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Saturday |
Portland Rockets |  |
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NEWS
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BallCharts.com/PortlandRockets2010 |
Attendance:
Portland
IN
USA
| Posted Jul 3/17 - rockets go unscathed, take championship in ft. wayne |
6 team field in the ft. wayne firecracker classic , portland rockets defend their crown, win again in 2017 4 games won, 3 runs given up, superb pitching thobe, bollenbacher, short and scott, and we have still habegger, west, delk, geeslin, jacks, waters, ruiz hope to use these guys more starting in wed home game vs. ft. wayne panthers (st. francis) 7pm rockets have won this tournament numerous times, i will have to have help researching, but cant recall all games less than 2 hr. and only 3 runs allowedrockets have won 7 in a row, no coinsidence the timely return of catcher,. and earlham captain Cody Krumlauf, he is the legit piece that makes our club this is very similar to 2009 when jay county standout and later big 12 player of the year for baylor, josh ludy wasnt pleased with play ing time with \the wisconsin woodchucks. he came back to portland and the rockets went on like a 20 game win streak love ya in portland cody rockets mvp zach tanner, again, won it 2-012.2013, 16, 17 wow hit his 7th hr. 6 hits also 6 hits dalton tinsley and 6 hits brandon reaman , he had a homer, triple and single in sun 1st game 5 hits each for krumlauf and delk, 3 rbi delkie rockets 15-7 and play wed home weekend off, next action is july 12 at indiana tech thanks samantha thomas and kristie delaney for comin to the game love ya in portland |
| Posted Jun 28/17 - rocket rally leads portland over ohio warhawks |
they came in a big greyhound bus, they won their national tournament in colorado springs, colorada, leave this weekend for salt lake city they spent $200 on grub at the rocket lunching pad, there were 25 of them and 5 coaches, rockets turn a 6-3 deficit into a resounding 10-6 win.....holy RocketRally, a 5run 7th and 2 more in the 8th , many of the rally hits were with 2 strikes, very clutch bases loaded double tristen becker 3 rbi , key clutch 2 run single cody krumlauf dalton tinsley 3 hits and a home run to lead off the rocket 1st, one hit shy of cycle 2 hits and another double tanner, 2 hits waters, krumlauf and becker very fine pitching thru 5 by garrett scott, 8 ks, 4 hits 3 runs, thobe finishes and gets stronger as game goes4 ks and the win rockets had starting 3rd baseman billy ballgame get plunked right on the elbow, swollen and discolored it is a deep bruise he should be ok to go sat in 4th of july tournament see home page for more details, we may spend the nite sat in new haven at billy and cody apartments, or will see about rooms great to see phil frantz and barb,gary sautbine in the house....thanks you rocket rooters for you contributions mrs. becker won the 50/50 43 bucks and gave sizeable amount back rockets played their most inspired game of the season this ohio warhawks team has had 351 pros drafted, and brandon phillips of the braves played on our field in the 90s the list of mlb players is amazing ,,,,,check out ohio warhawks on facebook 10-6 3 hours 4 min really hard sleeping after that
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| Posted Jun 26/17 - rotary club day at the ballpark, win 2 |
rockets sweep ft. wayne wizards 11-1 9-0 bollenbacher 3 hitter, k 9 in 5 inn. habegger 3 hitter k 12 in 7 rockets go 25-57 at the plate with 19 rockets on hand tanner 6-7 with 3 2b and a triple reamon 4-7 tinsley 3-8 4 runs waters 2-6 geeslin 2-6 affolder 3-5 lindstrand 2=-5 and a homerun becker 3 bb one hit each acosta, ingle, krumlauf record now 10-7 big challenge tues 630 start ohio warhawks from dayton, scott, short and thobe pitchers thanks to robert freemyer for generous donation, mark and chris hearn and all the rotary club for their support, food and more
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| Posted Jun 19/17 - rockets go 2-2 in south bend trip |
yearly business trip to south bend, rockets go 2-0 over mishawaka brewers then 0-2 vs hammond lakers so easily could have been 3-1 even possibly 4-0 very competitive contests vs. potential tournament foes, rockets ride bollenbacker complete game effort in game 1 he fans 11, scatters 5 hits goes the distance, tied in the last inn tinsley clutch double brings home game winner tinsley 2 doubles, rockets had 4 hits , geeslin stole home in the 1st inn game ends with line drive to 3rd waters on the spot snares it and doubles off guy at first, says coach harper ,,,,,,these games vs portland are tournamentesque special thanks to coach seth zartman for gracious use of the lovely bethel college field, such a nice thing and a nice place pilot of the pilots, he is a former rocket playing in portland in the late 80s with the luces, nunley, deckman and all he was a slugger extraordinare, from caston high school, he has his name in record books in basketball as well coach zartman is in his 15th year at bethel, and we say a BIG thanks this arrangement at bethel may be in store next year as well, rockets also say hello to long time south bend friend and senators manager ron milovich sun trip to hammond, 4 hrs away was really a game to appreciate, rockets and hammond lakers met in 2015 regionals, they won then\ they won twice sun, but game one was really in our hands only to slip away, max habegger the 19 yr. old lefty was shutting em down escaped some jams in the 4th 5th, they got 2 in the 6th but max no earned runs given, score tied going into the 7th tanner hits his second 2 run hr and we lead 4-2 reliever andrew shepherd was touched for 3 run on 4 hits, but we sill had the lead with bases loaded one out, now 2 out mitch waters comes in to strike out their #8 hitter but with bases loaded 2 out full count pitch is hit thru the middle for the 2 run walk off ouch x 2 rockets lose chance to go 3-0 on weekend, woulda coulda shoulda rockets drop the last game, fellas were tired but battled, got down 2-0 early behind starter chase ruiz, but chandler jacks came in strikes out the side in the 5th , they get 2 unearned with 2 out in the 6 \ a 2-1 game becomes a 4-1 loss record 8-6 catcher cody krumlauf returns, he from auburn was team captain at earlham, now graduated he will participate in a pro day tryout tues in chicago he played for portland 3 years ago, he lead the team this weekend going 6-12 tinsley had 5 hits, tanner 3 hits all home runs, waters 3 hits, geeslin 3 hits, 2 for becher rockets only hit .223 for the 4 game stint, still outscored competition 19-12 next game: wed 7pm at indiana tech vs northeast kekionga zach short starter next home game is sunday june 25th vs kekionaga 1pm dh in portland, its rotary club day
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| Posted Jun 15/17 - rockets lose 6-5 rain comes in 7th to curtail activities |
Rockets came back, clawing, scratching not to be summit city sluggers win 6-5 in the 7th chandler jacks on the mound it rains, hard, it likes to rain on chandler for some reason, derek thobe, starter from coldwater goes 6 inn, 92 pitches, they touched him for 5 runs in the rocky 1st, but he hung in there 7 strikeouts, 9 hits he showed some real backbone , even batted and reached base love that guy they hit 2 homeruns, we hit 2 homeruns Tinsley and Becher went deep to right and then to left Dustin lewis from Vandalia had 2 hits even sports editor chris schantz was itching to get back behind the plate thanks john welker , won the 50/50 draw and gave it back, a nice contribution to the rocket scoreboard cause lots of rocket rooters on hand, good crowd new player on board, inf Austin O'Campo from decatur, he is slick with the glove, going to manchester college welcome to portland rockets in south bend at bethel college sat. 1pm dh rockets in hammond sat vs hammond lakers 3pm our time dh next home game june 15, rotary club day
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| Posted Jun 12/17 - Rockets win all 4 on weekend |
Rockets sweep dh sat and sun vs summit city sluggers and ft. wayne flippin frogs Sat. action dan bollenbacher goes 5 inn, but close game after 100+ pitches mitch waters makes his 1st appearance of the season, holds for 2 inn in true closer fashion, 6-5 game 2 garrett scott from monticello does the same, 100 pitches and goes 6, ryan schlechty jr. at Jay County h.s. finishes in fact ryan and his brother mike both started and delivered clutch rbi shots, rocket shots tristen becker had 4 hits in the day and celebrated his 21st birthday sunday, happy happy tristen, he was a big part of the wright state lake success story this spring gaining all-american 2nd team honors, he says playing with the core players in portland has really helped his career, love this guy rockets win 2 on sunday vs ft. wayne flippin frogs, 10-7 game 1 welcome rico acosta from miami fla, also a wright state lake guy, 3 hits 3 rbi also new pitcher chase ruiz also a laker picked up the win in game 2, rockets from 2 years ago dayton products brandon reamon and jimmy west return reamon scored 4 runs and west pitched last 2 inn, for the save. billy geeslin won game 1 with help from derek thobe, frogs have some very fine players and we would like them in portland someday 2 hits each by dalton tinsley, zach tanner one off the fence, by tj lindstrand and kyle mckibben tinsley hit a monster blast, 3 run homer over the hedges in right to make it 14-9 special note: we honor the passing of good friend and baseball supporter Dick McGalliard age 74, Dick was at the games sat. love ya in portland Dick special thanks Fred Bailey, he shook my hand after the sat. sweep and in his palm, and nice green bill,,,,,,a sizeable contribution to the rocket cause love ya fella also thanks and great job singing the national anthem larry chittum also special help in the press box nick miller and nasty nate clay rockets now 6-3 host the summit city sluggers at runkle-miller field wed 7 pm thobe the starter go rockets |
| Posted Jun 9/17 - rockets conclude 3 game set with Grand Lake Mariners, they win all 3 |
19-2, not seen anything like it in a while, not in a long while, they rattle bang 16 hits and by 5 inn its 11-2 beautiful nite, full moon, good crowd Persimmon Ridge nite, new roster programs thanks Vicki Tague we muster 5 hits, but by 930 it was quiet and peaceful and we put our field of dreams to bed,,,,we will go again sat. 1pm dh with summit city sluggers max habegger deserved better fate, 4 2/3 inn. struck out 6 walked 3, but just had some misfortune max is d.1 lefty from carmel, he will have many more good outings than bad, i assure you Chandler jacks did respectable job on the hill, they have 3 guys on their team from Louisiana-Monroe, they are from all over and they are Goood
go rockets get em sat, bollenbacher and scott starters |
| Posted Jun 8/17 - ROCKETS LOSE IN CELINA 8-5 |
Rockets drop game 2 of the 3 game set in Celina wed. nite at montgomery field to the grand lake mariners, 8-5 billy geeslin takes the loss despite pitching well 3 inn. he was victimized by a couple missplays and a called 3rd strike that the ump later admitted he errantly called ball four rockets were ahead 1-0 till the 2nd rocket hits by waters and lindstrand plated 1st run billy left score was 4-1 enter jackson hobbs, ft. recovery next to me rooting his indian buddy neal spencer from ft recovery radio jackson had a rough inn. then a great inn rockets rally from down 8-1 to 8-5 home runs by tanner (number 3) and lindstrand and a double by geeslin and kevin sharpe after his hit, was thrown out at the plate,,,,,,,we could have narrowed it even more new rocket zach short pitched an outstanding last 3 inn, 36 pitches no hits no walks no runs and 5 ks gotta like that rockets outhit em 11 to 10 and mitch waters had 3 back in action thrus at runkle-miller field 7 pm,,,,game 3 with the mariners max habegger on the mound,,,, we welcome our friends from down the street, its Persimmon Ridge Nite at the ballpark come out and see us love ya in portland |
| Posted Jun 7/17 - Rockets bested at coldwater, Grand Lake Mariners win 10-0 |
the beautiful scoreboard at Coldwater oh, veterans park said it, we lived it portland 0 runs 0 hits 5 errors grand lake mariners 10 runs 8 hits 1 error rockets 1st road game is a lost cause, rockets were down 4-0 in the 6th , starter derek thobe pitched well, only 2 hits 2 earned runs but things went sour and south at the same time thobe could have gone more, but team pitching needed and floundered our next guys had trouble but rust will turn to polish for garrett scott, and alex delk as pointed out by sports editor chris shantz only 4 of their ten runs were earned, what the he*^^* 2 runs scored on a broken bat ground ball to short not our day, but i had great time reminicing with Coach Lou Brunswick, he the hall of famer has more championships than we can count, he recalled sitting in dugout with ray miller back when ray sat a lot, he had one leg for 9 rocket years, we had rick and phyllis rammel, ryan and his family, way too much guff from old mooner Ralphie Sweiterman, gotta love that guy also former rockets now coaches of the surprising wright state lake branch, chad geier and john bailey jeff koester and more rockets had 1st 2 runners on in 2 inn but no results, loaded the bases in the 7th no results 5 home runs sun and a north wind blowing in, we struggled, 0 hits 8 Ks tonite rockets in celina at montgomery field, 7 pm bp at 545 pitcher slate for 9 inn, geeslin, hobbs and short, possibly nick batt chandler jacks |
| Posted Jun 5/17 - rockets open 59th season with dh victories |
June 5, 2017 Rocket Report
Billy Geeslin hit a 2 run homer in the 4th to break open a close game in the opener, Dalton tinsley smacked 2 triples, while dan bollenbacher pitched 4 shutout inn. Striking out 8 on but one hit. Rockets recipe for winning, the rocket core of veteran players delivering, this core of players over the last 6 yr, record 175-53….pretty darn impressive The core, led by 11 yr. vet Bollenbacher and 8 year player geeslin both winning pitchers Sunday, they pitch with pace and passion, game time 2 hr, game 1, 1 hr 24 game 2 The core, Tinsley 2 triples and a homer, Zach Tanner 2 home runs, one a grand slam into the left field woods, that sound-the crack of the bat from Zach had a moment that froze all in attendance in time, we haven’t found that ball Tanner, 14 hr last year, hit 2 Sunday with a double Mitch waters, rocket captain 2 hits, colin Affolder 2 hits. Rocket rookie kyle mckibben had a fine debut with 2 hits and a home run, Yes rocket shots all over the ballpark , 5 home runs on the day Bandit coach Bruce Fenimore and baseball icon himself, when asked what he told his club, he said, “guys, you have one thing they don’t, Youth” Rockets did have a “youth” answer, lefthander max Habegger from carmel, finished his high school career and came to Portland Sunday, he is 6’7” and 205 lb. his skills have garnered him a division one scholarship to David Lipscombp university,,,,he throws hard..the kinda hard you can hear sizzle from the dugout, he struck out 5 in 3 inn. So we had ace Dan bollenbacher 28 years old, the our youthful 19 year old max knock em out. Max comes to Portland to play for the rockets as did his dad, nate Habegger from berne, was a teammate of mine back then. In fact, we had a tremendous crowd on hand to see Max. Ron and LaDonna Habegger from Berne, a Portland businessman one of our favorite folks, Bob McCabe and Patty in the house, \A host of family and friends on hand, they will no doubt be back next home game Thursday when Max retakes the hill. We must mention of the heroic and heartwarming stories of the day, umpire dave stauffer stepped in and worked both games behind the plate, love ya in Portland dave, and a big thank you, Our best to umpire Joey Stull who had emergency medical day with his son Also tony and sheri Reynolds from Muncie let us face talk all the way out to Petaluma California visiting with old rocket tyler Reynolds, now a baseball /basketball coach just north of san Francisco. New outfield signs on the season, thanks friends at display craft. Fans were milling about the corner of western and blaine, it is grand to see the game in Portland,,,also smiles from dave lyons, john welcher, Charlie and Vicki tague Rockets return to action playing the grand lake mariners 3 nites in a row, Tues 6pm start at coldwater high school, taste of the town nite, and Portland takes the invite..we have some coldwater guys, one of em, Derek thobe our starter Wed at Celina Thur our next home game grand lake mariners come to Portland thurs 7pm max Habegger the starter, lookin forward to that one,,,,must see |
| Posted Jan 25/17 - rockets who have had pro connection |
Many have asked, “Who has played pro ball from the Portland Rockets?” Here is a compilation, and we welcome assistance if we have not mentioned a player. Please contact Randy Miller, email ramiller15@embarqmail.com Player, hometown, pro connection Jerry Shawver Merv Rettenmund Harley Bill Wolfe Keith Shepeard Wabash Mike Dull Berne Doug Boone Jeff Urban Josh Ludy Portland Oakland A’s+ David Brust Kent Maggard Bluffton Mitch Waters Andy Welches Pete Byrum John Pettibone Gary Betts Justin Marrero Shane White Redkey |
| Posted Aug 1/16 - rockets conclude season lose NABF regionals to Cleveland 6-3 in extra innings |
Aug. 1 2016 season concludes in cinci regional Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in But….a walk, a hit and a 3 run homer spoils the complete game shutout and now unbelievably it is 3-3, rocket reliever pitcher mitch waters holds em till the 11th, and the same guy,named Johnson, he played vs. Portland several yrs ago on the ohio fightin titans in the Portland tournament, WBC, hit a walk off 3 run blast, rockets lose 6-3 in extras. Bollenbacher pitched his fanny off, and hopefully not his arm, a record of 156 pitches and dan pitches till they score ----27 outs needed ---he was the master of 26 A performance of perserverance and pure guts, so proud of that guy dan bollenbacher Bill geeslin led the offence, 4 hits and a homer along with some clutch hits from Kevin sharp, tj lindstrand and chris miller gave Portland the 3-0 lead Rockets earned their place on championship Sunday with victories thur and sat. nite. Rockets defeated the Yorkville yaks, 4-2 behind Derek thobes
complete game win, waters hit a 2 run homer.
