The Muckrakers

From the General Manager's office

2012-01-30T16:25:00.000-08:00

A memo from the G.M.:

Hi All,

With pitchers and catchers reporting soon the Muckrakers Spring and Summer season is approaching. You might be asking, “Why is this guy emailing us?”

The usual general manager Chris Wagnon has asked me to step in and handle the duties. For those of you who don’t know he has made his biggest personnel decision to date and asked the lovely Lindsey Rich to marry him. I wasn’t there, but I would imagine with much joy she accepted the offer. If you haven’t had a chance take the time to congratulate the man! He’s going to have a lot on his plate, so now you guys are going to have to deal with me!

With that being said I have the registration packet for the upcoming season. The registration deadline is February 24th, but I’m planning on getting this in ASAP. The cost for the season will obviously depend on the number of players, but I would say about $65 a person is the number. The season starts on April 5th.

There are a few new guys we added to the roster, so we should be able to get guys out each week. I already have some signatures, so if you have signed I am assuming you are in. To the rest of you I need to know if you are in or out. If you were a regular last season please let me know if you are keeping the same status. If you want to be part time or fill-in when needed just let me know that as well. Once I know who is in I will make arrangements to get all the necessary signatures.

Looking forward to swinging some bats and dominating some parking lots!

Meeting at Pinky's!

2012-01-18T17:21:00.000-08:00

There will be a winter organizational meeting at Pinky's Pizza, 2085 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek, on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. All Muckrakers are invited!

'Rakers' Season Comes To End With Playoff Loss to I'd Hit That

2011-08-03T02:26:00.000-07:00

CONCORD -- The season that began with a hail-out ended with: hell....out.

The Muckrakers were battered and bloodied, and yet they refused to quit and they fought on to the bitter end. And that's just Randy Striegel.

As they have all year, the Men of Muck gave a valiant effort, but this time their efforts fell a little short in a 13-11 loss to I'd Hit That on Field 3 last Friday. It was the second loss to the playoffs for the Muckrakers, who were thus eliminated and forced to call an end to an eventful 16-game campaign.

Yer Heroes, you'll be proud to know, did not go down quietly or compliantly. Rather, the Masters of Muckdom battled IHT -- which bore an uncanny resemblance to their first-place friends from D-League South, The Guys -- to a 9-9 standoff after the regulation seven innings. IHT rallied for four runs in the top of the eighth to take a 13-9 lead. But it was nervous times for IHT in the bottom half, as Rick Browning walked with one out, Dave Alcorn singled, and both eventually came around to score on Striegel's double. But somehow IHT managed to hold on and advanced in the tournament, perhaps knowing in their heart of hearts that maybe they got away with one on this night.

Certainly, the most inspirational athlete on the field this night was Striegel. Starting at shortstop in this one, Striegel was bopped in the head by an errant IHT toss in going for a double in the third inning. Blood flowed from Striegel's ear as a result of the toss. But leaving the game was never an option for the sturdy Striegel, who went 4-for-4 in the game, lacking a home run for the cycle.

Striegel and the 'Rakers were at their best in the first inning when they poured it on for five runs on the strength of home runs from Chris White and Matt Knauff.

In the fourth, Luke Abbott doubled and scored on Browning's single as the Mucksters make it an 8-5 game in their favor. But feisty IHT went ahead 9-8, the 'Rakers tied it in the sixth on Bob Brindley's single plating Striegel, thus setting the stage for extra-inning heroics from both sides. Yet, for the Muck-N-Ators, it was not to be.

And yet, there was little fault to be found in a season that saw the Muckrakers make their triumphant return to the land of the postseason. Not that that looked like a sure bet after the team got off to a 1-4 start. But the 'Rakers, as they always seem to do, pulled together and made it better. They got to work and made it a season to remember. And that's softball, the Muckraker way. May there be several more seasons sill to come.

Final 2011 Summer League statistics

2011-08-02T14:16:00.000-07:00

..........................................AB...R...H...RBI.. Ave

Luke Abbott.........................34...15...20...11.... .588
Dave Alcorn.........................56...28...34...18.... .607
Matt Anderson........................9....2....5....2.... .556
Scott Brama...........................5....2....3....1.... .600
Bob Brindley.........................31...12...16...11.... .516
Rick Browning......................33...13...21...12.... .636
Chace Bryson.......................27...10...16....2.... .593
Ben Enos..............................15....3....7....3.... .467
Jose Gomez..........................45....8...17...13.... .378
Reed Johnson......................52...23...30...27.... .577
Todd Johnson........................3....0....2....2.... .667
Matt Knauff..........................54...24...29...20.... .537
Brian Kroll...........................34....6....8....4.... .235
Matt McCall..........................13....7....7....6.... .538
Randy Striegel.....................47...22...34...24.... .723
Dave Taxier.........................47...10...18....7.... .383
Chris Wagnon......................47...10...17...10.... .362
Chris White........................38...16...23...27.... .605
Totals..........................594..210..309..206.. .520

Final 2011 Summer League results

2011-07-30T14:21:00.000-07:00

4/7.....Field 2....Muckrakers vs. The Guys, postponed; hail
4/14....Muckrakers (1-0) 17, 9 Mugs & A Pitcher 8
4/21....Bay Sluggers 17, Muckrakers (1-1) 16
4/28....Trainwreck 18, Muckrakers (1-2) 14
5/5.... ***-The Guys 12, Muckrakers (1-3) 2
5/19....The Guys 14, Muckrakers (1-4) 13
5/26.....Muckrakers (2-4) 27, 9 Mugs & A Pitcher 15
6/2.....Muckrakers (3-4) 11, Bay Sluggers 8
6/9.....Muckrakers (4-4) 17, Trainwreck 6
6/23....Muckrakers (5-4) 9, The Guys 6
6/30....Muckrakers (6-4) 20, 9 Mugs & A Pitcher 12
7/7.....Bay Sluggers 12, Muckrakers (6-5) 7
7/14....Trainwreck 18, Muckrakers (6-6) 12
Playoffs
7/23....Water Boys 16, Muckrakers (6-7) 14
7/23....Muckrakers (7-7) win by forfeit
7/24....Muckrakers (8-7) 20, Trainwreck 12
7/29....I'd Hit That 13, Muckrakers (8-8) 11, 8 innings

***--make-up of hail-out

All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord

Statistics

2011-07-26T14:18:00.000-07:00

..........................................AB...R...H...RBI.. Ave

Luke Abbott.........................31...14...19...11.... .613
Dave Alcorn.........................52...26...32...18.... .615
Matt Anderson........................9....2....5....2.... .556
Scott Brama...........................5....2....3....1.... .600
Bob Brindley.........................29...11...14....9.... .483
Rick Browning......................31...12...20...11.... .645
Chace Bryson.......................23...10...16....2.... .696
Ben Enos..............................15....3....7....3.... .467
Jose Gomez..........................42....8...17...13.... .405
Reed Johnson......................52...23...30...27.... .577
Todd Johnson........................3....0....2....2.... .667
Matt Knauff..........................51...23...28...18.... .549
Brian Kroll...........................31....6....8....4.... .258
Matt McCall..........................13....7....7....6.... .538
Randy Striegel.....................43...19...30...21.... .698
Dave Taxier.........................44...10...18....7.... .409
Chris Wagnon......................44...10...16...10.... .364
Chris White........................34...14...20...25.... .588
Totals..........................556..199..294..196.. .529

Playoffs 2011: The Story So Far

2011-07-25T00:32:00.000-07:00

CONCORD -- Things have been happening at a fast and furious clip in Muckraker Land, so perhaps a quick updating is in order while we all catch our breath.

Let's just say Muckraker Nation has to be very proud of its lads as they have gotten off to a sensational start in the D League Playoffs. The postseason version of the 'Rakers absorbed a two-run loss to the Water Boys in the opener, then got a break in the next round when their opponent utterly and completely failed to show, resulting in a forfeit.

The 'Rakers took advantage on Sunday, when they derailed their old D-League South buddies Trainwreck 20-12 in perhaps the Mucksters' finest all-round effort of the season.

The solid showing advances Los Muckeros in the loser's bracket, where they next play on Friday at 7:25 p.m. on Field 3 against I'd Hit That.

Should the Men of Muck prevail Friday, they would play next on Tuesday, Aug. 2 at 8:25 p.m. on Field 3.

A little background on the 'Rakers' next foe: I'd Hit That was the second-place team in Friday D-North, where it finished 8-4.

In all, it's shaping up to be quite a tournament. If you haven't caught a game yet, there's still plenty of room on the Muckrakers bandwagon. But be careful; things are moving pretty quickly these days.

