely at Pollside Crescent, which was uanble to be used today.
Tuesday, August 29
2 Time Defending Champs Stomp North B
West Bloomfield Takes First Step in 3-PEAT-
West Bloomfield played very solid in their first round atchup agaisnt a beefed up North B squad, despite not having Max Pace or Joey Roberts. Weiner and Erhmann led a squad to face a North B team that aquired Brad Seid from Laguna, and Max Elkins, a free agent. West Bloomfield dominated game 1 with offense. They dominated game 2 with defense, highlighted by catch of the year by Weiner and Erhmann best optiching eprformance ever. Seid carried the offensive laod for North B, driving in all of their runs in the first 2 games, until an Elkins solo shot in the 5th of game 2. Elkins pitched surprisngly well in game 2, through an onslaught of changeups. Game 3 was an instant classic. It took 10 innings to decide game 3 between The North B and West Bloomfield, the longest game in playoff history. Weiner pitched sloppy early, and Seid gave into the WB hitters creating a slugfest. West Bloomfield trailed 14-13 going into the top of the 5th. A Weiner homer tied it. Weiner, needing to bear down after allowing 14 runs through 4 innings shut down the North B in the bototm half. Each team scored a run in the 6th. The game than turned itno a pitchers showdown. Seid kept making pitches in the top half of inning, leaving Weiner to hold the opposition to 0 runs in each bottom half, a nearly impossible task in yardball. North B went hitless in the 7th, 8th, and 9th. In the 10th, Weiner struggling to stand with a stomach cramp from drinking too muich pop, finally got a hold of 1, giving WB their first run since the 6th. He followed with 2 mroe homers, WB going ahead 20-15. He contineud to pitch brilliantly as well, holding another scoreless inning, West Bloomfield winning a classic, and continuing in their quest to 3-peat.West Bloomfield has their eyes set on Saturday's final 4, where Max Pace will take the ball in game 1 agaisnt the winner of North Farmington and Laguna Beech.
Sunday, August 27
West Bloomfield vs. The North B Preview
2. The West Bloomfield School of Wiffle Ball vs. 7. The North B
West Bloomfield- The champs. 2 time defending champs. It alsmost seems impossible to envision them ever not winning it all. Such a good wiffle ball team. Complete from top 2 bottom im every aspect of the game. As we all know, it starts off with epic, legendary Ben Weiner. Weiner hit 277 homers this year, and his 3.85 homers per game was the highest ever for a single season. With him in the eladoff spot, basically any1 who can spell their name would do just fine in the 2 hole. Zack Erhmann may not be able to spell his name, but he is annually among the top 3 in the elagyue in homers (3 straight years at third) with this his geratest season with 78 homers. Erhmann, honorable mention for hardest out, will take advantage of West Bloomfield playing all their playoff games at home, by utilizing the double tree more than any other righty in the elague, making him virtually impossible to play. Erhmann, depsite off-season weight issues, has maintained his strong hold as one of the leagues premire outfielders, winning the sun can't play facotr for outifleindg for a third straight year. Erhmann, yardbal''s only middle reliver, won't be missing left field that much during any given series. West Bloomfield, top of the line on offense, top of the line on defense, can now also pitch. With '05 Cy Young Joey Roberts struggling, GM Ben Weiner made the deal of the century to aquire the leagues most dominant pitcher in his prime, '06 Cy Young, Max Pace (10-0 on the year).Pace, will not only be the ace, but is a defensive upgrade when the rare occurance of Erhmann ptiching happens, and is a great third hitter in the lineup 2 replace a struglling hitter, give a chnage of pace (no irony) and just hit 3 when the time is right. Also off their offensive bench, is the best clutch hitter in yardball Joey Roberts. Roberts is expected to bat almost never in any game. However, the '05 cy young winner plans to revive his career as West Bloomfield's shut down coser. Come inning 5, game over.
The North B- there isnt too much to say about The North B. One of the weakest teams in memroy 2 qualify for the playoffs, got the 7 seed by beating The North C and the biggest upset ever, beating West Bloomfield at Talladega. They are led by ace Jordan Greenman, who had pitched very well this eyar and done a thing or two with the stick. Pat Sheppard is a nice complimenatry player, and bring alot of consistant power at the dish. They will struggle though when gReenman is off the hill.
Low down- West Bloomfield will win this series most liekly in 3 games. The North B, depsite being 1-2 agfaisnt West Bloomfield on the year with the flukiest win ever, does not have even close to the man power to ocmpeete with what might be the most compelte West Bloomfield squad to memory, and maybe the msot solid yardball team ever assembled from top to bottom. The series may turn out to be so lopsided that even Joey r9berts recives a few at bats.