Rockets lost to Rocket lefthander craig martin pitched well enough to win, but we couldn’t hold a 2-1 lead in the last inn. Geeslin took the loss A win fri 10-1 over the Wow Rockets lose Sunday in extra innings 6-3----by the way, the team we played the lake eerie buckeyes won the championship 9-7 over buffalo,,,,,ours was more really like the championship game Tournament director and umpires were complimentary of our
fine ballclub and we do have much to be
proud of --- Now we wrap up another fine season in We say thanks to all supporters and all contributors We say love ya in Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 25/16 - rockets beat royals twice to conclude regular season |
July 25, 2016 rockets conclude regular season with twin wins over whitco royals Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Rockets defeated the whitco royals, 10-0 and 13-3, both games invoked the mercy rule, that is game over after 5 inn, due to the 10 run rule,\ The whitco royals and the rockets needed some mercy , it was so hot, it was almost as tough to watch as it was to play, Still a very nice crowd, it was fan appreciation day ---brad
miller brought out 4 watermelons for this the last game of the season in It is always a nostalgic day for me when the activitiy ends at the corner of western and blaine, lots of memories made, stories to be told, ; Portland rockets win twice and conclude the regular season with a 25-5 record, one of the best in years in Portland,\ We call them the core players, tinsley, geeslin, tanner, waters, delk, bollenbacher, Marrero, lindstrand these guys have been on board near 6 years, great group of men, record those 6 years 171-50 wow Speak of nostalgic, we had a collection of former rocket players on hand Sunday, they gathered at home plate and were recognized, made my day Ex-pitchers, rob gamble, jim geeslin, john bailey , pete byrum, larry chittum, also mark Flueckiger, mark Hillman, chirs tillery, randy Hisner, it was like a reunion They saw a good ballclub conduct its baseball business, game 1 dan the man bollenbacher 5 inn, no hit baseball 5 ks,,the only hit was a pitch hit a royal in the noggin and knocked him out of commission, the guy is ok but a bit groggy Dan mowed em down, tinsely tanner and Samantha Thomas our orchestra leader from the pressbox, announced 1 hr. 25 min. Game 2 rockets score 6 runs in the 5th win 13-3 Garrett scott 4 inn 3 hits dan ground ball borchers finished up Kevin sharp smacked his 4th homer of the season,
3 hits tinsley, 2 each geeslin, tanner, waters, and Rockets record again, 25-5 and on to the regionals, the
national amateur baseball federation tournament in It begins wed. winner to world series in Last time we went to roselawn park, we brought home the trophy, in 2012 We still have those core guys,…… Games begin thrus nite, Derek thobe game one starter More tournament info later this week, Thanks, maddux Huffman for your hard work yesterday, He has earned his title, a PFBR------- professional foul ball retriever As we close the book on another fine season in We truly have a special thing in Special thanks to our friends at the American legion, good to visit fred bailey yesterday And thanks again Robert freemeyer for your generous donation, Hey, rob gamble won the 50/50 drawing and gave it all back Love ya in We will post more tournament information on the website as we get it Rockets romp in We will represent, we will compete and we will be Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 21/16 - rockets stretch streak to 9, defeat kekionga 13-9 |
July 21, 2016 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in It said 88 on my phone, 92 on my car, and catcher tj lindstrand who caught all 9 inn said he lost 10 lbs. What is hotter than the It made the day for this old guy, Rockets had just taken the lead in the 5th inn when billy ballgame, bill geeslin hit a jack into the net in left cf, a 3 run blast rockets now ahead 5-2, the back to back jack, tanner hits his bomb As yogi said, anything hit that far should have a stewardess on it Kevin sharp also hit a 3 run homer, that guy puts some lift on the ball, a sky shot to left, in the 7th Rockets took a 10-5 lead and held on, starter Andrew bobeck went 2 plus inn before leaving with a blister, Derek thobe from coldwater went 5 inn, 4 ks he was the winning pitcher, alex delk and mitch waters finished up nailing em 1,2,3 in the 9th Tanner went 3 for 4, 2 doubles that one hopped the fence, he is 11-19 in the last 5 games, a .579 batting ave. He also knocked a couple batting practice balls out of the park, I know I pitched batting practice. And that may be the last time, too sweaty for this fella Rockets had 13 hits on the evening, 3 by tanner, 2 each by waters delk and sharp Rockets, again winners of 9 straight conclude the regular
season Sunday. A 1 pm dh vs the whitco royals in It is supposed to be a little nicer weather wise Sunday . no games fri sat, as the field this year for our regional tournament has dropped out. It is fan appreciation day Sunday, so stop out at the corner of western and blaine, bring your lawn chair, pack your cooler and root root root for the rockets, for if they don’t win it’s a shame, been winning 9 straight 23-5 one of the best rocket squads ever, We will be giving out some prizes as we close up shop for
another fine season in Note: happy birthday
today to a rocket success story, mike dull from berne, mike was recruited while
in a rocket uniform to attend university of southern Love ya in Thanks Robert freemeyer for your donation to the rockets =
you too we love ya in Rockets winner winner chicken dinner 13-9 over kekionga When your hot your hot when your not your not Were hot Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 18/16 - rockets take all 4 games on cincy roadtrip |
July 18, 2016 rockets take all 4 on cinci road trip Notes on games sat at Lakota west hs Rockets sweep a good cincy chiefs team 6-0 and 7-3 Garrett scott 3 weeks since last pitched---2 hit shutout 6 ks great tone setter for the 4 game road trip 7-3 win in the nitecap, craig martin 5.1 inn , dan borchers, aka ground ball borchers finishes hr. tj lindstrand and zach tanner 14 rockets on hand, a team gathering for supper at buffalo wild wings, Sunday rockets to aurora in, south Nice group of rockets fans on hand , thanks scott bollenbacher and denny Affolder for you assisting the rocket train, Dan bollenbacher wins game 1, going the distance, allows 1 earned run, 7-3 win Zach tanner hits 3 homers Sunday, 4 hr on weekend Tanner 12 HR on season ----rocket record tommy pearce from Rocket record 22-5 Tanner 8-15 on weekend, waters 5-12, tinsley 5-13 jagen millspaugh 5-9 kevin sharp 4-10 affolder 5-12 Lindstrand 3-10 with a homer and a triple Chris miller 2-5 Billy geeslin 1st start of season , win game 2 15-3 , 80 pitches 4 inn Andrew bobeck finishes Happy birthday marilyn maloy Rockets play wed at Rockets are assigned to the nabf |
| Posted Jul 12/16 - rockets win again, 12-2 over jackers |
July 12, 2016 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in For when the one great scorer comes to mark against your name, he asks not if you won or lost but
did you beat ft. Rockets take 4 out of 5 vs the jackers winning the last 3 in a row outscoring their rival 32-8 This game was 2 -2 in the 7th , rockets had ties in the 5th on Kevin sharps 2nd homer of the season into the net in left With a few starters unavailable, we knew this could be a tough game in the jackers back yard, but we had an answer, it is dan bollenbacher’s turn on the mound. Dan walked 4 batters early before settling in/ they scored 2
runs in the1st and that’s all for it. Dan the 10 year rocket veteran was the
answer, 7 inn, 8 ks 6 hits 126 pitches. Dan is the rocket ace and that’s what they do, pick the club up and deliver in the clutch. Interesting to note, the rockets former ace matt ousley pitched in the contest for the jackers Matt ousley was that rocket ace for 12 years, both guys from berne, both guys rocket all time favorites Rockets broke open a 2-2 tie with 6 runs in the 7th sharp, tristen becker and tinsley with rbi hits Becker from st marys oh, had 4 hits, 3 each by billy geeslin and sharp, 2 for tinsley, But the big guy in the middle of the field, bollenbacher was the workhorse , the answer Dan borchers pitched the last inn and rockets win moves record to 18-5 Wow, play of the day, last inn and little duck snort of a fly ball just in back of 3rd base, to see ss billy geeslin in chase, what an athletic play, sprinting , laying out prone to the ground and gobbling that ball up for the out, wow Atta boy billy ballgame, Rockets game wed at No game wed Rockets will be in action sat in Vs. a good Wow nothing like a little midnite snack after a long nite in
ft Happy birthday today
heath Williams, love ya in Rockets beat ft. Roll on rocket train Like peace on a river Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 11/16 - rockets 14 jackers 3 |
July 11, 2016 rockets win 14-3 over jackers Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Winning 14-3 over the ft. A triple and 4 doubles,, more than enough for craig martin to knock down the fortsters in 7 inn, craig went 6 inn 101 pitches walked 6 but gave up only 4 hits, Alex delk finished the 7th. Rockets/jackers games are rivalry games, and
They are always games you circle on the schedule, but It sure is grand to have a trimmed/mancured baseball diamond, well mowed, lined, symmetry and public address announcer Samantha Thomas and baseball music, concessions at the lunching pad, 5050 drawing winner paul minnich Restrooms with sinks and jujst a great ballpark
atmosphere,,we care in Top 4 batters had 9 hits and when they are on, we are on,
tinsley, geeslin, tanner and waters. in
fact, for the second game in a row both Tanner with 9 leads the club, In this game tinsley and tj lindstrand had 3 hits, and as chris schantz aptly noted, this club has some offensive prowess,,,,, That we shall see, rockets had the weekend off, now play the jackers again tonite, 715 at Carrington field, you know in their backyard it will be game on. Rocket record now 17-5 and now on the road for 2 weeks
rockets in ft Take on the Yorkville yaks, for more info check out our website ballcharts. Com/portlandrockets Fri nite it was great to have coach mark Flueckiger in the rocket dugout, flick a rocket himself on the championship clubs of the 80’s and 90’s coaches at Huntington university, and we have several of those guys on board Thanks for your help flickster, Great to see curt Compton and big game Miller on hand, of course always great to see chris Compton at the game\ Also at the game, my uncle ron miller, made the drive from Also sited and hear around the park, my sister mickey---she
loves it when we play ft. Happy birthday yesterday Margaret Henderson, now a resident on rainbow lake, and a birthday greeting tomorrow to heath Williams, of Williams auto parts Rocket train rollin, and it is fun to see as we start to build up steam come tournament time, Tonite dan bollenbacher on the mound in ft Rockets winners fri nite 14-3, now 17-5 on the season Big game in ft. r-o-c-k-e-t-s rockets rockets are the best randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 7/16 - crossroads nite, rockets win 8-4 |
July 7. 2016 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Tim would step in that money machine and might think it a pay phone, or heavens, a portapot, The crowd was still settling in when like a shot in the
woods, you here the crack of the bat, shot—resounding hit by mitch waters,
shot-double by tj lindstrand, shot-double by tristen becher. Then in the 3rd
inn. Boom, home run by Tanner as you may know from Rockets cruise to a 8-4 win every starter but one had a hit, 3 hits becker and 2 each waters and lindstrand, Dan borchers from Atta boy dan, or as I call him ground ball borchers, we like ground balls, they play well on our field, we gobble em up and turn em into outs, Special thanks on this special nite to our guys at the parks
department, particular we single out teddy Runkle-miller field never looked better, makes us all The sights the sounds man, I know my dad ray miller would
have been Samantha Thomas was like running an orchestra—she rocks The 50/50 drawing was a record, winner ron muhlenkamp from coldwater, he and wife on hand, just to watch the rockets, their sons riley and randall were good rockets several years ago, and thanks for your generous contribution to the team. I get a bit sentimental when I scan the view and see former rockets/teammates of mine on hand. It is gives me a warm fuzzy to see rockets come back Hearn, chittum, takats, sautbine, jones, gray, Hendee, love ya in Like also to special mention asst coach doug tinsley, he is a true baseball man, and a true rocket 6 years in, he breathes it and gets it, always enjoy dougie fresh at the ballpark Just curious if anyone will call him dougie fresh, sounds like a breakfast thing Crossroads nite is a rockets nite at the ballpark, thanks guys, and a rocket win 8-4 Check out that facebook picture by Christy wenning, caption future rockets mitch waters on deck talking to 6 little leaguers leaning up against the backstop,,,,,priceless Rocket record now 16-5 One more regular season game in Friday nite lites at runkle-miller field, 715 fri, the We really need to give these guys something to remember, Pack up the lawn chair, the cooler, snacks lets have supper at the park Come on Cause ya know, you cant beat fun for a good time Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 5/16 - rockets champs of ft. wayne tournament |
July 5 2016 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in To win the ft Saturday mitch waters made his 1st start of the
