Gentlemen,

I always like to take a few days to reflect on the Roy Hobbs World Series week that was. It's always such a great time with great guys and this year was no exception. I can't wait to do it again next year.

I'm truly honored to serve as manager of the Orlando Blazers, you guys are so talented and work so well together, it's usually just a matter of keeping everyone healthy and on a relatively even playing field in terms of At Bats and opportunities. But one of the "perks" is gettting to name the MVP for the team each year.

I base it largely on statistics of course, but also on the idea of where we would have been without that guy. And we had a great year. The pitching was set up beautifully for a nice run at the championship. Can you imagine going into the final game with a fresh Frank Ricci and Miguel Ramirez? You'd have to feel pretty confident about that. Willie Castro was phenomenal in the semi-final game. 10 innings of shutdown pitching. But former Blazer Pete Correa shut us down on this day, and we went out in ten innings 2-1.

But WIllie ended up starting the first and last games of the tournament and was fantastic in every way. Not to mention a Game 2 pitching appearance and a ringing double to the fence in Game 2, Muchas gracias a usted, Willie!

Frank Ricci and Miguel Ramirez were our other pitching scholarships, and I feel bad about leaving them unused on the final day, but in baseball, as in life, a plan is God's idea of a joke. But thank you for making the drive multiple times guys, I hope you'll consider returning!

My old friend and trusted lieutenant Carlos Ruperto made the drive back down Saturday for a DNP as well, but his value is always beyond measure, as a spot player, pinch hitter, base coach, and cheer leader. It simply would not be the same without him.

Let's talk about our roster. Romulo Suarez was a rookie this year and looked like a ballplayer. Unfortunately a badly pulled hammie forced him out of the tournament early. Hope to see him next year!

Carlos Padilla found Romulo and contributed mightily on this team, as he has in years past. He played all over the field, pitched some critical innings and swung the bat better than his average indicated, I thought. Great guy, pride of Cleveland, thanks Carlos.

Dennis Smith was one of my roomies, fun getting to know him better this year, even if he does like the LA Dodgers. Made a ton of great plays in the OF, played a lot, and had some timely hits. Dennis is a Blazer to the core.

Alfredo Jimenez is still down there I think. He was a late join and boy, he was a revelation. He also made some dazzling catches in right, including a game clincher, and had a strong tournament at the plate. Thank you Sarge!

Ric Moots is one of my favorite players, about as solid as they come. Knows the game through and throough, pitches, catches, IF/OF, solid stick, you name it and he can do it, and do it well. He was and is critical to the Blazers, he along with Ruben made life A.G. (After George) livable at short. 

I thought Chris Brown was incredible in his rookie year. Made ALL of the plays at 2nd, hit a cool .364, the definition of class and grace as a teammate, and about as good of a guy as we have out there. Plus he was the only one who dared bring his significant other to lunch at Dave's BBQ this year, thanks Elleanor! 

Matt Conrad was and is my favorite player, I'll just tell you that flat out. Throws BP before games, catches a great game, seemingly immune to the ravishes of the position, knock on wood. Never wants out, and oh yeah, need him to pitch? No problem. Also middle of the lineup stick with pop, with shut down running game arm defensively. Come on, this is 53+, right? Thanks Mattie C.

That leaves me with six guys who all had a great case to be made for team MVP this time around. Ruben Correa, Jeff Shebovsky, Tony Caruso, Rick Sanders, Ken Nastasi and Joe Hamilla. I've studied the stats and thought about the tournament, and here's what I came up with, right or wrong...you really could eenie meenie miney mo these six and come up with a fantastic choice.

Ken Nastasi was awesome in his rookie Hobbs campaign. Co-led the team in RBI and slugging. (5 2B and 1 3B!) Hit a smooth .423 and was a dream on the bench. I didn't want to give it to you this year Ken, I was afraid it would kill your motivation to come back! Great job!

Ruben Correa was so good in all areas, we missed him badly Saturday, but our prayers are with his Mom. He led the club in average at .480, and made all of the plays at short, he and Moots were fantastic out there. He probably would have been the winner if he had been able to be there Saturday, but he was super, sure hope he will come back.

Jeff Shebovsky was a beast at the plate, and pitched well in his appearance on the mound. Jeff was second in Batting Average, second in OPS, , second in OBP, made some fine running catches in the OF, and his one misadventure on the basepaths didn't take away from the fact that he did plenty to secure the award this year, but came up just a hair short.

My dear friend and oldest Hobbs pal Tony Caruso has been out of baseball for a year. He told stories of swinging a bat and throwing a ball against a wall, and frankly, I thought we would be thrilled to have him there for the company. Well all he did is was tie for the lead in RBI's, including that crushing bases clearing double against Lansing that effectively iced that game and sent us to the semi-finals. He hit .435, pitched to a 2.31 ERA in 11 innings, and there is no better dude to spend a week with, you all know that. Again, any other year, the hardware is yours T.

Which leaves two guys. Joe Hamilla was the defending MVP, and what a tournament he had this year. He backed up last year's effort with a flawless 3rd base defensively, a slick .423 BA, 3rd on the team in RBI. On the hill, he had a 1.04 ERA (not a misprint!), had a start and a save IN THE SAME GAME, you don't see that everyday. How could he not have defended his medal successfully?

I just thought the winner this year was Rick Sanders. He was dominant in no statistical category, but he was at or near the top in so many. 2nd best pitching, 3rd in Bating Average, 3rd in RBI, 4th in OBP, 5th in OPS, only player with two sac bunts, led team in walks, probably played in the field or on the mound the highest percentage of time. Great plays in the field, no errors, just pure consistency in all aspects of the game. Rick was the narrow but clear cut winner this year in a fantastic pool of candidates. The fact that he's a super guy and teammate and loves the game with a passion is a bonus.

Looking forward to seeing all of you back in 2022! One more nod to our friend and teammate Steve Haugh, thought of often this week. Gone, but never forgotten. "F'en Hobbs."