Glory Day’s A’s

 

The 2005 edition of the Glory Days Athletics has become a roller-coaster ride of emotions.  The team has picked up some very nice young talent, and has also picked up a few guys who haven’t donned a ball uniform for a long time to help with the experience.  The A’s have been struggling to put their game together, but things have been looking up going into the second half of the season. 

        With the addition of some talented young bats to this year’s lineup, the A’s depend heavily on their offence.  Two hard-hitting 19 year-old rookies solidify the middle of their batting order - first baseman Ryan Earl, and slugger Mike Skogberg.  With the veteran Brad Crocker in the two-spot, Joe Valente in the clean-up spot, and Sean  Griffin in the five-spot, the A’s will score early and often.  With solid bats in Jon Valente, Ahileas Mitsopolous, Greg Oinonen, Deigo Belda,and Andy Armitage, the Athletics are stellar from one to nine.  Coach Mike Vanderwater also carries a steady stick, and has the luxury of putting together a solid lineup each and every game.

        Work horse Brad Crocker will lead the Glory Days Athletics starting pitching crew.  2nd year pitchers Greg Oinonen and Scott Suslyk will round out the starting pitching staff.  The relief squad is led by 3rd-year pitcher Ahileas Mitsopolous, and filled out by pitchers Andy Armitage, Jason Briggs, and Deigo Belda.  Also getting some action on the mound will be rookies Ryan Earl and Mike Skogberg.  A few very strong outings from the A’s starting pitching over the past few weeks has left some promising expectations going into the second half of the season. 

        Missing from this year’s playoff roster will be veteran shortstop Joe Valente.  Joe is completing a placement for school, but is back in Thunder Bay for a six week placement until mid-August.  His missing sure hands and solid bat will really hurt the Athletics going into the playoffs.  Finding the right defensive lineup will be the only challenge, as the A’s  just haven’t had things come together until just recently.  So long as the Glory Days Athletics can put their defensive game together, it is certain that their offense will give them a chance to beat any team in this league.  The way things are shaping up, the A’s hope to bash heads with the Boston Pizza Red Sox to avenge last year’s early exit from the playoffs.

        The Athletics would like to wish all teams in the league a successful and enjoyable season and playoffs.  A huge thank you goes out to Reg who keeps our league moving forward, and to those who have, and continue to assist with his efforts.  We would also like to acknowledge Wayne at Glory Days Sports Bar for his continuous support over the past 5 years!  Without him, our players wouldn’t be able to afford to play baseball.  Please visit him at Glory Days on Walsh St. for the best wings in town!

 

 

 

NO              NAME                                         POSITIONS           BAT/THROW

2

Greg Oinonen

Pitcher, Outfield

L/L

5

Evan Duguay

Catcher, Infield

R/R

7

Brian Walford

Infield

L/R

8

Graham Fron

Catcher, Outfield

L/R

9

Jon Valente

Infield

R/R

10

Sean Griffin

Catcher

R/R

11

Mike Vanderwater

Infield, Catcher

L/R

15

Andy Armitage

Infield

R/R

17

Todd Childs

Pitcher, Infield

L/R

20

Kyle Viens

Catcher

R/R

21

Brad Crocker

Pitcher, Infield

R/R

22

Scott Suslyk

Pitcher, Outfield

R/R

23

Ryan Earl

Pitcher, Infield

L/R

24

Joe Valente

Infield

R/R

29

Eric Huhtinen

Outfield

R/R

32

Jason Horychuk

Pitcher, Infield

L/L

33

Ahileas Mitsopolous

Pitcher, Outfield

R/R

42

Deigo Belda

Pitcher, Outfield

L/L

49

Jason Briggs

Pitcher, Outfield

L/R

50

Mike Skogberg

Pitcher, Outfield

R/R

 

MANAGER   MIKE VANDERWATER

COACH                     BRAD CROCKER

COACH                     JOE VALENTE

BAT BOY                   COLE BRIGGS