season, rockets win 11-6 over Rockets played an unprecedented 3 games sun, not a big fan of that plan, rockets cruised 10-2 behind dan bollenbacher, over the ft. wayne jackers, then craig martin knocked out south bend cardinals, 9-0 craig martin, a one hitter, Sunday nite the jackers now have to beat But now it is championship One text message and we have Derek thobe rhp from coldwater just returned from vacation ready to go, we say a special thanks to our buddy from coldwater mike moorman, a great rocket in his day, scouted by the ny Yankees and now owner of mcsobers home of good time, mike talked this lad into being a rocket and we are grateful. In fact we have had rocket posts from all over acknowledging this clubs accomplishment, I spend too much time on facebook, As I stepped into the rocket dugout at dusty Carrington field, billy geeslin spoke of the good karma in store for this july 4th, it is connie geeslin;/s birthday, billys grandma Love ya in After denny Affolder suggested the pledge of allegiance would be appropriate , nice touch, Rockets with 17 players in attendance did a happy dance after zach tanners massive 3 run bomb, home run onto the golf course Derek thobe with the 3 run cushion takes care of his baseball business, 6 inn 5 hit, alex delk closes out the last inn, rocket insurance runs on the double by Kevin sharp, the only player to have a hit in all 5 tournament games, then a speedy triple by dj manning the old running back from st. francis fine football program, come see this kid, a 4.2 40 , faster than a speeding bullet, congrats zach tanner tournament mvp 11 hits 5 doubles and 3 hr. 8 hits geeslin, 7 sharp, 6 tinsley and affolder Rockets won this tournament in 2012 as coach doug tinsley pointed out, and it served as a springboard to a world series berth, karma perhaps????? Rockets return home to the biggest nite of the season, Wednesday nite is crossroads credit union nite, lots of zany energy, shenanigans and prizes, free stuff mind u And I want a shot at that money machine, quick hands I picked up from playing ping pong with bob elson and dave golden. Crossroads nite wed, the ft. That crossroads gang has spirit and they are something from somewhere,\ Happy birthday this day special mention to bob freemyer from ft. recovery my mentor The square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the square of the other 2 legs Rockets win the trophy and we are the champions, record 15-5 Home games wed, and fri Love ya in Randymiller pg 14 |
| Posted Jun 30/16 - rockets lose 14-13 |
June 30,2016 rockets lose to kekionga 14-3 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland.and happy last day of June 30, 2016 portland rockets played wood bat baseball in ft wayne last evening at Indiana tech, 9 excruciating innings, losing to kekionga 14-13. But it went to the very last out, rockets rally –a clutch single by chandler ingle—I like that rhyme, with 2 out in the 9th plated one run but brett funk just could not make it home safely before the strong outfield throw gunned him down trying to score the tying run,,,funk a high school senior from adams central well, I guess you could say he had
larcency in his heart, but his feet were honest, good try young man, we love ya in This was a game you would have had to see to believe but I doubt that you would really want to , true the rockets hit 4 home runs, 2 by Dalton tinsley , one each by jagen millspaugh and zach tanner, had 18 hits---3 each by tinsley, tanner and millspaugh, 2 by waters and colin Affolder, and club rallied down 14-5 in the 6th to make it a one run game. But really dude?! Rockets pitchers walked 12 batters, 12 walks, and rocket fielders had 7 errors and many more misplays, certainly a frustrating evening, we even tossed out one of our own players so the umpire wouldn’t have to,,,,lets continue the rocket rally into july, Rockets open the Carrington
july 4th tournament sat. 11 am vs. the Then the rockets will either play sat. nite should we get beat, or Sunday at 11 am if we win. More will be forthcoming as tournament unfolds, check www.ballcharts.com/portlandrockets for details rockets won this 5 team
tournament, south bend, 2 years ago. Rockets lose despite dropping home run bombs on Anthony ave. 4 home runs in a game, been a while probably since the luce boys, deckman, moorman and company Rocket record now 11-4 Heres some coaching advice, catch the ball, throw the ball and to our pitchers, if you get it in , we’ll get em out Maybe these young guys should pay attention,,,,,ya think!! Next home game crossroads nite july 6th\ Now lets turn the page and win
ft Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jun 27/16 - rockets take 2 out of 3 in south bend |
June 27, 2016 rockets take 2 of 3 in south bend Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in The Rockets split Saturday with the Then the thunder, then the lightning, then rain deluxe 19 rocket players and a host of fans, games were competitive and in the balance to the end. Game one rockets led 3-1 till the bottom of the 6th when the brewers got to dan bollenbacher and amazingly scored 3 runs –beat us 4-3 Game 2 zach tanner hits a 2 run homer, 2 doubles Rockets win sun garret scott borchers and waters on the mound, 2 hits by tanner, alex delk and colin Affolder, rbi double Kevin sharpe, They loaded the bases in the 7th on borchers, mitch came in for the save, atta boy Rocket fans dave post and john bailey now an asst coach for grand lake were on hand, As we were draining water sun morning working with cardinal
players, their second baseman shared his recollection of playing in We sure do appreciate our field at home, a great baseball
venue, we say thanks Happy birthday this weekend to rockets geoff bowers and
Thomas mccowan, and off course, on Saturday to orie poole, the Johnny cash of
jay county Man it rained like a cow doing something, Thunder thunder thunderation Were the rocket delegation When we fight with determination We create a sensation. Rockets win rockets roll Randy miller |
| Posted Jun 20/16 - rockets over bandits dh sweep |
June 20, 2016 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Must say I even won one of the duck races and always a great visit with yakow and neal spencer, . Rockets nailed down game 2 12-1 in 5 inn. Dan bollenbacher another strong outing 4 inn 8 ks. 83 pitches 5 hits on the day for Kevin sharpe a homer and a double, geoff bowers from Rockets welcomed aboard new catcher ben breymier from indy.
Ben plays ball in mobile Guess what year I
graduated from Whe are geat, we are cool were the envoy of the school Were the class that’s really true were the class of ‘72 Rockets win 2 over the bandits making it a 7 game winning streak. Rocket record 9-2 Next action wednite at Rockets also will be on the road sat, sun in south bend Winners of 2 sat. rockets roll Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jun 9/16 - rockets win 5th straight 9-4 over panthers |
June 9, 2016 rockets over ft. Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Beautiful nite with another fine crowd on hand, the local faithful saw rhp dan bollenbacher pitch no hit, well perfect game baseball for 4 inn, second outing in a row In the 5th the st. francis group got 3 runners on but dan struck out the last guy making it 12 ks in 5 inn. Rocket fireworks once more in the 4th, leadoff man Dalton tinsley clubbed a rocket shot into the hedges in right, his second in as many games, that lazer left the yard on a line in a hurray, 2 run dinger Dalton. Atta boy Rockets also had 2 hits and 3 rbi from Kevin sharpe from indy also had 2 rbi.\ Important to note, the rockets had 20 players in attendance, 19 played, this group is beginning to develop into a nice ballclub. Derek thobe from coldwater and dan borchers finished up mound duties in all the rocket pitchers struck out 20 batters, thobe had 6 and gave up 6 hits. The rockets would like again to publicly thank the And every outing someone compliments our new staircase,
Samantha Thomas skywalk to the press box, thanks ted Thanks nick and Helen miller for your generous donation to help buy more baseballs, we appreciate it The Rockets will have the weekend off and resume action next
wed. nite at Garret scott the starter, then home next sat. june 18th
vs the Did I mention we have hoodies on sale for $25? For more rocket info check www.ballcharts.com/portlandrockets 2010 Happy birthday this week to our friend Love ya in 9-4 winner last nite, got a good thing goin in We wont win em all, but we’ll win the next one. Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jun 6/16 - rockets take 4 of 5 this weekend |
June 6, 2016 rockets win 4 out of 5 on weekend Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Friday grand lake came to town on golf cart nite. They got their revenge, This made possible only thru the efforts of franklin
electric and our Rockets came back with avengence sat and sun. winners of 4
straight and now the rocket train rolls.
As pointed out by chris chantz, 42 runs scored on the weekend and the
offense is staring to click. Rockets sweep ft. Sunday and the rockets knocked out the twin city bankers, 12-5 and 7-3 Thanks denny Affolder for feeding the team between games. Josh Gibson shared Friday that last time he saw billy geeslin, he was the size of josh’s kid the crazy days past when josh and tony minch minded the rocket lunching pad and billy was a kid Ben smith a rocket player a few years ago from maria stein was in the house. Ben is now in the us airforce a crew chief on the combat search and rescue team. Their job if a craft is downed, go rescue the planes pilot and crew. Ben just back from turkey, when asked what he likes about his job, Going up on the mountain and watching us bomb the bleep out of them, pounding them every nite, he was quite graphic, Wow, Rockets set off some bombs this weekend , win 4 of 5 and now record is 6-2 This unique group of men, becoming a team is a great thing
to see. They will rest up for action in Come see us at the corner of western and |
| Posted Jun 2/16 - rockets defeat grand lake mariners 2-1 |
June 2,2016 Rockets defeat Mariners 2-1 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Especially you PJ , hope your shoulder is better. Maybe it was yogi berra, the great soothsayer, who said of turf, “if cows cant eat off it, I don’t want to play on it” this observer notes rockets liked it 0 errors and many a stellar defensive play to save the day. Get off the bus gus, rocket scored 2 in the first, and that held up for all nine inn. Rockets had 5 hits, zach tanner, alex delk, Kevin sharpe, and tristen becher also had hits. The mariners had 6 hits but the story line here Rocket pitching …winner Derek thobe of coldwater was dealing, 4 inn. 1 run on 2 hits, then 4 rocket relievers finished it out, dan borchers from Versailles, billy geeslin big time punch outs with traffic on the basepaths, alex delk, then mitch waters in the ninth and rockets win , rockets win. Recall last year Portland beat Celina twice in one run games, now this victory to be shortlived, the rivalry continues, Celina grand lake mariners are coming to Portland Friday nite, 705 start at runkle-miller field, Rocket rally Lets call it golf cart nite, bring your golf cart and get a drink and a popcorn free Of course you have to stay and root root root for the home team. Great to see fun baseball people in coldwater, I will post a picture of Ralph Schweiterman in his old coldwater moon uniform, yes Ralph is kennys brother, and he ws quick to point out, we ate wings at mcsobers in record fashion. Special thanks to Mariner coach chris o”neil and gm
barb for their hospitality, lets make it
a nite to remember fri in Big dan bollenbacher gets the ball, and we like the challenge, Great to see our Kristie Delaney in Celina, and a host of
fans including ty stauffer making his first rocket game. Golf cart nite Rockets win 2-1 in Celina, rivalry continues Friday Bring a cowbell Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted May 30/16 - rockets split opener to start 2016 |
Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in The won game one 15-8 then dropped the nitecap 15-4 in a
rain shortenend game. In front on an impressive crowd the 3 hits each by Marrero, geeslin and by new outfielder Kevin sharpe from indy sach tanner had a double triple and 5 rbi, he played for the frontier grays last year, he is one of ours now Welcomed to the ballpark the new staircase to the pressbox, and our first visitor upstairs, our own first rocket to win a ballgame, larry chittum\ Love ya in Assistant coach of sorts tim devoss was also aboard cheering on the boys, And thanks fred bailey for your generous donation. Game 2 went 5 innings and our 4 pitchers just could not put out the fire, bandits 15-rockets 4 On this memorial day weekend we are grateful and thankful, and Saturday we had a chance to meet the grandson of my friend who has passed Gerald kunce. He was on the other team but we shared some good memories. Good luck to the Jay County Patriots and ft. recovery
Indians and Rockets will be in Celina Wednesday nite a 705pm start at The field is just past mcdonalds on grand lake road. We beat em twice last year. It wont be easy. Derek thobe our new pitcher from coldwater will be the starter Rockets will return home for games fri sat and sun. Man oh man, there is nothing like the sound of the bat barreling the ball and watching a triple, the most exciting play in baseball, we had 4 of em. Rockets split to start the season, and it is only going to get better Randy miller pg `14 |
| Posted Aug 3/15 - rockets end season 20-8 go 1-2 in regional |
Aug. 3 2015 nabf regional results from Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Rockets have earned berths to regionals since 1985, I was on
that team with the dull boys, neunschwander, maggard, flick, duback, selveck,
duback, Selvey, bultemeirer, overmeyer.
