Bashers wrap up successful Fall 2007 campaign

The Bashers had a very successful Fall 2007 season. Despite injuries and the loss of a beloved teammate, the squad ended up with 13-5-0 record and a second-place finish, matching the best in team history.

During the season, the Bashers had several injuries that cost them important players. Marty missed all but the opening week, Mark missed 6 games with a variety of injuries, and Kevin missed the final 6 games with a broken right thumb. The team also missed players during the season due to a variety of reasons, and only 6 Bashers (Matt, Ryan, Tab, Chris E., Chris J. and Dave) did not miss a single week. Given the lack of continuity in the lineup and the field, the Bashers managed to keep the ship straight.

The season started off with a rainout the opening week. The delayed opening day brought a series with the Spartans. The Bashers won 15-12 in the opener, but dropped an 11-10 heartbreaking decision in game 2.

The second week of the season brought a pair of easy wins for the Bashers, as they dominated Hitfaced by scores of 9-3 and 14-3, beginning what would be a season-long domination by the Basher pitching staff of Chris E and Dave. Combined, they would allow single-digits in 8 of the 16 games the team played.

The following week brought a battle with rival Fighting Penguins. The Bashers dominated game one by a score of 20-8, but fell in game two 16-14. This week saw a change in the field management for the Bashers, as Mark took a leave of absence from the on-field running of the Bashers and handed the reigns over to Kevin.

Kevin got off to a rocky start as the skipper, as the league's top team, Hard Times Cafe, smoked the Bashers 26-18 and 27-12. However, the Bashers turned a corner after that game. The following week, they went out onto that same Virginia Highlands diamond and dominatyed Badabing by scores of 17-3 and 15-5.

After getting two wins over Team Johnnies by way of forfeit, the Bashers continued their hot ways against Hot Action. They won 16-5 and 18-13 as they tried to finish in the top 2. The following week brought more luck, as the Bashers finished their time at Jennie Dean (where they played 4 weeks) with a sweep of Whitlows on Wilson, 12-8 and 14-3.

Going into the final week, the Bashers were not in contention for the league title, but only needed one win to clinch second place. Despite an early lead, the Bashers fell in the opener of the doubleheader to Jay's Saloon, 16-15, on a walk-off double. However, the Bashers had another shot at the brass ring, and did not fail. They won 13-10 in the final game of the season to clinch second place and add another trophy to a rapidly-filling case.

For the season, the Bashers were led offensively by Tommy, who hit a team-best .739 with 3 HRs and 26 RBI while stroking a team-high 6 triples. Ryan not only played great in left-center field, but also led the team in hits (36), runs scored (34) and doubles (15). Chris E continued to put up gaudy power numbers, hitting a team-best 7 HRs and also topping the Bashers with 33 RBI while earning 6 wins to lead the team as well.

For the entire season's stats, click here.

The Bashers had a balance of grizzled veterans and energetic rookies who brought fire to the field each and every week. In only their third season in "C" league, the Bashers proved they continue to belong amongst the top teams in the division. Despite potential roster changes, the team hopes they can be there battling for the title again come Spring 2008.

Bashers Lose Teammate, Friend with Passing of Danny Medina

The Bashers family awoke to shocking news on Monday, when it was learned that P/OF Danny Medina had died of a heart attack the previous Wednesday. Marty's email announcing Danny's passing stunned team members.
In response to Danny's passing, the team immediately decided to retire his #33.
The text of Marty's email follows:
"It is with great sadness that I must report the passing of my best friend Danilo Medina. Last Wednesday night, Danny suffered a heart attack at home and was not able to be revived.

He was not only your teammate and championship pitcher but an amiable extrovert whose affable spirit will be sorely missed to his friends and the community that he touched.

I spoke to Danny about one hour earlier. He asked how the team was doing and was preparing for a show that night, which his band had been preparing for the last several weeks. I saw Danny a couple weeks ago and he looked great. He had a full physical two weeks ago and was found to be in excellent condition. We shared a laugh and he was in his usual jovial mood.

Danny's memorial service will be held this Saturday, September 8th, at the Adams Green funeral home in Herndon, Va at 11am. Everyone is then welcomed to an open house at Danny's as he would wish.

