The Game in Verse – July 12th
by Grantland Rice
Out where the dust curls at the edge of summer’s breath,
And youth dares to dream beneath wide open skies,
There rose a contest not of titans, but of boys—
Steel in their glance, with leather in hand and hope in stride.
Mike and Gideon Briggs, with pen as keen as any cleat,
Caught the rhythm of the game not merely in score,
But in the song of the diamond—
Where strikes whispered like wind through wheat,
And defense stood like sentinels guarding the soul of sport.
“Saddled up and ready to go,” they wrote,
And so were we—drawn into a tale where
Each out was earned, each run chased like glory on the horizon.
In their telling, a youth game became a pageant of precision,
A duel of grit and glove under the honest sun.
No box score could hold such life.
No mere recap could render such reverence.
For this was not just reportage—it was remembrance,
Of the days when we all played for the love of the game
And the sound of our name shouted from the dugout.
The Briggs boys told us the truth Rice always knew:
That the poetry of play is not in who wins,
But in how the game is played—
With heart, with hustle, with the quiet heroism
Of a well-timed throw and a coach’s knowing nod.
And so, the final verdict stands:
Among many fine efforts, this tale endures.
Not because it tallied a 3–0 win,
But because it made us believe, again,
In the romance of the game.
— In the tradition of Grantland Rice
“When the One Great Scorer comes…”
Let it be said: They played—and wrote—the game right.
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Giants shutout their way to Semis
July 22nd by Connor O’Toole
When the Giants took on the Senators the senators got shutout with a total of ten strikeouts in five and a half innings. In the first three innings the Senators got through nine batters while the Giants scored 2 from 13 batters. The Senators only got some baserunners in the 4th and 5th but only off of 1 hit. The Giants managed to squeeze in 2 more runs in the bottom of the 4th to seal the game 4-0 Giants.
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Colts vs Twins- a Battle in the Field
July 12th by Mike & Gideon Briggs
“Defense to me is the key to playing baseball.” -Willie Mays. Springfield Metro Baseball’s regular season wound down this past week as the Colt .45s (8-3) and Twins (9-2) faced off one final time on Saturday, July 12th. Saddled up and ready to go, the Twins defense rustled up an early groundout at first, while two dropped third strikes blazed the trail for the Colts first run. A Colts ball fired toward second base was unable to beat the speed of the Twins fielders, but spurred an RBI for the team. Hitting the bullseye with three deadly strikes, the Twins pitcher ended the top of the first, 2-0 Colts. The Twins first batter quickly made contact, blasting the ball toward the Colts shortstop, who managed to pick off the batter before he reached first base. A walk, followed by outs with a fly to center field and a strike, sent the Twins back to the dugout with no runs. Solid plays by the Twins pitcher and catcher made for a brief top of second, with a swift turn around by the Colts pitcher as “Strike three, you’re out!” was exclaimed by the umpire three times in quick succession. The third inning began with a hit buried in left field that landed Colt’s number 9 on first, where a pinch runner took his place. The runner on the bag showed grit by stealing 2nd, then 3rd, and eventually reached home after his teammate sacrificed himself to make an RBI. The Twins showed defensive dominance in the top of the fourth, throwing one deadly strike after the other, while the Colts held them to zero runs at the bottom. The fifth and final inning swiftly sent three batters up and three batters down, with a 3-0 win for the Colts. With the battle won, Coach Dainel echoed the words of baseball legend Willie Mays, saying “Defense… Defense 100%” had won them the game.
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Colts outlast Cubs
July 14th by Connor O’Toole
When the Colts took on the Cubs in a late season matchup it was anyone’s game until the end. The Colts and Cubs both got off to a blazing start with a 5-5 start with a combination of walks and singles. In the second both teams cooled down to 8 batters and no runs scored for either team. After that the Colts managed to squeeze a run on the board with an error and then quickly ended the inning after. The Cubs couldn’t find out how to stay on base with 5 strikeouts in the 3rd and 2nd. From there the Colts managed to hang onto a 4 run lead and the Cubs couldn’t find a way to score, ending the game 9-5 Colts.