We went to I drove over 800 miles this week. Wow Rockets just could not complete their mission, unlike a week ago when they won the world baseball congress championship. Every rocket had a flaw in his game at one point or another, every one. Coach included. Not championship caliber, not sugar coating it should have know after a bird dropping soiled our new scorebook. Rockets lost thurs to Game 2 facing elimination and the defending champion and
host club, the Mitch waters goes 5 1/3 inn 4 hits 1 run and 3 ks, bill geeslin big relief appearance, Justin Marrero hits a key triple off the top of the 380 sign and scores the insurance run. Rockets one more chance on aug first, but it is not to be This one belongs to the Rockets strand 9 runners, well it would have been 10 but one was picked off 1st inn from second base to quell that threat. Rockets lose 6-4 to end season. Record 20-8 In the tournament Dalton tinsley offensive leader 6 for 11` 3 hits each for geeslin, alex delk, Marrero, Brandon reaman, Team went 23 for 79 a quite respectable .291ave. We did not play the Thanks to all supporters and fans and staff Strange year, but the core players have all said they are returning to do baseball business next year. Until then this is the old third base coach rounding third and headin for home, Love ya in Pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 27/15 - rockets win border wars tournament |
July 27, 2015 rockets are the champions my friends Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Rockets defeated Rockets scored without the benefit of a basehit. My sister mickey was giving the business as their relief pitchers were warming up, she said she was a factor in their wildness. Key in this game and certainly fun to watch, 3 baserunners were gunned down at the plate by rockets outfielders, 2 by Dalton tinsley, 1 by collin Affolder Alex delk pitched 1 inn to get the win, effective in 3 inn;
jimmy west , starter Teams from Game 2 Sat. nite rockets needed to win and did, 7-1 tyler Reynolds
a complete game winner scattering 4 hits, Dalton tinsley capped off the 3 run 6th
with a blast into the hedges in right field, I literally heard the crack of the
bat, a gasp from our sizeable crowd and then silence awaiting fair or foul. Rockets win the tournament 2015 and nice pictures of our men with trophy, banner and medallions. Not so nice Reynolds and waters pouring the ice bucket over an unsuspecting coach miller. How sweet it is. Rockets record 19-6
play in the national regional this weekend in Never done that before, Thanks to all for your support in Many great reviews from our guests throughout the midwest Last time the rockets won this wbc tournament, they went to the world series in 2012, look out for the rocket train Rockets are the champs my friends / Love ya in Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 23/15 - ROCKETS CONCLUDE REGULAR SEASON DEFEAT FT WAYNE PANTHERS 5-4 |
July 23, 2015 rockets
5 ft. Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Delk 2 hits, Affolder 2 hits and billy geeslin 2 hits. Jagen millspaugh had an rbi single as Rocket starter Delks 3 run homer
down the line in left put Rockets finish the regular season with a 16-5 mark. Note it was billy geeslin birthday .25 years old, our gal Kristie Delaney even had a birthday cake, billy has been around us for a long time, even when he was 8 years old, singing take me out to the ballgame, and he had some good karma going last nite, 2 hits and some clutch pitching, he came in and with bases loaded fanned 2 batters of the 3 he faced. And the crowd loved it,,,wow we have a golf cart display at the park and I love it. Special thanks to denny Affolder for his hard work on our
foul lines . also to our team of workers
in Perfection is attained by slow degrees; it requires the hand of time. Quote by Voltaire Tournament time and Runkle-Miller field will host the world baseball congress tournament starting Friday nite. The rockets will play the ft This is the 7th year for our border wars
tournament, we have Indiana Michigan and Quite a competitive field, Rockets will start dan bollenbacher vs. the jackers fri nite. They are our rival and it will be a big game atmosphere, strangely we played them 11 times last season, not played them once this year. Rockets will also play Saturday two games. As all teams will play each other in round robin fashion, winners will play the championship on Sunday at noon. Portland rockets thank all of our fans for a fine season and
we truly have a special thing going in Portland, thanks to my good friend and mentor Robert
freemeyer for his contribution, and to also dave lyons. Love ya in Now load up the cooler, stick in an extra for the old coach at third base and when Samantha Thomas rocks out the house and says are their any rocket fans out there, lets here ya.. Rockets win wed and are hungry for tournament here in Remember ya cant beat fun for a good time Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 17/15 - CROSSROADS NITE, ROCKETS DOWNED BY SLUGGERS 10-08 |
July 17, 2015 summit
city sluggers 10- Good morning baseball
fans, it’s a beautiful day in It was kinda hot, especially in the 7th inn. Score tied 3-3, starter mitch waters needed
one more out to make it through the inn. And we couldn’t find it,. Mitch with 2
out 2 on was tagged for 3 runs, and reliever Waters goes 6 plus inn, 122 pitches 5 earned runs struck out 9. It was a great crowd on hand, it was Crossroads financial credit union nite, and man the golf carts were everywhere,. Now that crossroads team is pretty spunky, games and prizes, and kids doing there thing, It gives me that warm feeling to see so many people out sharing and you cant beat fun at the ole ballpark, tony Reynolds on hand almost like a dj spicing it up with good music; Becky white orchestrated the gaming, her redkey softball
team she coaches were state champs at one time, her son shane a fine rocket
pitcher some years ago. The bob Rockets did make it interesting a 3 run home run by alex delk closed the gap, his second in 2 nites, a 2 run single by tom mccowan made it 10-8 and we had the tying run on second but not to be as the rockets stranded 13 runners on their second nite in a row of 13 hits. 3 glaring errors too contributed. Delk , waters gesslin, mccowan and One of the highlights the crossroads gang singing take me out to the ballpark, and dusty pierson 10 year old willie mays baseball throwing out the first pitch. Just seeing all the folks even from out of town, my friend neal spencer, my old teammate mark and chris hearrn, and how about that rendition of the national anthem, Chelsea taylor, a bollenbacher, made chills run up and down, A great nite for baseball at the corner, I guess the sluggers did not get the memo, we are to win on crossroads nite, janet bantz said emphatically we will do it again next year. Rockets return home sat 1 pm dh vs ft Game tonite at Carrington field, tyler Reynolds the starter Rockets record now 15-5 Like the old coach ray miller said, we wont win em all, but well win the next one Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 16/15 - ROCKETS 8 TWIN CITY BANKERS 6 |
July 16,, 2015 rockets 8 twin city bankers 6 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Get off the bus gus, A 4 -0 lead in the 4th , usually enough for starter dan bollenbacher, the big fella goes 6 inn. 88 pitches strikes out 9 scatters 5 hits, 1 earned run. Key blow in the game, with Special thanks to cr sports editor chris Schanz for making the trip to upland, he noted we left 14 runners on base. Again, get em on, get em over, and dag nabbit silly rabbit, get em in! Rockets record now moves to 15-4. Pretty cool to have in our dugout coach mark Flueckiger of
Huntington university . even cooler
having 5 year old son calvin circling the bases in his black and gold rocket
attire. Love ya in And as the sun shineth, we have a game tonite, yes at the
corner of western and The biggest date of the season. Member appreciation nite at the ballpark thanks to crossroad financial credit union. 7 pm start . our guests the summit city sluggers. Many prizes and shenagins and smiles. I want to step into that money machine, 30 sec to grab as many $ as you can. We are glad to be on the crossroads team. 7 pm start at runkle-miller field , mitch waters the starter Great to see Crossroads nite, a crowd favorite, tonite 7 pm Love ya in Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 13/15 - portland takes 2 out of 3 from dayton |
July 13, 2015 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in The rockets were in action over the weekend, after 16 days
off the boys of summer played in Back in the 80’s. howell field down in a hole, was the site of the first ever NFL game, The Mitch waters scattered 6 hits thru 8 inn 86 pitches, gave up 1 earned run but the rockets were denied any runs, left 13 men on base, including loaded bases in the first 2 inn. Even in the last inning men on 2nd and 3rd, a long ball by jagen millspaugh almost tied the game in the 9th but it went foul. Rocket train on track Saturday, get off the bus gus, Dalton tinsley and Brandon reaman, our 1st 2 hitters, and our top 2 hitters on the weekend, get em on, get em over and get em in. That’s how we mananged a 6-2 and 7-1 dh sweep over those
wolverines on sat. with those 2 on our
offense creates havoc for the opposition.
Alex delk then doubles to the track and the train was rolling. Reaman had 7 hits in the 3 games, tinsley had
6,. They were teammates this spring at We like success stories, Andy welches used to do that for Rockets outscored the One of the highlights of my weekend was seeing so many
rocket fans in I was a bit touched I must say. Must share a happy birthday cheer to our old captain heath
Williams from Please also note the passing of my good friend this weekend,
Rockets win 2 out of 3 in Sunday rained out, we play ft. At Rain rain go away rockets have a game today, Randymiller pg 14 |
| Posted Jun 25/15 - rockets win in extras 7-6 |
June 25, 2015 rockets 7-6 over n.e. kekionga\ 11 innings Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Now I say triumph, A comeback you might say, and he struck out 2 in the 10th and 2 in the 11th to get the win and his own save, and that is why after the game we hugged and we cried. We love ya in Get off the bus Gus, rockets score in the early frames
cruise to a 5-1 lead after Starting pitcher Branock 74 pitches 0 walks, West 51 1 walk, billy ballgame 23 pitches0 walks 4 ks I was on a cloud all the way home. Just an hour earlier my guts hurt, then my eyes hurt. I know what it was, I wore my dads socks for good luck, 11 inn. 2 hrs 43 min, rockets win 7-6 The losing pitcher alex delk. Alex is a rocket but he
attends In attendance ryan shell from gas city wearing his rocket shirt Rocket record 12-3 Rockets return to Then Sunday at Carrington vs expos again, 3pm. Waters and bollenbacher on sat. A memorable night at the ball park, rockets win 7-6 in extras Love ya in Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jun 22/15 - rockets take 3 out of 4 in south bend |
June 22, 2012 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Saturday it was thunder and lightning, mitch waters and dan bollenbacher success
stories on the mound, rockets over the And it was great to have Justin Marrero from How about that. Home run in the game, Success story, bench clearing in the second game after a mouthy fan actually came onto the field, it seems he had some issues, and they could very well have been medical issues if chris miller and coach doug tinsley had got to him, after some heated exchanges, order restored and big dan bollenbacher went out a pitched a shut down and shut up inn. Rockets beat the brewers twice. Sunday happy fathers day, and we had several rocket pops on hand; The matchup The success story here, Jimmy west closes the 7th on 6 pitches. Tj lindstrand and colin Affolder each with 2 hits. Every starter but one had a hit. Rockets can sweep south bend if they can handle the cards in the last game. And we should have.\ South bend rallies twice, come back after down 4-0 . they tie the score off starter craig martin of marion,we had solid relief from Austin branock, then down by one in the last inn, score 2 off jimmy west to win in walkoff fashion 7-6. our boys were tired, but they were warriors to the end, we out hit em 13-7 but our pitchers walked 9 batters, We preach : if you get em in, we will get em out. Ouch. 22 rockets and family all at applebys on sat. nite, Rocket take 3 out of 4 in south bend, and boy we were tired. Record moves to 11-3 This week Portland will play northeast kekionga wed at Indiana tech, then home sat for 2 vs the expos, then 2 in ft wayne Sunday. Happy birthday this weekend to 2 of my good chums, Wish coach seth zartman well , the bethel baseball coach a former rocket had a heart attack this weekend, Great to see also ron milovich, senators and Indians coach back in the day, and also Jason best 48 years old and still playing the game he loves Rocket success story 3 of 4 in south bend, Love ya in Randy miller pg 1\4 |
| Posted Jun 17/15 - rockets lose to twin city bankers 6-4 |
June 17, 2015 twin city bankers 6 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Just not the brand of baseball we are accustomed to . they play nine inn, and we played pretty well
