Bremen, Indiana All-Star s Baseball

September 7, 2011
Click for Word doc. Click for PDF file.

_______________

August 7, 2011
Bremen started the Tri-County tournament with a loss to North Liberty 6 to 5. Highlights were, offensively leading the way with a 3 hit game was Grant Klockow he had 2 singles, and in the top of the 7th with 1 runner on, and his team behind 5 to 3, Grant dug deep, quick swung, and smashed a home run over the right field fence to tie the game, (a real clutch play). Grant finished with 3 runs scored, and 2 RBI’s. With 2 hit games, were Andrew Cullers, and Bryce Devine. Andrew had 1 single, 1 double, for 2 runs scored. Bryce had 2 doubles for 3 RBI’s. With 1 hit games were Jake Thornton, and Zach Burkholder, both had solid singles.

In Bremen’s next contest, Rochester was sent home, with a 12 to 5 Bremen win. Leading the way with 3 hit games were Grant Klockow, and Jacob Strehler. Grant had 3 singles for 1 run scored, and 1 RBI. Jacob had 3 (yes 3) doubles, for 5 (yes 5) RBI’s. With 2 hit games were Matt Box, Jake Thornton, and Zach Burkholder. Matt had 1 single, a towering home run, to finish with 2 runs scored, and 1 RBI. Jake had 2 singles, for 3 runs scored, and 1 RBI. Zach had 1 single, 1 double, for 2 runs scored, and 1 RBI. With 1 hit games were Aaron Brooke, Dominic Lopez, and Bryce Devine. A-RON had 1 single, for 1 run scored. Dominic had 1 up the middle single, for 2 runs scored, and 1 RBI. Bryce’s hit was a 2 run home run, for 1 run scored, and 2 RBI’s. Defensive highlight was a 4-6-3 double play turned in sharply by second baseman Jake, shortstop Matt, and first baseman Andrew, great play.

Bremen’s next game was an 8 to 2 loss to Triton, eliminating Bremen from the tournament. Highlights: With 2 hit games were Zach Burkholder, and Grant Klockow. Zach 2 singles, for 1 RBI. Grant had 1 single, for 1 run scored. With 1 hit games were Dominic Lopez, Jacob Strehler, Aaron Brooke, Andrew Cullers, and Matt Box. Dominic, A-ron, Jacob, and Andrew all had singles, but were stranded on base. Matt had a solid single, for 1 run scored. Picking up the other RBI was Jake Thornton, with a ground out.

_______________

July 21, 2011
Bremen’s next Semi-state game was on July 16 against Nappanee, Bremen started strong, but could not maintain it, coming away with a 9 to 2 loss.

Offensive highlights: With 2 hit games were Grant Quickhands Klockow, and Andrew the Igniter Cullers. Quickhands had 1 single, 1 double, and scored 1 run. The Igniter had 1 single, 1 (team leading 18) double. With 1 hit games were Bryce Deeeeeeeeeeevine, Jake Pacman Thornton, and the Streydog Jacob Strehler. Deeeeeeeeeeevine in the first with Grant on base, took a pitch, and smashed it over the right field fence for a 2 run jack, great hit, he finished with 1 run scored, and both Bremen’s RBI’s. Pacman had a nice single, ran the bases hard, but was stranded. Streydog did his Streydogthing, and stroked a single to the outfield.

Pitching: Andrew started and went 4 gutsy innings, for 4 runs scored, 4 walks, and 3K’s. Grant went 2/3 of an inning, (he would of gone further, but because of an umpire’s misinterpretation of a rule) he was taken out. Grant finished with 5 runs scored, a1 walk, and 2K’s. Finishing the game was Zach Burkholder, giving up zer0000 runs, and zer000000 walks.

In the All-Stars next game on July 17 against Plymouth, Bremen was ousted form the tournament in a 10 to 1 loss.

Offensive highlights: Leading the way again with 2 hits was Grant Quickhands Klockow, he collected 2 hard hit singles. With 1 hit games were Jake Pacman Thornton, Kyle Hammerin Herman, Bryce Deeeeeeeeeevine, and Igniter Andrew Cullers. Pacman had a solid double down the right field line to drive in Bremen’s only RBI. Hammerin had 1 outfield single, and was driven in by Pacman, to score Bremen’s only run. Deeeeeeeeeevine had a late inning single, but was left stranded. The Igniter had 1 single, and was on base 3 times, but was stranded each time.

Defensive Web Gem: ZachB Burkholder, with a runner on second, dropped stepped on an over the head line drive sure to be a single and corralled it in, then quickly threw to second to double up the runner.

Pitching: Starter Kyle went 2 innings, for 4 runs, 1 walk, and 1K. Matt Box went 2 strong innings, for 1 run scored, 4 walks, and 3K’s. Wil Rogers went 1 inning, for 3 runs, and 1K. Finishing the game with the last inning, was Bryce, giving up 1 run. The tournament was fun, we gained a lot of experience, created some ggreat memories, and played an extra 7 games. We did good. AAAAAAAAnd we got the ALLTIME GREAT scorekeeper Luuuuuuuu Jensen back, Thanks Luuuuuuuu.

_______________

July 16, 2011
On Thursday July 14 Bremen opened play in the Rochester semi-state, against Otterbein. After an 8 inning, 19 hit, HURRICANE, Bremen walked away with a 15 to 12 win. The HURRICANE was a long one it started in the 1st, and finished in the 8th with plenty of howling winds in between. HURRICAN OFFENSE HIGHLIGHTS: Leading the way with a 4 hit game was Andrew THE IGNITER Cullers, The Igniter started hot, and stayed hot having 1 single, and 3 (team leading) doubles for 3 runs scored, and 2 RBI’s. With 3 hit games were Grant QUICKHANDS Klockow, the STREYDOG Jacob Strehler, ZACHB Burkholder, and Kyle HAMMERIN Herman. Quickhands had 2 singles, 1 double, got caught in a run down between home, and third, used his Quickfeet, and scored, to finish with 2 runs scored, and 2 RBI’s. The Streydog had 2 singles, one in the 8th (clutch), 1 double, to finish with 1 run scored, and 1 RBI. ZachB had 3 singles, scored once, and drove in 3 Bremen All-Stars. Hammerin had 1 single, 1 double, and then in the 8th with his (Bremen All-star brothers on base) Streydog, and Little Poppie, he took a low pitch and drove it over the right field fence for a 3 run JACK, and the game winner, finishing with 2 runs scored, 4 RBI’s, and the EYE OF THE HURRICANE GAME BALL. With a 2 hit game was MAJOR Matt Box 1 single, 1 double, to finish with 2 runs scored, and 2 RBI’s. With a 1 hit game was Wil LITTLE POPPIE Rogers, 1 single for 1 run scored, and 1 RBI. Defensive highlight: With runners on second, and first an Otterbein batter stroked a single to the right field gap, where Jake PACMAN gobbled it up on the run, threw a shot to Wil (the middle man), who turned and threw a shot to catcher Kyle who tagged the runner out. Great execution, on a tough play. Pitching: Starter Andrew went 3 innings, keeping his team in front, after 3, he finished with 5 runs scored, 4 walks, and 4K’s. Zach threw the next 4 innings, (his longest All-star performance) finishing with 5 runs scored, 4 walks, and 1K. Getting the win, with 1 inning of relief was Kyle, giving up 1 run, and zer000 walks. In this tournament every team is good, and we proved are better, because we are deep in quality pitching, deep in quality, and focused defense, and are very strong in hitting, and running the bases, that is why this team is the HURRICANE OFFENSE TEAM.