Danny is survived by his wife Natalie, his mother Maria and two brothers, Jamie and Ronald. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Marty"

Bashers Open Fall Season with Split

When the ball settled into Glen’s glove, he knew the throw had to be perfect. He’d just recorded the second out in the bottom of the sixth inning, but the winning run was tagging up at third base. The throw was perfect, and Mark turned to apply the tag that would preserve the tie, and send the Bashers home undefeated for the season, with a 1-0-1 record, not 1-1-0.

It was not to be. The ball came out of Mark’s glove on impact, and the second game of the season ended with the Bashers on the wrong end of an 11-10 result.

It was the end of an evening where the Bashers had shown flashes of the power that was mostly absent last season, and a night when Marty played his last ball of 2007.

The team opened the fall season in all too familiar fashion: after 2.5 innings of play, they trailed the Spartans 9-1. Starting in the bottom of the third inning, though, they turned on the offense, outscoring the Spartans 14-3, to secure a 15-12 victory.

Dave led off the bottom of the third with a single. He was driven home on Dean’s RBI double. Tab followed up with a single of his own, and rode home on Glen’s 3-run jack. Not to be outdone, Chris E put the next pitch out of the park as well. After back to back fly outs by Ryan and Chris J, Marty doubled, and was driven home by Matt’s RBI single.

The bats stayed alive in the next inning. Dave struck out, but Dean singled, and was driven in by Tab’s first home run of the season. Glen tripled, Chris E singled, Ryan doubled, Chris J tripled, and Marty hit a sacrifice fly to end the scoring. Matt capped his 3-3 game with his third single of the night.

Dean and Tab added insurance runs in the bottom of the fifth.

Game two also saw the Bashers spotting a four-run cushion to the Spartans in the first frame. After two, the Spartans’ lead had been cut to 6-4, following Tab’s second HR of the night, a double by Marty and RBI singles by Matt and Chris J.

In the third, the Bashers bats got lively again. Tommy led off with a double, advanced to third on Glen’s flyout, and scored on Ryan’s double. Chris E plated Ryan, and Tab doubled. Marty then sent them both home with a 2-RBI triple, and scored on Matt’s RBI double.

At that point, the Bashers’ offense ground to a halt, sending only seven players to bat over the next two innings. During that time, the Spartans evened the score at 9-9.

In the top of the sixth, Marty reached on an error, and advanced to second on Matt’s final hit of a perfect six for six night. Chris J sacrificed the runners over, and Mark stepped to the plate, dragging an 0-5 performance behind him. This time, the Spartan’s second baseman was unable to field the ball, and Marty scored. Dave and Dean made the final outs of the inning, to set up the bottom of the sixth.

The Bashers return to action next Wednesday at Jenny Dean field vs Hitfaced. First pitch for game one is at 6:30 p.m.

Kevin will update this week’s stats next week.

Tournament Rescheduled

The Bashers 2007 spring tournament has been rescheduled to Saturday, July 14; Wednesday, July 18; and Saturday, July 21.

The Bashers begin on Saturday July 14 at 9am at Jennie Dean Park against Hard Times Cafe. If the Bashers win they play at 11am. A loss will see the Bashers play at high noon.

Turn out and support YOUR Bashers.

Bashers Sent Opponents Trembling Into Submission

The Bashers (11-6-1) were awarded two wins on Wednesday night when Hot Action (3-15-0) announced they would forfeit the game rather than face the mighty Basher lineup and their star pitcher Chris.

The Bashers will begin the 2007 spring playoffs on Wednesday July 11th. Time and location will be announced.

Bashers drop both ends of double-header

The Bashers went into Wednesday night with an eight-game winning streak. They left Barcroft Field with a two-game losing streak, dropping both games against Hard Times Cafe by scores of 9-6 and 21-10. The Bashers looked rusty after a week off, and were unable to mount a sustained attack and also had their difficulties in the field.

Stats can be found by clicking here.

The Bashers are next in action on Wednesday June 27 for the final time in the regular season. They will take on Hot Action at 8:30pm at Barcroft Field. All tickets for the original scheduling of this game on June 13th will be honored on June 27th.

The playoffs will start Wednesday, July 11th at a time and place to be determined.

Rain Triumphs Over Bashers

June 13th's game between the Bashers (9-4-1) and Hot Action (1-13-0) has been postponed due to inclement weather in the Arlington, VA area. The make-up date and time will be announced.

All tickets for June 13th's game will be honored for the make-up date, or can be exchanged for the June 20th game against Hard Times Cafe. Tickets are not redeemable for playoff games.