Edges-
Offense- West Bloomfield, Defense- West Bloomfield, Piching- West Bloomfield, Experience- West Bloomfield
Other ***-
Difference Maker- Max Pace, Superstar- Ben Weiner, Making a name- Max Pace, Been there- Zack Erhmann, Ben Weiner, Joey Roberts
Sunday, August 27
North Farmington vs. Laguna Beech Preview
3. North Farmington vs. 6. Laguna Beech; The REAL Taco Bell All-Stars
North Farmington (10-7)- a perennial yardball powerhouse, had a respectable season at 10-7. The issues with the season came from Steve's availability with football, Drew not shwoing up once, and the mid-season hold out of Max Pace, who ended up on West Bloomfield. North Farmington, assuming their entire roster is present, presents defensive nightmeres for Laguna. First, leading off, they have Steve Astrein, who despite not having his best offensive season, is secong all time in homers and has two honorable mentions for the Debenedictus Award. Follwojng him in the lineup if one of yardba;ll's msot under rated players Drew Adameic, who was expected to compete for MVP this year, and is one of if not the hardest out in the sport. Also, North Farmington became versitille this year, picking up lefty Big Margo, a solid contact hitter from the elft side, who has power 2 both fields. North Farmington may present one of , if not the best offese in yardball, but they have never won a playoff series in the franchises history, why? Pitching issues. Despite having Drew Adameic, widely considered to be the best outfielder in the league, North Farmington simply has absoutely no pithcing. This was why loosing Pace, the elagues best pitcher, will turn out to be devostating. Steve, the alleged ace, has been known to get rocked. Featuring mostly starught fastballs and a decent curve, Steve only won 3 games this year. In fact, the entire staff has 3 wins, loosing all 7 of Pace's. After Steve gets shelled in game 1 it still remaisn a question whether the North Fraington captain will go with usual number 2 Drew Adameic, or not loose his stellar fielding and go with lefty Margolis. No matter who he chooses, North Farmington will ultimately have to slug their way out of the first round.
Laguna Beech (16-22)- Laguna Beech, Snakes on a Plane Open Champs, played the seocnd most games in yardball this year and was a team of abolsutle turmoil. Only 1 player remains from the opening day roster. First, Brad Seid got cut due to persoanl conflicts with team manger and captain. Then, team ace Eli Lewitt jumped ship to greener, more familiar pastures in TET. Next, Josh Smith, announced his retiremnet before even playing 1 game. Laguna countered by picking up Max Webberman, who has played solid offensive and pitching, a nice role player for Laguna. However, through all the turmoil, there has been 1 constant, Sheeed. Sheeed, runner up for the Debenedictus Award, hit the second msot homers and msot ever by a player not Weiner with 90. He also was second in the league with 12 wins, and first with 3 shut outs. Sheed, the heart and sole of Laguna will without question get it done in the clutch. The amin issue for Laguna is when Webberman pitches. He is a solid potcher, but Sheed is far form a solid fielder. However he has greaty improved over last years "defensive laibility" status. Sheed will start game 1.
Low down- North Farmington will be heavily favored here, despit the series being played at Laguna's home, the Sheeed colleseum, due to North Farmington not having a home field. The Sheed colesseum will take away some of the advantages Drew brings to the field , but aid the pull hititng of Steve. Sheed has a nice stroke for the Coleseeum, where as the lefties should be left out 2 dry with a deep right field. The other question of every1s mind is will there be a pitch back? If there isnt, it will take away the pitching egdbe of Laguna, forcing them to come into the dangerous North Farmington hitters. This will ultimately be the turning point in the series. If Laguna can pitch, they will be able to stay in. North Farmington however, should run away with the series if theyre staff can do a semi-decent job. North Farmington split their 2 games agaisnt Laguna this year. Watch out for Sheed in this playoff clash.
Edges-
Offense- North Farmington, Defense- North Farmington, Pitching- Laguna
Other ***-
Difference Maker- Drew Adameic, Superstar- Sheeed, Been there- Steve Astrein, Making Name- Big Margo
Sunday, August 27
The North vs. TET Preview
4. The Expansion Team vs. 5. The North A
TET (6-5)- Two years after their extremely rocky start. Nobody saw 2 straight finals appearances for TET. Led by star player Andaay (43 homers), TET returns with the 4 seed this year. Andaay, one of yardball's brightest stars, is most well known for turning it on in the playoffs, stealing the attention of yardball nation the last 2 septembers. After a rough season with Brad Hantler being his msot legit team mate, Andaay went back to long time running mate, badass Eli Lewitt, 2 see if the two of them could make another finals run. Also, after recent devlopments and schueling conflicts with Farmington Hills Longshots, Andaay in a very solid mvoe, got offensive support by picking up all-star Jeff Rosenberg (no joke about the all-star). Eli is expected to be the ace for TET, but who really knows if he'll be there. Jef and Andaay together can piece together a solid staff, but where TET prides itself is the offensive production of its star Andaaay. TET has plenty of playoff experience, and now with Jeff's bat, a very solid well balanced team, however, they don't have the same swagger and overwhelming talent as in years past.
The North (11-11)- One of the msot exciting and dangerous teams in yardball. 2nd in this weeks power rankings. And Blanch Memorial Classic Champs. The North franchise was introduced this year by Bryce Nemer-**. The North A consists of the best players in the franchise, all rookies who are devloping nicely. Drew Pyles, potential super-star is on the roster, but msot likely wont show. Also, speedy-driving Bryce Nemer-*** is expected to serve his yardball suspension from the first 2 rounds of the playoffs for his off field driving actions. However, he is still expected to lead and coach. Nemer will be a huge loss for The North, Honorable mention for Rookie of the year, Nemer was also an all star. The North now looks to rookie of the year, all star, strike out pticher, honorable mention gold glove, and hardest out- Josh Norris to lead them; one of the msot exciting players in the game. He is a very solid pithcer 2 go with his 63 homers. Brad Hebden, the other | |