_______________

July 12, 2011
On Sunday July 10th Bremen played Nappanee, and then Plymouth. The seas were calm, no winds were blowing, it was a nice day for sailing, but not for Bremen baseball. Bremen lost the first game 6 to 2, highlights were: Leading the way with a 2 hit game was the STREYDOG, he had 2 nice singles. With 1 hit games were Bryce Deeeeeeeeeevine, Major Matt, Quickhands, Hammerin, and ZachB. Deeeeeeeeeevine, had 1 single, and scored 1 run. Major had 1 single, and 1 RBI. Quickhands had a deep double, and scored 1 run. Hammerin had 1 single, and 1 RBI. ZachB had 1 single. On defense Bremen turned a nice double play, on a low line drive caught by first baseman Bryce, and throwing to Zach at second to double off a runner. Catcher Dominic, blocked the plate, and tagged out an attempted base stealer.Again leading the way with 2 hit games was STREYDOG, joining him were Deeeeeeeeeevine, and Major Matt. Streydog found the right field gap for a double, added in a single, to finish with 1 run scored. Deeeeeeeeeevine had 1 single, 1 hard hit double, for 1 run scored. Major Matt, had 2 well placed singles. With the teams other hit was Hammerin, who with his single drove in 1 RBI. The other RBI came from the bat of Pacman, who hit a hard grounder for an out but drove in the runner from third.

Again leading the way with 2 hit games was STREYDOG, joining him were Deeeeeeeeeevine, and Major Matt. Streydog found the right field gap for a double, added in a single, to finish with 1 run scored. Deeeeeeeeeevine had 1 single, 1 hard hit double, for 1 run scored. Major Matt, had 2 well placed singles. With the teams other hit was Hammerin, who with his single drove in 1 RBI. The other RBI came from the bat of Pacman, who hit a hard grounder for an out but drove in the runner from third.

Bremen lost the second game 13 to 2, highlights were: Again leading the way with 2 hit games was STREYDOG, joining him were Deeeeeeeeeevine, and Major Matt. Streydog found the right field gap for a double, added in a single, to finish with 1 run scored. Deeeeeeeeeevine had 1 single, 1 hard hit double, for 1 run scored. Major Matt, had 2 well placed singles. With the teams other hit was Hammerin, who with his single drove in 1 RBI. The other RBI came from the bat of Pacman, who hit a hard grounder for an out but drove in the runner from third.

This is our second year in the Town & Country Tournament, and we have accomplished our first goal, to ADVANCE to the Semi-state, for that be proud, enjoy the moment, you are one of the few Bremen athletic teams to ADVANCE past the first round. Now lets get ready for the next level, and see what we can do.

_______________

July 9, 2011
On Thursday July 7th Bremen started play in the Town & County District at Pierceton, our opponent was North Miami, (Miami it was HURRICANE SEASON), Bremen came away with a 10 to 1 win.

Leading the hit attack with 3 hits was Wil Little Poppie Rogers, he was the leading edge of the HURRICANE leading off the second inning, he blasted a solo shot home run over the left field fence his team leading 8th. Little Poppie also collected his first All-star triple, and finished with 2 runs scored, and 4 RBI’s. With 2 hit games were ZachB Burkholder, and Grant Quickhands Klockow. ZachB had 1 single, 1 double, for 1 run scored, and 3 RBI’s. Quickhands 2 singles, for 3 runs scored (he’s so Quick that he scores 3 times with only 2 hits), and 1 RBI. With 1 hit games were Damon the Damonator Young, Andrew the Igniter Cullers, and Major Matt Box. The Damonator was this games (EYE OF THE HURRICANE, and collected the EYE OF THE HURRICANE GAME BALL), after Bremen had only scored 4 runs, he leadoff the inning with a bunt single, and the HURRICANE struck Miami, before it was over 6 runs had crossed the plate. Damonator finished with 1 run scored. The Igniter, had a long off the fence double, earned 1 walk, for 2 runs scored, and 1 RBI. Major had a single, scored 1 run, and drove 1 in.

Pitching: Andrew started, and went 5 innings, (yes 5), giving up 1 cheap run, while walking 3, and having 6 BIGK’s for the win. Finishing the game was Zach going 1 inning facing 3 batters for zer0000 walks, and 2K’s.

Our next district game was against Triton on Saturday July 9th; with Bremen starting slowly, but the HURRICANE show up late for a 17 to 4 win. Leading the way with 3 hit games were Bryce Deeeeeeeeeevine, back from rehabbing in Triple A Charlotte, Jake Pacman Thornton, and ZachB Burkholder. Deeeeeeeeeevine had his first All-star bunt single, and 2 hard hit right field doubles, to finish with 2 runs scored, and 3 RBI’s. Pacman gobbled up the pitched ball, as he had his first All-star 3 hit game, and his first hard hit All-star double, to go along with 2 singles, to finish with 2 runs scored, and 3 RBI’s. ZachB had 1 single, 1 off the fence double, and 1 defensive web gem as he dove to his right on a hard hit grounder, fielded it popped up, and threw the runner out (the last out), he finished with 3 runs scored, and 3 RBI’s, (to collect the EYE OF THE HURRICANE GAME BALL). With 2 hit games were Major Matt Box, Grant Quickhands Klockow, and Kyle Hammerin Herman. Major had 1 single, 1 hard hit left field double, to finish with 2 runs scored. Quickhands had 2 doubles (using his Quickhands, and Quickfeet), 2 runs scored, and 2 RBI’s. Hammerin stroked 2 nice singles, for 3 RBI’s. With 1 hit games were Dominic the Dominator Lopez, Wil Little Poppie Rogers, and the Streydog Jacob Strehler. The Dominator, had a right field single, to drive in 1 run, and he scored 1 run. Little Poppie had 1 single, for 1 run scored, and 2 RBI’s. Streydog is starting to find the outfield gaps; he collected 1 double, earned 2 walks, for 3 runs scored. Scoring a run after earning 2 walks, was Aaron the Ragin Brooke, as he Raged around the bases.

Pitching: Grant started, and went 2 innings, for 4 runs scored, 4 walks, and 3K’s. Pitching the middle 2 innings was Zach, for zer00000 runs, 1 walk, and 1K, and his first All-star win. Pitching the last inning, was Kyle, for zer0000 runs, zer00000 walks, and 1K. With that win Bremen will advance to the Semi-State at Rochester.

_______________

July 1, 2011
On HURRICANE Thursday, Bremen visited Triton for a make-up game, and after the HURRICANE was over Bremen had an 18 to 1 win. With that win this GREAT BREMEN ALL-STAR TEAM has clinched the Tri-County 2011 regular season title, with a 10 and 1 record. FIRST PLACE GENTLEMEN: GREEEEEEEEEEEEEEAT!

