Lost in High School State Finals two years in a row . . .
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Junior year lost to a better team. No shame or excuses in that.
Senior year lost due to a combination of weather, questionable officiating decision, and good pitching.
Alittle more on the questionable officiating decision; weather terrible all day with lots of rain and delays. By time we play, field quite saturated. We were the home time. First inning, opponents had bases loaded and two outs. Batters hits slow roller into standing water infront of third base, and disappears. By time our 3rd baseman locates ball, three runners score. True story. But even worse. Next opponent batter gets out, and officials postpone game at that point. Score stands after one-half inning; to resume the following day. My head coach went ballistic, and filed protest (all for naught). We lose 3-2 after completion the next day. Our team was pretty good. Four first-team all-state ballplayers on that senior squad. I was no hit, excellent defensive utility player (outfielder/catcher/1st base/3rd base).
My 15 seconds of fame claim; double and triple putouts at the plate (while catching) my sophmore season (different opponents). The triple putout was painful. Tag sliding baserunner to the left, tag 2nd sliding baserunner to the right; third baserunner POWWW !!! Bowled me right over but good. But I held onto the ball. Hurts just thinking about it. Those were my Glory Days (but not so glorious) :-)
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