Schedule, results

2011-07-23T13:04:00.000-07:00

4/7.....Field 2....Muckrakers vs. The Guys, postponed; hail
4/14....Muckrakers (1-0) 17, 9 Mugs & A Pitcher 8
4/21....Bay Sluggers 17, Muckrakers (1-1) 16
4/28....Trainwreck 18, Muckrakers (1-2) 14
5/5.... ***-The Guys 12, Muckrakers (1-3) 2
5/19....The Guys 14, Muckrakers (1-4) 13
5/26.....Muckrakers (2-4) 27, 9 Mugs & A Pitcher 15
6/2.....Muckrakers (3-4) 11, Bay Sluggers 8
6/9.....Muckrakers (4-4) 17, Trainwreck 6
6/23....Muckrakers (5-4) 9, The Guys 6
6/30....Muckrakers (6-4) 20, 9 Mugs & A Pitcher 12
7/7.....Bay Sluggers 12, Muckrakers (6-5) 7
7/14....Trainwreck 18, Muckrakers (6-6) 12
Playoffs
7/23....Water Boys 16, Muckrakers (6-7) 14
7/23....Muckrakers (7-7) win by forfeit
7/24....Muckrakers (8-7) 20, Trainwreck 12
7/29....Field 3....7:25 p.m. .... Muckrakers vs. I'd Hit That
***--make-up of hail-out

All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord

After Trainwreck, Muckrakers On Board for Playoffs

2011-07-19T13:24:00.000-07:00

CONCORD -- As the former great coach Jim Mora once memorably said: "Playoffs??!!??"

Yes, Jimmy old boy, playoffs.

For the first time in four years, the Muckrakers will dip their toes into the postseason waters by virtue of their third-place finish in the D-League South. After a regular-season-ending 18-12 loss to Trainwreck, the 'Rakers (6-6) will take on the Waterboys (10-2) at 9 a.m. on Field 4. The Men of Muck will have another game on Saturday and will be attempting to play their way into more action on Sunday, so much weekend play beckons for the scrappy ballclub.

It's been a lean time playoff-wise for the Muckrakers of late, but all that is resolved come Saturday. The last time the Masters of Muckaggedon played beyond the regular season was the 2007 fall league, when they went 3-1 in the postseason. Before that, there was the epic 2007 summer campaign, when the 'Rakers dropped their playoff opener (also a 9 a.m. tilt) then ran off an improbable five-game winning string, only to see the surge come to a halt in a season-ending forfeit.

In 2006 the Mucksters were one-and-done in the fall playoffs. In the 'Rakers' Blog Era (2005-present) the team has made the playoffs three times and played 12 games, going 8-4.

But before Los Muckeros could try to add to their playoff lore, there was the tiny matter of completing their regular season. With the playoffs already clinched, the 'Rakers dropped their decision to Trainwreck on Field 2.

The Mucksters did their best to take some momentum into the playoffs but just fell a little short in this one. The 'Rakers scored five times in the third inning and three times in the sixth, and got a two-run home run from Matt Knauff in the top of the seventh, but it was not to be. Again, the Men of Muck proved to be a little snake-bit at the plate, with well-struck line drives finding Trainwreck gloves, but that's life in the fast lane. Perhaps it all had something to do with the full moon that was out that night, and thanks to leadoff man/team astronomer Dave Alcorn for that observation. Most likely there will not be a full moon at 9 a.m. this Saturday, so the 'Rakers should be in good shape in that department.

In any case, the 'Rakers have had their playoff bats stowed away for the past few seasons. It's time to break'em out and swing'em, and continue to swing'em robustly throughout the weekend. Playoffs, here we come.

Playoff message

2011-07-19T12:37:00.000-07:00

From the manager's desk:

Muckrakers,
Looks like we are indeed going to finish third and will open the playoffs on Field 4 at 9 a.m. We play the first-place team of the Sunday night D/E League which is the Water Boys (10-2). If we win we'll be playing at 4 p.m. on Field 4 later that day. If we lose we play again at 8:40 p.m. on Field 2. Also depending which bracket we come out of, we'll either have a 10:10 a.m. or 2:40 game on Sunday. Let me know your status for this weekend on the playoffs. Thanks!

Chris Wagnon
Weeklies Copy Desk Chief
Bay Area News Group-East Bay
925-943-8209
cwagnon@bayareanewsgroup.com

Statistics

2011-07-18T13:47:00.000-07:00

..........................................AB...R...H...RBI.. Ave

Luke Abbott.........................23...11...16...10.... .696
Dave Alcorn.........................46...21...29...17.... .630
Matt Anderson........................4....0....1....0.... .250
Scott Brama...........................5....2....3....1.... .600
Bob Brindley.........................21....9...10....7.... .476
Rick Browning......................31...12...20...11.... .645
Chace Bryson.......................20....8...14....2.... .700
Ben Enos..............................11....3....5....1.... .455
Jose Gomez..........................42....8...17...13.... .405
Reed Johnson......................44...18...26...15.... .591
Todd Johnson........................3....0....2....2.... .667
Matt Knauff..........................43...17...23...14.... .535
Brian Kroll...........................23....5....5....3.... .217
Matt McCall...........................8....4....4....3.... .500
Randy Striegel.....................34...15...24...17.... .706
Dave Taxier.........................37....9...16....7.... .432
Chris Wagnon......................41...10...16...10.... .390
Chris White........................34...14...20...25.... .588
Totals..........................474..165..252..162.. .532

2011-03-27T02:26:00.000-07:00

4/7.....Field 2....Muckrakers vs. The Guys, postponed; hail
4/14....Field 3....6:15....9 Mugs & A Pitcher vs. Muckrakers
4/21....Field 4....8:25....Muckrakers vs. Bay Sluggers
4/28....Field 3....9:30....Trainwreck vs. Muckrakers
5/19....Field 3....7:20....The Guys vs. Muckrakers
5/26....Field 5....6:00....Muckrakers vs. 9 Mugs & A Pitcher
6/2.....Field 1....6:00....Bay Sluggers vs. Muckrakers
6/9.....Field 2....7:20....Muckrakers vs. Trainwreck
6/23....Field 4....8:25....The Guys vs. Muckrakers
6/30....Field 3....6:15....Muckrakers vs. 9 Mugs & A Pitcher
7/7.....Field 4....7:20....Bay Sluggers vs. Muckrakers
7/14....Field 2....8:25....Muckrakers vs. Trainwreck

All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord

Another test

2011-03-26T16:31:00.001-07:00

This is another test of the Muckrakers' Emergency Broadcasting system.

Test

2011-03-26T16:16:00.000-07:00

This is a test of the Muckrakers' Emergency Broadcast system.

Muckrakers results 2005-2010

2011-01-04T22:36:00.000-08:00

2010 FALL LEAGUE (4-3)
9/9....AMR All-Stars 10, Muckrakers (0-1) 6
9/30....Muckrakers (1-1) 16, 9 Mugs And A Pitcher 6
10/7....Muckrakers (2-1) 18, Untouchables 14
10/14...Muckrakers (3-1) 8, The Guys 2
10/2....Carsen Designs 13, Muckrakers (3-2) 9
10/28...Muckrakers (4-2) 23, Lucky Us 9
10/28...AMR All-Stars 17, Muckrakers (4-3) 8

2010 SUMMER LEAGUE (3-9)
4/1....Brown Sox 29, Muckrakers (0-1) 12
4/15...Dirtbaggers 16, Muckrakers (0-2) 8
4/22. Here for Beer 14, Muckrakers (0-3) 3
5/6....Hard Knocks 12, Muckrakers (0-4) 2
5/13...Scared Hitless 11, Muckrakers (0-5) 9
5/27...Muckrakers (1-5) 4, Bad News Beers 3
6/3....Warriors 12, Muckrakers (1-6) 11
6/17...Brown Sox 17, Muckrakers (1-7) 2
6/24...Muckrakers (2-7) 17, Dirtbaggers 11
7/1....Here for Beer 25, Muckrakers (2-8) 3
7/15...Muckrakers (3-8) 20, Hard Knocks 4
7/22...Scared Hitless 13, Muckrakers (3-9) 6

2009 FALL LEAGUE (1-6)
9/10....Muckrakers (1-0) 15, Brown Sox 14
9/17....Benchwarmers 11, Muckrakers (1-1) 10
9/24....Iron City 21, Muckrakers (1-2) 9
10/1...C.R. Fireline 6, Muckrakers (1-3) 5
10/8...Super Crew 22, Muckrakers (1-4) 16
10/22..Warriors 22, Muckrakers (1-5) 4
10/29..The Ballers 19, Muckrakers (1-6) 17

2009 SUMMER LEAGUE (4-7-1)
4/16....Dianda Plaza 10, Muckrakers (0-1) 9
4/23....Turn Two 17, Muckrakers (0-2) 8
4/30.... Wake the Monster/Beeline 13, Muckrakers (0-3) 5
5/7.....Local 302 22, Muckrakers (0-4) 8
5/21....Muckrakers (1-4) 16, Super Crew 9
5/28....Muckrakers (2-4) 18, Air Pro 9
6/4.....Muckrakers (3-4) defeat Blockheads by forfeit
6/11....Muckrakers (3-4-1) 10, Dianda Plaza 10
6/25....Turn Two 14, Muckrakers (3-5-1) 8
7/2.....Wake the Monster/Beeline 21, Muckrakers (3-6-1) 12
7/9.....Local 302 20, Muckrakers (3-7-1) 8
7/16....Muckrakers (4-7-1) 14, Super Crew 13