HURRICANE Highlights: Leading the way with 3 hit games were Jacob Streydog Strehler, and the Igniter Andrew Cullers. Three hit games, are becoming common for the Streydog, could a 4 hit game be far away? Streydog had 3 solid singles, for 2 runs scored, and 2 RBI’s. The Igniter had 1 single, 1 team leading double (13), and a scorching line drive shot down the left field line for a solo homer, finishing with 1 runs scored, and 5 (yes 5) RBI’s. With 2 hit games were ZachB Burkholder, Grant Quickhands Klockow, and the MAJOR Matt Box. ZachB beat out an infield hit with his ZachB quickness had another single, to finish with 2 runs scored, and 1 RBI. Quickhands had 1 single, and in the first had his first 2011 triple, the HURRICANE could be brewing an in-the-park homer for Quickhands, he finished with 2 runs scored. The Major earned 2 walks, and with 1 Bremen All-star on board each time, he clubbed a right field home run, and a left field home run, for another 2 jack game, he finished with 3 runs scored, and 3 RBI’s. With 1 hit games were Kyle (the mad hatter) or as he’s getting to be known as (Hammerin’) Herman, Jake Pacman Thornton, Damon the Damonator Young, and Wil LITTLE POPPIE Rogers. Hammerin Herman, was HBP, and with 2 Bremen All-Stars on base, hammered a line drive 3 run shot over the left field fence, to finish with 2 runs scored, and 3 RBI’s. Pacman gobbled up bases, earning 2 walks, having a nice single to finish with 2 runs scored, and 1 RBI he also had his first All-star start at second base. The Damonator earned 1 walk, had 1 single, caught the last 3 innings nicely, to finish with 1 run scored, and 2 RBI’s. LITTLE POPPIE earned 1 walk, had 1 single, to finish with 3 runs scored, and 1 team leading (34) RBI. Earning a walk, running the bases hard, but was left stranded, and played some innings at second was Aaron Ragin Brooke.

Pitching: Grant got the nod to start, and threw 2 innings with heat to finish with zer000000 runs scored, 3 walks, and 5BIGK’s for the win. Throwing 1 inning was Matt allowing just 1 run on 1 walk, and 2 K’s. Finishing the game was Kyle facing the minimum and striking out the side.

This was a great regular season, it took all 12 All-Stars to win the league, I am, and everyone else is proud of these 12 young men, they have represented Bremen baseball well, have played hard, had some fun, learned a lot, and won many ball games. Now on to the Town & Country Tournament, where we can show the state how good Bremen All-Star baseball is.

_______________

June 26, 2011
On Saturday June 25th the top 2 teams in the Tri-County league played on Rochester’s field, but it was HURRICANE SEASON for the Zebras, with Bremen and their HURRICANE OFFENSE, storming to a 9 to 2 victory. Hurricanes are quick, and fierce destroying anything in their path, which this one was, a 1 inning Class 5 HURRICANE, but the HURRICANE DEFENSE, and HURRICANE PITCHING lasted 7 innings. In the 2nd inning, the HURRICANE OFFENSE started with Wil Rogers, and lasted 13 batters, in the path of the destruction, 8 Bremen All-Stars had crossed the plate, 2 monster home runs had been hit, 1 gap shot double did it’s damage, infielders were being knocked over by hard hit ground balls, the storm left a groove in the base paths, from all the Bremen feet pounding the base paths, as quick as it started, it was over, but the HURRICANE DEFENSE, AND PITCHING continued on.

Defense: In one of our best defensive games, there were many gems. Starting with Jake Thornton in center running into the gap, calling off Jacob Strehler, and catching a fly ball. Jake, and Damon Young both went into the gaps on grounders, and came up throwing to second to keep the hitters from advancing. Shortstop Zach Burkholder, fielded everything hit his way, and with the Quick feet of second baseman Grant Klockow forced many runners at second, Grant made Zach’s game a little easier by covering second quickly. Bryce Deeeeeeeeeevine, Yes Bryce Deeeeeeeeeevine, off the Semi-D.L list playing first in the last inning, blocked a long throw, keeping it in the infield, from third baseman Wil, who himself had just made a backhanded grab of a grounder in the outfield grass down the third base line. But the web-gem of web-gems for the game, happened with 2 outs, and a runner on first, first baseman Wil went to his right fielded a grounder to late to get the runner going to second, wheeled and tossed the ball to a covering Grant at first (now the web-gem), the throw was behind Grant, who was running hard, leaned back bare-handed the throw, and while falling down, tagged first for the out.

Pitching: Andrew Cullers started, and went 4 innings, in perhaps his best outing, used his defense, and his changeup, to pitch a masterful game, finishing with zer0000000 runs, zer0000000 walks, and 4K’s for the win. Matt Box went 2 2/3 innings, throwing heat, and 66% strikes, (very high), worked his way through the tough part of the Rochester order, twice, giving up just 2 runs, 1 walk, and 5BIGK’s. Closing the game, facing just 1 batter, that strike throwing Zach, did just that ending the game on a called K.

Offense: Leading the way with 3 hit games were Wil Little Poppie Rogers, and The Igniter Andrew Cullers. Little Poppie smacked the ball to the right-field gap 3 times finishing with 2 singles, 1 double, and 1 run scored. The Igniter, had 1 single, 1 team leading double, and in the 2nd with 2 Bremen All-Stars on base, launched, I mean LAUNCHED a rocket line drive shot that cleared the center field scoreboard, yes scoreboard (not just the fence) for a 3 run homer, finishing with 2 runs scored, and 3 RBI’s. With 2 hit games were Jake Pacman Thornton, and Grant Quickhands Klockow. Pacman drove in a run on a hard hit ground ball single, had a line drive single, for 1 run scored, and 1 RBI. Quickhands turned 2 singles into doubles, (we all know how he does that) (Quickfeet), finishing with 1 run scored. With 1 hit games were Jacob Streydog Strehler, and Major Matt Box. Streydog, had an up the middle single, was robbed of a single on a diving catch, to finish with 1 run scored. Major, had another MAJORBLAST, again in the 2nd with 2 more Bremen All-Stars on board, he blasted, I mean BLASTED the baseball high up in the sky, and over the right field fence by at least 50 feet, for a 3 run jack, finishing with 1 run scored, and 3 RBI’s. Scoring 1 run, and driving in 1 run, was ZachB Burkholder, he earned a walk, scored on Major’s homer, and with the Igniter on third sent the center fielder to the wall, for a sac fly. With a well-executed sac bunt moving runners into scoring position was Aaron Ragin River Brooke.

Driving in the other run was Dominic the Dominator Lopez, with 2 hard hit grounders, one of which plated Bremen’s first run. Scoring Bremen’s other run was Kyle the mad hatter Herman, who earned a walk, and was pushed across the plate by one Bremen’s 12 hits, Kyle also caught a masterful game behind the plate, keeping every pitch in front of him.

With that tremendous win, Bremen is now in soul possession of first place, with 2 makeup games to go. Great win, we proved we can play very well in all aspects of the game.

_______________

June 24, 2011
On Wednesday June 22nd the Valley Vikings paid a visit to Bremen, the game was hard fought, and muddy, from the HURRICANE, and Bremen came away with a 12 to 6 win.

First let us go over the field preparation for this game, at 3:30 pm, Coach Swank was at the diamond dipping, and squeegeeing off the standing water. At 5:15 pm Doctor Curtis Thornton MD (maintaining diamonds), did surgery, and got the field ready (no easy task). He was aptly helped by Chief Umpire Mic Gardner, and Little Poppies father (the real BIG POPPIE) Mark Rogers, and the field was in great condition.

