RE: Former GM

Where do I begin?

A few seasons ago, when contemplating my decision of choosing my successor/new GM/Manager/babysitter, 3 choices appeared on my radar:

• James (my biological son)
• Jonny Rich (who at times is like a son to me)
• Alex (aka “Resting Game-Face”)

If I had chosen James, the team as we know it today would have folded within 2-weeks, 3 tops. I love him like a son, but his heart wasn’t fully in it back then. He at times was just going through the motions to appease me & spend some quality time with the old man.

Then there’s big Jon. A sweet kid with a huge heart who developed an old-man softball swing quicker than he could down a 12-pack of Bud Light between innings. The only thing that concerned me about J-Rich was that he was too nice.

I needed someone, besides possessing the dedication & leadership qualities, who was, & I use this term with the utmost respect & endearment, a bit of a prick.

Alex wants to win more than anyone, & he would sell his mother for a Sunday “W” accompanied by a loud 4-4 in the scorebook. The other teams, particularly the older Bagas, hated his guts, which was a delight to me. Right from the start he brought a much needed shot of youthful athleticism to a team of fading old-timers who had begun to grow a bit complacent.

On that note a big hats-off to James, Jon, & Alex as they brought us a shitload of new recruits: Pio, the Baylous Boys, Donnie, Pat, Munch, Gio, Kevin, Brady, Ev, Z-Dub, & Rizz (who I swear to god I don’t know his first name). It’s Nick BTW.

I of course will take credit for signing RJ & Muscles 10-years ago, even though old-man Jimmy Baylous might have had some influence.

As for Shane, I’ve known him since he was in diapers playing PAL football (no joke, he did wear a diaper to a few games).

At the end of the 2021 season, as I unceremoniously dropped the orange bucket of balls & dirty bases at the Bettenhauser driveway, a sense of relief washed over me like a wave.

I knew the team was in the right hands.

Kicking off the 2022 season, with last season’s stench of “The Boys” tainted playoff loss still in my lungs; I knew this would be our year.

Fast forward to this past Sunday; no better way to end it.

This season was a great ride, & I was so happy to be able to play with such a great group of guys.

I like to think that, & I’m happy to admit, I’m very immature for my age. In my head, I’m still 16. You’ve all heard the old saying “Those were the Days”.

Well gentleman, these are those days.

Damn, these are some of the best summers you’ll always remember. Keep playing and stockpile the memories.

~Tom Loesch~