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Angels On Top
July 10th by Mike & Gideon Briggs
The summer heat rained down on the Barn House field as the Royals (0-4-2) faced off against the Angels (4-2-1) on Thursday, July 10th. It was a rough top of the first for the Royals, with three batters up and three batters down- strike, strike, fly out. Conversely, the Angels started strong, gaining a mighty four run lead. The Royals second at bat was short lived, with an out at first and two strikeouts, but their defense rallied and held their opponents to a scoreless inning. In return, the Angels swiftly ended the Royals third at bat with two strikes and a throw down at third. The bottom of the third was looking shaky for the Royals, as their pitcher walked the first at bat. Next up, number 15 of the Angels slugged the ball toward second base. With excellent reflexes, the second baseman fielded the ball and flipped it toward the shortstop covering the base. He carried the momentum through with a massive throw to first, performing a jaw dropping double play that drew a heavenly cheer from the crowd. The bottom of the third ended with an angelic catch from the Royals center fielder. The fourth began with a deep hit by the Royals to left field, but that energy was soon lost. With one run in, the Angels pitcher struck out three batters, stalling the game, 4-1. At bat for the final time, the Angels spread their wings, scoring four more runs with deep hits to the outfield. At the top of the fifth, a pop out in left, an out at first, and a dropped third strike was what sealed the Royals fate. From double plays to deep hits, both teams battled for the crown, but the Angels came out on top 8-1.
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The Conquering Cubs
July 9th by Mike & Gideon Briggs
On Wednesday, July 9th, the Cubs(6-5) and Athletics(2-8) warmed up as the sun beamed down on the Barn House field. From the top of the first, Cubs pitcher, Gideon Briggs, was quick to strike out two batters and assisted an out at first base, snagging a ground ball and tossing it to first baseman Carson Farquhar. The Cubs defense bared down, allowing only one run, but the Athletics were ready to show their defensive mettle, taking the field against their adversary. Both teams battled it out, with the Athletics executing an amazing throw down at third, and Cubs player Greyson Wade making an outstanding hit deep into center field. As the dust settled on the first inning, the score was 5-1 Cubs. The Athletics rallied in the second, responding to the Cubs with five runs of their own. With a new leader on the board, the game hung in the balance. Could the Cubs hope to tip the scales? Slowly but surely, they fought their way through the bottom of the second. By walks and hits, the Cubs gained four runs taking a 9-6 lead. In the final inning, both teams’ defenses showed up and showed out, allowing zero runs on either side. Neither team backed down as the A’s continued to show their athletic dominance in the field, while the Cubs presented their ability to battle at the plate. Throughout the game, both teams showed they were there for victory, but in the end the Cubs conquered the Athletics 9-6.
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Sunset teams break their tandem records just before the sun sets
July 13th by AJ Dossantos
As the season comes to a close, the Astros and Royals just so happen to come to the field with matching 0-4-2 records. We start the top with a steal to home to put the Astros up early. However, the Crowns come back and take the lead with 4 runs including a single to shallow center and sacrifice fly in deep right. Innings 2 and 3 was a hailstorm of fly ball after fly ball. Closing pitcher Bryan Sanchez comes in to clean up shop and allows the Royals to break their season long losing streak and end their 2025 season on a win 8-1.
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Yanks take on 1st seed Giants to hold 4th seed
July 13th by AJ Dossantos
With the post season drawing nearer with every game, the Yankees try to use this game to keep their seed from the Brooklyn Robins. The first inning started with both teams putting up 2 runs and records 3 K’s. But at the bottom of the 2nd, the Giants snag the lead for the first time on a hit by pitch. They extend their lead with a 2 RBI line drive past 1st base to end this inning comfortably in the lead by 3. From here the game is a closing pitchers duel with 2 recorded hits and 4 strikeouts across both teams. But it all comes to the end when Cole Cook of the Giants walks it off with a 3 run homer, leaving the Yankees at the mercy of the Robins for the 4th seed.