2008 SUMMER LEAGUE (5-6-1)
4/10....Muckrakers 22, Rooters 5
4/24.....Blockheads 14, Muckrakers 10
5/1......Dianda Plaza 16, Muckrakers 7
5/8.....Muckrakers 13, The Guys 9
5/15....Bladez Barbershop II 29, Muckrakers 14
5/29....Hall and Jam Allstate 19, Muckrakers 9
6/5.....Muckrakers 23, Air Pro 7
6/12....Muckrakers 15, Rooters 14
6/19....Muckrakers 7, Blockheads 5
7/3.....Dianda Plaza 13, Muckrakers 5
7/10....Muckrakers 8, The Guys 8
7/17....Bladez Barbershop II 19, Muckrakers (5-6-1) 15
All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord

2007 FALL LEAGUE (8-3)
9/13....Muckrakers 13, Red Legged Superbas 2
9/20....Muckrakers 16, Brown Sox 11
9/27....Muckrakers 22, Hairy Eyeballs 6
10/4....Muckrakers 16, S.W.A.T. 9
10/11....Scrubs 15, Muckrakers 11
10/18....Heroes 23, Muckrakers 10
10/25....Muckrakers 9, Benchwarmers 2
Playoffs
10/30....Muckrakers 20, Double Do Its 19
11/2.....Muckrakers 23, Bat Boys 19
11/7.....Muckrakers 18, Boodissy 5
11/7.....Silky Johnson Rods 17, Muckrakers (8-3) 6
All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord

2007 SUMMER LEAGUE (12-7)
Date....Field.........Time....Foe ('Rakers H-V)
4/12....Muckrakers 22, Lumberjacks 15
4/26....Weideman Construction 15, Muckrakers 12
5/3......Muckrakers 19, Un-Athletics 9
5/10....Air Pro 14, Muckrakers 9
5/17....Young Guns Reloaded 28, Muckrakers 12
5/24....Muckrakers 14, Benchwarmers 13
6/7.....Lumberjacks 8, Muckrakers 7
6/21....Muckrakers 14, Weideman Construction 13
6/28....Un-Athletics 18, Muckrakers 13
7/5.....Muckrakers 24, Air Pro 17
7/12...Muckrakers 20, Young Guns Reloaded 10
7/19...Muckrakers 18, Benchwarmers 17
Playoffs
7/21...Crossroads 11, Muckrakers 4
7/21...Muckrakers 25, Hairy Eyeballs 20
7/22...Muckrakers 14, Dirty Dozen 13 (9 inn.)
7/22...Muckrakers 16, Bat Boys 7
7/29...Muckrakers 19, Upinit 3
7/29...Muckrakers 13, The Battle 7
7/31...Cornerstone def. Muckrakers (12-7), forfeit
All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord

2006 FALL LEAGUE (4-4)
Date........Field ......Time....Matchup
Sept. 14....Muckrakers 6, Loaded 3
Sept. 21....Muckrakers 17, The Other Team 14
Sept. 28....Demons 20, Muckrakers 13
Oct. 5......Air Pro 18, Muckrakers 9
Oct. 12.....Muckrakers 14, One Bad Inning 4
Oct. 19.....Disc Functional 17, Muckrakers 9
Oct. 25.....Muckrakers 19, Geezers 11
Playoffs
Oct. 29......Unknown Playoff Team 21, Muckrakers (4-4) 14
All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord

2006 SUMMER LEAGUE (2-11-1)
Date........Time.....Field.......Opponent
April 13....Shadowbrook Vineyards RAINED OUT
April 20....Acme Plumbing RAINED OUT
April 27....All Service Automotive 14, Muckrakers 1
May 4.....Warriors 30, Muckrakers 19
May 11....Rivergoats 20, Muckrakers 11
May 18....Steelheads 17, Muckrakers 3
May 25....Muckrakers 20, Bad to the Bone 8
June 1.....Shadowbrook Vineyards 9, Muckrakers 6
June 8....Acme Plumbing 17, Muckrakers 8
June 15...All Service Automotive 19, Muckrakers 8
June 22...Warriors 14, Muckrakers 6
June 29...Rivergoats 18, Muckrakers 9
July 6....Muckrakers 22, Shadowbrook Vineyards 22
July 13....Steelheads 13, Muckrakers 5
July 20....Bad to the Bone 4, Muckrakers 2
July 27....Muckrakers (2-11-1) def. Acme Plumbing (forfeit)
All games at Heather Farm Park, Walnut Creek

2005 FALL LEAGUE (2-4-1)
Date, result
Sept. 1........Muckrakers (0-0-1) 12, The Franchise 12
Sept. 8...........Big Johnsons 21, Muckrakers (0-1-1) 9
Sept. 15........Bay Bridge Builder def. Muckrakers (0-2-1), forfeit
Sept. 29.......Muckrakers (1-2-1) 19, Panthers 4
Oct. 6.........Muckrakers (2-2-1) 10, Skyway Smashers 9
Oct. 13........Warriors 21, Muckrakers (2-3-1) 1
Oct. 20........Ducekies 25, Muckrakers (2-4-1) 0

2005 SUMMER LEAGUE (0-12)
April 14.... Field 2, OHM Boyz 20, Hot Chasers (0-1) 10
April 21.... Field 2, FCS Happy Hour 21, Hot Chasers (0-2) 3
April 28.... Field 1, High and Tight 7, Hot Chasers (0-3) 6
May 12.... Field 2, Doggers 34, Hot Chasers (0-4) 3
May 26.... Field 2, OHM Boyz 13, Hot Chasers (0-5) 8
June 2.... Field 1, FCS Happy Hour 21, Hot Chasers (0-6) 13
June 23.... Field 4, Doggers 13, Hot Chasers (0-7) 0
June 30.... Field 3, Desperados 27, Hot Chasers (0-8) 1
July 5 .... Field 2, High and Tight 15, Hot Chasers (0-9) 10
July 7.... Field 4, Desperados 15, Hot Chasers (0-10) 9
July 14.... Field 1, OHM Boyz 14, Hot Chasers (0-11) 3
July 21.... Field 2, FCS Happy Hour 24, Hot Chasers (0-12) 8

From the manager

2010-11-07T19:29:00.000-08:00

Memo from the desk of Chris Wagnon:

Muckrakers,

Good season everyone. We fell a bit short in making the playoffs but did finish a respectable 4-3 and as always dominated the parking lot. As usual we're going to have annual postseason pizza social at Rocco's on Thursday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. Let's dominate that Dominator! I'll make reservations next week so RSVP me if you're in or not.

Fall League ends as Muckrakers split doubleheader

2010-11-04T22:02:00.000-07:00

CONCORD -- Everything, it seems, must come to an end. The Roman Empire crumbled, the Titanic sunk, "Star Trek" was cancelled, and Cher ... OK, bad example. Most everything that has a "born on" date has an expiration date, and so it is for the mighty Muckrakers, who came to the conclusion of the 2010 Fall League after splitting a doubleheader on Thursday, 23-9 to Lucky Us and 17-8 to AMR All-Stars.

The defeat to AMR turned out to be the knockout punch, denying the Men of Muck a spot on the D-League playoffs. But the loss couldn't deny Muckraker Nation a winning record, as it finished 4-3 for the campaign. It was the 'Rakers' first winning season in a little bit, perhaps setting the tone for campaigns yet to come.

Although Thursday proved the curtain-closer, the evening was not lacking for highlights. In Game 1, the Mucksters went out scoreless in the first couple innings vs. Lucky Us, then went all fruit-bats in innings three and four, powering across 14 and nine runs respectively. The third, in which 20 'Rakers went to the plate, might have been the most productive in all of Muckraker history. The hitting heroes were numerous, including Bob Brindley, who drove in five runs in making another welcome cameo, and Mike Yurkus, who drove in four from the 11-hole. So timely were Muckster bats that eight of the lil' devils had multiple-RBI games. For the second time this season, the 'Rakers forced the use of the "flip-flop" rule, perhaps the first time they worked that magic twice in one campaign.

Game 2 proved to be a sterner test, with AMR All-Stars serving early notice by scoring six runs in the top of the first inning, forcing Yer Heroes into comeback mode from the get-go.

Highlights abounded here as well. Shortstop Randy Striegel relayed an outfield throw home to Chris Wagnon manning the dish as the 'Rakers threw out an All-Star at the plate to end the fifth inning. Striegel also made a nifty diving catch to deny another All-Star. Luke "Box Hero" Abbott, Striegel, Brindley and Rich Browning had a pair of hits apiece but when it was all said and done, it was, well, all said and done.

Still, there were no "dad gummits," no tears, no discouraging words, just, as always, good times and cold beverages in the parking lot afterward. It's the way the Muckrakers are and how they want it. See you in the Summer League next year for heaping portions of more of the same.

