“Win this one and you’re home for the …” growls Coach Tomaro through his Philly Blunt before the New Jersey Section 3 final at Lincroft Field.
“Now guys, we take it one game at a time,” interjects Coach Zujk before his assistant can get the word “finals” out. “Florczak will keep it close so let’s get those bats going.”
Two of those big bats were from Zujkowski’s regular season team with the black trimmed uniforms sponsored by Research-Cottrell Incorporated. Everyone called them Research and Tony Izzo and Glen Gulyas provided the data, ending the year second in home runs (Izzo) and batting average (Gulyas).
Glen was a stocky catcher and a classic clutch hitter, knocking in runs with long doubles to left or right center field. For the all-stars he’d been relegated to backup backstop and pinch hitter since the league leader in all batting statistics was the starter behind the plate. This second string role didn’t harness our Hungarian stallion one bit - he led the team in runs batted in.
Baseballs players and coaches are notoriously superstitious. Our Little League team didn’t step on the white foul line and we didn’t mention a developing no-hitter or long batting streak. We also didn’t say anything out loud about our winning, though getting to the finals was on all of our minds. It was just better not to jinx it even though we knew it would take more than magic to get that home field advantage for the push to Williamsport.
“Gulyas will hit for you,” utters Coach Zujk as I swing a bat in the on-deck circle with runners on first and second base.
We’re behind by a score of 3-1 in the top of the sixth inning and I’m eager to knock in a run or two to get us back in the game.
“Why?” I cry mid-swing with visions of hitting something or someone going through my head.
“Don’t worry Cuz,” Glen consoles as he slips on a batting helmet and Richie Schenck walks to load the bases. “You’re still our number one shortstop.”
Final score: Bound Brook 3, Old Bridge 2
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