Pitching: Andrew Cullers started, and breezed through the first, then the rain came, and we did not keep his arm warm during the rain delay, he should have been throwing in the bullpen. Andrew went 1 1/3 innings for 4 runs, and 3 walks. Zach Burkholder came in, and threw strikes, to keep his team close, finishing with his longest All-Star performance of 2 2/3 innings for 1 run (his first), 1 walk (his first), and 5 K’s. Grant Klockow went the last 3 innings, and closed the game out excellently, finishing with 1 run scored, zer00000 walks, and 5BIGK’s.

Offense: Leading the way with 3 hit games were Leadoff Andrew Cullers, Quickhands Grant Klockow, and the Streydog Jacob Strehler. Leadoff (or shall we say the IGNITOR, because he ignites our offense), had 1 single, 1 double (team leading), for 2 runs scored. Quickhands had 1 single, 1 double that put a dent in the center field fence, for 3 runs scored. Streydog had 2 singles, (and as an announcer friend of mine calls home runs (that dog will hunt), how appropriate we use that terminology on StreyDOGS home run. He smacked the ball, and that dog will hunt over the left field fence for his first All-Star home run, a 2 run shot, to finish with 2 runs scored, and 2 RBI’s. With 2 hit games were Kyle (the mad hatter) Herman, and Major Matt Box. The mad hatter had 1 single, and a hard hit gap shot double. The Major had 1 single and was on board for Streydogs homer, then with his team down by a run, 2 Bremen All-Star on base, Major launched a towering fly ball over the right field fence (a clutch shot) to put his team up for good, good enough for the game ball, he finished with 3 runs scored, and 4 RBI’s. With 1 hit games were Jake Pacman Thornton, Wil Little Poppie Rogers, ZachB Burkholder, and Dominic the Dominator Lopez. Pacman had a hard ground ball that went easily through the infield, for 1 RBI. Little Poppie 1 solid single for 3 RBI’s (tying the team lead). ZachB. 1 single, earned a walk, for 2 runs scored, and 2 RBI’s. The Dominator, had a solid single, but was left stranded on the bases.

A very good win, against a up and coming Valley team, we stuck together, played through the mud, and some fine tuning, and came away with a home victory.

_______________

June 20, 2011
On Saturday June 18th North Liberty visited Bremen, and got caught in a 7 inning HURRICANE, and went home an 11 to 4 loser. No long balls, but good pitching, good defense, great base running, and those timely hits, created the HURRICANE that night.

Defensive highlights: In the first inning the outfield of Streydog Strehler, Ragin River Brooke, and The Damonator Young, got good jumps on fly balls, and made the catches. The defensive web-gem, was shortstop ZachB. Burkholder stopping a sure base hit up the middle with a dive, and tagged second to force a runner for the third out.

Pitching: Started Andrew Cullers went 4 strong innings, using his change up, to keep the hitters timing off, and throwing a hard fastball, to finish with 1 run scored, 1 walk, and 3K’s for the win. In the middle 2 innings Matt Box, threw 1, and Zach threw the other, both effectively. Matt finished with 3 runs scored, 2 walks, and 3K’s. Zach had zer00000 runs scored, zer0000 walks, and 2K’s.The games closer was Grant Klockow who threw heat, but on the last batter got the K on a sweeeeeeeeeet changeup, Grant had zer000000 runs, zer0000000 walks, and struck out the side.

Offensive: Leadoff the way with a 4 hit game, was Leadoff Andrew Cullers, he smacked 2 singles, smacked 2 doubles to tie for the team lead, to finish with 3 runs scored, and 2 RBI’s. With 2 hit games were Grant Quickhands Klockow, ZachB. Burkholder, Wil Little Poppie Rogers, and Damon the Damonator Young. Quickhands, and Quickfeet, had 1 single, 1 double, for 3 runs scored, and 2 RBI’s. ZachB had 1 single, 1 double, for 2 runs scored, and 3 RBI’s. Little Poppie, had 1 single, 1 double, for 3 RBI’s, no long ball, but just like Big Poppie he found a way to driveum in. Little Poppie, and Quickhands are dueling it out on the RBI team lead, (great). The Damonator had 2 singles, ran the bases fast, and scored 2 runs. With 1 hit games were Jacob Streydog Strehler, and Aaron Ragin River Brooke. Streydog hit the ball hard all night, and came up with 1 single. Ragin River, laid a sweeeeeeeeeet bunt single, and came around to score, Because of that action, and hard work for the game, Ragin River collected a game ball, (great). Great game, great effort, great team, great win.

_______________

June 12, 2011
On Saturday June 11th LaVille visited Bremen, and got caught in the eye of the HURRICANE OFFENSE, before the storm was over the score was 29 to 1 in favor of Bremen.

HURRICANE HIGHLIGHTS; Leading the way with 3 hit games were Major Matt Box, Jacob Streydog Strehler, and ZachB Burkholder. Major Matt had 1 single, smashed 2 more (team leading) doubles, for 2 runs scored, and 4 RBI’s. Streydog again did not strey to far from the pitched ball with 2 singles, and a towering double that one hopped to the fence, his first All-Star double, for 3 runs scored, and 2 RBI’s. ZachB had 3 solid singles for 3 runs scored, and 3 RBI’s. With 2 hit games were Leadoff Andrew Cullers, Grant Quickhands Klockow, Kyle (the mad hatter) Herman, Damon (the Damonator) Young, and Wil little poppie Rogers. Leadoff-leadoff the HURRICANE with a leadoff line drive homer over the left-center field fence, his first leadoff home run, and a double, to finish with 3 runs scored, and 3 RBI’s. Quickhands had 2 singles, and took advantage of those singles for 4 runs scored, and 4 RBI’s. The Mad Hatter, came up the plate with the bases jacked full of Bremen All-Stars , and jacked a pitch over the left-center field fence that might still be flying if it didn’t hit a light pole, for his first All-Star grand slam, he added in a single, to finish with 2 runs scored, and 5 RBI’s. The Damonator had 2 solid singles to go along with good play in right, to finish with 3 runs scored, and 2 RBI’s. Little Poppie had 1 single, and a gap slam double, to finish with 2 runs scored, and 3 RBI’s. With 1 hit games were Jake (Pacman) Thornton, Dominic (the Dominator) Lopez, and Aaron Brooke (that runs like a raging river). Pacman had 1 single, earned 2 walks, for 3 runs scored, and 1 RBI. Dominator, got his legs under him, and smashed a solid single, for 1 run scored, and 1 RBI. R.R. had 1 single, earned 2 walks, then ran the bases like a raging river, (fast) for 3 runs scored, and 1 RBI.

Pitching: Getting his first All-Star start, Wil threw 2 solid innings, for zer0000 runs, zer00000 walks, 3K’s, and the win, another All-Star first, pitching the middle 2 innings was Matt, who fired heat for 1 run scored, 3 walks, and 7 hot K’s. Closing out the game was Zach, going 1 inning, and facing the minimum, for zer00000 runs, zer00000 walks, and 2K’s.

It was a great win, the focus was there all game, we had some fun, and walked away with another Tri-County league win.

_______________

June 9, 2011
On Wednesday June 8th Bremen visited Nappanee to play the Hawks. As Coach Nick has stated many-many times, you give extra outs, or don’t keep the ball in front of you, the good teams will take advantage. The Hawks did, with the outcome a 14 to 13 Bremen loss.