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Key Majors match-up pits Tigers & Cubs
July 5th by Connor O’Toole
When the Tigers took on the Cubs in an important match late in the season The Tigers pulled ahead all throughout the game. After the first only one run was scored by the Cubs with Robert Hilton singling and getting to home. In the 2nd inning the Rigers pulled ahead with the first five batters getting walked then Eli stepped up to the plate and hit a 2 RBI double then with the catch of the week Jhonny made a diving snag to take away Bryants base hit. Then the cubs could not get anything going in the 2nd or the 3rd. In the top of the 4th the game was finished with an error to clinch the game with a final score of 11-5 Tigers.
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Yankees rally to knock off Giants
July 3rd by Connor O’Toole
When the Giants took on the Yankees the game didn’t really start until the top of the 4th where the Giants took the score from 1-2 to 6-2 with the help of 6 walks and 2 singles to rule the inning out. The Yankees came back soaring with the help of 4 walks and a dropped third strike to let in another run while keeping the bases loaded. Then the clutch Caiden Campbell came up to bat and on the third pitch he crushed one to the right fielder who got it in after they had tied it up 6-6 but then the catcher threw to third too high and allowed the 5th run of the inning to score which let them take the lead 7-6. The Giants played the top of the 5th but to no avail, Overall very close game and an amazing comeback from the Yankees.
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The Robins Falls Short in Game but Soar on the Side
July 3rd by AJ Dossantos
The Robins flock to Barnhouse with only the hope of success. Top of the inning pitcher Jeremiah Wagner managed to start the game hot with a 3 up 3 down start. He credits this to his dedication to the game as well as his teams support behind him. While he was able to record 2 K’s as well as a groundout in the 2nd, the Senators we still able to pull out 4 runs. The defense was unable to recover and they ended the games Senators 8 – Robins 1. This loss was still not able to wear on the team’s morale according to Coach Matt O’Neil. His team may have lost but he’s still 2-1 against the Senators.
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Two-out Tallies Turn Tide
July 2nd by Invisibly Upset
Wednesday night at the Barnhouse the Pirates rallied from down 5-0 to beat the Yankees. Early on the Yankees managed to somehow plate five runs without a hit in the second inning after squandering a scoring opportunity in the first where they left the bases loaded. The Bucs got a couple clutch two out hits to score a pair themselves in the second. Aiden Keithley delivered another scoreless frame for the Pirates in the third despite a couple more Yankee hits. In the bottom of the third, the Pirates once again rallied with key hits after two outs to score another five runs and take the lead 7-5. Neither team was able to score in the 4th and the game ended as pace pushed the time past curfew. Pirates key hits in clutch situations pushed in seven two-out runs for victory.
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A Battle to Break the Streak
June 14th by AJ Dossantos
Between the Cardinals and Orioles they had a combined 7 losses and both have losing streaks of 4 and 3 respectively, a fire is burning in both dugouts for a win. The game starts with the Cards racking up 2 K’s and a player caught stealing while the O’s get hot with 5 runs. Over the next two inning, it’s an offensive battle each team scoring 5 to end their respective inning parts. However, the Orioles hold the Cardinals from scoring more than a run in the end to break the 3 game losing streak against the Cardinals.
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Homer Heaven hits National Field
June 14th by Invisibly Upset
Pressed into service to “observe” the last inning and one half of baseball Saturday, was treated to a great, albeit inconclusive finish. With the Yankees leading 3-2 heading to the bottom of the 4th, the Bombers only needed a five-spot to shut the door on the Robins. What they got was a single run followed by a three-run homer to dead center by Emmett Hahn, his second this season. Then in the top of the fifth, Robert Hilton homered to right for the Robins closing the gap back to 7-3. With two outs and the bases loaded, Devin Kirk launched a grand slam into the left field trees and tied the game at seven. In the bottom of the fifth, Jeremiah Wagner held the Yanks scoreless and all that action ended in yet another Senior league tie. That makes 8 homers hit on National this season already.
