Beggars Flatten Master Batters
New Lenox, IL - On a pleasant summer evening at the Lions Den, the Master Batters came into the game riding the high of a walk-off victory last week only to come up empty against Beggars Pizza 11 - 6. The game started out hopeful as Pratl launched a three run triple off of the left center field fence to put MB up 3-0 in the first inning. The lead did not last long as Beggars came back in their half of the inning to take the lead and never relinquish. MB was only able to score solo runs in the second, third, and sixth inning to end the evening with a 6 run output. The top four MB batters in the lineup came into the game on fire but were only able to go a collective 4 for 12 on the night in a lackluster offensive performance. Beggar pitcher, Joe Piedough, induced several MB batters to pop up for easy outs. The timing may have been off for both teams batters facing into the strong sun for most of the game. On a positive note, MB defense looked sharp, making a bunch of plays behind starting pitcher Uncle Gary. MB outfielders hosed a couple of Beggar runners on the base paths. The loss brings the MB record to 3-2 while Beggars remains unbeaten at 5-0. Game time next week is at 6:30PM against the Brew Jays who came into tonight's action tied with MB.
Noteables:
Pivotal Moment - The game was lost when MB could not secure the third base dugout.
Who Knew - When Pratl drove home three runs in the first inning, who would have thought that would be half of the team's scoring output for the entire evening.
Nice Slide Mark - That was the comment a fellow Beggar player said to "Mark" after he splattered Jeff at second base trying to stretch a single into a double. Mark was out. Jeff was ok. Mostly because "Mark" held up a bit to spare both from any damage.
Muscle Beach - Ken loaded up on a pitch and drove a ball over the left fielder's head for a double. Ken couldn't believe his own strength.
Postage Stamp - Earlier this week, the U.S. Postal Service announced an increase in postal rates with a first class stamp rising from 55 cents to 58 cents as of August 29th. That's good news to Koz who airmailed a throw over the fence behind third base while trying to throw out a Beggar baserunner. Forever Stamps are the way to go.
Two for One - Rhino made a tremendous throw to Ken to nab a runner trying to go from second to third. Ken also tagged out the ump who was on the scene to make the call but tripped and fell into the play.
Refund - It cost nothing to watch a game at the Lions Den but fans were demanding to be paid after having to watch tonight's sh*t show.
Player Profile
Jeff Schoenhofen
Tonight's player profile is Jeff Schoenhofen, the 2nd Lincoln-Way Central graduate to be the spotlight of this segment. Jeff graduated in 2019 from Kansas City Art Institute where he studied the technical and not-so-technical elements that add texture to his budding art career. Jeff has created hundreds of pieces, many of which can be seen through his social media outlets. Jeff missed many a summer and fall MB session with being in school and living in the Kansas City area. That has not stopped the speedy shortstop from career milestones. Jeff entered this season 7th on the all-time MB hitlist and is currently sitting in 5th just eight base hits from joining the family top 4 of Jack, Ken, and cousin Jake. We sat down with the young shortstop to catch up.
Gazette: You and Jack are a few years apart so you both missed playing sports together in school and otherwise. What’s it like to play with your brother?
Jeff: My brother and I have always had great chemistry ever since we were young. We think alike and understand each other well. Jack is an excellent athlete and has a passion to win. The competitive spirit we share has compelled us to be better in everything we do and I expect that to continue for a long time.
Gazette: What is it like to be managed by your brother on MB?
Jeff: Jack is a great manager, he is really well suited to manage our squad, and I’m glad he trusts me to go out there and do my thing. Not having to worry about where I’m playing or hitting in the lineup each night gives me a lot of confidence. MB has had some ups and downs and he’s always been at the helm to lead us through it.
Gazette: Do you have any advice for Jack going forward as MB evolves?
Jeff: Each season I usually submit a list of ideas that naturally go by the wayside. At the top of that list has always been new uniforms or at least an alternate jersey. After 14 seasons, the #17 on my back is nearly a silhouette of its former self. Hey Coach, how about some new threads?
Gazette: What is your favorite moment so far associated with MB?
Jeff: Hard to say one specific moment, but I remember one game where my dad (Coach Ken) and I collectively made about 12-15 stellar plays on our left side of the infield. Getting to play with my dad is something I’ve never taken for granted, he’s my biggest inspiration and to witness first hand his abilities on and off the diamond feels like the greatest gift a son could receive.
Gazette: Do you have any individual goals playing with MB?
Jeff: First and foremost it’s to go out and just have fun - I want to show up every Tuesday night and do what I can to help the team win, make my teammates better, and eventually capture a Championship. I usually set a few personal goals for each new season - this year, I’m hoping to set a career high in AVG, XBH’s, and wrist tape used.
Gazette: What size is the mitt that you use for softball? Guessing it’s your baseball glove...
Jeff: My glove is an A2000 11 1/2” Pedroia model that is 7 years old. Good things come in small packages and I think my mitt has proven it’s worth through the years at SS and 3B. I’ve considered investing in a larger model, but if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? I just hope I don’t have a Tulowitzki moment out there one of these nights.
Gazette: If the wind is racing out to right field one night, are you going to take a shot at a HR?
Jeff: I never go up to the plate expecting to drive one through that dead scoreboard, but if there’s a breeze, you can bet my warning track power will have a little something extra behind it.
Gazette: What is the favorite painting that you have drawn?
Jeff: It’s this portrait of Cowboy Joe West I create a few years back.
Gazette: Why
Jeff: It’s not the best artwork I’ve created, but it was the first piece I made in the current style and mediums I use today. It set the tempo for the work I create now. I’m always looking for new work so find me @jeff_shane_studio on all social platforms (Plug)
Jeff: There were a few games between ages 11 and 14 where Coach Ken would take his frustrations out on the centerfield fence. What I mean by that is if I had a few 0-4 games, Coach would eventually find himself exiting the dugout stage left, storming away alongside the fence, and making his way somewhere outside the centerfield wall (as if I couldn’t see and hear him out there). Man, I was really in the doghouse on those days. I didn’t have many bad games but when I did, he made sure every parent, coach and child knew it. To whom much is given, much is expected.
Gazette: Who wins a race between you and Jack?
Jeff: I can’t say for certain, but I’ve got 4 years on the old Captain, I think that question answers itself.
Bags Corner
This is obviously not Bags, but a suitable replacement who would have Slim Jim's blessing. Tom, aka Squints, was out at the ballpark wearing the highlight marker yellow in honor of the Bag. Note that the neck gaiter matches at least one or two of Rhino's arm sleeves.
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