What Bremen did bring was the HURRICANE OFFENSE, slamming out 15 hits, including 7 — YES 7 — home runs, upping our season total to a record breaking 27 — YES 27.

HURRICANE highlights: Leading the way with 3 hit games were Major Matt Box, little poppie Wil Rogers, and Jacob (Stray Dog) Strehler. Matt had 1 solid single, and in the first with a runner on hammered a pitch depositing it over the left field fence, almost out of site, for a 2 run shot, then in the third again with a runner on hammered another pitch way over the left field fence, (this one the first of back-to-back jacks), Matt finished with his first All-Star 2 homer game, for 3 runs scored, and 4 RBI’s. Wil had a down the third base line single, and in the third had a towering left field solo homer (the second in the back-to-back jacks), then in the fourth with 2 runners on scorched another ball sailing it over the left field fence, to finish with 2 runs scored, and 4 RBI’s. Jacob did not Strey to far from the pitched ball, taking 3 of them into the outfield for hard hit singles, to finish with his first All-Star 3 hit game, and 1 run scored. With 2 hit games were Leadoff Andrew Cullers, and Kyle (the mad hatter) Herman. Andrew got his legs back under him and sent 2 pitches to the outfield for solid singles, to finish with 2 runs scored. Kyle in the third with a runner on drowned the ball into the ditch beyond the right field fence, for a 2 run homer, then in the 7th because this team never gives up, stroked a pitch over the left field fence for a solo home run, his first All-Star 2 jack game, to finish with 2 runs scored, and 3 RBI’s. With 1 hit games were Grant (Quickhands) Klockow, and Zach B. Burkholder. Grant had 1 solid single, and earned 2 walks, to finish with 2 runs scored. Zach B, in the 4th, with a runner on, got all the ball and screamed a 10-foot high line drive shot over the center field fence, for his first All-Star home run to finish with 1 run scored, and 2 RBI’s.

We will learn from this game, coach will do a little tweaking, and store some info for the next practice, and move on.

_______________

June 6, 2011
Bremen started the Egg Festival Tournament against Pierceton, with the outcome a 5 to 4 win. A good start to the tournament.

Pitching; Andrew Cullers started, and went 3 innings, with zer00000 runs scored, zer000000 walks, 4 K’s, and the win. Kyle Herman pitched the last 3 innings, for 4 runs scored, 1 walk, and 1K.

Hitting: With a 2 hit game was Bryce Deeeeeeeeeevine, 1 single, 1 big triple, to finish with 1 run scored, and 1 RBI. With 1 hit games were Zach B Burkholder, a nice single. Dominic (the Dominator) Lopez, 1 single, for 1 RBI. Jacob Strehler, a nice line drive single. Wil (little poppie) Rogers, 1 double, for 1 run scored, 2 RBI’s. Aaron Brooke, a hard hit ground ball single. Major Matt Box, 1 single, for 1 run scored and 1 RBI. Leadoff Andrew 1 single, for 2 runs scored.

The next game Bremen played was against the Nappanee Thunder, with the outcome a hard fought 8 to 6 loss.

Pitching: Grant Klockow started, and went 2 innings, for 4 runs scored, 1 walk, and 1K. Bryce Devine pitched 1 inning, for 2 runs scored, 1 walk, and 2K’s. Pitching the last 2 innings, was Andrew Cullers for 2 runs scored, 1 walk, and 1K.

Hitting: With 2 hit games were Major Matt Box, and Kyle (the mad hatter) Herman. Matt had 2 long line drive doubles, for 1 run scored, and 2 RBI’s. Kyle 1 single, and with his team down 4 to 0, with a runner on board, the mad hatter took a pitch, and deposited it over the center field fence for a 2 run homer, he finished with 1 run scored, and 2 RBI’s. With 1 hit games were Leadoff Andrew, a double, for 1 run scored. Bryce Deeeeeeeeeevine, a double, for 1 run scored, and 2 RBI’s. Grant (Quickhands) Klockow, a hard single, for 1 run scored, and 1 RBI. Jacob Strehler, a nice line single for 1 run scored. Dominic (the Dominator) Lopez, 1 groundball single. Zach B Burkholder, 1 single, for 1 run scored.

Bremen’s third game was against the Warsaw Heat, (but BREMEN’S HURRICANE OFFENSE cooled them off) with a 10 to 4 win. Defensive highlights: Zach B. at short, Quickhands at second, and Major Matt at third gobbled up every thing hit to them. Zach B. went into hole behind second twice to field and throw out Warsaw hitters. Grant (Quickhands) took 3 grounders off his body, and still threw out all the runners, and Major Matt showed off his rocket arm at third, to get those hitters. Then Grant moved to center field in the last inning, and made a shoestring running catch of a sinking line drive to end the game.

Pitching: Andrew Cullers started, and went 3 excellent innings, for the win, finishing with, zer00000 runs scored, zer0000 walks, and 3K’s. Kyle (the mad hatter) went the last 3 innings, to secure the Bremen win, at one time getting out of a bases loaded jam, for 4 runs scored, 2 walks, and 1K.

Hitting: With 2 hit games were the Kyle (Mad Hatter), Major Matt, and Grant (Quickhands). Kyle had 1 single, 1 double, for 1 run scored. Matt had 2 more doubles, both high in the air slams, for 1 run scored, and 2 RBI’s. Grant also had 2 doubles, for 2 runs scored, and 3 RBI’s. With 1 hit games were Leadoff Andrew, Bryce Deeeeeeeeeevine, Jake (Pacman) Thornton, Wil (little poppie) Rogers, Jacob Strehler, Dominic (Dominator) Lopez, and Zach B. Burkholder. Andrew had 1 double, for 1 runs scored. Bryce had 1 double, and 1 run scored. Jake 1 single for 1 run scored, and 2 RBI’s. Wil 1 double, for 2 RBI’s. Jacob 1 single, for 1 run scored, and 1 RBI. Dominic 1 single, for 1 run scored. Zach 1 single, for 1 run scored. Finishing out the offense, was a nice sacrifice bunt from Damon Young moving runners into scoring position, to help increase Bremen’s lead.

Bremen’s last tournament game was a defensive/pitching duel, against Wawasee with Bremen losing 2 to 0. Pitching: Starter Grant Klockow, went 4 very strong innings, giving it his all, only allowing 2 cheap runs, for 1 walk, and 3K’s. Bryce Devine pitched the last inning, keeping Wawasee in check for zero runs scored.

DEFENSIVE HIGHLIGHT of the tournament for Bremen, and perhaps all the games was a stellar play in right center field by Jake (Pacman) Thornton. With runners on, and 2 outs, a line hit was smashed to the outfield, Jake got a great jump, and with a feet first slide to position his body, came up with the catch to end the inning. He gobbled the ball up just like Pacman. Hitting; With 1 hit games were Zach Burkholder, Jacob Strehler, Wil Rogers, Jake Thornton, Grant Klockow, and Matt Box. Late in the game, Zach smashed a gap shot for his first All-Star double. Jacob had a hard line drive single, Wil had had a hard hit single, Jake had an up the middle ground ball single, Grant a nice single. And taking over the team lead in doubles, Matt had another double for the tournament.