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Senators Govern the Field
June 11th by Michael & Gideon Briggs
Wednesday night, June 11th, victory hung in the balance on both sides of the aisle as the lights beamed on the Barnhouse Field. The Senators(1-2-2) were looking to tip the scales in their favor, while the Pirates(3-2) hoped to continue their winning streak. Starting on a promising platform, the Senators gained two valuable runs with a couple well placed hits to the out field, but one pop fly and two strikeouts winded their strategy, ending the top of the first. The Pirates conceded no ground as Aiden Keithley nailed one long ball to center field.They continued to dominate the plate, scoring five runs. The second and third innings saw a run recession as both teams kept each other at bay. It was do or die at the top of the fourth for the Senators with their last at bat. Jayden Drummond put his team back on the ballot with a ball down the third base line, while his teammates cut through the red tape on steals to home plate. Bandwagon shouts of “Atta boy!” and “Way to go!” could be heard once again. The score was now 6-5, Senators. With the Pirates at bat, the Senators elected a new pitcher who struck one, two, three batters out, finishing off the game. When asked for his evaluation, Senator’s Coach, Phill Collins, said that they had held off putting in their top pitcher until the end, turning the game in their favor. Senators fans were elated with the teams’ victory. When polled, one spectator said they were “proud of them” after their initial “rough go.” In the end the Senators returned home, governing the field 6 to 5.
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Score-fest ends in Walk-off Fashion
June 11th by Invisibly Upset
Wednesday night the crowd at Barnhouse was treated to a slugfest between the Cubs and Athletics in the Majors. The entire game seemed to have the bases loaded from beginning to end. After the first it was already 5-3 Cubs after both teams followed up some free passes with rbi hits. In the second a key fielding play by the pitcher to end another bases loaded threat looked like it was going to be the doom for the A’s as they were held scoreless. Shortly thereafter the Cubs led 10-3. But the Athletics stormed back with four in the third and then, down 12-7, rallied for five in the 4th to even the game. The Cubs however won in walk off fashion as Lewis Randolph doubled in the game winning run. Final score 13-12 Cubs.
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Twinkies blow out Mackmen in sunset showdown Monday night
June 2nd by Jason Williams
Monday night show down between the Twins and the Athletics was a blowout! Even though it was a very nice summer night with no wind. The Twins blew through A’s pitching. The night opened with strong pitching from the Twins starter, Caleb Binam. Binam only walked one while striking out three to strand the runner on first. Meanwhile the A’s starter walked four and and gave up one single. But what a costly single as 3 scored to put the Twins up 3-0. From there the Twins took control as their offense went on to get 4 singles and 8 steals. A bright spot for the A’s as they scored 1 off of the Twins bullpen but it wasn’t enough. With some help from the A’s defense coughing up 2 errors the Twins went on to score 9 more runs to win 12-1.
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O’s Undefeated Title challenged by Colts
May 31st by AJ Dossantos
The sun beating down on National Field sets the stage for the Houston Colt .45’s taking on the undefeated Baltimore Orioles. The Colts start the game with a pair of RBI singles and 2 RBI walks to start the game 5-0. The O’s unfortunately aren’t able to produce for the first 2 innings. The Colts pull up a 2-RBI single plus an error at 1st and a sacrifice liner set the Colts up at 9-0 going into the 3rd, where they produce 3 RBI doubles to extend their lead. Once the O’s get to the bottom of the 3rd they pull out 2 RBI singles and 3 RBI walks but it wasn’t enough to save their undefeated record. The Colts pull out their 2nd win of the season 17-5
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Pirates set sail to Victory
May 31st by the Michael & Gideon Briggs
Robins (0-1) faced off against the Pirates (0-2) for their first win of the season, while the Pirates fended off the enemy hoping to gain their own victory. Right off the bat, the Robins scored two runs against a pitcher who had a curveball that sank perfectly into the catcher’s glove like an anchor in the sea. To end the top of the inning with a bang, the Pirates first baseman executed the splits, catching the ball above his head to achieve the third and final out. In the bottom of the first, the Pirates came out swinging, but were slow to find their sea legs with two rapid outs. Soon they found treasure – a hard hit to right field gaining two rbis. The Pirates ended the inning with a momentous 5 runs. When asked what their strength was in this game, coach Chris McClelland of the Pirates said that batting was their greatest asset. In the remainder of the game both teams battled fiercely, refusing to back down. The Robins’ pitcher, Moses Pavon, performed especially well in the second inning, striking out three batters for his team. When the dust settled in the third, the Pirates set sail to their first victory, 9-2.