Final 2010 Fall League statistics

2010-11-01T00:25:00.000-07:00

..........................................AB...R...H...RBI.. Ave

Luke Abbott..........................22....8...12....8.... .545
Dave Alcorn.........................16....5...7....2.... .437
Bob Brindley........................13....5...9....8.... .692
Rick Browning......................23....9...14....5.... .609
Chace Bryson.......................20....7...10....5.... .500
Burger..................................4....0...1....2.... .250
Don Dennler.........................14....5...5....4.... .357
Ben Enos...............................4....1...3....3.... .750
Tony Hicks............................2....1...2....2.... 1.000
Matt Knauff..........................21....10...11...3.... .524
Brian Kroll...........................18....2...6....6.... .333
Randy Striegel....................24....12...13....14.... .542
Dave Taxier.........................22....5...11....6.... .500
Chris Wagnon......................24....8...10....9.... .417
Mike Yurkus..........................18....10...5....5.... .277
Totals..............................246..88..120..87.. .488

2010-10-08T13:32:00.000-07:00

..........................................AB...R...H...RBI.. Ave

Luke Abbott..........................8....4...4....3.... .500
Dave Alcorn..........................3....0...1....0.... .333
Bob Brindley.........................3....1...2....2.... .667
Rick Browning......................11....3...7....4.... .636
Chace Bryson.......................12....3...5....1.... .417
Burger..................................4....0...1....2.... .250
Don Dennler..........................8....3...2....2.... .250
Ben Enos.............................4....1...3....3.... .750
Tony Hicks............................2....1...2....2.... 1.000
Matt Knauff..........................10....6...6...1.... .600
Brian Kroll............................3....0...1....0.... .333
Randy Striegel......................11....7...8....9.... .727
Dave Taxier.........................11....3...5....3.... .455
Chris Wagnon......................11....5...7....7.... .636
Mike Yurkis...........................7....3...1....0.... .143
Totals..............................108..40..56..39.. .519

Schedule, results

2010-10-08T13:14:00.000-07:00

9/9....AMR All-Stars 10, Muckrakers (0-1) 6
9/30....Muckrakers (1-1) 16, 9 Mugs And A Pitcher 6
10/7....Muckrakers (2-1) 18, Untouchables 14
10/14...Field 4....7:20....The Guys vs. Muckrakers
10/21...Field 3....9:30....Muckrakers vs. Carsen Designs
10/28...Field 2....8:25....Lucky Us vs. Muckrakers
10/28...Field 2....9:30....AMR All-Stars vs. Muckrakers

All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord

Standings

2010-10-05T22:28:00.000-07:00

Place Team....................W...L...T...GB...GP...PCT... Streak

1 # Carsen Designs (#).....4...1...0...--.....5...0.800....Won 1

2 # The Guys ...................3...0...0...--.....3..1.000... Won 3

3 # AMR All Stars..............3...1...0.. .5.....4.. 0.750...Won 2

4 # Muckrakers...............1...1...0..1.5.....2...0.500...Won 1

5 * 9 Mugs & a Pitcher.......1...2...0....2.....3...0.333...Lost 1

6 # Lucky Us.....................0...3...0....3.....3...0.000...Lost 3

7 *Untouchables................0...4...0.. 3.5....4...0.000...Lost 4

'Rakers Pour It On, defeat 9 Mugs and a Pitcher

2010-10-05T15:40:00.000-07:00

CONCORD -- A new-look alignment -- and no, we’re not talking about the Rat in Right -- and some good, old-fashioned clutch hitting propelled the Muckrakers to their first victory of the 2010 Fall League season, a 16-6 thrashing of 9 Mugs and a Pitcher on Thursday on Field 1.

That your local Mucksters evened their ledger at 1-1 could at the very least partially credited to some nifty outside-the-box thinking by the thinking-man’s manager, Chris Wagnon. In a master stroke, the Rakesters’ brain trust took usual No. 5 hitter Luke Abbott and inserted the “Roover” into the leadoff spot. Habitual leadoff guy Mike Yurkus dropped down to the No. 10 hole, in essence giving the ‘Rakers back-to-back leadoff men in the lineup. Genius, or what?

Abbott added a whole new dimension to the top spot, blasting four hits including a triple and scoring three times in setting the tone for what turned out to be a 22-hit smackdown of the 9 Mugs.

Yet this one did not start out being the rout it turned out to be. In fact, the Rake-meisters had a possibly deflating first frame, in which they had three hits yet could not muster a single run. They more than made up for that disappointment in the second inning when the big hits started to fall to the tune of a seven-run inning, with Abbott, Randy Striegel and Wagnon each tripling, the Lukester and Randy both plating two runs with their three-baggers.

But after five innings, 9 Mugs was still annoyingly hanging around, trailing only 10-6. In the top of the sixth, however, the Men of Muck applied the afterburners, rallying for six runs to provide some welcome breathing room.

Abbott, Chace Bryson (3 for 4) and Matt Knauff (3 for 4) all singled to loaded the bases. Striegel following with a vicious line drive right at the third baseman for out No. 1. But the good times started right up again as Ben Enos (3 for 4, three RBI) doubled in a pair and the Rake-N-Ators were very much good to go. Wagnon, Rick Browning and Dave Taxier all followed with RBI hits. Win No. 1 was looking very good at that point, and indeed, it was the Muckrakers night all around.

When a team hits, plays defense, and pitches, good things happen. Any ballclub will put up with the stray rodent in the outfield if it means the playoff push is under way.

Statistics

2010-10-04T23:56:00.000-07:00

..........................................AB...R...H...RBI.. Ave

Luke Abbott..........................5....3...4....2.... .800
Dave Alcorn..........................3....0...1....0.... .333
Bob Brindley.........................3....1...2....2.... .667
Rick Browning.......................7....1...5....3.... .714
Chace Bryson........................8....3...4....1.... .500
Don Dennler..........................6....0...0....0.... .000
Ben Enos.............................4....1...3....3.... .750
Matt Knauff...........................6...3...4...1.... .667
Brian Kroll............................3....0...1....0.... .333
Randy Striegel......................7....4...4....6.... .571
Dave Taxier..........................7....1...3....1.... .429
Chris Wagnon.......................7....2...3....2.... .429
Mike Yurkis...........................7....3...1....0.... .143
Totals............................73..22..36..21.. .493

Schedule, results

2010-10-02T16:29:00.000-07:00

9/9....AMR All-Stars 10, Muckrakers (0-1) 6
9/30....Muckrakers (1-1) 16, 9 Mugs And A Pitcher 6
10/7....Field 3....6:15....Untouchables vs. Muckrakers
10/14...Field 4....7:20....The Guys vs. Muckrakers
10/21...Field 3....9:30....Muckrakers vs. Carsen Designs
10/28...Field 2....8:25....Lucky Us vs. Muckrakers
10/28...Field 2....9:30....AMR All-Stars vs. Muckrakers

All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord

Rusty 'Rakers Off To Slow Fall-Season Start

2010-09-10T16:03:00.000-07:00

CONCORD -- The Mighty Muckrakers shook off the offseason rust and played a hell of a final three innings against AMR All-Stars on Thursday night on Field 2.

Sadly, softball is a seven-inning game, and the first four innings were not much to write -- or even blog -- about, and Yer 'Rakers were vanquished 10-6 by the so-called All-Stars in the '10 Fall League D/E campaign opener.

It was the type of game that could have been better, could have been worse. There the Muckrakers were, trailing 9-0 after four innings. A lesser team would have cried sad-clown tears, but the Rakesters, being made of sterner stuff, opted opted to get it going and start playing some serious ball in their first game back after having shut operations down since the end of Summer League.

Matt Knauff, coming off his Summer-League MVP stint, found the gap in the All-Stars outfield defense in leading off the fifth inning with a triple. Bob Brindley, making a much-appreciated Bay Area appearance, grounded out to second but drove Knauff home in the process for the Muckrakers' first Fall run.

Randy Striegel extended the viability of the rally by singling, and Manager Chris Wagnon following with a base hit. Rick Browning (3-for-3) hustled his way to a double to drive in another run, further cutting into AMR's advantage.

That was all the damage the 'Rakers could do in the fifth, but they came back even stronger in the sixth. Mike Yurkus and Chace Bryson each hit their way on base with one out, and Knauff plated Yurkus with a sacrifice fly. Brindley followed up with another RBI, a triple to score Bryson, and Stiegel raced his way to a double, scoring Bobby-B. Striegel scored on Wagnon's contact for the fourth run of the frame, which was all the scoring the Men of Muck would do on this day.

This was a slow-starting bunch of Muck-Men, as they treated the softball as a foreign object early on, and had a little trouble shaking the cobwebs off their bats in their first couple of go-arounds.

Yet the take-away from this game for the Rakers is that they proved themselves to be a highly competitive outfit once they got it in gear. And the Mucksters welcomed back into their midst Don Dennler, one of the flock that had been away so long, so long.

Welcome back to Muckrakers one and all. While the final result could have been a tad better, it was damn fine to see the gang back doing what it does so well.