All in all it was a great tournament, Bremen gained a lot of experience, played competitive baseball in each game, and took away the knowledge that we can play, and beat anyone in the state.

_______________

June 3, 2011
On June 1st Rochester visited Bremen for a game of undefeated Tri-County teams. The outcome was Bremen 13 Rochester 5. The game started with Bremen going up 3 to 0 in the first, Bremen used good hitting, good base running to plate their 3 early runs. After scoring 1 more run, Rochester came back with 3 runs of their own, for a 4 to 3 Bremen lead. Then the sky turned black, the wind rose, and the storm was just off the coast, and then it exploded turning into the BREMEN HURRICANE OFFENSE, it started with Jake Thornton, and Zach Burkholder reaching base, Leadoff Andrew Cullers doubling them in, and Quickhands Grant Klockow going deep for a 2 run homer, next Will Rogers sent a shot over the fence. Before the HUURICANE was over Bryce Deeeeeeeeeevine, and Quickhands again took their hits over the fence, the storm cleared, but the damage was done, and Bremen had 13 runs. Defensive highlights: Two double plays, the first a solo double play with Andrew at first, and a Rochester runner on, Andrew snagged a line drive and caught the runner off first. The second was started by shortstop Zack B. fielding a hard hit, and turning the double play. In the first pitcher Grant came off the mound, and dove for a pop up, caught it, to end the inning.

Pitching: Grant started, and went 3 innings, dominating, with the help of good defense, to finish with zer0000 runs scored, zer00000 walks, 4K’s, and the win. Andrew threw 2 innings for 3 runs scored, zer0000 walks, and 1K. Bryce threw 1 inning, for 2 runs scored, 1 walk, and 2K’s. Closing the game out was Kyle Herman, going the last inning, for zer0000 runs, and 1 walk.

Offensive; Leading the way with 4 hits was Grant, who had 2 singles, and 2 monster home runs, the first a two run shot over the right center field fence, the second the start of a (back to back jacks) a solo shot in the same area. Grant finished with 3 runs scored, and 3 RBI’s, plus he tied for the team lead in homers. With a 3 hit game was Leadoff Andrew, 1 single, 2 doubles, to finish with 3 runs scored, and 2 RBI’s. With 2 hit games were Bryce Deeeeeeeeeevine, Major Matt Box, Jake (Pacman) Thornton, and Wil (Little Poppie) Rogers. Bryce had 1 single, the second in the (back to back jacks), a solo shot that bent the pine tree in left center, to finish with 2 runs scored, and 3 RBI’s. Major Matt had 1 single, and a bases clearing double to finish with 1 RBI. Jake worked the count deep, before singling twice, to finish with 1 run scored. Wil (who if he spit on his hands before each pitch would look closely like Red Sox David Ortiz - Big Poppie), Wil had 1 single, scored on a infield groundout, and a solo homer over the left field fence, to finish with 2 runs scored, and 2 RBI’s. With 1 hit games were Kyle, who drove in Wil, and then had a nice single to finish with 1 RBI. Zach B. 1 nice right field single, to finish with 1 run scored, and 1 RBI. Finishing out the scoring was Aaron Brooke, who earned a walk, ran the bases, like lighting, and scored on a passed ball.

All in all a great league game, a team win in all aspects (pitching, hitting, and defense).

_______________

May 25, 2011
On Saturday May 21st Bremen traveled to North Liberty, coming away with a 7 to 1 win. Excellent pitching, excellent defense, and 16 base hits, is what we needed for the victory.

Starting with defense: Catcher Damon Young was on, at the plate catching 2 yes 2 high pop foul balls for outs, both of the popups were close to the fence, and Damon got both of them, great. On a groundball behind third base, shortstop Zach Burkholder fielded it cleanly, set and threw to first to nail the runner by a step. In left Jake (Pac man) Thornton, made 3 great catches on the move.

Pitching: Starter Bryce Devine went 3 strong innings, (his longest outing of the season) keeping the N. Liberty batters off balance to finish with zeroooooo runs, zerooooo walks, and 4K’s, for the win. Next in was Kyle Herman also going 3 strong innings, using his heat, and change effectively, finishing with 1 run, 2 walks, and 3K’s. Closer Grant Klockow worked the 7th faced the minimum striking out 2, to seal the Bremen win.

Offense: With a 4 hit game (technically his 3rd in a row) was Bryce Devine, he had 3 singles, and in the 6th with Grant on base, Bryce Deeeeeeeeeeevine went long over the 230 foot sign in center field, for a 2 run homer. He finished with 1 run scored, and 4 RBI’s. With 3 hit games were Andrew (Leadoff) Cullers, and Jake Thornton (his first as an All-Star ). Leadoff had 2 singles, 1 double, for 2 runs scored, and 1 RBI. Pac man had 3 solid singles for 1 RBI. With 2 hit games were Grant, and Zach B. Grant had 1 single, 1 double, for 1 run scored, and 1 RBI. Zach B. stroked 2 nice singles, for 1 run scored. With 1 hit games were Kyle, and Major Matt Box, Kyle beat out an infield single, and came around to score. Matt had 1 hard hit single. Rounding out the scoring was Damon who earned a walk, and was moved around the bases for a run.

It was a good road win, against a good team, which is a good sign, we are a good team.

Good Night

_______________

May 23, 2011
Bremen hosted the Nappanee Hawks in a split game, the first 3 innings were May 11th, and the last 4 on May 22nd. Bremen came away with a 5 to 3 win in the bottom of the 7th. Bremen used steady pitching, focused defense, aggressive base running, and timely hitting to get the win. To the coaching staff it was good to see, we can compete, and take home a win, even though our bats did not explode, that is the mark of an excellent team.

Highlights: Let’s start with how it ended, with the game at 3 to 3 in the 7th, Andrew Cullers beat out a infield hit, Grant Klockow beat out an infield hit, and Andrew took third, when the third baseman was not on the base. Up steps Bryce Deeeeeeeeeevine, quickly the count goes 0 and 2, But Bryce took the third pitch, and smoked it threw the second baseman to score Andrew, and Grant for the win.

Pitching: Bryce started, and went 2 innings, for 0 runs, 0 walks, and 1K. Andrew pitched 3 1/3 innings, for 3 runs, 0 walks, and 1 K. Grant threw the last 1 1/3 inning with smoke on his pitches, giving up 0 runs, 1 walk, and 4Ks, to get the win.

Offense: Leading the way with a 4 hit game, was Leadoff Andrew finishing with 4 singles, 3 runs (the last one the clincher) from all his base running Andrews plow had a little dirt on it. With a 2 hit game was Bryce Deeeeeeeeeevine finishing with 3 singles, and 3 RBI’s (the last 2, 1 the clincher, and 1 the bonus). With 1 hit games were Matt Box, Grant, Zach Burkholder, and Wil Rogers. Matt had a solid single, and was the vocal leader of the infield from his third base spot (perhaps Captain or Major Matt). Grant had an infield single for 1 run scored (bonus). Zach had a solid single, and played great at shortstop. Wil in his first at bat, with a runner on board went deeeeeeeeep to right field, his first opposite field home run, finishing with, 1 run scored, and 2 RBI’s. Good game, great way to win, a team effort, and good for the Coaching staffs soul.

