This past weekend, the Illowa APBA League got together in a hotel in Bettendorf, Iowa for some league action. All ten teams were represented.
Don Smith never forgets his homerun duck call. It seems he got plenty of chances to use it last weekend, too. According to Chicago Highlander manager Rob Moore, it appeared to be “permanently affixed to his lips” during their series.
By the way, Don has a new cup to sip his trademark drink, Mountain Dew now.
For ten years, I’ve roomed with my buddy Brando at IAL get togethers. Brando couldn’t make it this weekend so I had the pleasure to room with Nick Tegeler (left playing Chuck Lucas), manager of the Iowa Oinkers. Nick has had a rough year with the Oinkers but he had something to cheer about this weekend. Two of his pitchers hurled no-hitters.
Nick also presented me with a gift. I received a Homer Bailey dual bobble head doll. Let it be known that once he gave it to me, Bailey started pitching much better for the Thunderchickens. Thanks, Nick!
The sibling rivalry series between Don and Keith Smith. Keith comes off as a nice guy and all but I get the feeling from this picture that Don is ready to hurl that bottle at him.
Even though Brando couldn’t make the weekend, co-manager Dan Bunch was on hand to roll the bones. Here he his calling the boss and making his report on how the Rattlesnakes did for the weekend. Thanks to Dan for giving me a ride back after everything was over.
More photos from this weekend here.
Things were going real well for the first 24 games (16-8) for Molly Putts Marauders. Then I ran into the infamous Cluke & his Hitmen. He won 5 of 6, throwing a no-hitter in the process.
So the final weekend record was 17-13 & 41-37 for the season.
Actually, what happened in the last series was basically good. I was getting too big for my britches, strutting around like a Big Two team. CLuke showed me my place.
Maybe I can learn from that experience.
DonS.