for 8, twin city bankers 6 Get off the bus gus, opening inn. Rockets score single by dalton tinsely, and double by jegan millspaugh up 1-0 Starter jimmy west from Dayton, a big strong righthander walked 2 hit one and this in just the first inn, throw the ball catch the ball, we didn’t accomplish this fundamental and a dropped ball at first base allowed 2 runs, 5 in the inn. After a debacle of a 1st inn, a 5-1 bankers lead This big hole dug after a 30 min inn. Was just too big and
bankers win 6 4, they own 2 wins over The boys were not overmatched, just could not get the big hit, we stranded 9 base runners, out hit the opposition 9 to 4, but they always made the big defensive play when needed; In fact, West settled in and pitched 4 inn, took the los 3 hits walked 3 and hit 3 batters, On a bright note, autin branock pitched 3 shutout inn, 0 walks, 0 hits, Craig martin finished up and looked strong, Branock and his bethel college teammate colin Affolder
return from their mission trip to the 2 hours 39 min for this titanic struggle, and we fired the pitching coach, one inning our undoing, as the not so wise manager told em, “if you get em in, we will get them out” Did not get it done Good rocket following in upland I hoped they made it to ivanhoes.\ Rockets still a good baseball team, lose 6-4, Kinda like I heard soothsayer chris hearn say, like a one legged man, in a round house looking for a place….;. never mind Rocket road trip…… always a fun time ….south bend for 4 games sat, sun at kennedy park\ Sat. dh Starters waters, bollenbacher, Reynolds and martin. Rockets now 8-2 For more rocket information check our website www.ballcharts.com/portland rockets like mgr. ray miller used to say after a tough one, we wont win em all, but we will win the next one randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jun 15/15 - rockets sweep mari |
| Posted Jun 15/15 - rockets sweep marlins record now 8-1 |
June 15,2105 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Dh complete sweep in 3 hours and 58 min. wow Game won dan bollenbacher goes all 5 inn. 65 pitches, 8 Ks 2 hit shutout 2 walks, Rockets score 3 runs in the first inning and score every inning banging out 13 hits, 14-0 winner winner chicken dinner, lees famous recipe in Portland worked out a deal back in the 90s free chicken dinner to a rocket who hit a home run, ncaa put a stop to that, Cant be giving freebies to college kids baloney, I remember joe luce had like 17 dinners Brandon reamon hit a rocket home run into the breezy air Sunday, his shot and a big 3 run double by kyle Selvey paved the way for the game 2 win 6-2 over the marlins. Reamon and billy geeslin of coldwater oh, each had 4 hits on
the day, ryan penley of Rockets were tied in game 2 in the 5th inn. And
bases loaded , big righthander jimmy
west from Coach doug tinsley, was point on . he said, Gold star award to jimmy striking out 3 in a row in a stressful situation. Tyler Reynolds and craig martin also worked on the mound. Rockets record now 8-1 and were half way through june, I thought we would probably be rained out, but the field held up well, and the hard ball action at the corner of western and blaine, and the smell of the grill and the smile on that young mans face Brandon reamon as he rounded third after his home run, I told him as I often do after a 4 bagger, love ya in A big rocket salute to the Huffman family for their help at the ballpark, I asked Maddox how many foul balls did you get, he said 5 or 10. Gotta love that. Rockets on the road this week, tues we play at Mitch waters will start tues, Rockets then will be in south bend sat and Sunday for a 4 game stint.\ Love ya in Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jun 12/15 - rockets 6 summit city sluggers 4 |
June 12, 2015 rockets k6 summit city sluggers 4 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Rocket train rolls, record now 6-1. Mitch waters was tagged with 2 runs in the 3rd, but mitch held firm, 6 inn. 8 Ks 2 walks, 2 hits. 93 pitches, Since we had rainouts 3 game chances in a row, big dan bollenbacher made a rare relief appearance, unscathed, conner milligan gave up 2 runs in the 9th before tyler Reynolds came on to close the deal. Rockets scored one in the 4th, took the lead in
the 5th.. key hits rbi single by Thomas mccowan , 2 run single kyle Selvey,
billy geeslin 3 hits and an rbi, 2 hits and a double by Rockets also flashed some leather, in fact the last out of the game, a ground ball in the hole between short and third, ss alex delk backhanded and showed off his arm, throwing across the diamond, nipping the dude atg first. Rockets started slow, their pitcher was a good one, nic
mccoy going to central It was hot, umpire dave stauffer of berne had his light blue shirt and you could see the home plate ump was soaked. 2 hr. 14 min in this titanic struggle, and as was mentioned, these boys of summer worked their baseball business. A very substantial crowd on hand, bring those golf carts and come see us this Sunday 1pm. Brad miller suggested you come to the park and let us grill for you and have a picnic at the park. John welker had his rocket shirt on .. 6 wins and but one loss, stay humble in victory, be silent
in defeat, these guys from Dunkirk, redkey, marion, kokomo, Noblesville, berne,
Muncie, Dayton, are know the game, they are there cause they want to be and
they work it. These are our ambassodors
for Rockets will not play ft Good for him. We just bought 10 dozen new baseballs for $550 now lets cut the field around the diamond Its eating our baseballs, Rockets roll win 6-4 over summit city, Thanks parks department, we continue to improve our field of dreams, I always enjoy talking to howard, the mowing man, See ya Sunday, coolers and golf carts and a picnic at the park, Cant beat that Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jun 8/15 - rockets over kekionga 11-1 and 9-2 |
June 8, 2015 Sunday game 3 of the grand Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in When the one great scorer comes to mark against your name,
he asks not it you won or lost but did you beat ft. All quite enough for a very effective manager of the game,
our trusty lefthander Game ended before righthander jimmy west could get his turnl It was a great breezy day at the corner for baseball and it was persimmon ridge day, several made the bus trip out to ballgame, sang take me out to the ballgame, Happy 85th birthday this week, Weldon hamma, And thanks Jamie walker and staff for making this day possible. Thanks also to fred bailey for his contribution and his resolve to work on our American legion. I had baked steak there, good stuff. After a watermelon break, thanks coach tim devoss and spiritual leader, oh my Rockets went to work in game 2 scoring 3 runs off the bat for starter garrett scott, And never looked back winning 9-2. garrett is a smooth easy gas righthand
flamethrower from Garett walks 0, ks 3 in 4 inn. Jimmy west from Reamon 2 more hits, that’s 5 on the day, 2 hits with a
moonshot double for alex delk, 2 hits kyle Selvey, double and rbi Justin segers from 20 runs on the day, enjoyed by our friends at the ballpark, gary sautbine, stories about those sautbine boys-fighters, jeff bowen, dick mcgalliard, Great to hear the sounds of the crack of the bat, and the chatter and of course, our public address guys ---samantha Thomas and tony Reynolds, topnotch,,,,,,our pa guy for 8 years dan haines from Geneva also stopped by. Rockes roll 11-1 and 9-2 yabadabado rocket train now 5-1 and the only thing stopping us now-------rain Rained out at management decision in Celina Sunday, key game 3 not to be Maybe a bit gunshy, but it did rain. No game Sunday, Rockets dan bollenbacher will , oh yeah we drove to grand
lake, but didn’t play, he will pitch tues 7 pm at Carrington field vs the ft Rockets back home thurs nite vs. summit city sluggers. Rockets have won 5 games lost one, rained out 7 Oh well, digest this the mighty oak. was once a nut that stood his ground. Rocket notes: our thoughts are with mariners PA man and good friend Wulfy, Mark Wulfhorst who is fine, but totaled his car Saturday. Congratulations for the 2015 ft. recovery Indians for their finals run. Greg mcclurg, scott Collins, steve reinhard, mike bruns, jerry voegel, mike meinerding, doug miller, I would like to think of more from the land of purple, Nba finals too much one on one, need more deft passing Rockets getting paid frontier league, Josh ludy with river city rascals .231 ba Zach tanner with frontier greys .263 ba |
| Posted Jun 4/15 - rockets take round 2 over celina 10-9 |
June 4, 2015 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in A lovely full moon evening in Round 2 in the blockbuster goes to This one was a nailbiter, down to the very last pitch. Celina rallied from a 10-3 deficit and trailed 10-9 with bases loaded 2 out, 3 2 pitch fouled off of course, always Then Connor Milligan closer from Kokomo dealt once more , popped up high in the infield, tough chance, tom mccowan corrals it, rockets win rockets win, and we can breathe once more, I already had a text this morning from coach doug tinsley, sleep deprivation, I fell victim as well. A banner crowd at the corner, it was junior league clinic night and those guys didn’t come just for a practice, they all 38 , yes 38 of them had their uniforms ball bags and were there to show their stuff as future rockets, a couple nearly dehorned me. You talk about a circus, long toss, fungoes, bunting and hitting and sharing the batting cage with Celina. The kids worked up a sweat, treated to instruction and free drinks from the rockets,,, shauna runkle thinks we could do something similar also for the softballers, and I have some ideas how to make this better. This would have made ray miller smile ear to ear, Thanks heavens, no one got drilled or dehorned, and thanks for everyone and their patience. Then we had round 2
in the prize fight, 0 0 in the 4th waters singles, lindstrand walks,
then chris miller singles, a sac fly by alex delk, then a beautiful squeeze but
by kyle Selvey , we are up 2-0 they get three off mitch in the 5th then we come
back with 7 in the 5th. Key blow a bases clearing triple to the
fence , You know what I like better than baseball, true grit baseball players, mitch waters pitched 6 inn no walks, 5 hits, and banged out 3 of his own, dh I don’t think so Chris miller from marion, team controller as catcher 2 hits, alex delk Muncie, 2 hits and an rbi , has to be in every lineup, kyle Selvey gutsy squeeze play big at bat rbi in the fateful 5th Billy geeslin is billy ballgame This team is picking up steam. Tyler Reynolds solid 1 inning with 2 hr 22 min and it had many ebbs and tides.\ Again, one of the best crowds in a while saw The crew was there, takats, hearn, wells, Vickie and Charlie tague won the 50/50 and gave it back, Thanks also to franz and coldren, attorneys for their donation to the rocket baseball club. Thanks to Samantha Thomas her voice resonates all through
southwest Say hey andre, andre duke in the house, and Welcome chance fuller, baseball from class of 2012, now covering sports for the CR Rockets win 10-9, take a round 2 win over Celina, are now 3-1 on the season Play in Reynolds and garret scott from Then Sunday 5 pm ring the bell, round 3, rockets go to Celina, with big dan on the bump Ready aim fire Randy miller pg 14
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| Posted Jun 3/15 - rockets win 8-3 over grand lake |
Good morning baseball fans,
it’s a beautiful day in Gave up 2 home runs to the mariners 1st baseman Bollinger . Rockets trailed 2-0 in the 6th, but put together rocket rallies with 2 tallies in the 6th , 3 in the 7th and 3 more in the 8th. Catcher TJ Lindstrand from Noblesville had 2 hits including a key double and drove in 5 runs on the day. Brandon Reamon of Dayton had 3 hits and scored 2 runs, Dalton Tinsley of Kokomo scored 2 runs with 1 hit, Alex Delk of Muncie had 2 hits and 2 rbi, rockets outhit the home team 9-6, in fact all 9 hits came from the top 5 players in the lineup, and still Mariner pitchers, and they threw several struck out 15 batters. This must be improved upon. But the rockets came back and won the contest, 2hr. 20 min. I saw johny Cueto threw 93 pitches last nite for the reds, we will take dan and his 109. We knew going into the game we were pitching short, felt like barney fife with his one bullet, but are one shot was a big cannon in dan bollenbacher. Kyle Selvey pitched a gutsy 9th to close the deal and his batterymate was lucas Hendee Like old time, they were pitcher catcher last year for jay county high school.
Celina coach Sam Slavic was point on, he said, “you played a clean game.” No errors and many a
stellar play in the field. Key in the game, OF Ryan Penley from Keep in mind, this is
exhibition and we aren’t supposed to win , and coach lea Selvey in attendance
said afterward, they have guys from panama and texas and we have guys from
Many rocket rooters on hand, the scott bollenbacher family, the selveys, and noticeably having a good time, our friends from the pit stop, love ya gary miller, Kathy miller, bill miller, hey we almost had enough millers to make a 6 pack. Hey we love success stories how about those frt. Recovery Indians.
