Pictures from Niagara Falls on my way home

Some photo shots of awesome Niagara Falls, on my way home from Kalamazoo. I also visited Ann Arbor, MI, and Cleveland (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame), and Buffalo.

Jack

Windy City wins the 2008 Frontier League Championship

The 2008 baseball season is now over. We lost 6-5 in Game 3 of the finals, and the Thunderbolts swept us 3-0 to win the series. After falling behind 4-0, we scored the next 5 runs to go ahead but lost the game on a two run single in the fifth.

It's been a great season, and a fun one. I am bitterly disappointed to not be getting my first championship ring, but I am proud of this team and what they accomplished this season.

I am eager to return home and see my family again. Thanks for all sticking by me. See you all soon.

Love

Jack

Championship Series Game 2: Windy City 6, Kings 2

Hi everyone,

Well , Game 2 of the Championship Series has come and gone and we lost 6-2 in the second game. We now are behind 0-2 and if we lose one more game, we lose the series and they win the championship. Tonight they loaded the bases in the first inning and scored a run on a sacrifice fly. We tied the game in the third inning on a bases loaded walk and went ahead 2-1 in the fourth on a bases loaded sacrifice fly. But we gave it right back in the fifth, as they scored three runs in their half of the fifth on a bases loaded walk and a two run single. Then they got a two run hit to go up 6-2 in the eighth, and we were finished.

Now we need a three game winning streak to win the championship. Our hitting continues to be a real problem. I'll post after Game 3.

Love

Jack

Championship Series Game 1: Windy City 8, Kings 2

Hi everyone,

In Game One of the Championship Series, we took it on the chin, losing 8-2 to the Windy City Thunderbolts at Standard Bank Stadium in Crestwood, Illinois. We fell behind in the third inning on two singles. Our first baseman, on the second RBI, was arguing with the first base umpire and had his back to home plate with a man on third base. As the arguing was going on, the runner scored from third to make it 2-0. They scored two more in the fifth, on a single and a home run by the league MVP, Phil Hawke to go up 4-0. It became 8-0 in the eighth on a three run home run by their shortstop, Wes Long and a double by their catcher, Danny Sawyer. We got two in the bottom of the eighth on a home run by our shortstop, Jorge Araiza to close out the scoring.

The problem for us tonight was that we just couldn't hit. Their starter, Ross Stout, threw a complete game , and struck out nine. In six of the first seven innings tonight, we were set down 1-2-3. That is not a recipe for success. We finally got it going a little bit in the eighth, but it was too little, too late.

Game 2 is Wednesday night. This is a MUST win game for us. Our pitcher in game 2, John Brownell, was 11-2 in the regular season and he threw a one-hitter his last time out against Gateway. If we go down 0-2 in this series, we're in deep trouble. So we need a win.

The game goes on air at 7:45 PM EDT on www.espn1660.com. I hope you'll join me for the broadcast.


Love

Jack

Homer Stryker River (oops, I meant field)

After two straight days of rain, this is what our field looks like.

Rain, rain, please go away so we can play

Well, we were supposed to have played Game 1 of the championship series last night, but here in Western Michigan we have been deluged with rain. It rained all day yesterday and it is raining again today. We were rained out of Game 1 last night, and quite honestly, it is doubtful we will play today, looking out my apartment window.

So, we will most likely play this championship series this upcoming week, Monday through Friday, with no days off in between. I'll keep you all posted.

Game 4- Kings 6, Gateway 4, Next stop- The Finals

Well, as you can see from Lori's post below, we have advanced to the championship series here in the Frontier League. We knocked out the Gateway Grizzlies last night 6-4 in Game 4 to advance. We were in control of the game really from the outset. We scored twice in the first to go up 2-0, only to see them cut it to 2-1 in the bottom of the first on a home run. We put it away in the third with three runs, and then added another run in the sixth. That run was very important, because they got three in the bottom of the ninth to make it close. Our pitcher in the ninth inning, Dan Baerlocher, pitched great and did not deserve to give up three runs. He got the first two batters out with a 6-1 lead, and then they got two broken bat hits to keep the game alive. Then their #9 hitter, Breck Draper, hit a three run home run to cut it to 6-4. But Dan ended it there, as he got the last batter to pop up to end it.

With the win, we now will play for the Frontier League championship. We will have our work cut out for us. Our opponents are the Windy City Thunderbolts (Crestwood, Ill). They finished tied with us for the league's best record at 60-36. They have the league MVP (first baseman Phil Hawke), an outstanding lineup, and a terrific pitching staff. Plus, they have experience- they won the title last year and are looking to defend their title.

Here is the series championship schedule: (All times EASTERN time)


GAME 1- SATURDAY 9-13 at Kalamazoo, 7 PM

GAME 2- SUNDAY, 9-14 at Kalamazoo, 7 PM

GAME 3- TUESDAY, 9-16 at Windy City, 8 PM

GAME 4- (if necessary) WEDNESDAY, 9-17 at Windy City, 8 PM

GAME 5- (if necessary) FRIDAY, 9-19 at Kalamazoo, 7 PM


All games can be heard streamed over the Internet at http://www.espn1660.com/. Click on the LISTEN LIVE button at the top of the website page.

GO KINGS!!!!

Talk after Game 1 Saturday, as I'll be posting recaps after each game.

Jack