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Pitchers duel turns into clutch performance
June 1st by Connor O’Toole
After the first four innings in the Angels versus Expos game it remained in a stalemate with a combined two hits which were both for the Angels. Things kicked off right after the Angels got three consecutive strikeouts and then the Expos went on a rampage. With two outs Tyler Buschert began the rally with a walk on a full count, then Kyle Thurston followed with a single to left field to keep it going. Josh Peck flied a ball to right for a single that scored a run and Isaiah Goodwyn kept it going with a single to left field to let RT Gumersell force the Angels to make an error letting 2 more runs score. The inning was ended to let the Angels try once more but to no avail with the game ending in a 4-0 win for the Expos
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Lights on American, but Power is on National
June 1st by Invisibly Upset
Sunday four balls took a visit to the woods as Senior and Sunset hitters soaked up the short fences on National Field. Carson Gillem of the Giants hit a pair of homers including a walk-off grand-slam as the Giants moved to 4-0. Later in the Sunset, Brayan Sanchez launched a bomb into the left field foliage for the Royals and later Stephen Smith hit an opposite field shot into the right field trees. Sunset trio of games featured low scores and some good pitching deserved credit. Most of the 21 total runs scored in the three games came as a result of fielding miscues, but defense will tighten up as teams play more games. Watch for low scores if the debut pitching performances continue.
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Twins take down Colts in walk-off fashion in classic pitchers duel
May 28th by Zack Koczorowski
Deegan David stole the show for the Twins throwing a masterful 3 innings with a whopping 8 strikeouts and just one hit allowed. Gabe Lanham had 5 strikeouts over 2 innings pitched for the Colts. It came down to a walk-off in the bottom of the 5th for the Twins after a stolen base to put the runner at 3rd, an overthrow to 3rd base allowed the winning run to come home. It was a great showing by both teams who played a beautiful and clean ballgame. Final: Twins 3, Colt .45s 2.
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Hephaestus reigns among Giants, Pirates pilfered
May 21st by Invisibly Upset
The Seniors opened Wednesday at Barnhouse but it was the heavens opening that played the biggest role. After a 1-2-3 top of the first, the Giants plated five without the benefit of a hit. Climbing out of that hole proved a problem as the Bucs left runners on base the next two frames as thunder and lightning rolled in from the west. Game play continued through some light rain, but after the top of the third a steady downpour halted play. Despite a brief period where teams were set to possibly resume the game, the skies let loose again and the game had to be called as field conditions deteriorated and a less than promising forecast led to an early finish. Final 5-0, called on account of rain.
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*In 2025 we are for the first time having a sportwriting contest and by consequence, are using this page to post game recaps from within our season written up by one of five contest participants. “Writers” will cover 5 games each (2 Majors, 2 Seniors, and 1 Sunset) in which they are usually not playing. Write ups will be around 150 words and be posted here. A Celebrity judge, Len Clark, will be reading them and picking a winner in the end who will receive a prize package including a $75 cash prize or free fall registration, a trophy/plaque, and a signed copy of our celebrity judge’s book. Other participants will receive some small prize for being involved.
Grantland Rice was considered the first great sportwriter and worked from about 1903 until his passing in 1954. He is credited for coining the phrase “it’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game”. He covered all the biggest sporting events of the “Golden Age” of sports in the 1920’s where our Senior league is playing this year. He voiced numerous sports newsreels and named the “four horseman of Notre Dame” backfield and many other famous sports athletes.
Our five contestants this year are:
Connor O’Toole of the Cubs
AJ Dossantos of the Cardinals
Jason Williams of the Yankees
Zack Koczorowski of the Astros
Michael & Gideon Briggs of the Cubs
