The first week of conference play began with two wins vs Washington ( Md) Shoreman. The Shoreman are traditionally weak in baseball but they do count Linda Hamilton (the actress in The Terminator) among their graduates. Arnold seemed to be on their side as the Shoreman battled hard and had the lead after 6 innings in game one but the Fighting Diplomats showed some grit coming back in the 7th to earn a win. Sophomore second baseman Matt Will gave a preview of good things to come with some big plays in the field and Andrew returned to play SS and contributed a key hit.
They say nature abhors a vacuum and it seems the leadership is evolving as Matt Will battles every at bat and drives the ball regularly. The game offers players a chance to reach out and grab the baton and so far Will is showing that he can lead as he sets the table and scores and does a great job in the field. The energetic pace set by Will gives the team confidence and he is giving the team the sense that when he is up to hit good things will happen. Sometimes one players helps the other players believe in themselves as they see Will surely believes he is going to get the job done one way or another.
Next up is Dickinson College . The college was named after John Dickinson, a signer of the Constitution (not Emily Dickinson who labored in Amherst, Mass and pretty much brooded her whole life) .Dickinson alumni include the actor Stuart Pankin who is known more for comedy and game show appearances but has sometimes taken dramatic roles such as Michael Douglas' friend Jimmy , who attempts to hit on Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction. ( in case you have not seen Fatal Attraction after Glenn Close is spurned by Michael she decides to put a bunny in a pot of hot water as she tries to whack Michael). All in all, taking a run at Glenn Close does not warrant the good judgement award. The Dickinson Admissions staff though was smart enough to bring in a tough left hander and with his help the Devils and Diplomats split a doubleheader. Hopefully, the admissions staff does not admit any Glenn Close types or at least have the sense to keep the bunnies away from campus. In fact, I just learned the Aussies have a slang for a crazy woman
"A bunny boiler".When I am asked for advice in the mate selection process ( which is quite rare I may add) I tend to discourage picking the ones that toss bunnies in the pot. Cheerfulness, athleticism and sense of humor are characteristics with more staying power.
With a 3-1 conference record the Diplomats receives a visit from their neighbor in Reading, Pa the Albright Lions. Readers know I have taken up a mission to get the school to rename the team the "Albright Ideas" and must report the idea is getting some traction. While in Florida, the Ideas were staying at the same hotel and when I suggested the new name the concept was heartily embraced--sometimes an Idea is just right! The Diplomats opened up a 10-2 lead but soon found themselves down 16-10. In the bottom of the ninth they rallied for 6 runs and with runners on second and third, still only one out the rains came and washed out any further play leaving the game as a 16-16 tie. In general, if you score 16 you would hope you win but this score shows the vulnerability of a team that has not yet jelled.
With four conference games on tap the Ursinus Bears ( how about naming them the "Ursinus Infections" offered engaged reader Andy Bohjalian) . The parents of writer John Updike are graduates of Ursinus which is somewhat interesting since Updike included marital infidelity as a major theme in his works. The Bears sent out their top pitcher Zeb Engle to face the Diplomat and his performance warranted his reputation as one of the best conference pitchers. Zeb has been watched closely this season by pro scouts and he did not disappoint them . Zeb shut out the Diplomats leaving the Diplomat 3-2 in the conference play with the playoffs looking dimmer.
Your Fighting Diplomats now have their back against the wall. Travelling to Muhlenburg, to face the Mules, ( another nickname born from alliteration), a playoff team last season who are paced by Christian Conti, last seasons' conference MVP. The Diplomats are already in a Must Win situation.
In every aspect of life, circumstances breed the seeds of their own reversal. For example, high oil prices create conservatism and new exploration leading to lower oil prices. Low oil prices breed actions to consume oil and thus higher oil prices. And so it is with athletes. The coach's role is to help foster these reversals in a positive manner. The pitchers have been the prime focus and getting them to throw more strikes and pitch ahead in the count was seen as the key to improving the defense. With the defense playing better the hitters can relax and not be chasing 5 runs all the time. And my inside source reports that a lot of attention has been focused to get the pitching on track. With the earlier struggles, the players are very focused and working hard on improving and hence the seeds of the reversal are planted within.
And on a blustery, cold day at Muhlenburg the Diplomats came out quickly --a lead off home run by Matt Will to take a lead they would not relinquish all day. Mike Duranti pitched very well giving up a few hits but no walks. he was always ahead int he count and dominated the game. The defense was much better making all the plays (Andrew had two DP's himself) and the game evolved with the Diplomats playing at their best level. Conti was injured and never a factor as he limped through a few at bats. This game also marked the return of Shea to the lineup. Wearing a brace that would stop a T-Rex, Shea appeared to be able to move well enough and contributed three hits over the day and displayed comfort in right field. The whole team though conducted themselves with confidence. Hitters took aggressive cuts, fielders threw to the right base and the pitchers threw strikes and got hitters off balance. After winning game 1, 8-3 the Diplomats took an early 2-0 lead behind senior starter Brad Andres. In the bottom of the second, chasing two and getting a lead- off walk, the Mules chose to bunt the runner over, giving up an out. The Dips took the out but the baseball gods were heard to kick over the stool at this move. On a day where the ball is flying around, you have an average pitcher on the mound(at best) and you give up an out when you are likely to need about 10 runs to win is just bad baseball. From thereon, the gods piled it on as they were angry with Muhlenburg and late in the game it was 14-1 as the sweep was in play.
Returning home, the Diplomats began to show some laughter and good cheer as they were building confidence in themselves, believing they can win now. "This is how we can play" they seemed to be discovering for themselves to themselves. And they would get a test right away with the Ursinus Bears back in town to play a make up game. Once again , Your Fighting Diplomats would get a great pitching performance - 3 in a row now as senior Matt Metsch gave up only 1 run in a 6-1 victory. Jason Anderson knocked in 4 with two clutch singles while the bases were loaded. Shea manifested his delight at retruning to action with two doubles and two walks. When you are winning you can't get to the next game fast enough. As luck would have it, Your Fighting Diplomats play again tomorrow hosting the Gettysburg Bullets.
This is a very important week as they play the Bullets and then on Saturday a doubleheader against the vaunted Blue Jays of John Hopkins. But this time the game is in Lancaster and with the wind blowing in and the deep fences the Hopkins power is not as evident as in their bandbox in Baltimore where is 300 feet to the right field fence. The diplomats starters are eager for a test against Hopkins. But we can't look too far ahead as the Bullets are formidable in their own right and pose a legitimate threat to be in the playoffs. But the Fighting Diplomats seemed to have discovered themselves and are on the Magical Mystery tour now at just the right time.
I shall report this weeks game in earnest and with hopes for a great week
--Your faithful correspondent
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