This morning we were bused over to Himes Development Center, a training ground for young Yankees. We played a team coached by Al Downing and Jake Gibbs, two of the relative older legends from the ’60s.
It was an ominous start for the good guys. Before we knew it we trailed 8-0 after two innings. That was all the runs they were going to score. We chipped away and chipped away and actually drew within one run to 8-7 in the bottom of the ninth when we had the bases loaded and nobody out, but that was it. We couldn’t get the tying run across and the game ended on a very bizarre infield-fly-rule double play that resembled out takes from a Three Stooges movie.
My day at the plate also started ominously as I grounded into my first-ever 5-4-3 double play the first time at bat followed by a fielders choice, a walk and then two very solid singles- one to left and one to center for a 2-4 day with a walk and run scored.
On the other hand I can’t tell you how proud I am of BarryO! First time up for the rookie was with the bases load and one out in the second inning and he breaks his maiden with a ground ball single that the third baseman knocked down but couldn’t play. Then he threw in an RBI as well.
Our afternoon game was tougher. Nine morning innings combined with a beating afternoon sun after a long lunch break and the weariness set in on all fronts. We played this game at the Steinbrenner complex though not on the main show field.
We fell behind by three runs again in the first inning to a team coached by Mike Torrez and “El Duque” Orlando Hernandez and we tried to claw back but lost 6-4 to go 0-2 for the day.
The best part about playing first base was that Jake Gibbs, Al Downing, El Duque and Mike Torrez all coached first and I enjoy talking with them.
Day one is complete, with another pair of nine inning doubleheaders starting at us tomorrow.
Derek Jeter is the all-time Yankee hit leader with 3088. Lou Gehrig leads the Yankees with 1995 RBI’s. After today both BarryO and myself trail Jeter by only 3086 and Gehrig by 1993. I doubt they are hearing footsteps. Yet.
Catch up on parts 1 and 2 of Roy’s Yankees Adventures and check back tomorrow for more Fantasy Baseball Camp adventures.
And for more fantasy baseball reading, check out:
- Roy Berger’s previous adventures starting with: Pt. 1, Fantasy Baseball Camp: Choosing Your Camp
- 5 Places to Catch Baseball’s Spring Training
- Adventure & Sports Travel section
- Top Five Baseball Stadiums to Visit this Summer
By Roy Berger for PeterGreenberg.com
