July 30, 2008--A valiant Bomber effort wasn't enough Wednesday night (er, Thursday morning), as the Bombers season came to an end at the hands of the Lyon's Pub, 10-7. Nic Shelby was a bulldog on the mound, tossing 8 strong innings of gutsy baseball on only 3 days rest. The Lyon's Pub again took advantage of Bomber miscues, jumping out to a 7-2 lead before the Bomb Squad fought back. But alas, the Pub pulled away in the 8th inning for good. Congratulations to a good Pub team, and best of luck in the State Tourney.
As you get older, the end of the baseball season gets tougher and tougher. Who knows if you're going to have enough in the tank to battle one more season. Who knows if work or family will finally trump a ball game. Who knows if your buddy, who you've played with for years and years, will make it back out next year. For most of us, who don't get to go out in the spring and play college ball, our identity as a baseball player is done for the year and we go back to being lawyers, probation officers, teachers, office guys. It stinks. But watching the Pub celebrate last night with what I assume were members of Pub teams of the past certainly puts things into perspective: baseball is a game that spans ages and allows grown men (some more grown that others) to escape for a couple nights a week and live out the dreams of their childhood. Thanks to everyone who supported the Bombers this season. See you next season.
July 29, 2008--Did the Bombers find the "Pit of Suck," or did the "Pit of Suck" find the Bombers. Either way, it was a sucky night for the Bomb Squad, losing to Lyon's Pub 14-4 in the opener of a 3 game series. With the exception of the Pub shortstop (will one freakin' umpire in this league PLEASE ring him up on strikes?!?!?), who collected two bases-clearing triples, there were not many hard hit balls. But the veteran Pub knew how to string singles and walks together to score runs. A tough way to open an important series. The two teams tangle once again this evening (start time is estimated at approximately 9:33 p.m.) at Parade Stadium.
July 26, 2008--Once again, Nic Shelby was on his game as the Bombers eliminated the #6 seed Rocks, 7-2. Shelby worked quickly and efficiently, keeping the Rocks off-balance all afternoon. Shelby got out of a few jams, showing his mettle on the mound. Offensively, the Bombers tallied 4 in the first inning, helped by hits from Ricky Andersen and Mike Grabarcyzck. The Bombers had several chances to blow the game open, but waited until the 5th and 6th to score again. Andersen had a few solid hits, and Erik Dahl continued to swing a hot bat. Post-game, the Bombers really had some fun...as it's been awhile since they have advanced past "don't get eliminated Saturday." Brats, beers, and a special "Bomber" cake were all in play. The Bombers made two trips back into Richfield to the liquor store, as the several fans who were in attendance stuck around in the parking lot well into the night. Congratulations to Erik Dahl (starting catcher), Darrin Ginther and Jon-Eric Urseth (pitchers) on being named to the Park National All-Star team.
July 24, 2008--It was ugly for the Bombers on Thursday night, losing to a strong Lyon's Pub team 11-2. The Bombers struggled in the field and didn't hit too great. "Not our best," Darrin Ginther was heard telling someone on the phone post-game. The Bombers will need to buck up and try a little harder in the single elimination round on Saturday. At press time, the Bombers seed and opponent was yet to be determined.
July 22, 2008--Returning to Big Willow after a several year hiatus, the Bombers defeated a strong Hopkins Berries team 8-7 Tuesday night. The Bombers used several pitchers during the game, with Isaac Johnson picking up his first Bomber win and thoroughly impressing his lady friend Sandy. Jake Skovbroten came into the game in the 9th inning and picked up a save for the Bombers, who battled throughout the game to gain the victory. The Bombers hit two homeruns (Erik Dahl and Nate Lougher), and nearly hit three more (Jon-Eric Urseth, Mike Grabarczyck, and Rick Andersen). But it was Urseth's ill-advised bat toss that earned him a collective "boo" from his teammates. "I've never seen anything like that before. I mean, he hit the freakin' base of the fence, but still flipped his bat. Ish," said Darrin Ginther. There were several fans in the stands for this non-conference tilt, including some of Drugs Molden's "friends." Despite the proximity to the Minnetonka police department, the Bombers did have a few cold ones post-game in the pitch black. It was sweet.