Rockets win 8-3 , record
moves to 2-1. and tonite a rematch, grand lake mariners come to Mitch waters on the mound. Also a mini- clinic at 6 pm put on by our boys for the junior baseball league before the game, thanks brian ison for working with us on this project. Back in action at the
corner of western and Lets go
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| Posted May 25/15 - ROCKETS OPEN 55TH SEASON IN PORTLAND WITH DH SPLIT VS. TWIN CITY BANKERS |
| ROCKET NOTES ON SUNDAY OPENER GAME 1:Rockets win 5-3 in opener. Winning pitcher Mitch Waters, with clutch relief help from Conner Milligan and Austin Branock. Both recorded key Ks with bases loaded to preserve the win. also mound duty from Tyler Reynolds. breeze in the trees but not needed for long ball homers by Justin Marrero and Colin Affolder. Both HR in the second inning in front of one of the biggest opening day crowds ever. Rockets tallied 2 more in the 4th on a rbi double to the fence by Alex Delk plating Marrero, then Jagen Millspaugh drove in Delk with a ground out. TJ Lindstrand was hbp with bases loaded to bring in the final run in the 5th. rockets had but 5 hits but rocket pitching limited the Taylor club to 4. Waters in his 10th season as a Rocket, went 4 inn. with 4 Ks 1 walk and 1 hit 53 pitches Reynolds gave up 2 runs in 2/3 inn. with 2 hits 1 walk and 2 hbp Milligan 1 inn. 3 w and a big K Branock 1inn.1 hit 2 Ks rockets also had hits by Bill Geeslin and Tom McCowan Game 2: Rockets jump to a 3-0 lead in 1st inn. but Bankers get 3 unearned in the 4th on 2 bad hop chances in the infield and a bloop that dropped in short right field Dan Bollenbacher was throwing fast balls that could be literally heard in the dugout, he struck out 5 walked one 3 hits and was the tough luck loser on this game that was one we could have won Justin Miller went 2 inn. 2Ks 2 w 3 hits 1 run Carson Cruea from lafayette pitched the last frame 1 unearned run 1 hit1 K rockets only had 4 hits, Dalton Tinsley a double, Brandon Reamon from dayton a double, singles Affolder and Kyle Selvey. rockets struck out 15 times in the dh guess we will acclimate to the wood bat 24 rockets in uniform makes for some interesting pieces we start a serious stretch next sat. 1pm home vs ft. wayne jackers 2 games sunday in lima vs lima locos tues in celina then wed home vs celina then the following weekend more in store kudos to our public address gal, Samantha Thomas is tops and the place was buzzing 50'50 winner from ft. wayne split the $94 pot thanks for helping Brad Miller grill the hamburgers Vicki Tague, while Charlie just ate them! JC Wells tells Mitch he didnt know he was coming out to watch an old timers game. Rockets manager player and great supporter Larry Chittum on hand, Jim Runkle, Isaac Hosier, Julia and Jerry Schwomyer, Scott Bollenbacher, Nate Clay, Sesame Street Mayor Dave Johnson, and of course Kristie Delaney in the lunching pad, Jack Ronald and wife and Ami Huffman familiy, braden and crosby from the jay county jayhawks and many more in attendance rockets accept check from supporters Racster Jacks and Associates thanks much see ya saturday at runkle-miller field 1pm dh noted special thanks to portland administration; Mayor Randy Geeseman, and Ryan Myers for our work on field also Mitch Waters for mowing the infield see ya saturday at runkle-miller field for 1pm DH vs jackers
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| Posted Aug 11/14 - rockets finish season with 27-16 season |
August 11, 2014 Nabf regional tournament Ft. Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in The rockets made it to the final 4 of the 8 team field but
came up short, eventual winner, the ft. wayne jackers beat the berea blue sox,
7-6. jackers advance to world series in Rockets faced elimination fri morning but responded with a
resounding 11-1 win. Justin miller went 6.2 inn with a 3 hitter, 7 ks. Travis gray, just back from southern Rockets had 2 hits in game one from Rockets lose 7-1 in the 9 inning late game, 2 hits by geoff bowers. Matt helm took the loss, Atta boy travis with his mom and dad on hand. Kurt gray coach at norwell hs. We know that In 1994 I promised mom, betty miller we would not let that happen again. It happened again this weekend, to the champion jackers, we kept it straight up. We are proud of the dedication in such a long season of nearly all our players. Just one of our important players did not show up to play, disappointedly. We play more games than most Special thoughts go out to one of the nicest ballplayer ever to play against us Joe mccomb from Rockets have lots of thank yous to pass along. To our parks dept. and administration, to our
sponsors and helpers, to Love ya in I love the thrills and spills at the ball park. Happy birthdays to Kelly knapshafer, phil miller and keith pensinger this weekend. Rocket stats will be posted for the season in the new news items slot later this week. Remember our rocket rally golf outing September 28th
at 1000 am at the Another fine season in Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Aug 11/14 - rockets finish season with 27-16 season |
August 11, 2014 Nabf regional tournament Ft. Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in The rockets made it to the final 4 of the 8 team field but
came up short, eventual winner, the ft. wayne jackers beat the berea blue sox,
7-6. jackers advance to world series in Rockets faced elimination fri morning but responded with a
resounding 11-1 win. Justin miller went 6.2 inn with a 3 hitter, 7 ks. Travis gray, just back from southern Rockets had 2 hits in game one from Rockets lose 7-1 in the 9 inning late game, 2 hits by geoff bowers. Matt helm took the loss, Atta boy travis with his mom and dad on hand. Kurt gray coach at norwell hs. We know that In 1994 I promised mom, betty miller we would not let that happen again. It happened again this weekend, to the champion jackers, we kept it straight up. We are proud of the dedication in such a long season of nearly all our players. Just one of our important players did not show up to play, disappointedly. We play more games than most Special thoughts go out to one of the nicest ballplayer ever to play against us Joe mccomb from Rockets have lots of thank yous to pass along. To our parks dept. and administration, to our
sponsors and helpers, to Love ya in I love the thrills and spills at the ball park. Happy birthdays to Kelly knapshafer, phil miller and keith pensinger this weekend. Rocket stats will be posted for the season in the new news items slot later this week. Remember our rocket rally golf outing September 28th
at 1000 am at the Another fine season in Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Aug 8/14 - rockets lose in opening rounds of ft wayne regional |
August 8, 2014 nabf regional ft Good morning baseball fans. It’s a beautiful day in Our draw –the ft Then the jackers hitter hakes hit his 2nd home run and the jackers win going away 13-3 On this work day being a thurs. big dan bollenbacker who
took the jackers into 9 inn. Last weekend in the Great drama great suspense and well played, but not able to
string together a single rocket rally. Alex delk homered in the last inn. To
account for the only run. Rockets had 6
hits, 2 by Bollenbacker went the distance, 96 pitches and after giving up 3 runs in 3inn, retired the last 15 of 16 clout hitters. Dan walked one, struck out 2 and gave up 8 hits. Dan bollenbacher answered the call, wants the ball, and gives his all You may sometimes question the heart of some of our boys of summer, but never dan bollenbacher. The Rockets are on the brink of elimination. After 2 loses and 2 jackers wins, the portlands play today at Carrington at 2 pm vs. the south bend Yankees. Justin miller our starting pitcher. It is great news that travis gray , our
closer from earlier in the year who was called to pitch for the southern Rockets need to win and have some help when matt ousley and the jackers have to club the clout. If we score in bunches we could possibly be in the 8 oclock game . Rockets drop 2 in tournament. But play at 2 today. Rocket record now 26-15 Happy birthday today
to rockets coaches mark Flueckiger, now coach at Hear our cheer Olivia Rockets rockets are the best r-o=-c-k-e-t-s randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Aug 8/14 - rockets lose in opening rounds of ft wayne regional |
August 8, 2014 nabf regional ft Good morning baseball fans. It’s a beautiful day in Our draw –the ft Then the jackers hitter hakes hit his 2nd home run and the jackers win going away 13-3 On this work day being a thurs. big dan bollenbacker who
took the jackers into 9 inn. Last weekend in the Great drama great suspense and well played, but not able to
string together a single rocket rally. Alex delk homered in the last inn. To
account for the only run. Rockets had 6
hits, 2 by Bollenbacker went the distance, 96 pitches and after giving up 3 runs in 3inn, retired the last 15 of 16 clout hitters. Dan walked one, struck out 2 and gave up 8 hits. Dan bollenbacher answered the call, wants the ball, and gives his all You may sometimes question the heart of some of our boys of summer, but never dan bollenbacher. The Rockets are on the brink of elimination. After 2 loses and 2 jackers wins, the portlands play today at Carrington at 2 pm vs. the south bend Yankees. Justin miller our starting pitcher. It is great news that travis gray , our
closer from earlier in the year who was called to pitch for the southern Rockets need to win and have some help when matt ousley and the jackers have to club the clout. If we score in bunches we could possibly be in the 8 oclock game . Rockets drop 2 in tournament. But play at 2 today. Rocket record now 26-15 Happy birthday today
to rockets coaches mark Flueckiger, now coach at Hear our cheer Olivia Rockets rockets are the best r-o=-c-k-e-t-s randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Aug 4/14 - ROCKETS GO 1-2 IN WBC ADVANCE TO REGIONAL |
Aug 4. 2014 world baseball congress results Ft. The jackers defeated the summit city sluggers 5-1 Sunday to take the title. The The rockets played their guts out and were running on fumes at the end. The boys of summer played 3 games and they were exciting. 3 games and all went extra innings. Never have eaten tums before . bet I do today. The field was the most competitive it ever has been. Tournament director kurt rammel from ft.recovery put it together, and it was a classic. Ft Our best team was our workers , angi, brad krisite susan our public address announcer Samantha Thomas drew rave reviews from a great crowd each day. Really, people went out of their way, to say how grand the sounds and sights were at the ballpark and I agree. It really was a buzzin at the corner of western and blaine, and I loved it when Samantha Thomas revved em up. She would yell, yes yell at them, are there any slugger fans out there, any jacker fans out there, and when she yelled for rocket fans, they cheered and it was noteworthy, goose bump noteworthy. Atta girl sam. Rockets even had a special visit from the maloys who made the weekend As did baseball fans chuck and Kathy etlzler. A visit with
tim devoss, david lyons, and chris hearn will always brighten your spirits. From
ft. Rockets fought tooth and nail all weekend, mitch waters and
connor milligan got it done fri nite. Rockets win in 8 inn 4-2 . late in the game heroics by 3 hits by billy geeslin, the last one a bunt single that was botched rockets win Saturday 4 games at runkle-miller field, and they went long. None longer than rocket games with the jackers and the sluggers. Game 2 dan bollenbacher went all 9 inn, 146 pitches 9 Ks 0 walks, gotta like that, 3 hits by tj lindstrand but the jackers got 3 runs on dumpy hits over a drawn in infield 3 times. Rockets lose in 9 inn 3 2, then lose the nightcap to the sluggers 3-2 in 8 inn. Yes the boys got a little feisty, mitch waters ejected on a strike 3 call. Bad call I might add. In fact umpire assigner eric harmon made a call to his crew to make sure things tightened up. Tempers flared a couple of times as benches emptied. A jacker runner tried to take out catcher Justin Marrero, he lost. And was tossed. Rockets mounted a last inn. Rocket rally to come back and
tie the game. Bases loaded 0 out, In the night cap, rockets had just 4 hits and waste a fine pitching performance by tyler Reynolds he goes 6 inn giving up just 2 runs, Justin miller goes 2 inn and does not give up a hit, but one walk and an error and rockets go down 3-2 Season record now 26-13 Now rockets go to nabf regionals in ft 8 team field in Other bracket is Winner goes to world series at Can we win this regional??? We are in the pool of death, and we will take em one game at a time Now an answer, a resounding YES!!!! |
| Posted Aug 4/14 - ROCKETS GO 1-2 IN WBC ADVANCE TO REGIONAL |
Aug 4. 2014 world baseball congress results Ft. The jackers defeated the summit city sluggers 5-1 Sunday to take the title. The The rockets played their guts out and were running on fumes at the end. The boys of summer played 3 games and they were exciting. 3 games and all went extra innings. Never have eaten tums before . bet I do today. The field was the most competitive it ever has been. Tournament director kurt rammel from ft.recovery put it together, and it was a classic. Ft Our best team was our workers , angi, brad krisite susan our public address announcer Samantha Thomas drew rave reviews from a great crowd each day. Really, people went out of their way, to say how grand the sounds and sights were at the ballpark and I agree. It really was a buzzin at the corner of western and blaine, and I loved it when Samantha Thomas revved em up. She would yell, yes yell at them, are there any slugger fans out there, any jacker fans out there, and when she yelled for rocket fans, they cheered and it was noteworthy, goose bump noteworthy. Atta girl sam. Rockets even had a special visit from the maloys who made the weekend As did baseball fans chuck and Kathy etlzler. A visit with
tim devoss, david lyons, and chris hearn will always brighten your spirits. From
ft. Rockets fought tooth and nail all weekend, mitch waters and
connor milligan got it done fri nite. Rockets win in 8 inn 4-2 . late in the game heroics by 3 hits by billy geeslin, the last one a bunt single that was botched rockets win Saturday 4 games at runkle-miller field, and they went long. None longer than rocket games with the jackers and the sluggers. Game 2 dan bollenbacher went all 9 inn, 146 pitches 9 Ks 0 walks, gotta like that, 3 hits by tj lindstrand but the jackers got 3 runs on dumpy hits over a drawn in infield 3 times. Rockets lose in 9 inn 3 2, then lose the nightcap to the sluggers 3-2 in 8 inn. Yes the boys got a little feisty, mitch waters ejected on a strike 3 call. Bad call I might add. In fact umpire assigner eric harmon made a call to his crew to make sure things tightened up. Tempers flared a couple of times as benches emptied. A jacker runner tried to take out catcher Justin Marrero, he lost. And was tossed. Rockets mounted a last inn. Rocket rally to come back and
tie the game. Bases loaded 0 out, In the night cap, rockets had just 4 hits and waste a fine pitching performance by tyler Reynolds he goes 6 inn giving up just 2 runs, Justin miller goes 2 inn and does not give up a hit, but one walk and an error and rockets go down 3-2 Season record now 26-13 Now rockets go to nabf regionals in ft 8 team field in Other bracket is Winner goes to world series at Can we win this regional??? We are in the pool of death, and we will take em one game at a time Now an answer, a resounding YES!!!! |
| Posted Jul 28/14 - rockets win one lose one in cinci road trip, finish regular season 25-11 |
July 28, 2014 rockets split in Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Dan is 6’5 250 lb and he is country strong all day long. He can bust ya with 90 + heater or he can carve you up with a lock em up slider. Steady and a grinder and he is that guy that wants the ball. This is his 7th year as a rocket. Today is his birthday. Happy birthday to dan and also to our favorite rocket guy, don maloy. Each rocket starter had at least one hit, Game 2 and Rockets led 2-1 in the 6th on a Justin Marrero
scoring geoff bowers from 1st.
Marrero at third saw the pitcher take his time in the windup, Rockets pick off a runner at 1st get the runner
at 3 rd, throw the ball to the backstop and the merrygo round gave me a headache.
Rockets win streak done at 10. but we get to play Sunday in This the club beat 2 years ago to win the regional and
advance to the world series in And then it rained. We had 18 rockets in our dugout and played one inn. Our man mitch on the mound. But the rain came again after one inn. Game called. During the delay, we visited with Don Groundhog Johnson. Mr.