Statistics

2010-09-10T15:36:00.000-07:00

..........................................AB...R...H...RBI.. Ave

Dave Alcorn..........................3....0...1....0.... .333
Bob Brindley.........................3....1...2....2.... .667
Rick Browning.......................3....0...3....1.... 1.000
Chace Bryson........................4....1...1....0.... .250
Don Dennler..........................2....0...0....0.... .000
Matt Knauff...........................2...1...1...1.... .500
Brian Kroll............................3....0...1....0.... .333
Randy Striegel......................3....2...2....1.... .667
Dave Taxier..........................3....0...1....0.... .333
Chris Wagnon.......................3....0...1....1.... .333
Mike Yurkis...........................4....1...1....0.... .250
Totals............................33...6....14....6.. .424

Schedule, results

2010-09-10T15:05:00.000-07:00

9/9....AMR All-Stars 10, Muckrakers (0-1) 6
9/30....Field 1....8:25....Muckrakers vs. 9 Mugs & A Pitcher
10/7....Field 3....6:15....Untouchables vs. Muckrakers
10/14...Field 4....7:20....The Guys vs. Muckrakers
10/21...Field 3....9:30....Muckrakers vs. Carsen Designs
10/28...Field 2....8:25....Lucky Us vs. Muckrakers
10/28...Field 2....9:30....AMR All-Stars vs. Muckrakers

All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord

'Rakers conclude memorable '10 Summer League

2010-08-02T12:05:00.000-07:00

CONCORD -- It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It was the Contra Costa Times. Fourscore and seven years ago. The lazy brown fox jumped over the wacky log. To be, or forsooth, to be not. That be the question.

Literary classics, more or less, one and all. Whether the Golden State Muckrakers' 2010 Summer League campaign will go down as one of the all-time classics of the genre remains to be seen, although the 3-9 final record might be a bit of a tipoff. Still, what the season that contained five bye weeks lacked in victories, it more than made up in moments that the 'Rakers will carry with them for a long, long time. Seasons are like that.

It was the year of the Near-Perfecto. It was the year of the Bob Brindley cameos. It was the year of the Mat Petersen sighting. It was the year of Luke Abbott home-cooked hospitality. It was the year of the Luke Abbott blue cleats. It was the year of the Roover. It was the year Matt Knauff made catches here, there and everywhere. It was the year of Mike Wolcott at first base. It was the year of the Gift That Is Rice Krispies. It was the year the 'Rakers had three home brewers in the lineup. It was the year of the furthering Pig'N'Whistle Connection.

And we could go on and on, but then this blog would begin to resemble "War and Peace" and then this whole literary classics theme would go beyond the stretching point, and -- ouch! -- you know how painful that can be. And, you know, you can't have "classic" without the "ass." It's true, so true.

And speaking of -- OK, in this aside we note we weren't really speaking of anything, just kind of wingin' it until something better came along -- the Mighty, Mighty Muckrakers lowered the curtain on SL '10 with a 13-6 loss at the hands of Scared Hitless on July 22. The self-same 'Rakers were determined to head out on a high note, and indeed came out of the blocks with three runs in the first inning (there was Knauff's sac fly, a double from Randy Striegel, and a two-RBI single by Ben Enos.

But the Men of Muck struggled with offensive continuity after that, scoring three more times over the next five frames. Striegel, Dave Alcorn and Rick Browning all contributed two-hit games in an average-raising finale.

When it was all said and done it was time to repair to the parking lot to award the 'Rakers' MVP Award -- well-deserved Mr. Knauff! -- and enjoy that fabled 'Raker hospitality. A classic time was had by all.

And let us not sign off for the season without mentioning the continuing fine work by Manager Chris Wagnon. It's not easy riding herd on a free-ranging band of outside-the-box thinkers and doers, but Wagnon continues to make it look easy. A sign of a true master.

See you at Rocco's.

Final 2010 Summer League statistics

2010-07-29T12:13:00.000-07:00

..........................................AB...R...H...RBI.. Ave

Luke Abbott..........................22....5...10....7.... .454
Dave Alcorn..........................34....9...11....7.... .324
Steve Breslin.........................13....2...4....4.... .308
Bob Brindley.........................14....6...11....5.... .786
Rick Browning.......................22....5...7....4.... .318
Chace Bryson........................26....8...9....5.... .346
Ben Enos...............................15....3...9....7.... .600
Aris Garcia.............................7....1...3....2.... .429
Tony Hicks............................11....3...4....1.... .364
Matt Knauff.........................38...13...15...19.... .395
Brian Kroll...........................34....4...12....6.... .353
Mat Petersen...........................3....0...1....0.... .333
Joe Stiglich.............................6....0...4....1.... .667
Randy Striegel......................28....6...15....4.... .536
Dave Taxier..........................29....11...15....7.... .517
Chris Wagnon.......................38....7...11....9.... .289
Mike Wolcott...........................3....2...2....1.... .667
Mike Yurkis...........................28...11...15....7.... .536
Totals............................361..97....158...96.. .438

Final 2010 Summer League results

2010-07-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

4/1....Brown Sox 29, Muckrakers (0-1) 12
4/15...Dirtbaggers 16, Muckrakers (0-2) 8
4/22. Here for Beer 14, Muckrakers (0-3) 3
5/6....Hard Knocks 12, Muckrakers (0-4) 2
5/13...Scared Hitless 11, Muckrakers (0-5) 9
5/27...Muckrakers (1-5) 4, Bad News Beers 3
6/3....Warriors 12, Muckrakers (1-6) 11
6/17...Brown Sox 17, Muckrakers (1-7) 2
6/24...Muckrakers (2-7) 17, Dirtbaggers 11
7/1....Here for Beer 25, Muckrakers (2-8) 3
7/15...Muckrakers (3-8) 20, Hard Knocks 4
7/22...Scared Hitless 13, Muckrakers (3-9) 6

All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord

Muckrakers near-perfect in bopping Hard Knocks

2010-07-20T23:17:00.001-07:00

CONCORD -- Such is the state of things for your much-improved Muckrakers is that they amassed 20 runs in an 16-run rout of Hard Knocks last Thursday to win for the second time in the past three games -- and that comes nowhere close to being the story.

No, your humble scribe has, as they say in the profession, “buried the lead” because that lead is just too yummy, too delicious, to just reveal all at once. No, better to let things linger for a second or two, just to build up that wonderful anticipation and suspense.

There. That oughta do it.

The story behind the story here is the Muckrakers had a perfect game going for 4 1/3 innings. Yes, you read that right. Thirteen Hard Knocks batters up, 13 Hard Knocks batters down. Folks, it’s hard enough producing one perfect inning in slow-pitch softball, much less 4 1/3 of the little suckers. Try it some time, then get back to us.

As you now know, it takes a village to fashion 4 1/3 innings of perfection. Pitcher Dave Taxier was doing pretty much what he’s always done, lob the ol’ sphere over the plate and let the big, burly foes do with it what they might. What was special here was that no matter where the Hard Knockers hit it, there was a ‘Raker defender who knew what to do with it.

This was, in short, a breakout game in the breakout season of one Matt Knauff. The fleet center fielder went hither and yon, tracking down whatever Hard Knocks sent his way. Ball in the gap to the left? Knauff’s there. Ball gapped to the right? Knauff runs it down. A blooper over second? Speedy Knauff has the knack for that play, too. Hard Knocks tested Matt every way it could, and he came up aces each time.

Chace Bryson in left and Bob (BB) Brindley in right-center were tested less, but when it was their turn to come up with the big play, they did, no problem.

The infield was similarly tight. The corner configuration was a relatively new one -- Rick Browning at third and Luke (I Usta Roova) Abbott at first -- but both played like 20-year vets at their positions. Abbott gloved each throw that came his way and showed nifty judgment on snagging one short-hopped throw.

Throw in the stellar gloves of shortstop Randy Striegel and second baseman Mike Yurkus and you got yourself one nifty defense that came an inning or so of pure perfection.

But this was not one of those all-field, no-hit kinda deals. Far from it, brother. No, on this special night The Men of Rake had their hitting shoes on as well, striking for a season-high 20 runs on a season-high 21 hits.

Serving notice early that this would be a game for the ages, Yer ‘Rakers came viciously out off the box to rally for 10 runs in the first inning, sending 16 batters to the plate.

The big splat was provided by that guy Knauff, who plastered a three-run home run after Yurkus and Bryson had each walked. The Mucksters continued on from there, using a variety of singles and walks to plate run after run after run.

From then on, the only suspense was whether the ‘Rakesters could pull off Concord D-League history, and they almost did -- they nearly did.

About the only negative was that Manager Chris Wagnon sustained a pulled hammy that limited his baserunning and defense. The injury was believed to be minor, and Wagnon is not expected to miss this season’s finale on Thursday.

If this Thursday’s Summer League curtain-closer is half as eventful as the previous game, then you absolutely, for certain, don’t want to miss it. You just can’t make this stuff up.