The Bombers finish up the regular season on Thursday night against the Lyon's Pub in a game that has importance for several teams in the league. A win could mean 3rd place and a bye in the first round of the playoffs. A loss could drop the Bombers as far as 7th place, and a date with Elimination Saturday. Come out to the park Thursday night to cheer on the Bombers.
July 18, 2008--After sucking badly only two nights prior, the Bombers actually played fairly well in a big league win over the perennial power Lyon's Pub Friday night, winning 7-1. Nic Shelby pitched a complete game for the second Friday in a row, dazzling the crowd with his quick work and dirty curves. The Bombers opened the scoring as Andy Small drove in Nate Loughern with a two-out single. Small later came out of the game, replaced by Derrin Ginther, who promptly irritated the umpire so bad that the ump would not allow Ginny to step out of the box for a practice swing. The Bombers plated two more runs on a Loughern double. Erik Dahl's big fly, deep over the trees in right field, tallied the final 3 Bomber runs. Post-game, the Bombers ditched the "Pit of Suck" for the "Pothole of Mediocrity." It was very fitting. Despite a lovely Friday night, only the 4 veteran Bombers were man enough to make it past 11 p.m. The Bombers were treated to some delicious party mix, curtesy of Grandma Scholten.
July 16, 2008--As the Bombers sat around the "Pit of Suck" Wednesday night, only one thing was on their mind..."why do we suck so badly?" The Bombers dropped their third in a row, this time to the Merchants, 12-6. Tony Garcia got the nod, and was serviceable. However, free bases, miscues, and timely Merchants hits did him in (does this sound familiar???). The Bombers hit the ball well enough, but squandered opportunities. Several bats were broken. "It was tough picking up the ball. That dude was wearing TWO glimmering diamond earrings," griped Mark Joseph. The "Pit of Suck" was the centerpoint for the Bombers post-game antics. Unfortunately, due to the salty disposition of several team members, there's not much to regale from the festivities.
July 15, 2008--In a rematch of Sunday's game, the Bombers and Angels battled again Tuesday night with the Angels sneaking out a 4-3 win. Darren Ginther was lights out for the Bombers, tossing a complete game. He was victimized by bloopers, dinks (hits, of course), and Super Human Athletes. It was a heated game, with a close play at the plate deciding the outcome in the 5th inning. The Angels sweep the Bombers once again. Ouch.
NOTE: Thursday's game against NWS has been CANCELLED.
July 13, 2008--The Angels beat the Bombers 10-5 Sunday afternoon. Ish. The Bombers hit the ball well, with Darren Ginther and Ricky Andersen both scalding deep doubles and Jon-Eric Urseth picking up a couple clutch singles. Derek Bjoraker pitched pretty well, too. He struck out several Angels hitters, but a few too many walks and some untimely errors and chop hits doomed the home 9. It was a big tilt for both teams, with the regular season coming to an end this week and the teams meeting again this Tuesday. "It's a must win, so I'm guessing they will throw their Super Human Athlete," posited Darren Ginther, who was enamored with the Angel first baseman's new "July-hawk." Post-game, the Bombers did it like only they can. Instead of fancy pulled pork or grilled filets, the Bombers ordered a couple Golooney's pies to the lot, courtesy of new super fan Hugh. Instead of good looking wives and girlfriends, the Bombers kept it "guys only." Instead of ice cold bottles of Corona, the Bombers went with a hodge-podge of luke-warm cans, strewn together from the weekends festivities. Instead of a lighted game of bean bags, the Bombers used crushed beer cans and the pizza boxes and created "box/can toss." A resiliant group, those Bombers.
July 12, 2008--For the third straight year, the Bombers travelled to the University of St. Thomas on a lovely Saturday to battle the always tough Commanding Edge. And, for the third straight year, the Bombers came up short. Pitching by committee, the Bombers were in the game, but errors killed them in the end. Jake Skovbroten made his triumphant return from a scary beanball incident, and tossed two solid innings. Tony Garcia was tracked down and also pitched two good innings while being cheered on by his boy, Mason. The Bombers hit the ball, but poor baserunning killed several potential rallies. Aside from the game, there were some other interesting developments: Andy Small's windshield was busted out by a foul ball, the team returned to Nick J.'s for the anniversary of the dreaded "deck collapse party," and catcher Erik Dahl out-of-the-blue leaves for a vacation.
