2008 Medford Lakes Men Champs

The title is back in familiar hands. Five championships in the last seven years might get you thinking the "D" word, but let's not say that out loud. Easily the most unlikely, this may have been the StewDoggz most impressive title of them all. They weren't supposed to win this year. Not after losing four players from recent title teams, only to replace them with two rookies. Not after one of their best players was lost for the season before it even started. Not with four starting defensive players learning new positions. Not with an offense that led the league in "K's". Not when their competition had improved with some key off season acquisitions. It wasn't supposed to happen for the 'Doggz this year. But somebody forgot to tell them that. Their march to the '08 title began with a 21-2 thumping against Vandelay Industries. J-Rod and Schaeff led the attack, both going 4 fo r 5 with 3 of the 'Doggz 5 homers. Game two of the playoffs found the StewDoggz pitching a shutout into the 7th inning against Chico's and winning 12-3. Once again J-Rod led the offense going 4 for 4 with a homer and 4 RBI's, and "Rookie of the Year" Joey Sorino a perfect 3 for 3 and his first career home run. Next came a showdown with Road Kill for the right to play in the championship game. The StewDoggz opened the game with 6 first inning runs, only to be answered by a Road Kill grand slam in the bottom half. The 'Doggz later took a 5 run lead in the 4th, but the Kill came back to tie it at 11 through five innings. Having lost the lead for the first time all game, the StewDoggz took back command with 5 runs in the 6th inning and 2 more in the 7th to win by a final of 18-12. As usual, J-Rod had the hottest bat, going 4 for 5 with 3 extra base hits and 4 RBI's. The championship game found the 'Doggz and Road Kill in a rematch from the day before, but the Kill would have to win two games to be crowned champs. Both teams started well with 4 runs apiece in the 1st frame. However, the StewDoggz broke the game open with an 11 run 3rd inning that put them in front 15-5. Fortunately they kept the pressure on the rest of the way because Road Kill scored 7 times in the 6th but it only got them to within 6 runs. The 'Doggz held on for a 26-17 victory and sipped champagne for the 5th time in their 10 year history. Not surprisingly, J-Rod won the MVP, and it was well deserved. Defensively, he locked down shortstop, and from the leadoff spot he put up some sick numbers at the plate: 16 for 19 with 7 extra base hits and 15 RBI's. That speaks for itself. But it wasn't all J-Rod. Stepping up in his first ever playoffs, Joey Sorino got hits like it was his job, with 12 in 4 games and a .750 batting average overall. His def ense in LCF was also a key. Schaeff came into this year's playoffs coming off his worst offensive season to date, but he put that behind him and did his usual playoff damage by batting .667 with 3 home runs. Big Al, who moved from LCF to 3B this year, played an important role. Hitting cleanup, he made them pay every time an opponent pitched around Schaeff. Summertime also played well. His bat was on fire and he settled in as the every day 2nd baseman as if he played it all his life. "Animal" Aaron Harty, fresh off the night shift, batted .636 for the playoffs on no sleep. Big VooDoo Daddy, The 2008 Cy Young award winner, pitched the 'Doggz to the title earning the win in all four games and kept the kitchen closed throughout. Jason Shields played a solid RF without much experience and was one of the StewDoggz most consistent hitters all year long. The best outfielder in the league, BA, played like it. Da nnyNix always seemed to come through with the timely hit when it was needed. Larry Collins played a stellar LF like usual and put the fear into defenses at the plate. Let's not forget Demski, everybody's favorite teammate. The guy's great for morale, and he hits too. The StewDoggz earned their championship with a total team effort. Everyone contributed top to bottom. Coach Zeke made all the right decisions for a team that spent all year trying to find itself. He had a tough job making all the pieces fit for the new look StewDoggz, but by the time the playoffs began, guys knew their roles and were ready to make a run....a run that ended in a 5th championship to celebrate. Woof!!!