Statistics

2010-07-20T00:20:00.000-07:00

..........................................AB...R...H...RBI.. Ave

Luke Abbott..........................19....5...9....6.... .474
Dave Alcorn..........................31....8...9....7.... .290
Steve Breslin.........................13....2...4....4.... .308
Bob Brindley.........................14....6...11....5.... .786
Rick Browning.......................19....5...5....4.... .263
Chace Bryson........................23....7...8....4.... .348
Ben Enos...............................13....3...9....5.... .629
Aris Garcia.............................7....1...3....2.... .429
Tony Hicks............................11....3...4....1.... .364
Matt Knauff.........................35...13...15...18.... .429
Brian Kroll...........................31....4...12....6.... .387
Mat Petersen...........................3....0...1....0.... .333
Joe Stiglich.............................6....0...4....1.... .667
Randy Striegel......................26....5...13....4.... .500
Dave Taxier..........................27....9...14....7.... .519
Chris Wagnon.......................35....7...11....9.... .314
Mike Wolcott...........................3....2...2....1.... .667
Mike Yurkis...........................25...10...14....6.... .560
Totals............................331..91....147...90.. .444

Schedule, results

2010-07-16T13:47:00.000-07:00

4/1....Brown Sox 29, Muckrakers (0-1) 12
4/15...Dirtbaggers 16, Muckrakers (0-2) 8
4/22. Here for Beer 14, Muckrakers (0-3) 3
5/6....Hard Knocks 12, Muckrakers (0-4) 2
5/13...Scared Hitless 11, Muckrakers (0-5) 9
5/27...Muckrakers (1-5) 4, Bad News Beers 3
6/3....Warriors 12, Muckrakers (1-6) 11
6/17...Brown Sox 17, Muckrakers (1-7) 2
6/24...Muckrakers (2-7) 17, Dirtbaggers 11
7/1....Here for Beer 25, Muckrakers (2-8) 3
7/15...Muckrakers (3-8) 20, Hard Knocks 4
7/22...Field 2....6:15....Scared Hitless vs. Muckrakers

All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord

Sobering loss for Muckrakers v. Here for Beer

2010-07-09T14:16:00.000-07:00

CONCORD -- Not much to say about this one, devoted readers. The grand and glorious Muckrakers put forth maximum effort but at the end of the day found themselves on the short end of a 25-3 bushwhacking at the hands of Here for Sandbagging, er, Here For Beer, on Field 5.

It is what it is.

If that was a D League team the 'Rakers played a couple Thursdays ago, then I'm freakin' LeBron James, and let me take an hour of network time to let you know what Fall League softball team I'll be playing on.

As if.

Not that your cheery correspondent is bitter. Well, no, actually, I'm quite bitter. If I wanted to get totally pounded on my day off, I'd stroll into Artie's and scream "De La Salle sucks! And they recruit!"

But no, your beloved scribe would not think of such a thing -- although, evidently, he will blog it -- but one cannot but look askance at the Concord Softball League that it would allow such a travesty to occur.

So there.

Otherwise, we had things happen such as Mike Yurkus and Joe Stiglich each going 3 for 3, and that was pretty much sorta it, with the 'Rakers rallying for two runs in the fifth inning on RBI blasts from Matt Knauff and Randy Striegel. Oh, there was that one extended restroom break from Yurkus that slightly delayed one inning. But really, this was one to quickly file away and forget about and instead to focus on the good times, and the two remaining games yet to come.

As for you, Here for Beer, may you be condemned to watch an endless loop of contrived LeBron press conferences well into the distant future. Around here, we call that justice.

Statistics

2010-07-06T00:12:00.000-07:00

..........................................AB...R...H...RBI.. Ave

Luke Abbott..........................16....4...8....3.... .500
Dave Alcorn..........................31....8...9....7.... .290
Steve Breslin.........................13....2...4....4.... .308
Bob Brindley.........................10....4...8....5.... .800
Rick Browning.......................16....2...2....2.... .125
Chace Bryson........................21....6...7....2.... .333
Ben Enos................................9....1...5....2.... .555
Aris Garcia.............................7....1...3....2.... .429
Tony Hicks............................11....3...4....1.... .364
Matt Knauff.........................31...12...13...13.... .419
Brian Kroll...........................27....4...11....5.... .407
Mat Petersen...........................3....0...1....0.... .333
Joe Stiglich.............................6....0...4....1.... .667
Randy Striegel......................22....2...10....4.... .455
Dave Taxier..........................25....6...12....5.... .480
Chris Wagnon.......................31....5...10....8.... .323
Mike Wolcott...........................3....2...2....1.... .667
Mike Yurkis...........................23....8...14....6.... .608
Totals............................295..71....126...71.. .427

Schedule, results

2010-07-02T14:37:00.000-07:00

4/1....Brown Sox 29, Muckrakers (0-1) 12
4/15...Dirtbaggers 16, Muckrakers (0-2) 8
4/22. Here for Beer 14, Muckrakers (0-3) 3
5/6....Hard Knocks 12, Muckrakers (0-4) 2
5/13...Scared Hitless 11, Muckrakers (0-5) 9
5/27...Muckrakers (1-5) 4, Bad News Beers 3
6/3....Warriors 12, Muckrakers (1-6) 11
6/17...Brown Sox 17, Muckrakers (1-7) 2
6/24...Muckrakers (2-7) 17, Dirtbaggers 11
7/1....Here for Beer 25, Muckrakers (2-8) 3
7/15...Field 4....8:25....Muckrakers vs. Hard Knocks
7/22...Field 2....6:15....Scared Hitless vs. Muckrakers

All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord

'Rakers Clean Up On Dirtbaggers For 2nd 'V' Of Season!

2010-06-25T13:12:00.000-07:00

CONCORD -- It's gotta be the pants. The orange, orange pants.

And if there was ever an evening for the famous orange pants of Mike Wolcott to be broken out, last Thursday was it. Setting the scene thusly: It was a dark and blustery night, a 9:30 start of Field One with weather more resembling Candlestick Park at its worst than usually balmy Concord, CA.

And, oh yes, your Muckrakers were going into this game dreadfully shorthanded against a Dirtbaggerteam that had beaten it by eight runs in the first encounter. Not only that, but the Men of Muck were coming off a dispiriting 17-2 loss to the Brown Sox in the preceding game.

It would have been easy for the mighty, mighty Mucksters to have checked out early in this one, but this is a team that doesn't do easy. All the 'Rakers did was turn back the Dirtbaggers 17-11 for win No. 2 of the Summer League circuit.

To work this upset special, the Muckrakers dipped deep into their past and recalled a 'Raker of the past in good standing with the ballclub. And Wolcott did not disappoint, donning the legendary orange pants once again. The jolt of Agent Orange served him and the team well, as he went 2-for 3, doubled in his first at-bat in the second inning, and played a steadfast first base on a blustery night.

But the really neat thing about this affair is that the heroes were not limited to Wolcott and his fashion sense. There was center fielder Matt Knauff, who of course made all the plays in the outfield and meanwhile was huge at the plate, going 4-for-5 and driving in six runs, including a blast of a home run in the fifth when he found the right fielder playing laughably shallow.

There was manager Chris Wagnon, breaking out his biggest 'Raker game of the season, going 3-for-5 and plating five runs. There was left fielder Chace Bryson, getting comfortable with the No. 2 hole and finding his right field stroke (3-for-4, two runs, two RBI). There was Rick Browning, ably manning shortstop. And let us please not ignore third baseman Dave Alcorn (3-for-5) and catcher Kroll (2-for-4).

Considering the cold and win, the 'Rakers may have played their best overall defensive game of the season, if not of their lives.

This one was a nip-and-tuck affair until Yer 'Rakers provided themselves some breathing room with a six-run rally in the sixth inning. The biggest blows in the frame were a double by Knauff that drove in a pair and an all-hell-breaks-loose double from Wagnon that cleared the bases.

The Mucksters retired the D-Baggers in the bottom of the seventh without too much damage being done, and they had themselves a nifty little victory. This was a night when the 'Rakers could have taken the easy way out, but instead they collectively rolled up their sleeves and got the job done. Gentlemen: Mission accomplished.