July 11, 2008--On a gusty and humid night, Mother Nature must have been on the Bombers side, staving off severe storms until after the home team could pull off an efficient 2-1 win over the rival Rocks. Nic Shelby tossed a 1-hitter, giving up only one run after walking the game's lead-off batter. The Bombers scored their runs on a collection of clutch hits and aggressive baserunning. While Mother Nature was on the Bombers' side during the game, post-game things turned. Some wild weather finally rolled in, forcing the Bombers to cut their parking lot antics short and head to the safety of Nick Joseph's garage.
July 9, 2008--The Bombers returned to action on Wednesday night, avenging an earlier loss to the River Rats, winning 4-1. Jon-Eric Urseth pitched a complete game for the Bombers, scattering 4 hits and getting out of several jams. Mark Joseph and Marcus Parisian both turned in outstanding plays in the field, thwarting would-be Rat rallies. The Bombers tied the score at 1 on an Urseth sacrifice fly, and took the lead on a two-run pinch hit single by Andy Small in the 5th inning. "It was a great game, but I want to know what the plan is for me for the rest of the week," questioned an always-hungry Urseth. Post-game, the Bombers sucked back a few beers with several fans, all of whom were extremely pleased with the Bomber win. Even Nick Joseph was in attendance, along with fellow injured Bomber Jake Skovbroten. The Bombers return to action on Friday night, looking to avenge yet another early-season loss to the Rocks. Rumor has it that the Bombers will be doing it big post-game, as they tend to do on a Friday night.
June 28-29, 2008--The Bombers took their show on the road this weekend, to lovely Wahpeton, ND, for the competitive Border Battle. Despite thin numbers, the Bombers went 1-1 on the weekend, losing 6-2 to the Midway Snurdbirds and beating the Moorhead Miners 2-1. Saturday was a complete wash, with Mother Nature dumping rain on the amber plains. That didn't stop the Bombers and Snurdbirds from competing, however. A best of 3 drink off was orchestrated by the tourney hosts, with each teams starting nine lined up with beers in hand. While the Bombers handled their business in the first go-around, the wily 'Birds came back strong to win the best of 3. "Cash cab!!!!!" proclaimed 'Birds manager Al Lund, who was proud of his boys drinking demonstration. The 'Birds and the Bombers squared off again later, at the park pavilion for some more beer drinking and washer tossing. A young lad from Moorhead impressed the crowd, liking up dirt and spit from the pavilion floor for $40. Since there was no ball to be played, both teams decided to hit tourney sponsor Legends for some fun. From there, the wheels started falling off for both teams. Several players hit up The O, for some booze, cards, and...topless ladies. Hello!
There was finally some ball played on Sunday, which turned out to be a lovely day. The Bombers fell 6-2 in a pretty well-played game. Isaac Johnson made his first career start and pitched well against the 'Birds, who scored 4 in the 6th to blow the game open. Ricky Andersen launched a home run for the Bombers, who thoroughly enjoyed playing the 'Birds--a real solid team who knew how to have fun and play the game right. After game 1, the Bombers lost 3 players and had to battle it out with an iron 9. Charlie Devorak started and pitched 5 excellent innings, leaving the game with the Bombers trailing 1-0. But in the top of the 7th, Erik Dahl went yard sale to tie the game at 1. With one out, Andy Small singled up the middle on a two-strike pitch. Then Isaac Johnson, splinted bat and all, hit a gapped to score the aged and injured Small from first base. Jon-Eric Urseth shut the door on the Miners in the bottom of the 7th to earn the win.
All in all, a great weekend. The Bombers had a great time, helped the local economy (even bringing some authentic NoDak fireworks back across the border), met some great guys, and even played some baseball. Thanks to the Moorhead Brewers for hosting a great tourney. And best of luck to the 'Birds...class acts and great guys. Little known fact...there are four countries that border both Iraq and Iran. Just ask Al Lund. "CASH CAB!"