Johnson gave me his negro league baseball card. He is 88 years old and at all
the games. He played in the negro
leagues with the Chicago American giants, the phialdelphia stars the Tune in for his interview aug 21 before Don’t look now but this is the last week of july. Rockets finish regular season with a 25-11 mark. This weekend is a highlight of our season, the world
baseball congress tournament will begin fri. at runkle-miller field. At present
Special thanks to all those who drove down Sunday for the chiefs game. Many made the drive to cinci just to get rained out and drive back Rockets finish season 25-11 One special note I personally would like to share. Road trips are a great time to share as a team. We usually find a steak house and sit together for a good meal. So many times I can recall ray miller pulling out a $100
bill and taking care of the boys. Later
mom would slip me a hundred and tell me to feed the boys. $100 wont do it
anymore, but Saturday nite we ate at the maverick grillplace. As we finished up, I noticed coach tinsley
and myself did not receive our check. It was picked up by bollenbacher and Wbc info will be coming in today, check www.leaguelineup/worldbaseballcongress for more updates. |
| Posted Jul 25/14 - rockets beat marlins, 14-3 take league title |
July 25, 2014 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Open a close 5-1 lead and the Rocket lefthander Justin miller who attends Wesley hibbard finished up on the mound. The rockets lead just 3-1 in the 7th but broke
through with 2 in the 7th, 2 in the 8th, and 9in the 9th
. Here is one for the books, catcher cody crumlauf from auburn got plunked 4 times. Hit by the pitch 4 times, take off the bulls eye cody, Krumlauf will miss sat. action in Lawrenceburg as he will be
at a ceremony to receive a Surveying the field last nite we noticed the rockets had 4 players on the field who are fresh out of high school. usually players in this league require some seasoning in the college ranks, but an atta boy to these guys, collin affolder from berne, josh selvey and Wesley hibbard from jay county, and kyle witwer who is a soph at bellmont. Rocket road trip to Sat Portland will play the Yorkville yaks at south Sun Portland will play the cinci chiefs at Lakota west high school. Tonite we will attend the community center event with the dunkin diesels.\ Next week Teams from Chicago, Pretty cool, Rocket road trip to Rockets win league title with 14-3 win over marlins, Win streak continues When your hot you’er hot, when your not, you’re not –jerry reed Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 25/14 - rockets beat marlins, 14-3 take league title |
July 25, 2014 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Open a close 5-1 lead and the Rocket lefthander Justin miller who attends Wesley hibbard finished up on the mound. The rockets lead just 3-1 in the 7th but broke
through with 2 in the 7th, 2 in the 8th, and 9in the 9th
. Here is one for the books, catcher cody crumlauf from auburn got plunked 4 times. Hit by the pitch 4 times, take off the bulls eye cody, Krumlauf will miss sat. action in Lawrenceburg as he will be
at a ceremony to receive a Surveying the field last nite we noticed the rockets had 4 players on the field who are fresh out of high school. usually players in this league require some seasoning in the college ranks, but an atta boy to these guys, collin affolder from berne, josh selvey and Wesley hibbard from jay county, and kyle witwer who is a soph at bellmont. Rocket road trip to Sat Portland will play the Yorkville yaks at south Sun Portland will play the cinci chiefs at Lakota west high school. Tonite we will attend the community center event with the dunkin diesels.\ Next week Teams from Chicago, Pretty cool, Rocket road trip to Rockets win league title with 14-3 win over marlins, Win streak continues When your hot you’er hot, when your not, you’re not –jerry reed Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 21/14 - rockets take all 4 games, comeback style in 3 |
July 21, 2014 rockets complete weekend sweep Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Saturday vs northeast kekionga rockets behind the complete
game effort by The Special thanks for the weekend at the ball park with Samantha
Thomas. She was in the publicity dept
for the ft Good baseball and good karma Sunday. My uncle ron miller made the trip down from Veteran righthander mitch waters surrendered one run in the 9th but rockets came back and won anyway, walk off alex delk come from behind win again Waters went the distance , 5 hits and 95 pitches 0 walks. Justin Marrero returns to the lineup and scores the tying run, on waters single, bowers scores on delks single. Game 2 rockets have but 1 hit going into the last inn,. Trailing 4-0 and here comes that rockettrain, scratching, clawing digging, with 2 outs Dalton tinsley singles in billy geeslin, who had doubled with the bases loaded to set the stage,,,man, I thought billy had won the game w a granny but tinsley walk off closed the deal. Tinsley had 10 hits this weekend, bowers 7 waters 5 Good karma, a little luck,\ I say just good players making plays, Rockets record now 23-10. We say good bye to good friend Gerald kunce who graded the original park Happy birthday dick huffmman Certainly news worthy , rockets win x 4, and 3 are walk offs. I will never forget this weekend for as long as I live |
| Posted Jul 21/14 - rockets take all 4 games, comeback style in 3 |
July 21, 2014 rockets complete weekend sweep Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Saturday vs northeast kekionga rockets behind the complete
game effort by The Special thanks for the weekend at the ball park with Samantha
Thomas. She was in the publicity dept
for the ft Good baseball and good karma Sunday. My uncle ron miller made the trip down from Veteran righthander mitch waters surrendered one run in the 9th but rockets came back and won anyway, walk off alex delk come from behind win again Waters went the distance , 5 hits and 95 pitches 0 walks. Justin Marrero returns to the lineup and scores the tying run, on waters single, bowers scores on delks single. Game 2 rockets have but 1 hit going into the last inn,. Trailing 4-0 and here comes that rockettrain, scratching, clawing digging, with 2 outs Dalton tinsley singles in billy geeslin, who had doubled with the bases loaded to set the stage,,,man, I thought billy had won the game w a granny but tinsley walk off closed the deal. Tinsley had 10 hits this weekend, bowers 7 waters 5 Good karma, a little luck,\ I say just good players making plays, Rockets record now 23-10. We say good bye to good friend Gerald kunce who graded the original park Happy birthday dick huffmman Certainly news worthy , rockets win x 4, and 3 are walk offs. I will never forget this weekend for as long as I live |
| Posted Jul 21/14 - rockets take all 4 games, comeback style in 3 |
July 21, 2014 rockets complete weekend sweep Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Saturday vs northeast kekionga rockets behind the complete
game effort by The Special thanks for the weekend at the ball park with Samantha
Thomas. She was in the publicity dept
for the ft Good baseball and good karma Sunday. My uncle ron miller made the trip down from Veteran righthander mitch waters surrendered one run in the 9th but rockets came back and won anyway, walk off alex delk come from behind win again Waters went the distance , 5 hits and 95 pitches 0 walks. Justin Marrero returns to the lineup and scores the tying run, on waters single, bowers scores on delks single. Game 2 rockets have but 1 hit going into the last inn,. Trailing 4-0 and here comes that rockettrain, scratching, clawing digging, with 2 outs Dalton tinsley singles in billy geeslin, who had doubled with the bases loaded to set the stage,,,man, I thought billy had won the game w a granny but tinsley walk off closed the deal. Tinsley had 10 hits this weekend, bowers 7 waters 5 Good karma, a little luck,\ I say just good players making plays, Rockets record now 23-10. We say good bye to good friend Gerald kunce who graded the original park Happy birthday dick huffmman Certainly news worthy , rockets win x 4, and 3 are walk offs. I will never forget this weekend for as long as I live |
| Posted Jul 18/14 - ROCKET RALLY UNDOES JACKERS 3-2 |
July 18, 2014 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Continue their winning ways, defeating the ft. This very well could have been the shortest rocket report ever, we came, dan pitched good, we lost \1-0 but wait??? ROCKET RALLY Trailing into the final inn. 1-0 with just one hit, mitch waters walked on a 3 2 pitch, and was sacrificied to second by tj lindstrand, after a walk to alex delk, collin affolder grounded into a potential game ending double play, but his hustle play beat the low throw to first, as the first baseman smothered the low throw and dropped to the ground, magic mitch chugged around third base and just kept on going, scoring to tie the game. Granted the call at first base was close, but that collin affolder was in this game because he gives his all. Coach doug tinsley noted this as a big hustle play. But the rocket rally continues! Thomas mccowan smacks a ground rule double over the fence, atta boy tom, They change pitchers and bring in old righthander matt ousley, we talked about him as a former rocket in our last report, With the score tied, catcher cody krumlauf topps it off with a 2 run liner to right giving big dan bollenbacher a 3-1 lead. Atta boy catcher cody What a rocket rally indeed! Big dan bollenbacher was like a shark smelling blood in the water He closes out the complete game win with 105 pitches giving up 1 earned run on 5 hits with 4 Ks Rockets had 4 hits, 2 by Thomas mccowan, one by Wow, we snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Rockets record improves to 19-10 Jackers fall to 21- 8.
interesting to note, Game time 1 hr 50 min.
so I got home in time to watch movie bull I quote walt Whitman, “ I see great things in baseball, its our game, the American game. It will repair our losses and be a blessing to us.” Rockets will be home this weekend with doubleheaders sat, sun at runkle-miller field. Both start at 1 pm. Saturday Sunday mitch waters and Johnny bullpen. That means everybody,,,could be Rocket rally We came, dan pitched good and snatched victory. And it feels great Randy miller Pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 18/14 - ROCKET RALLY UNDOES JACKERS 3-2 |
July 18, 2014 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Continue their winning ways, defeating the ft. This very well could have been the shortest rocket report ever, we came, dan pitched good, we lost \1-0 but wait??? ROCKET RALLY Trailing into the final inn. 1-0 with just one hit, mitch waters walked on a 3 2 pitch, and was sacrificied to second by tj lindstrand, after a walk to alex delk, collin affolder grounded into a potential game ending double play, but his hustle play beat the low throw to first, as the first baseman smothered the low throw and dropped to the ground, magic mitch chugged around third base and just kept on going, scoring to tie the game. Granted the call at first base was close, but that collin affolder was in this game because he gives his all. Coach doug tinsley noted this as a big hustle play. But the rocket rally continues! Thomas mccowan smacks a ground rule double over the fence, atta boy tom, They change pitchers and bring in old righthander matt ousley, we talked about him as a former rocket in our last report, With the score tied, catcher cody krumlauf topps it off with a 2 run liner to right giving big dan bollenbacher a 3-1 lead. Atta boy catcher cody What a rocket rally indeed! Big dan bollenbacher was like a shark smelling blood in the water He closes out the complete game win with 105 pitches giving up 1 earned run on 5 hits with 4 Ks Rockets had 4 hits, 2 by Thomas mccowan, one by Wow, we snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Rockets record improves to 19-10 Jackers fall to 21- 8.
interesting to note, Game time 1 hr 50 min.
so I got home in time to watch movie bull I quote walt Whitman, “ I see great things in baseball, its our game, the American game. It will repair our losses and be a blessing to us.” Rockets will be home this weekend with doubleheaders sat, sun at runkle-miller field. Both start at 1 pm. Saturday Sunday mitch waters and Johnny bullpen. That means everybody,,,could be Rocket rally We came, dan pitched good and snatched victory. And it feels great Randy miller Pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 16/14 - rockets win on crossroads nite 4-1 |
July 16, 2014 rockets 4 summit city sluggers 1 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Rockets win over the summit city sluggers, 4-1 Big crowd, big event big fun,,,,,,it was crossroads nite,,,,those guys rock, games prizes freebies,,,,,did I hear david lyons won a grill? Thanks credit union community minded guys, janet, becky, jeanna, Donald and gang dont you love it when everything works out?! People came, shared, enjoyed, baseball game in 2hours 9 min, 9 inn really, people ate, and even jim bunner fished out $67 in the world famous crossroads money machine. Bob clark won money, and you just cant beat fun for a good time. And portlands baseball team won in impressive fashion. With the ball in the hands of rocket veteran mitch waters, the game was played with great pace, mitch went 8 inn. Struck out 13 as he scattered 3 hits. Justin miller pitched the 9th giving up one run on a wild pitch. Rockets had 8 hits, Logan barnes also from kokomo hit a clutch double in the 7th to score 2 runs, barnes and bowers had 2 hits, catcher cody crumlauf had an rbi single as well. This club will be in our Also a special highlight of the evening, all star break allowed our ss of the last couple years zach tanner returned. Zach plays independent ball for the frontier greys . lots of funsy banner and ribbing when that dude is around. Even the sharing well after the game, recounting stories and craziness till well after the game made me laugh. i have been asked if I might write a book and rocket lore,,,,,dean Monroe probably could, well we could have wrote many a chapter on zach tanner’s
return,,,,egged on by waters of course, and dan bollenbacher and 1st pitch was thrown out by young rocket fan dustin pearson and we finished 2 hours 9 min. later, unheard of in 9 inn. My favorite play of the nite a smash to 3rd baseman alex delk, fires to second to barnes for one, relay to mccownan at 1st double play, 2 for the price of one, around the horn even, Tanners batting practice home runs were pretty cool too Special to see former rockets at the park, chris hearn,
larry chittum, steve takats, butch gray, paul minnich, Happy birthday tomorrow to maryilon maloy,,,,rocket favorite Rockets win 4-1 Rocket record now 18-10 We play at Carrington field, 7 pm thurs vs jackers Rockets are home sat, and sun. 1 pm dh Thanks to all for making Crossroads nite a success You cant beat fun for a good time Randy miller Pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 14/14 - ROCKETS SWEEP EXPOS SUNDAY 12 2 6 4 |
July 14, 2014 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Double dipped the ft. Rockets got off the bus gus batting around the order scoring 5 times in the 1st inn. In the 1st game, batting around the order scoring 4 times in the 1st in the next game, Rockets cruise to the 12-2 mercy rule in 5 inn. With 16 hits in game one, Mitch waters had 4 hits, scoring 4 runs, , 4 hits also for tj lindstrand, collin affolder and geoff bowers had 3. The rockets and expos played last sun in the 4th of july tournament and split 2 games. This Sunday is all Dan bollenbacher continued his fine mound duties, going 4 inn with 5 Ks and just 1 run on 2 hits. 59 pitches . Wesley Hibbard made his mound debut, no runs scored. Atta boy Wesley Hibbard. Game 2 rockets with and early 6-0 lead after 3 innings held on to win 6-4 Tyler Reynolds the winner, 81 pitches with 4 k in 4 plus inn. 11 hits 3 runs, Relief help by matt helm,,, with bases loaded he coaxed a line shot to 3rd base and Magic mitch was there to backhand the wicked line drive and preserve the lead. Helm from The rocket sweep moves the rocket record to 17-10 Nice visit Sunday with former rocket and all time winning
