Over, it ain't over... nothing's done until we decide it is
Uh John, it's Over.

Orioles End Black Sox Season 7-6

We gave the American League Champions everything they wanted, and then some, but a ninth inning rally fell one run short. A couple of great diving catches by Orioles outfielders robbed us of line drive hits and killed two rallys: one with the bases loaded (Dan), the other with runners at first and third (Phil). In the end, those plays were the difference in the game.

Congratulations to the Orioles and good luck in the playoffs.

Highlights

• Pitching - Lance pitched a complete game and the pitching was definitely good enough for us to get the win. Lance struck out 5 and gave up no walks (1 HBP).
• Hitting - We had 9 hits and 9 base on balls. Individual highlights:
  • Nestor reached base 3/5, had two stolen bases, and scored 3x. Definitely what you look for in a leadoff batter.
  • Steve P. hit 4/5, wrapping up his second Black Sox batting title.
  • Mo continued his strong finish reaching base 3/5 on 2/4 hitting with a walk.
  • Jonathan reached base 2/4 to wrap up the OBA title for the season.
• Defense - Bob had a strong game behind the plate and we turned a couple of big double-plays. Dan had a diving catch in center.

Looking Forward

Lance is hosting a team BBQ Sunday afternoon. You should have received an email with time and directions to Lance's home.

Winter Ball

I am waiting on decisions from a couple of guys on Winter Ball. This will determine whether we will field a team or try and hook up with another team for the winter season. In any case, I am confident I can find a place for everyone who wants to play the winter season.

Batting Leaders (final)

A 4/5 final game propelled Steve to his second team batting championship. Steve also led the club in Home Runs and tied for the lead in Hits. Congratulations to Jonathan for his team leading .542 on-base average and to Phil for a share of the lead in hits.

Other Season Highlights

Even though we are all disappointed to not make the playoffs, we played very strongly at times and beat three of the teams who are going to the playoffs. We proved that we can play with the best teams in the league. Some individual highlights:

• Nestor - Nestor again proved that he is one of the premier leadoff hitters in the league. I don't really track stolen bases and runs scored, but I am pretty sure Nestor led the team in both categories. Nestor also hit two home runs and played solid second base throughout the season. Nestor struck out only 4 times this season, second best on the team (behind your's truly, with 2K's).
• Steve - Again, Steve established himself as the best hitter on the team.
• Mike Gross played every position for us this season and made solid plays in a number of different spots. Similarly, Bob played a number of positions well over the course of the season.
• Lance - despite having to miss several games because of injuries and playing in pain when he was able, Lance gave us some great innings on the mound. Lance also had what was, by far, the biggest hit of the season: a grand slam vs. the Rebels to propel us to victory over the best team in the league.
• Jonathan led the team in OBA in his first season and certainly led the team in HBPs. He also pitched strongly despite struggling with shoulder pain the second half of the season.
• Jim McGaha was near the top of all offensive categories and gave us solid defense in the outfield.
• Sportsmanship - Again, we showed that the Black Sox are one of the class teams in the league. Even though the results weren't always there for us, we played hard to the end and demonstrated sportsmanship in losing and in winning. I am proud to have managed this ballclub. We will be back.

Black Sox Schedule/Results

See the full 28A Schedule: American | National

Schedule for Bonita Black Sox

02/29/04 1300 Fighting Hellfish............. 8 Bonita Black Sox.............. 1 (at Silver Strand)
03/07/04 1300 Orioles....................... 10 Bonita Black Sox.............. 2 (at Chula Vista)
03/14/04 1300 Bonita Black Sox.............. 22 Tecolote...................... 8 (at Santana)
03/21/04 1300 Bonita Black Sox.............. 20 Tigers........................ 7 (at Silver Strand)
03/28/04 1300 Bonita Black Sox.............. 16 CA Rebels..................... 9 (at Mar Vista)
04/04/04 1400 Bonita Black Sox.............. 20 SD Bombers.................... 8 (at Dana Center)
04/18/04 1300 SD Erosion Control............ 13 Bonita Black Sox.............. 0 (at San Diego)
04/25/04 1300 Players Sports Bar............ 23 Bonita Black Sox.............. 9 (at Silver Strand)
05/02/04 0900 Luna Construction............. 18 Bonita Black Sox.............. 7 (at Otay Ranch)
05/09/04 0900 SD Erosion Control............ 13 Bonita Black Sox.............. 1 (at San Diego)
05/16/04 1300 Bulldogs...................... 11 Bonita Black Sox.............. 4 (at Hoover)
05/23/04 1300 Bonita Black Sox.............. 9 Lugnuts....................... 8 (at Otay Ranch)
06/06/04 1300 The Dudes..................... 10 Bonita Black Sox.............. 8 (at Montgomery)
06/13/04 1330 Pirates....................... 11 Bonita Black Sox.............. 9 (at San Diego)
06/20/04 1300 Bonita Black Sox.............. 9 SD A's........................ 3 (at Montgomery)
06/27/04 1400 Bonita Black Sox.............. 12 Fighting Hellfish............. 11 (at Eastlake)
07/11/04 1300 Orioles....................... 7 Bonita Black Sox.............. 6 (at Chula Vista)

NOTE: Scheduled games are listed as 'Visitor vs Home'.