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Joe Senser's Softball
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FULL TEAM COOLS OFF AT BAR
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Joe Senser's Softball
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By Dan Hinrichs
Infield Correspondent
ROSEVILLE, MN- One could tell right off the bat that things weren't stacking up for Joe Senser's Men D-League Softball on Thursday, as the team played in temperatures 40 degrees higher than normal. "It's pretty hot out there," outfielder Bill Remick said in between swigs of Gatorade. "We're definitely not used to this." The team was pretty lethargic all night, but behind another stellar pitching performance from Brette Hjelle, Senser's managed to take the first game 5-4. "It was ugly, but I'll take it," manager Pete Fanucci said. "But damn, it's hot." Things blew up in Senser's face in the second game, as Edina Realty won 13-7 on the strength of an 8-run 2nd. Senser's may have suffered a greater loss than that on the night, as slugger Ryan Thomas pulled a hamstring while making a great catch in the outfield. "I was ready for a Kirk Gibson '88 moment in that second game if I had a shot," Thomas muttered. "All it would've taken was one swing to win it." Brette Hjelle voiced the main concerns of the team regarding Thomas' injury- "Is the injury bar-threatening?"
Thomas did make it to the bar, along with the rest of Senser's and nine fans, making the crowd a record 20. "Good to see all 11 of the players here, even though Rosner shouldn't count since he ordered rabbit food again," co-Swelvax Player of the Week Christian Peterson grumbled. "Two weeks, two salads...then again, he is hitting the ball. Maybe it's superstition- it sure as hell better be." Lindsay Vedder led the winnings on the wheel by scoring two $27 Twins tickets, which immediately drew shortstop Denny Hocking over to her. "So, how YOU doin'?" Hocking questioned the big winner as he put his arm around her. "You know, Lindsay, since Rivas is coming off the DL, I won't be busy playing..." At that point, Hocking was whacked in the back of the head by Mike Dirksen. Defending #1 fan Susan Hansen kept her title with a key $5 spin on the wheel, but she did express concern about being in a race for that top spot. "Man, those Twins tickets really bring people back into the race," Hansen lamented. "Imagine if they were tickets to the luxury box for the Grantsburg Honkers- I'd be off the medal stand for fan rankings." Christian Peterson broke a two-year drought on the wheel by finally getting his ticket drawn, and in front of a throng of screaming ladies, he came through with a free appetizer. "This was everything I hoped it would be, and more," Peterson said as he wiped a tear away from his eye. "The thrill of hearing my number called...the anticipation as the wheel circled toward that $50 mark...the people cheering me on...this is why I play Joe Senser's softball. These wings are dedicated to all of the people who made this moment possible- I know I won't be able to give a wing out to all of you, but know that you all helped me get to this point, and God willing, I'll be back!" Lost in the shuffle of the night were the two big zonks, Jeff Rosner and Kennedy. "I was relieved when Kennedy zonked to match me," Trash sighed over a final crouton. "I mean, I lead off with a zonk, then everyone including CP wins...that's kind of like giving up a walk-off grand slam to Al Newman." Also lost to most were the creation of two new nicknames for fans- Amy "Home Run" Hoelmer (named even though, in her words, "except I never get any!") and Ellen "Eeek" Tuchner. "Let's see...I've still got a few weeks to bail on this whole being a Kennedy thing," she said as Fanucci cackled about the nickname.
Next game is also at 6:00- Senser's is looking for more energy, both on the field and at the bar.
Swelvax Player of the Week:
Brette Hjelle. On a night where runs were scarce, Hjelle stole a win for the crew by holding the opponents to 4 runs in the first game and striking out one of their players three times..
MVMP, presented by Mike Biebl:
Mike Biebl. A pretty tough night at the plate for Biebl as he went hitless. Biebl blamed that "$#!T-@$$ Wisconsin beer" he consumed the night before.
career hits on this site.
