Barnstorming baseball

The running joke in the car ride leaving Berks County was gas prices were so high, we could only afford a family getaway to neighboring Lancaster County.

Indeed, our first and only summer vacation was an overnight golf, shopping and independent league baseball trip to Dutch country, and I didn't even have to drive. Our parents did.

After witnessing first-hand Friday night’s blowout, featuring some of the worst pitching of the season and 25 guys in need of sleep after a day-nigh double-header, I missed Brett Myers' clutch pitching performance Saturday night.

The right-hander tossed his second complete game of the season, giving the back end of the pen just enough rest to win yesterday’s game for the Phightin' Phils. I cannot think of a more critical game tossed by a Phils hurler this season. Clearly, this series is a credit to Brett Myers and the bullpen.

So instead of staying home and watching Saturday night baseball – as often happens – I watched baseball some other place, Clipper Magazine Stadium, home of the independent Lancaster Barnstormers, featuring former Baltimore prodigy Ryan Minor. The slugging third baseman was once touted as Cal Ripken’s heir apparent for the Orioles.

The 6-7 Oklahoman crushed a 450 ft homer to dead center, his 21st of the season, leading the Barnstormers to a 10-6 win over the Camden Riversharks.

We were especially impressed with second baseman Travis Hake, a petit product of nearby York, Pa., and 2004 veteran of the world famous Susquehanna League.

That's right. The Susquehanna League.   

I’ll have more thoughts on the Pirates series, the 4-3 homestand, Little Man Hake, and a few words on the Barnstormers experience later today.

At this moment, the Phils are probably fast asleep after traveling 1600 more miles than I did this weekend, all without the benefit of a good, cheap breakfast at the Silk City Diner, Lancaster County.

Comments

[gr]

if you go to lancaster county, hit miller's smorgesbord to get your $$'s worth.

[Steve Kline]

Just to give you a little history of the league Travis played in before the Atlantic League. Follow the link http://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=susquehannaleaguebaseball.
One of the best local players I've ever seen. I've played against him and with him and know him personally. Great guy.