June 24, 2008--Despite spotting Wesley Homes a 1-0 lead on Tuesday night, the Bombers battled back and claimed a 6-3 win over the perennial powerhouse. Jon-Eric Urseth pitched a complete game, and helped himself (finally!!!) with a big two-run double. The Bombers jumped out in the 3rd inning, when Darren Ginther hit a big two-out triple, and scored on Mike Grabarcyzk's homerun. Swingin' Sam Swanson added a big double, and newcomer Marcus Parisian drove in an insurance run late in the game. "Some new life may just be what this team needed," said Ginther after the game. Parisian wasted no time in garnering his new teammates support, as the youngster man'd up and brought a case of beer. No matter that it was Keystone Light, or that it sat in the back of his trunk for 3 hours. There were some odd things happening in "The Lot" post-game. It seemed that a pack of running Angels felt it necessary to jog down to the Rocks den, chanting something or another, then turn around and heartily greet the Bombers contingency. A little too ambitious, if you ask me. Next up for the Bombers is a date with Wahpeton, ND and the prestigious Jason Drake Chiropractic and Acupuncture Tourney. Watch out, there's already talk of Patty Carson making his first appearance of the season. Another shot in the arm for the Bombers?
June 20, 2008--Infused with new life, the Bombers jumped out early and beat the Cobras 9-5. This writer was not in attendance, but did hear the following: Jake Skovbroten got hit in the chops and now has 2 titanium plates holding his jaw together (still managed to be drinking beer up north on Monday afternoon, though); newcomer Jeff Desmidt hit a monster TRIPLE (take a peak at his speed, scouts); and Derek Bjoraker continued his 1:1 strikeout/walk ratio. Without their fearless leader, the Bombers blew in the parking lot post-game.
June 17, 2008--The rollercoaster ride continues. The Bombers got shellacked by the Lakers 16-0 (that's right, 16-0) on Tuesday night. Errors (too many to count), baserunning blunders, and lack of clutch hits doomed the up-and-down Bombers. The only saving grace (you guessed it) was the impromtu bbq and beer drinking post-game. A new Bombers fan made her first appearance, and vowed she would return despite the pathetic game she had just witnessed. A couple late season call-ups hope to spark the Bombers against the rival Cobras on Friday night.
June 16, 2008--The Bombers rode the wily arm of Nic Shelby in a 5-0 win over the Blue Sox on a lovely night for baseball at Parade Stadium. Shabo went the distance, twirling a 4-hitting. He also helped himself with a booming double over the centerfielder's head. Jimmy Lian came up clutch for the Bombers, filling in for the injured Nate Loughern and leading off the game with a big hit. The Bombers were a bit make-shift, with several regulars out with injuries, school or coaching obligations. It was a good win. There was also a make-shirt bbq post-game. Not too shabby for a Monday night. Bombers back in action Tuesday night in a big conference tilt against the rival Lakers.
June 15, 2008--What a difference a day can make. After getting 10-runned the night before, the Bombers came out swinging and beat the Eastside Merchants 12-2 in 5 innings. Father Tony Garcia put on a show for his clan, tossing 5 great innings. "Bombers," was all 2 year-old Mason Garcia could say after the game. Mike Grabarczyck drove in a few runs and hit a monster bomb in the first inning. Andy Small went 4-4, scored 3 runs, and drove in another. Erik Dahl hit the ball well, as did Sam (Who Needs to Show up on Time?) Swanson. It was a good game all around for the Bombers, who broke their string of Father's Day futility. Several fathers were in attendance, and the Bombers entertained the masses post-game with a stellar BBQ. While BBQ'ing, a rogue Bombers team from the Riverview showed up. "Who are these guys and why did they steal our name," asked a perplexed Nic Shelby. A challenge was thrown out to this group of imposters....
June 14, 2008--The Bombers traveled down to lovely Waseca Saturday night, avoiding storms in the cities, but unable to avoid an 11-1 thumping at the hands of the hometown Braves. This game was to be a special one for former Bomber and Brave legend Andy Nelson, but without the fiery spark-plug, the Bombers came up real short. Ugly game all around...very few hits and too many walks. Mark Joseph did go 2-2, and also had the "hold" of the game during a 2nd inning run-down, which the Tink Larson led Braves ran to perfection. That's just good coaching.
