STEVE “SLANNY” SLANN IS RETIRING - Long time Lakeshore and BVB player is hanging them up.
A banged up knee that may require surgery has “Slanny” making the decision not to return for the 2010 season. A member of the Marauders (Pirates) since 2001, Slanny filled a variety of roles on the team. Reluctant to pitch at first, he chucked a lot of great innings for the Marauders in key situations over the years. Spotting the ball and keeping guys off balance with his “fastball”, he helped us win the 2004 Legends Cup.
Slanny also brought a new version of the “intentional walk” to the game.
Not only will we miss Slanny but, also his Mom and Dad who were regulars at our games.
News and Notes from the Nest:
All is well in the world. Despite all the doom and gloom out there, we managed to play ball on the weekend. In two scrimmages this weekend the Marauders got a chance to shake off the winter rust and play some ball.
Justin Hostick and Steve Blanchet were the top hitters on the weekend as each of them looked like they spent some time in the cage prior to the season starting. Strong pitching by Frank Iker, Claude Babin and the always dependable Steve Slann were positive notes over the weekend.
Jim Harrow left the game on Sunday with what could be a fractured wrist. The X-Rays are not conclusive at this point in time. Jim plays hard always giving a 100% and throws his body into the game. We are hoping that he is not out too long.
IKE declares:
On Friday Marauder Frank Iker informed the league that he would like to play for the 49ers in this years Canadian National Baseball Tournament in Yarmouth. A versatile player on the field Frank can pitch, play in the infield and catch he is also a very skilled tactician and will be a welcome addition to the 49ers.
Welcome Home Darryl
An opening day signing of returning pitcher Darryl Aylward was a nice surprise. Darryl will certainly add depth to the pitching rotation and as a fellow postal service employee gives Slanny someone to hang with.
Large Marauders Contingent in 2009 Nationals
The Marauders were well represented in Yarmouth with a contingent of 8 players representing Burlington in the Nationals on both the Black (35+) and Greys (44+) teams for 2009. One of the highest representations out of the BVB teams this year. A great testament to the abilities and skills of the Marauders team as they push their way up the standings in regular season play within BVB.
Growth in the Marauders Family
The Marauders would like to welcome Ciara Jolie Patricia Harris to the fold. Congrats to Gord and the family on the birth of this precious doll.
Maurauders Open on the right foot…!
The Marauders got off to a goThe Marauders got off to a good start with an opening night 5-4 victory over the Hobos. It was a solid performance by the club offensively and defensively.
Patience at the plate lead to 8 walks and set the table for the 5 runs. Timely hitting by Frank Iker started the scoring in the first inning and a clutch 2 RBI double by Steve Blanchet in the 3rd inning got the Marauders an early lead.
Solid pitching by Frank Iker (the win), Bryant Sullivan (the hold) and Darryl Alwyard (the save) kept an explosive Hobo line up in check for most of the game. Dave Hall with a great throw from right field threw out Shawn Pomfret for an inning ending double play.
Aside from an error filled 5th inning that saw shortstop Justin Hostick complete the Charlie Neilson hat trick (3 consecutive errors) the Hobos were held them to 1 earned run.
Justin Hostick (Left) and Steve Blanchet (Right) Pictures Courtesy: Andrea Carroll