_______________

May 19, 2011
On Wednesday May 18th Bremen hosted Triton, with the outcome a 16 to 1 win. After a tight 2 innings Bremen’s bats exploded, and scored all 16 runs in just 3 innings. A very good win with aggressive bats, focused defense, and excellent pitching.

Highlights: I have not described any defensive highlights, although we have been solid in every game, last night one highlight shines out. With Triton runners in scoring position, a long line drive was hit to left, with a great jump to the ball Jake Thornton made an outstanding catch to end the inning.

Offensive: Leading the way with his second 4 hit game in a row was Bryce Devine, Bryce had a single, his first triple of the season, and after Grant hit a homer, Bryce stepped up and ccccrushed the ball over the center field fence onto the roof of a parked car, then in the fifth with a runner on Bryce launched another ball over the center field fence for a walkoff home run. Bryce finished with 3 runs scored, and 4 RBI’s. With a 3 hit game was Grant Klockow 1 single, another single, that with his feet Grant made into a double, and with the bases jammed with Bremen All-Star s, Grant went yard with a towering fly over the right-center field fence for his first All-Star GRAND SLAM. Grant finished with 3 runs scored, and 6 RBI’s. With a 2 hit game was Kyle Herman, 1 solid single, and in the same inning as Bryce, and Grant, Kyle stepped up, and sent a pitch towering over the right-center field fence for his first All-Star home run. Kyle finished with 1 run scored, and 2 RBI’s. With 1 hit games were Andrew Cullers, Matt Box, Aaron Brooke, Jacob Strehler, Dominic Lopez, and Zach Burkholder. Andrew had 1 smoooth single, earned 2 walks, for 3 runs scored, and 1 RBI. Matt had another smoooth single for an RBI. Aaron Brooke from that second leadoff spot, 1 ground ball single, earned 1 walk, for 2 runs scored, and 1 RBI, Aaron has collected 10 runs scored for the season, being on base for a lot of the home runs. Jacob 1 ground ball single, earned a HBP, for 2 runs scored, and 1 RBI. Dominic 1 single, and ran the bases hard, finishing with 2 runs scored. Zach had a nice solid base hit. Bremen knocked out 15 hits, earned 4 walks, and had only 4K’s, great game.

Pitching: Andrew started the game (his first start of the season, his last start was in 2009) and worked 4 innings the longest by a Bremen pitcher this season, using his changeup, to keep Triton off balance Andrew walked 0, had 5K’s, and only 1 run scored, to register his first All-Star win. Bryce threw hard strikes in the last inning (in the closer role), allowed 0 runs, with 1 walk, and 1K. Great game, some improvement areas, but like I said before “we have a short way to go, and a long time to get there”, and we learn a little more every game.

_______________

May 15, 2011
Bremen traveled to LaVille on Saturday May 14th with the outcome being a 24 to 0 win. The coaches liked the focus throughout the game, no let up in hitting, pitching, and defense, (GREAT).

Highlights for the game, and there were many.

Offense: Leading the way with a 4 hit game, (his first of the season) was Bryce Devine, he had 3 solid singles, and a long double, to finish with 2 runs scored, and 2 RBI’s. With 3 hit games were Andrew Cullers, and Matt Box. Andrew had 2 singles, and batting around in the first, Andrew came up with the bases loaded, and blasted a shot over the fence for his second grand slam of the year, he finished with 2 runs scored, and 6 RBI’s. Matt had a single, a double, and after Wil hit a homer, Matt stepped up, and launched a towering fly that cleared the center field fence by 30 feet for his first All-Star home run, finishing with 2 runs scored, and 2 RBI’s. With 2 hit games were Grant Klockow, Kyle Herman, Jake Thornton, Damon Young, and Dominic Lopez. Grant had a single, a double for 2 runs scored, and 3 RBI’s. Kyle had a single, and a double for 4 runs scored, and 2 RBI’s. Jake had 2 solid singles for 2 runs scored. Damon had his first 2 All-Star hits, 2 hard ground singles, for 3 runs scored, and 2 RBI’s. Dominic had a single, his first All-Star double, for 2 runs scored, and 3 RBI’s. With 1 hit games were Aaron Brooke, and Wil Rogers. Aaron had a hard hit single, and from the second leadoff spot earned 2 walks to finish with 3 runs scored, and 1 RBI. Will had 1 hit, and what hit, a 2 run homer over the left field fence to finish with 2 runs scored, and 3 RBI’s. This was an offense that was aggressive, and wanting more the entire game. Knocking out 22 hits, earning 8 walks, with only 2K’s, (which resulted in a long walk home).

Pitching: Kyle started the game on fire, striking out the first 4 batters, and finished his 2 innings with 0 runs scored, 0 walks, 4 K’s, and his first All-Star win. Matt pitched the middle inning effectively, finishing with 0 runs, 2 walks, and 3 K’s. Grant pitched the last 2 innings as the previous pitchers had (on fire, and effectively) finishing with 0 runs scored, 0 walks, and 6 K’s. Those 3 pitchers only faced 19 batters, and collectively had 13 K’s.

Great game, we are on our way to great things, stay focused, aggressive, and help your teammates all you can, and we will have a lot of fun, and a great season.

A few explanations on the game stats I calculate, and send to the website. Starting from the left on the offence, Plate App. (appearances): these are the total times an All-Star steps up to bat. At bats: are the official at bats that I use to calculate the batting averages, you do not count walks, HBP, or sacs. Total Hits: is the number of clean base hits; you do not count errors, or fielder’s choices. Total bases: this is the number of bases each All-Star crosses during the season. Sac (sacrifices): are bunts for outs, that moves the runner, or high fly’s for outs, that moves the runner from any base (the official rule on high fly’s, is moving the runner from third to home) I don’t quite follow that. BB: base on balls. HBP: hit by pitch. K’s: strikeouts. 2’s: doubles. 3’s: triples. HR: home runs. I also give a RBI to every run scored, (again not the official version).

Pitching stats, Batters: batters each pitcher has faced. Runs: runs each pitcher gives up (the official version would not count unearned runs, I do) that is why I don’t do earned run average. Strike %: this is the percentage of strikes thrown by each pitcher, (to be competitive you need to be above the 60% range). I do make mistakes here and there, I found one, and adjusted one All-Star s total hits up 1 clean base hit.

_______________

May 6, 2011
Next up Saturday May 7, practice from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. I have acquired 16 tickets for the Tuesday, May 17, Notre Dame home game against Michigan State. I would like to plan an outing for that game. More info on that later.

On Wednesday May 4, the Nappanee Thunder paid a visit to Bremen to play the Bremen All-Star s. After a seesaw battle the outcome was Nappanee 14, Bremen 9. In the eyes of the coaching staff, it was a very good (practice game). Bremen was aggressive with the bats, had to battle back from behind, kept our heads up, played hard, and showed we are a very good team. Not that we don’t have a few items to work on, (as the old saying goes “we have a long way to go, and a short time to get there,” for Bremen’s All-Star s the old saying goes “we have short way to go, and a long time to get there”). What that means is we only have a few things to work on, and we have plenty of time to learn. As long as we stay aggressive with our bats, the rest will fall into place.