June 9, 2008--After a long stretch of struggling to score runs, the Bombers got on the board early and often in a 10-1 win over the Metro Merchants. Nate Loughern led off the game with a darning 2-strike bunt single, then promptly was removed due to a pulled hamstring. While other teams short on players would likely crap themselves, the resourceful Bombers went to secret weapon Jimmy Lian, who ended up scoring 3 runs and hit a big 2-run double. Andy Small went 2-3 and also knocked in a few runs. New Guy Swanson found himself a pair of socks (must have borrowed them from the Merchants second pitcher) and a new glove, and collected 3 hits. Jon-Eric Urseth tossed a gem against his former team, and Derek Bjoraker almost went yard. Darrin Ginther was stuck in the beer frame once again. Rumor has it that he might do it big for the Bomber's BBQ, slated for Sunday afternoon. There were lots of Bombers fans in the stands, including several young lassies that came to watch the hot-hitting Lian.
June 7 and 8, 2008--The Bombers had one heck of a weekend. Saturday saw the Bombers travel to Watertown, only to find no opposing team at the ballpark. A real bummer, as nobody from the Watertown contingency bothered to make contact with the Bombers. Also a real bummer as gas prices rose to nearly $4.00. Good lookin' out, Watertown.
Sunday, the Bombers traveled to Sechler Park, to renew their heated rivalry with the Northfield Knights. The Knights were dressed in their Sunday teal jerseys and were ready to battle up. Even cagey vet Mike Remington couldn't miss this tilt. Despite 7 strong innings from Nic Shelby, the Bombers lost in the bottom of the ninth, 3-2. Erik Dahl, fresh off a VIP weekend, was nails behind the plate and collected 2 big hits. Pretty Ricky Andersen picked upa few big hits. Although this was not an official record, several long-time Cannon Valley baseball observers believes that it was the first time in history that the combined weight of the shortstops (Ginther and Deden) exceed 500 pounds. As with all good rivalries, axes were buried and beers were drank post-game. The Knights brought the Bombers to one of their favorite watering holes when the rains came pouring down. The Tavern provided shelter from the rain, some ice cold (and cheap!) pitchers, and a honey in red who really was liking Pillsbury and Paulson. Special thanks to the Knights, who got up early to ensure that the field was in playing condition.
The Bombers are sad to announce that some of their regulars have decided to pursue other options this summer. While this puts the remaining Bombers in a tough spot, the team has vowed to pull through and cowboy up. "I love catching," quipped a sweat-soaked Dahl-boy Sunday afternoon.
June 2, 2008--In its third game in as many days, the Bombers off-season fitness program really showed. A comedy of several errors (literally), the Bombers lost on a dreary night to the Rocks, 7-3. Darren Ginther started on the mound and did a nice job. Some misplayed balls led to 4 early runs. Nate Loughern had 2 hits for the Bombers, and Ginther also had a nice day at the plate. Although the outcome of the game did not bode well for the Bombers, they rallied for the post-game celebration. Unlike years past, it seems that there is always a plethora of cold beers to drown our sorrows in. Bombers are back at it Thursday night against the always-tough Angels.
June 1, 2008--The Bombers thought this was going to be their day against the Maple Lake Lakers. It was a beautiful day for ball, and the crowd was excited to see baseball and win Rapala fishing gear. But an early 3-0 lead would not hold up, as Lakers pitcher Chad Raiche did it all in a 6-3 win against the Bombers. Jimmy Lian knocked in his first Bomber run to stake the Bombers to a 1-0 lead in the second inning. Tony Garcia was cruising before the prior night's festivities caught up with him. The bats went silent and the Lakers kept pluggin' away. Despite the loss, the Bombers held it down in the parking lots until nearly 6:30 p.m., drinking random beers and eating leftovers from the prior night's BBQ. The Bombers would like to thank their contingency of fans, including Mason Garcia (who saw his daddy's first game), a couple of hot tooters, and Mrs. Stomberg's new puppy.
May 30, 2008--The Bombers Traveling Circus made it's inagural trip to the lovely hamlet of St. Benedict Saturday afternoon, beating the home nine 8-4. An "Iron Nine" made the trip south from the stormy Twin Cities, and some unlikely heroes emerged. Pitchers Nic Shelby and Tony Garcia swung the bats well, with Shelby picking up two doubles and Garcia produced 3 hits. Erik Dahl hit a towering shot over the right field fence (255 down the line, mind you), and Nate Loughern tomahawked a ball to centerfield that might still be in orbit. Jake Skovbroten picked up his first win as a Bomber, and all Bombers in the lineup got hits. Post-game, the revelry continued well into the night, as the Bombers first BBQ of the season was in effect. Chicken, brats, CHIPS, and cold beers were enjoyed, as Nic Shelby stories of years past we spun by F.A.G. Dave Sherry. And a hearty thanks to the St. Benedict team for letting us use your tongs...good lookin' out!