Statistics

2010-06-25T12:41:00.000-07:00

..........................................AB...R...H...RBI.. Ave

Luke Abbott..........................16....4...8....3.... .500
Dave Alcorn..........................28....8...9....7.... .321
Steve Breslin.........................13....2...4....4.... .308
Bob Brindley.........................10....4...8....5.... .800
Rick Browning.......................16....2...2....2.... .125
Chace Bryson........................19....6...7....2.... .368
Ben Enos..............................7....1...4....2.... .571
Aris Garcia...........................7....1...3....2.... .429
Tony Hicks............................11....3...4....1.... .364
Matt Knauff..........................28...11...12...12.... .429
Brian Kroll...........................24....4...10....5.... .417
Mat Petersen.........................3....0...1....0.... .333
Joe Stiglich...........................3....0...1....0.... .333
Randy Striegel......................19....2...9....3.... .474
Dave Taxier..........................23....6...11....5.... .478
Chris Wagnon.......................28....5...10....8.... .357
Mike Wolcott.........................3....2...2....1.... .667
Mike Yurkis...........................20....6...11....6.... .550
Totals............................268..68....115...68.. .429

Schedule, results

2010-06-25T12:22:00.000-07:00

4/1....Brown Sox 29, Muckrakers (0-1) 12
4/15...Dirtbaggers 16, Muckrakers (0-2) 8
4/22. Here for Beer 14, Muckrakers (0-3) 3
5/6....Hard Knocks 12, Muckrakers (0-4) 2
5/13...Scared Hitless 11, Muckrakers (0-5) 9
5/27...Muckrakers (1-5) 4, Bad News Beers 3
6/3....Warriors 12, Muckrakers (1-6) 11
6/17...Brown Sox 17, Muckrakers (1-7) 2
6/24...Muckrakers (2-7) 17, Dirtbaggers 11
7/1....Field 5....7:05....Here for Beer vs. Muckrakers
7/15...Field 4....8:25....Muckrakers vs. Hard Knocks
7/22...Field 2....6:15....Scared Hitless vs. Muckrakers

All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord

Schedule, results

2010-06-18T23:26:00.000-07:00

4/1....Brown Sox 29, Muckrakers (0-1) 12
4/15...Dirtbaggers 16, Muckrakers (0-2) 8
4/22. Here for Beer 14, Muckrakers (0-3) 3
5/6....Hard Knocks 12, Muckrakers (0-4) 2
5/13...Scared Hitless 11, Muckrakers (0-5) 9
5/27...Muckrakers (1-5) 4, Bad News Beers 3
6/3....Warriors 12, Muckrakers (1-6) 11
6/17...Brown Sox 17, Muckrakers (1-7) 2
6/24...Field 1....9:30....Muckrakers vs. Dirtbaggers
7/1....Field 5....7:05....Here for Beer vs. Muckrakers
7/15...Field 4....8:25....Muckrakers vs. Hard Knocks
7/22...Field 2....6:15....Scared Hitless vs. Muckrakers

All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord

Statistics

2010-06-18T23:24:00.000-07:00

..........................................AB...R...H...RBI.. Ave

Luke Abbott..........................16....4...8....3.... .500
Dave Alcorn..........................23....6...6....6.... .261
Steve Breslin.........................13....2...4....4.... .308
Bob Brindley.........................10....4...8....5.... .800
Rick Browning.......................13....2...1....1.... .079
Chace Bryson........................15....4...4....0.... .267
Ben Enos..............................7....1...4....2.... .571
Aris Garcia...........................7....1...3....2.... .429
Tony Hicks............................11....3...4....1.... .364
Matt Knauff..........................23...8...8....6.... .348
Brian Kroll...........................20....2...8....5.... .400
Mat Petersen.........................3....0...1....0.... .333
Joe Stiglich...........................3....0...1....0.... .333
Randy Striegel......................19....2...9....3.... .474
Dave Taxier..........................19....4...10....5.... .526
Chris Wagnon.......................23....4...7....3.... .304
Mike Yurkis...........................15....3...9....5.... .600
Totals............................230..51....94...51.. .409

From Tony Hicks' blog

2010-06-09T21:59:00.000-07:00

I’m a total Big Leaguer …

Warriors in golden state after barely beating Muckrakers

2010-06-09T18:09:00.000-07:00

CONCORD -- The Muckrakers shook off some unsettling developments of their own making last Thursday and nearly pulled off the upset of the D League season, just falling short to the Warriors (6-1) by a 12-11 count on Field 3.

Things got off to a rocky start hours before the game even started, when interim manager-player Dave Taxier unfortunately decided to rhyme “swing those bats” with “feed those cats” in the traditional Muckraker game-day headcount e-mail. The shaken ‘Rakers, not taken with Dylan-esque imagery, were understandably thrown off their game.

Pair that unfortunate incident with the fact that Taxier, for no apparent reason -- OK, there was a reason (he lamely did not know the run scoring was the game-decider) slowed down the outfield throw to the plate that could have retired what turned out to be the winning, walk-off run in the bottom of the sixth -- and you had a team yearning for the return of manager Chris Wagnon.

And yet, for all the setbacks, the Muck-N-Ators continued their run of strong play, delivering their third solid effort in a row. The second-place Warriors were lucky to escape with the victory, and every man-jack among them knew it.

The Muckrakers continued to flash impressive leather on defense and, yes, swing those bats. Matt Knauff excelled once again in center with his rangy catches and accurate throwing. And speaking of throwing, third baseman Dave Alcorn beaned one Warrior attempting to score. The poor Warrior was so wobbly as the result of Alcorn’s fastball that he neglected to touch the plate and was called out.

Meanwhile, the Muckrakers sprayed 16 hits for the six-inning contest, with 11 ‘Rakers spanking safeties and five having multiple-hit games. Your Heroes did most off their damage in the fourth inning when they put across eight of their 11 runs. Knauff, Taxier, Brian Kroll, Steve Breslin and Mike Yurkus all drove in runs in the big inning, which propelled the Men of Muck into the lead and allowed visions of upset enter their blessed brains.

Luke Abbott gave the ‘Rakers their first lead of the evening when he singled home Yurkus in the top of the first. And the ‘Rakes tacked on a couple more scores in the fifth on singles by Knauff, Enos and Taxier.

The bottom of the sixth was not a pleasant one for any resident of Muckraker Nation, but even in defeat, the ‘Rakers sounded the message: This team is playing good ball, and you overlook it at your peril. D League, you’re on notice.

Statistics

2010-06-04T13:40:00.000-07:00

..........................................AB...R...H...RBI.. Ave

Luke Abbott..........................16....4...8....3.... .500
Dave Alcorn..........................22....6...5....5.... .227
Steve Breslin.........................10....2...4....3.... .400
Bob Brindley..........................6....4...5....5.... .833
Rick Browning.......................13....2...1....1.... .079
Chace Bryson........................12....4...4....0.... .333
Ben Enos..............................4....1...2....2.... .500
Aris Garcia...........................7....1...3....2.... .429
Tony Hicks............................9....3...3....1.... .333
Matt Knauff..........................23...8...8....6.... .348
Brian Kroll...........................16....1...7....5.... .438
Mat Petersen.........................3....0...1....0.... .333
Joe Stiglich...........................3....0...1....0.... .333
Randy Striegel......................19....2...9....3.... .474
Dave Taxier..........................16....4...9....5.... .563
Chris Wagnon.......................20....4...7....3.... .350
Mike Yurkis...........................13....3...8....5.... .615
Totals............................212..49....84...49.. .396

Schedule, results

2010-06-04T13:23:00.000-07:00

4/1....Brown Sox 29, Muckrakers (0-1) 12
4/15...Dirtbaggers 16, Muckrakers (0-2) 8
4/22. Here for Beer 14, Muckrakers (0-3) 3
5/6....Hard Knocks 12, Muckrakers (0-4) 2
5/13...Scared Hitless 11, Muckrakers (0-5) 9
5/27...Muckrakers (1-5) 4, Bad News Beers 3
6/3....Warriors 12, Muckrakers (1-6) 11
6/17...Field 3....7:20....Muckrakers vs. Brown Sox
6/24...Field 1....9:30....Muckrakers vs. Dirtbaggers
7/1....Field 5....7:05....Here for Beer vs. Muckrakers
7/15...Field 4....8:25....Muckrakers vs. Hard Knocks
7/22...Field 2....6:15....Scared Hitless vs. Muckrakers

All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord

'Rakers Ravage Bad News Beers For First Win Of The Year!

2010-06-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

CONCORD -- Weeks of hustle and hard work paid off big-time for the Muckrakers last Thursday, resulting in their initial foray into the win column in 2010, a 4-3, uh, thrashing, of Bad News Beers on Field 4.

Three runs in the second inning and one more in the third amazingly held up in this one, as the 'Rakers sipped the sweet nectar of triumph for the first time since Sept. 10, 2009, a 15-14 Fall League win over the Brown Sox.

There were good omens all over the place, foreshadowing that something good was about to take place. There was the surprise return appearance of 'Raker Hall of Famer Mat Petersen, who strolled in as if he'd never been away. That alone elevated 'Raker spirits to the sky. Not only that, but the Men of Muck were joined again by Bob Brindley, who raced in from Livermore to contribute to the fun. And then there was the prospect of the 'Raker after-party at the home of Luke Abbott, with introductions all around for his new family addition, the spirited puppy Lindy.

But, as often is the case with Our Boys, there was an element of weirdness to this ballgame. Take the top of the seventh inning, with having already scored a run to pull within a run of the 'Rakers. The Bad News Beers appeared to have driven in the tying run, only for the umpire to rule that the runner had not touched home plate and in fact was out for the final out of the game. Way to go, 'Rakers!

It was the lower quadrant of the batting order that gained The Mighty Mighty Muckrakers their first lead of the evening. Dave Taxier (10th), Brian Kroll (11th) and Brindley (12th) delivered consecutive singles in the second inning to put 'Raker Nation up 3-1.