Offensive highlights: Leading the way with a 3 hit game, and what a game, was Andrew Cullers, his 3 hits were 2 doubles, both of which he was on base for homers, and with the bases loaded, Andrew sent a pitch sky high that sailed over the right field fence, for a grand slam, his first All-Star home run, and his, and the teams first grand salami of 2011, Andrew finished with 3 runs scored, and 4 RBI’s. With 2 hit games were Bryce Devine, Grant Klockow, and (BP) Will Rogers. Bryce had 1 single, and 1 nice double, for 1 run scored. Grant had 1 single, and in the first inning with a runner on knocked the cover off the ball, and into the parking lot for a center field homer, Grant finished with 1 run scored, and 2 RBI’s. Will had one double, and with 2 runners on, missed the first 2 low pitches, but the third was up and out of the field for a left field home run. Will finished with 1 run scored, and 3 RBI’s. With 1 hit games were Matt Box, Dominic Lopez, and Zach Burkholder. Matt had 1 nice single. Dominic had a line drive single, and was on base for the grand slam, he finished with 1 run scored. Zach also had a nice line drive single. The other run was scored by Aaron Brooke, after earning a walk he was on base for the grand slam.

Pitching: Going 1 inning was Bryce for 4 runs scored, with 1 walk. Going the next inning was Andrew for 2 runs scored, with 1K. Going 2 innings was Kyle Herman for 2 runs scored, with 1 walk, and 1K. Going 1 2/3 innings was Grant for 4 runs scored, with 2 walks, and 2K’s. Finishing up going 1 1/3 inning was Matt for 2 runs scored, with 0 walks, and 1 K.

All in all it was a good practice game we proved we are competitive with anyone, and with time we will get even better.

_______________

May 2, 2011
The Bremen All-Star s opened their season with two 5-inning practice games against Triton. Winning the first game 17 to 3, and the second game 18 to 2. The All-Star s came out aggressive with their bats, and stay that way for 10 innings, knocking out a total of 31 hits, in 63 at bats, which is great, that we got that many at bats under our belts. Offensive highlights: Leading the way with 4 hit games were Grant Klockow, Kyle Herman, and Will Rogers. Grant’s 4 hits were 2 singles, 1 double, and at least a 250-foot line drive shot 3 run home run, he finished with 5 runs scored, 8 RBI’s, and a sac fly. Kyle had 2 singles, 1 double, and the All-Star s first triple, he finished with 3 runs scored, and 3 RBI’s. Will had 2 singles, 1 double, and in his first official All-Star at bat, sent a line shot over the left field fence for 3 run home run, he finished with 3 runs scored, and 6 RBI’s. With 3 hit games were Bryce Devine, Matt Box, Jacob Strehler, and Zach Burkholder. Bryce’s 3 hits were 1 single, 1 ground rule double that almost took the head off the left fielder as it 1 hopped the ground and bounced over, then following Grant’s homer, Bryce sent a line shot over the center field fence for solo home run, he finished with 2 runs scored, and 3 RBI’s. Matt had 2 singles, and 1 double that were all hit solid and long, finishing with 4 runs scored, and 3 RBI’s. Zach had 3 singles scattered to all fields, finishing with 4 runs scored, and 2 RBI’s. With 2 hit games were Andrew Cullers, Aaron Brooke, and Dominic Lopez. Andrew as the leadoff hitter worked the count in each at bat (like a leadoff hitter should), and earned 2 singles, finishing with 5 runs scored, and 2 RBI’s. Aaron in the second leadoff spot had 2 singles, finishing with 4 runs scored, and 1 RBI. Dominic had 2 hard hit singles for 1 run scored, and 2 RBI’s. Having a 1 hit game was Jake Thornton, who hit the ball hard all day in the third leadoff spot, finishing with 2 runs scored, and 1 RBI. Joining the RBI group was Damon Young, after Kyle had hit his triple; Damon hit a long line shot to left field scoring a tagging up Kyle for a sacrifice fly. All in all, offensively we accomplish more than was expected from our first practice game.

Pitching: Bryce threw the first inning of the first game, giving up 0 runs 0 walks, and 1K, to gain the win. Andrew pitched 2 innings of scoreless ball for 0 walks, and 2 K’s. Will pitched the last 2 innings in the first game throwing strikes giving up 3 runs with 1 walk, and 3 K’s. The second game starter was Grant going 2 innings, giving up 1 run, with 3 walks, and 3 K’s, for the win. Kyle threw 1 inning for 0 runs, 0 walks, and 1 K. Jacob S. threw 1 inning giving up 1 run on 1 walk, and 2 K’s. Zach threw the last inning for 0 walks, and 1K.

It was a great way to start the season, no intimidation, very aggressive at the plate, and on the bases, and played 10 strong innings. The indications are that this team can be strong, and deep, and that’s what the coaching staff wants.

Next game Wednesday May 4th game time 6:30 pm, at Bremen against the Nappanee team that’s not in the Tri-County League. Be there at 5:30 in white vests, and if it is warm, green tees underneath, but bring the long sleeve tees, and sweatshirts with you. We will play 7 innings, under the same format as in Triton, play aggressive, listen to the coaches, and have some fun.

The next practice is Saturday May 7th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, which is one of our bye nights in the Tri-County League, we will go over everything that happened in the practice games, and learn a lot, to prepare ourselves for league play.

_______________

April 24, 2011
Offensively, batting practice, at first the All-Star s were to selective, but after the coaches explained that this is (batting practice), and be aggressive, each player did that, and are getting good swings at most pitches, the coaches want the players to be overly aggressive in batting practice so we get the most out of practice that we can, and can help improve the All-Star s swings, which we are now doing. Still some work to do, but we are getting there, and with the practice games we have we should be in fine shape. Coach Nick, Coach Thornton, and Coach Town have been doing great work with each All-Star , and are all working together.

Practice games at Triton:
We will leave from the Bremen major league leftfield pavilion on Sunday May 1st, at 12:45. The games will be two 5 inning games, with all 12 Bremen All-Star s batting, and unlimited substitutions, so the coaching staff can look at different defensive alignments. The games will be played in Bourbon, look on the website site for directions. The Triton concession stand will not be open, so bring along drinks, and snacks, but remember in the dugout only gum, sunflower seeds, water, or sports drinks, (no pop).

Update on Bremen home games:
The umpire crew is set with Gus Almager, behind the plate. and Cody Sears on the bases. Set up crew right now is Coach Thornton, we are looking for some to take over the responsibility, we have someone to run the scoreboard, but are in need of an official scorekeeper, (I knew Lu would be hard to replace).

_______________

April 12, 2011
Welcome back from spring break, and get ready to play some baseball. First practice Wednesday April 13, 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Don't wear shorts, do wear baseball hat, bring warm cloths, and your baseball mitt. Plenty to do, plenty to get ready for, focus at practice, have a little fun, and we will be all right.

_______________

March 24, 2011
After three hard fought try-outs — and much deliberation between the scorers — we have picked this years 11-12 (Major League) All-Star team. First, a BIG THANK YOU to all that tried out — great effort. Also to board members, Troy Mangus and Ray Brown who helped score — thanks gentlemen.

This years team consists of:
Andrew Cullers ♦ Bryce Devine ♦ Grant Klockow ♦ Matt Box ♦ Kyle Herman ♦ Jake Thornton
Damon Young ♦ Zach Burkholder ♦ Jacob Strehler ♦ Aaron Brooke ♦ Dominic Lopez ♦ Will Rogers

I am looking forward to a great season.

Click for 2010 Blog.