End of the Season Update

It may not have ended the way we wanted to, but it was a good second season boys. We improved our TCMABL record by two games, and made strides as a team. A number of players made significant improvements at the plate, raising our team average by about 40 points. As everyone on the squad knows, I'm a hard ass. Errors are errors, and won't be changed. A 40 point upswing is a damn good improvement.

The pitching staff was a bit overworked this year, and will definitely be a focus of improvement for next year. We have some good recruitment prospects, and will be throwing in the off-season this year.

All in all, there were plenty of exciting moments this year. A walk-off home run in the first game of the year, a massive comeback against the Ravens, a ton of outfield assists, including a play at the plate to end the game and more than a few double plays originating from there. Great stuff to watch.

We're also saying good bye to our manager, Justin Blackmer, who is moving back to Missouri to be with his family. Best of luck Justin. You did a great job over the last two years.



I know everyone is already looking forward to next year, and it can't come early enough.

DC


Playoff Weekend

Well, since it was raised as a topic of conversation last night, I've decided to finally write a new update.

We met our goal of making the top level playoffs this year, but came up a little short on the weekend as we were running with a skeleton crew. Game 1 was a disaster as we just couldn't compete with the Snappers who were spanking the ball all over the field.

Snappers 11 - Sea Donkeys 2

Game 2 against the Pirates ended up a slightly better affair. We were down 12-4 early, but a Herculean effort got us within two with one more to play. Ultimately we came up a bit short, but gave it a helluva effort to get to Sunday.

Pirates 13 - Sea Donkeys 10

Let's try to clear those schedules for next years playoffs =)


A Tale of Two (very different) Games

Over the weekend we faced the Reds out at Castle Field in Anoka. In game one we put forth a dominant effort, with Paul Berg on the mound hitting corners left and right. The result was never in doubt as we put eight across for the win.

Sea Donkeys 8 - Reds 3

Game two was a completely different story as the Reds jumped on us early and often. Everything that could have gone wrong that did and we didn't have a response. Only having 9 players out there hurt us, but there are no excuses in baseball. Execute or lose.

Reds 16 - Sea Donkeys 7

On a more serious note, our umpire Dave informed us that another umpire, his friend, was in the hospital and his condition was critical. The Donkeys would like to send out their thoughts and prayers as we know this is a difficult time for his family.


One Massive Update!

Here it is, what you've all been waiting for. The three long weeks without an update are over. Without further delay:

6/8 - Swept by the Snappers
6/15 - Split with the Ravens
6/22 - Split with the Chuckleheads


We all know we've had attendance problems recently, culminating with only 8 showing up in our first game against the Chuckleheads. Let's make sure we get out in force over the next few weeks and make a run at the division.

SeDonk!


Sea Donkeys Sweep Rival Twins

Last Sunday the Donks swept their rival, the Twins, on a beautiful day.

Game one showcased a once again dominant Paul Berg, who only gave up 3 hits in the game. Other highlights include a phenomenal outfield assist by Nick Sailer, and a 7th inning home run that all but sealed the deal by Kevin Davis.

Sea Donkeys 5 - Twins 1

In game two the Donks showed their offensive prowess with 5 runs in the first two innings and an 8 run third. Lutie pitched a 5 inning CG effort while only allowing a few meaningless runs.

Sea Donkeys 13 - Twins 3

Great start boys. Next up: the 4-0 Snappers. Better bring your A game to this one..


Sad News from Around the League

"Unfortunately, Jared Barnes of the Reds passed away Tuesday after a late night crash in Anoka Monday Night. The TCMABL would like to wish prayers and condolences to the Barnes family in this tough time."

It's always sad to hear of such a loss. The Sea Donkeys offer their condolences to both the official and unofficial families of Jared Barnes.


Donks Open Season 2-0

With only 9 guys present and a thin pitching staff, the Donks pulled off 2 victories on the first week of the regular season.


Game 1 was an extremely sloppy affair, something the baseball gods definitely frowned upon. Errors on both sides made it extremely ugly to watch, but by the end of the sixth it was even up at 5-5. Lutzka battled his way though the game, knowing that no relief was in sight with only 2 pitchers available. He gave us a solid 7 innings, only allowing 3 earned runs and putting us in position to win. In the bottom of the 7th, lead-off hitter Dan Casazza came to the plate and hit the first home run of his career, a walk-off to win the game.

Sea Donkeys 6 - Blue Ox 5


In game 2 we took the lead early and did not let it go. Kevin Davis battled to give us a solid 6 innings. Arm trouble prevented him from finishing it off, but Lutzka was able to come in give us another inning. John Reid and Nick Sailer led the offensive charge with a combined 4 hits and 5 runs.

Sea Donkeys 10 - Blue Ox 5


Donks take 2nd in Hens Classic

We had a good start to the season last weekend, taking second in our first tournament of the year.

In the first game, we were matched up with the Rangers. Paul Berg was in his usual form, pitching a complete game, four hit, shut out. Our offense started hot, but quickly cooled. We had a very comfortable 4-0 lead heading into the seventh, and put up 4 more to all but put the game away.

Sea Donkeys 8 - Rangers 0


Next up was a familiar foe, the Padres. The last time we faced up against these guys was in the TCMABL playoffs, where we defeated them 11-6. Always a tight match up, this game was no different. Lutzka battled arm troubles to give us a solid 3 and 2/3, allowing only 2 earned runs. At the end of the 4th, Berg came in and got us the last out. Down 4-3, the Donks rallied in the top of the 5th, scoring 3 by taking advantage of their wheels and some well timed wild pitches. The Padres managed to get one in the bottom of the 5th, but the game was called due to time constraints. Berg notched his 2nd win of the day.

Sea Donkeys 6 - Padres 5


The last win ensured us a position in the Winners bracket, where we were next to face the TCMABL powerhouse Coyotes. Undaunted, new pickup Nick Watkins went out and pitched wonderfully, giving us a sorely needed complete game while only allowing 6 runs. The Donks offense was consistently alive all game, providing an ample 9 runs of support.

Sea Donkeys 9 - Coyotes 6


In the Championship game, we were matched up with the relatively unknown Skeeters. We took an early 3-1 lead, and held that until the 3rd inning when the Skeeters combined a bunch of hits and a few walks into 6 runs. By the end of 4 and a 1/2 we were down by 10 runs. Down, but not out, we were determined to make a showing of this game, and got ourselves to within 3 by the end of the 6th. Alas, the sun was setting, and the game was called before the 7th could be started. With another inning there was a high chance that we were going to come back, but those are the breaks.

Skeeters 15 - Sea Donkeys 12


It was a great start to what is sure to be a phenomenal season. The batting stats for the tournament are linked below. Next up: the Blue Ox, May 18th.

Hens Classic Hitting Stats


Final Off-season Update

With the Hens Classic this weekend, the end of the off-season is near folks. We've added some serious depth this year. The Donks would like to welcome the additions of Nick and Chris Sailer, Nick Watkins, and Rene Jimenez.

We'd also like to say good bye to Erik Esala. A great guy and a man who will always be a Donkey.



Congratulations on the new job; we'll miss ya buddy.


2008 Pre-season Update

The Donks started their official pre-season this weekend with an indoor session at the East Bethel Ice Arena. We got the arms loose, took some cuts, and fielded more ground balls than anyone could count. We also got our first look at the new talent this year. There's a lot of promise there and we hope to see everyone out again at our future events.

The schedule is up for the 2nd Annual Hens Classic. A couple of important rules to note:

Rules
- Wood bats only
- DH allowed
- High School substitution rule (ok to re-enter in same spot)
- No pitching while severely hung over

DC