In the third inning, Matt Knauff led off with a single, made his way over to third base, and was plated by Ben Enos' sacrifice fly for what turned out to be that oh-so-vital fourth run.

The 'Rakers did not score the rest of the way, but they still ensured victory thanks to the use of their much-improved defense. Dave Alcorn, he of the patented bank-handed stops, made several nice plays at third base, and Knauff patrolled center field with expert care. Petersen reminded one and all just what kind of first baseman he is, and Randy Striegel was the right man at the right spot (shortstop).

Once again, the Muckrakers made the magic happen. And it would be just like them to make it happen all over again.

Statistics

2010-05-29T13:17:00.000-07:00

..........................................AB...R...H...RBI.. Ave

Luke Abbott..........................13....3...6....2.... .462
Dave Alcorn..........................19....6...4....5.... .211
Steve Breslin.........................7....1...3....2.... .429
Bob Brindley..........................6....4...5....5.... .833
Rick Browning.......................10....1...0....0.... .000
Chace Bryson........................9....3...3....0.... .333
Ben Enos..............................1....0...0....1.... .000
Aris Garcia...........................7....1...3....2.... .429
Tony Hicks............................7....2...2....1.... .286
Matt Knauff..........................20...6...6....5.... .300
Brian Kroll...........................13....1...6....3.... .462
Mat Petersen.........................3....0...1....0.... .333
Joe Stiglich...........................3....0...1....0.... .333
Randy Striegel......................16....2...8....1.... .500
Dave Taxier..........................13....3...7....3.... .538
Chris Wagnon.......................20....4...7....3.... .350
Mike Yurkis...........................11....1...6....5.... .545
Totals............................178..38....68...38.. .382

Schedule, results

2010-05-29T12:53:00.000-07:00

4/1....Brown Sox 29, Muckrakers (0-1) 12
4/15...Dirtbaggers 16, Muckrakers (0-2) 8
4/22. Here for Beer 14, Muckrakers (0-3) 3
5/6....Hard Knocks 12, Muckrakers (0-4) 2
5/13...Scared Hitless 11, Muckrakers (0-5) 9
5/27...Muckrakers (1-5) 4, Bad News Beers 3
6/3....Field 3....7:20....Muckrakers vs. Warriors
6/17...Field 3....7:20....Muckrakers vs. Brown Sox
6/24...Field 1....9:30....Muckrakers vs. Dirtbaggers
7/1....Field 5....7:05....Here for Beer vs. Muckrakers
7/15...Field 4....8:25....Muckrakers vs. Hard Knocks
7/22...Field 2....6:15....Scared Hitless vs. Muckrakers

All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord

Scared Hitless Clocks Muckrakers

2010-05-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

CONCORD -- Time, sayeth Mick and Keith, is on their side (yes it is).

Well, goodie goodie for you, Glimmer Twins; now run off and re-release another 30-year-old album and leave us the heck alone.

Time most definitely was not on the Muckrakers’ side last Thursday in a spirited 11-9 loss to Scared Hitless on Field 3.

There the Men of Muck were, down by two runs going into the top of the seventh inning, all poised for a massive comeback in a bold bid for their first victory of 2010.

But then sayeth the home-plate ump: “I misheard the scorekeeper; there’s no time left, game over.”

Aw, @%@%&%**^%*!

It was an unsatisfying end to what was probably Yer Rakers’ strongest offering of the season. The offense struck for six runs in the first inning, and got a two-run homer from Matt Knauff in the fourth.

It was by far the ‘Rakers’ best defensive game. Chris Wagnon made a fine running catch in right-center, Knauff nearly threw out a runner at the plate from his center-field spot, and Randy Striegel (shortstop) and Mike Yurkus (second base) made all kinds of nice stops on the infield.

Striegel had an average-boosting 4 for 4 outing. Dave Alcorn had perhaps the bad-luck game of all time, lining the ball hard twice, but each time directly at a Scared Hitless defender, who turned each smash into a double play.

Tony Hicks arrived in the fifth inning, partially delayed because he saved a small creature from certain death on the street. Therefore, the karma of Hicks and his ‘Raker teammates is in fine shape. Now, if they only had a little more time ....

Statistics

2010-05-14T13:20:00.000-07:00

..........................................AB...R...H...RBI.. Ave

Luke Abbott..........................10....2...5....2.... .500
Dave Alcorn..........................16....5...4....5.... .250
Steve Breslin.........................7....1...3....2.... .429
Bob Brindley........................4....4...4....4.... 1.000
Rick Browning.......................10....1...0....0.... .000
Chace Bryson........................6....3...1....0.... .167
Aris Garcia...........................7....1...3....2.... .429
Tony Hicks............................7....2...2....1.... .286
Matt Knauff..........................17...5...5....5.... .294
Brian Kroll...........................11....1...5....2.... .454
Joe Stiglich...........................3....0...1....0.... .333
Randy Striegel......................14....2...8....1.... .571
Dave Taxier..........................11....2...5....2.... .454
Chris Wagnon.......................17....4...7....3.... .411
Mike Yurkis...........................9....1...5....5.... .556
Totals............................149....34....58...34.. .389

Schedule, results

2010-05-14T13:02:00.000-07:00

4/1....Brown Sox 29, Muckrakers (0-1) 12
4/15...Dirtbaggers 16, Muckrakers (0-2) 8
4/22. Here for Beer 14, Muckrakers (0-3) 3
5/6....Hard Knocks 12, Muckrakers (0-4) 2
5/13...Scared Hitless 11, Muckrakers (0-5) 9
5/27...Field 4....6:15....Bad News Beers vs. Muckrakers
6/3....Field 3....7:20....Muckrakers vs. Warriors
6/17...Field 3....7:20....Muckrakers vs. Brown Sox
6/24...Field 1....9:30....Muckrakers vs. Dirtbaggers
7/1....Field 5....7:05....Here for Beer vs. Muckrakers
7/15...Field 4....8:25....Muckrakers vs. Hard Knocks
7/22...Field 2....6:15....Scared Hitless vs. Muckrakers

All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord

Floundering Muckrakers Drop Fourth In a Row

2010-05-08T08:28:00.000-07:00

CONCORD -- Try telling the Muckrakers that change is good. The team mixed up as much as it could but the result was distressingly familiar, this time a 12-2 loss to Hard Knocks on Field 2 on Thursday.

The 'Rakers tried dominating the parking lot before, as well as after the game; they used a random lineup -- although how random is it really when the pitcher always bats leadoff? -- and, at least in one case, donned yoga pants -- YOGA!! YOGA !! YOGA!! -- but none of it helped all that much as Yer 'Rakers remained 0-for-2010.

Hard Knocks even tried to help out, having a player ejected by the power-mad umpires in the second inning.

Try as they might, the Muck-in-ators couldn't banish the offensive malaise that has dogged them all year. They scored 12 runs in their opener and haven't achieved double figures since. They have scored progressively fewer runs in each contest they've played in Summer League.

Some change was good. The Muckrakers welcomed Steve Breslin into the fold, and he delivered a 2 for 3 game in his debut, had the team's lone extra base hit -- a double in the sixth -- and drove in half the team's runs. Given the fact he makes his own beer, this reporter would say Mr. Breslin is pretty much the complete ballplayer.

Ah, yes, back to the yoga pants. Those were sported by Brian Kroll, to fine effect. Whether or not he was visualizing the Lotus Position or not, Kroll went 1 for 2 to maintain his lusty and vibrant .500 batting average.

Also making his season debut was Chace Bryson, the recently un-BANGed outfielder. Bryson stomped on home twice, the only two runs the Rucksters could manage on this night.

Bryson scored his first run in the fourth inning, coming home on Luke Abbott's sharp single to right. In the sixth, with the Muckrakers striving to come back, Abbott ripped a vicious liner to short, which was turned into a double play. And that's the kind of night it was. Long on good intentions, long on effort, long on change, but short on results. Someday, the long-sought proper formula will be found. Count on it.

Statistics

2010-05-08T08:16:00.000-07:00

..........................................AB...R...H...RBI.. Ave
Luke Abbott..........................10....2...5....2.... .500
Dave Alcorn.......................12....4...3....3.... .250
Steve Breslin.......................3....0...2....1.... .500
Rick Browing......................9....1...0....0.... .000
Bob Brindley.......................4....4...4....4.... 1.000
Chace Bryson........................3....2...0....0.... .000
Aris Garcia..........................7....1...3....2.... .429
Tony Hicks............................6....2...2....1.... .333
Matt Knauff..........................14...3...4....3.... .286
Brian Kroll...........................8....1...4....2.... .500
Joe Stiglich.........................3....0...1....0.... .333
Randy Striegel......................10....1...4....0.... .400
Dave Taxier..........................9....2...3....1.... .333
Chris Wagnon.......................14....2...6....3.... .429
Mike Yurkis...........................7....0...4....3.... .571
Totals............................119....25....45...25.. .378