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.