May 27, 2008--Zero. Zip. Nada. That's what the Bombers mustered offensively against the Lakers in a 4-0 loss Tuesday night. The game started out great for the Bombers, as Jeff Stomberg led off the game with a double. Craig Henry then drove a single up the middle, apparently NOT scoring the speedy Stomberg. Great call blue. That effectively took the wind out of the Bombers sails, as they struggled the rest of the evening against the Lakers "crafty" lefty. Nic Shelby tossed a nice game before being relieved in the 6th by Derek Bjoraker. Despite their win, there was nary a Laker in the parking lot post-game. But you can bet your bottom dollar that the Bombers hung around, crying in their beer. The only saving grace was the jar of pickles fished out of the bottom of one of the several coolers. Bread and Butter...LID!!!!!!!
May 20, 2008--Former Bomber Matt Germar tossed a complete game against his former mates, leading the Cobras to a 5-0 win. A variety of Livan Hernandez-esque pitches kept the Bombers off balance all night. The few bright spots for the Bombers included: amazing defensive gems by Nate Loughern, Jeff Stomberg and Erik Dahl; strikes thrown by Derek Bjoraker; Jake Skovbroten continuing to come through post-game; seeing "the Lip;" Dahl-boy's gal friends coming in to support the Bombers; and the three cases of beer post-game. Good luck to Andy Nelson, as he leaves the Bombers for the promise of riches and sun!
May 17, 2008--Osceola didn't see it coming. The Bombers rolled up to the field looking like the Bad News Bears, and left looking like Gladiators. Showing up sporadically to the field in different car-pools, the Bombers looked about as hodge-podge as it gets. But much to the dismay of the hometown crowd, the squad came out swinging. The Bombers put up a 6 spot early in the game and let it ride out until the end when the original Bomber himself, Darren Ginther, came in to shut the door. The Braves of Osceola did put up a good fight, and brought the game to 6-4, but fell short in the end. Next game...league play against the Cobras. Come out Tuesday night and enjoy the show!
May 15, 2008--The Bombers succesfully kept the dog show rollin' with a solid 13-1 win over league rival Wesley Homes. On a picturesque night at Parade, Nic Shelby made quick work of the first five innings and let Bomber newcomer Jake Skovbroten roll through the last two. It was a hit parade led by a 4-4 night by big man Mike Grabarcyk that ended up being a 13 run, 15 hit night for the Bombers. The flurry of hits lasted late into the game as everybody did what they could to avoid the dreaded beer frame. On a slightly unrelated note, the Bombers definitely posted big numbers in the parking lot for the traditional post-game pow-wow. Tooters were winking, and Shorty made some dude sit in his car the whole game. Big things poppin' this weekend in Osceola.
May 13, 2008--Finally! The 2008 Bombers season opened Tuesday on a night more fit for forward passes and sacks than homeruns and strikeouts. Despite the chilly and damp weather, the Bombers were more than thrilled to be on the baseball field. Jon-Eric Urseth pitched a complete game 3-hitter (infield squibs, nonetheless) and the Bombers got big hits from Erik Dahl, Nate Loughern, and Darren Ginther, as they beat the Blue Sox 6-0. Several other scoring opportunities were squandered, leaving lots of work to do before Thursday night's tilt with perennial power Wesley Homes. The cold weather did dampen one area the Bombers are known for--the post-game parking lot. Nic Shelby fortunately brought a cooler of ice cold beer, which the team battled through. Jake Skovbroten also came up key for his new team. But the cold and late night stunted the Bombers, as they cleared the lot in hasty fashion.
May 2, 2008--The Bombers season opener, scheduled against Elko, was rained out Friday night. It was a real bummer for all, as the Bombers were chomping at the bit to see someone other than Judge Small throwing BP. Mother Nature, in her infinite wisdom, had other thoughts. The Bombers return to action this coming Saturday, 7:00 p.m. at Victoria. Sven Svengaard, a close "personal" friend of Darren Ginther, promised that the weather would cooperate.