The Parrotheads were out to make a statement and send a strong message to the rest of the league when they thoroughly destroyed arch-rival Collins Sports, 19-5, and took the season series.
The team was simply unbeatable at the plate, in the field and on the base paths and there were too many highlights to count. Jason Claffey’s diving snow-cone catch in centerfield, Adrian Alford’s inside the park homerun, Bob Cook’s three hits that help the Parrotheads jump out to a quick 3-0 lead, and Justin Palmer’s masterful pitching, which culminated on two Ks. Brandon Leavitt also had some pop in his bat, hitting one laser after another for hits.
“This was a great win for our team,” Palmer said.
The Parrotheads finished the 2010 regular season with a 5-15 record as they prepare to head into the Dover Co-Rec League’s playoff tournament this weekend.
“I just like the way everybody showed up and really gave it their all to generate some offense early and play great defense,” Palmer said.
Collins Sports finished their regular season with one more victory than the Parrotheads, who hope to draw a first round opponent they can handle. But winning the season series against Collins was still very satisfying.
Cook says he is still waiting to collect on the bet he made with Collins Sports utility fielder and former Beacon Todd Collins. “He owes me an eight-pack of Sam Adams Summer Ale.”
Leavitt said the secret of the Parrotheads’ recent success is that the clubhouse always stays loose and nobody gets down on anyone or anything. “I decided to play this year because I wanted to have a good time and this whole season has been a blast,” said Leavitt.
Claffey’s stab, which has quickly become known as “The Catch” in league circles, drew the ire of some Collins players who claim the ball hit the ground, but the umpire didn’t see it that way. Claffey, who has struggled through the year with some nagging injuries, is healthy and ready to contribute his gold glove fielding and blazing speed to the team’s playoff run.
After the game, several Parrotheads retreated to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 47 to wish teammate Brandon Palmer good luck just weeks before he is scheduled to join the Marine Corps and report for basic training on Paris Island, S.C.
The team is scheduled to play Chumley’s in an exhibition game on Wednesday at GoldStar Park to prepare for the first playoff game on Saturday.
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