pitcher for We had some days, and sure enjoyed his folks john and Karen ousley. Once again impressive to note all the rocket fans on hand and of course a visit from Don and marilyon maloy. And emma and angi had a nice tent to vent off the summer sun; Congrats this weekend to kyle selvey competing in the Also happy birthday #29 for rocket captain, heath Williams and also to ray gerber from Geneva –his name is on the baseball field in Geneva, also to rocket fan rocker, randy bonvillian from ft recovery Rockets had the But weather and driving considerations made sat a no go Now we prepare for tues nites contest with the summit city sluggers. Home game tues 7 pm Mitch waters the starter and it is crossroads nite , the financial credit union will be on board for our home game and they have Portland spirit yes they do, they have spirit how bout you? Has anyone heard of this lebron guy, and did he make a decision? Rockets win and win See ya tues at crossroads nite Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 14/14 - ROCKETS SWEEP EXPOS SUNDAY 12 2 6 4 |
July 14, 2014 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Double dipped the ft. Rockets got off the bus gus batting around the order scoring 5 times in the 1st inn. In the 1st game, batting around the order scoring 4 times in the 1st in the next game, Rockets cruise to the 12-2 mercy rule in 5 inn. With 16 hits in game one, Mitch waters had 4 hits, scoring 4 runs, , 4 hits also for tj lindstrand, collin affolder and geoff bowers had 3. The rockets and expos played last sun in the 4th of july tournament and split 2 games. This Sunday is all Dan bollenbacher continued his fine mound duties, going 4 inn with 5 Ks and just 1 run on 2 hits. 59 pitches . Wesley Hibbard made his mound debut, no runs scored. Atta boy Wesley Hibbard. Game 2 rockets with and early 6-0 lead after 3 innings held on to win 6-4 Tyler Reynolds the winner, 81 pitches with 4 k in 4 plus inn. 11 hits 3 runs, Relief help by matt helm,,, with bases loaded he coaxed a line shot to 3rd base and Magic mitch was there to backhand the wicked line drive and preserve the lead. Helm from The rocket sweep moves the rocket record to 17-10 Nice visit Sunday with former rocket and all time winning
pitcher for We had some days, and sure enjoyed his folks john and Karen ousley. Once again impressive to note all the rocket fans on hand and of course a visit from Don and marilyon maloy. And emma and angi had a nice tent to vent off the summer sun; Congrats this weekend to kyle selvey competing in the Also happy birthday #29 for rocket captain, heath Williams and also to ray gerber from Geneva –his name is on the baseball field in Geneva, also to rocket fan rocker, randy bonvillian from ft recovery Rockets had the But weather and driving considerations made sat a no go Now we prepare for tues nites contest with the summit city sluggers. Home game tues 7 pm Mitch waters the starter and it is crossroads nite , the financial credit union will be on board for our home game and they have Portland spirit yes they do, they have spirit how bout you? Has anyone heard of this lebron guy, and did he make a decision? Rockets win and win See ya tues at crossroads nite Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 11/14 - rockets lose to ft wayne panthers 6-4 |
July 11, 2014 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Field, under a full moon, the Ft. Rockets got behind the 8 ball early giving up 3 runs on 0 hits after 3 inn, but did Rocket rally to tie the game in the 6th 4-4. rockets would not dent the plate again,
stranding a glaring 14 men on base,,,exciting to the end – The 1st baseman for the out,,,,a game of inches, just a couple either way and it would have found the right field corner and perhaps tied the game. Rockets out hit the foes of ft 2 hits each for 5 rocket pitchers toiled and foiled, 8 walks and 2 hits batsmen, 2 hour 50 min. in this titanic struggle Alex delk, Hibbard ready just in case. This was a disappointing loss, one wonders how we let this game slip away, but we did have baserunners nabbed at the plate, hit into double plays, and just did not protect our house,,,,as yogi berra said,,”90% of this game is half mental.” We should note that Thanks cale Jeffries for your help chasing foul balls, cale is john welker’s grandson. And great to see Charlie and Vicki tague at the park, and we appreciate giving us your 50/50 donation. Rockets are now 25 games into the season. The 6-4 loss makes the team record 15-10 We have more fish to fry, home double header sat. 1pm
start; the Are coming to town, waters and Reynolds are the starters. Sun back to ft Nothing like hearing the resonant sound of bat on the
ball, I told See you sat at runkle-miller field at 1pm and root root root for the home team Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 11/14 - rockets lose to ft wayne panthers 6-4 |
July 11, 2014 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Field, under a full moon, the Ft. Rockets got behind the 8 ball early giving up 3 runs on 0 hits after 3 inn, but did Rocket rally to tie the game in the 6th 4-4. rockets would not dent the plate again,
stranding a glaring 14 men on base,,,exciting to the end – The 1st baseman for the out,,,,a game of inches, just a couple either way and it would have found the right field corner and perhaps tied the game. Rockets out hit the foes of ft 2 hits each for 5 rocket pitchers toiled and foiled, 8 walks and 2 hits batsmen, 2 hour 50 min. in this titanic struggle Alex delk, Hibbard ready just in case. This was a disappointing loss, one wonders how we let this game slip away, but we did have baserunners nabbed at the plate, hit into double plays, and just did not protect our house,,,,as yogi berra said,,”90% of this game is half mental.” We should note that we should note winning pitcher was former rocket keaton sullivan from lima,, he played part of last season with portland. Thanks cale Jeffries for your help chasing foul balls, cale is john welker’s grandson. And great to see Charlie and Vicki tague at the park, and we appreciate giving us your 50/50 donation. Rockets are now 25 games into the season. The 6-4 loss makes the team record 15-10 We have more fish to fry, home double header sat. 1pm
start; the Are coming to town, waters and Reynolds are the starters. Sun back to ft Nothing like hearing the resonant sound of bat on the
ball, I told See you sat at runkle-miller field at 1pm and root root root for the home team Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 9/14 - rockets 3 twin city bankers 0 |
July 9, 2014 rockets 3 twin city bankers 0 Rocket notes: Home sweet home, 1.4 in of rain, it just made our field green and it played well. In front of a sizeable crowd, rockets return home and play well. Good pitching, defense and timely hitting, an old recipe for success. Shutout pitching and 6 stikeouts each by matt helm from Our good friend pastor Darrell borders shared with me a tony larussa quote, the old manager of the cardinals said, “ the result many little things is not little.” Just like getting to that next base 90 feet away. Exactly the point sports editor chris schanz brought to light, small ball, Get em on , get em over, get em in, I say, Rockets used bunts by kyle selvey, Rockets scored in the 3rd 4th and 5th
inning, catcher cody crumlauf from auburn walked and selvey in his first rocket
at ab, executed the small ball bunt and an overthrow scored Great to visit with coach selvey ---he was part of some great times in rockets lore, He reminded me of a rain delay and he, myself and pat medler shot bottle rockets at lamargarita dugout,,,I know this was pat medler’ doing,,,,,, Crumlauf also drove in a run and picked off a runner at first, this kid is a solid addition to our catching postion, all our pitchers love throwing to him, blocking pitches in the dirt, and calling a strong game. Alex delk from cowan had 2 hits, geoff bowers from Thanks to our bat boy reid claycomb #7 from the redkey all –stars. Great to see old rocket eli jones, he just may be With teammate steve garvey –yep that guy from the la dodgers Rockets win 3-0, 1 hr. 41 min in this titanic stuggle Rockets record 15-9 More fun in store,
back at rmf on Thursday, rockets vs. ft. Congratulations rob weaver and all Cincinnatus league members. Love ya in See ya thurs nite at the ball yard. Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 7/14 - rockets go 2-2 in 4th of july tournament |
July 7, 2014 firecracker classic Defending champion rockets go 2-2 on weekend in firecracker classic at Carrington Field this weekend.
Happy july 4th to all god bless Rockets in dramatic fashion win fri nite opener 6-5 over
south bend cardinals in 10 excruciating inn.
A A winner of mitch waters pitching in relief 3 inn. Rockets trailed 5-0 in the last 2inn, insert rocket rally, tied it up and won in extras. Craig martin the starter, connor milligan and Justin miller pitched before mitch came on and dominated from there. Rockets earned the bye and returned sat and needed to defeat
the ft. Expos twice. Rockets outhit the opp. 5 hits to 4 yet the breaks beat the boys and lose 2-0. They score amazingly 2 times on balls hit back to the pitcher. Dan bollenbacher who has been the workhorse all summer, went the distance scattering 4 hits w 4 Ks. Rockets rebound and trounce the expos 10-0 in the nightcap.
Tyler Reynolds was all that and more, 6 ks and 3 hits. Tinsley the straw that stirs the drink, goes 3-3 and
the rocket attack is back on track.
Jackers coach Brown shared w me his opinion that Our goal in any tournament,,,advance to championship Sunday and baby we are there; Sunday matchup vs the jackers, winner advances to the finals With mitch on the mound we like our chances. We are not too pleased about playing at 11 am on Sunday morning. In fact, we take em on whenever, and guess what, there 28 year old starting pitcher overslept and they had to go to plan B Rockets billy geeslin scores on waters double, pops out his shoulder, then pops in his shoulder then plays the rest of the game, a little tape –good to go Rockets lead, but in the 3rd mitch hits 2 batters in a row, the second one is the call of the game, the guy wears it,,,w 2 strikes he crowds the plate, turns his shoulder into the pitch and gets the call, So trouble looms in the form of brian hakes, walk him would have been a good choice to load the bases,,,but he hits his 3rd home run of the tournament and the jackers romp 9-3 Milligan and alex delk pitch in relief In the finals the expos win 4-3 over the jackers for the championship Rockets attack paced
by geoff bowers of Highlights 3 different days in ft. In fact the Reynolds of Muncie and the affolders of berne
and the barnes of Rockets have won 7 of their last 9 But the jackers have beaten us 4 of 5 this year. Happy birthday this weekend to my friend Robert freemyer from ft. recovery Thanks buffalo bar and grill for the ice this weekend. Rockets on a homestand,,,,come see us when you need a break from the fair,,,home games tues , thurs and sat afternoon. Thurs rockets vs. twin city bankers at 7pm hope Vicky tague and Charlie can make it Stick one an extra one in the cooler for the old coach Randy miller Pg 14 Player ab r h rbi Tinsley 15 2 5 1 Barnes 11 0 1 0 Geeslin 13 2 5 2 Bowers 15 4 6 1 Waters 13 2 3 2 Delk 12 4 2 1 Mccowan 11 2 5 3 Affolder 10 1 3 2 Miller 8 0 2 1 Krumlauf 6 1 2 1 |
| Posted Jul 7/14 - rockets go 2-2 in 4th of july tournament |
July 7, 2014 firecracker classic Defending champion rockets go 2-2 on weekend in firecracker classic at Carrington Field this weekend.
Happy july 4th to all god bless Rockets in dramatic fashion win fri nite opener 6-5 over
south bend cardinals in 10 excruciating inn.
A A winner of mitch waters pitching in relief 3 inn. Rockets trailed 5-0 in the last 2inn, insert rocket rally, tied it up and won in extras. Craig martin the starter, connor milligan and Justin miller pitched before mitch came on and dominated from there. Rockets earned the bye and returned sat and needed to defeat
the ft. Expos twice. Rockets outhit the opp. 5 hits to 4 yet the breaks beat the boys and lose 2-0. They score amazingly 2 times on balls hit back to the pitcher. Dan bollenbacher who has been the workhorse all summer, went the distance scattering 4 hits w 4 Ks. Rockets rebound and trounce the expos 10-0 in the nightcap.
Tyler Reynolds was all that and more, 6 ks and 3 hits. Tinsley the straw that stirs the drink, goes 3-3 and
the rocket attack is back on track.
Jackers coach Brown shared w me his opinion that Our goal in any tournament,,,advance to championship Sunday and baby we are there; Sunday matchup vs the jackers, winner advances to the finals With mitch on the mound we like our chances. We are not too pleased about playing at 11 am on Sunday morning. In fact, we take em on whenever, and guess what, there 28 year old starting pitcher overslept and they had to go to plan B Rockets billy geeslin scores on waters double, pops out his shoulder, then pops in his shoulder then plays the rest of the game, a little tape –good to go Rockets lead, but in the 3rd mitch hits 2 batters in a row, the second one is the call of the game, the guy wears it,,,w 2 strikes he crowds the plate, turns his shoulder into the pitch and gets the call, So trouble looms in the form of brian hakes, walk him would have been a good choice to load the bases,,,but he hits his 3rd home run of the tournament and the jackers romp 9-3 Milligan and alex delk pitch in relief In the finals the expos win 4-3 over the jackers for the championship Rockets attack paced
by geoff bowers of Highlights 3 different days in ft. In fact the Reynolds of Muncie and the affolders of berne
and the barnes of Rockets have won 7 of their last 9 But the jackers have beaten us 4 of 5 this year. Happy birthday this weekend to my friend Robert freemyer from ft. recovery Thanks buffalo bar and grill for the ice this weekend. Rockets on a homestand,,,,come see us when you need a break from the fair,,,home games tues , thurs and sat afternoon. Thurs rockets vs. twin city bankers at 7pm hope Vicky tague and Charlie can make it Stick one an extra one in the cooler for the old coach Randy miller Pg 14 Player ab r h rbi Tinsley 15 2 5 1 Barnes 11 0 1 0 Geeslin 13 2 5 2 Bowers 15 4 6 1 Waters 13 2 3 2 Delk 12 4 2 1 Mccowan 11 2 5 3 Affolder 10 1 3 2 Miller 8 0 2 1 Krumlauf 6 1 2 1 |
| Posted Jun 30/14 - ROCKETS SWEEP SOUTH BEND |
June 30, 2014 Rockets sweep south bend series Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in How sweet the sweep. Rockets sweep south bend going 4-0 on the weekend. Rockets defeat the The south bend cardinals 3-1 and 14- 0. both were played at kennedy park. Saturday’s game one was a doozy, score 0-0 into the last inning, the rockets Scored 9 times and broke the game open to win 9-1. the pitching duel featured mitch Waters who had a 1 hitter going into the last inning. Waters struck out 8. Their guy was pretty tough customerAs well, sean galihier , 37 year old, played against the rockets for many years, a member of ron milovichs tough south bend senator clubs. Coach milovich was on hand and some old friends and foes had some warm memories. Geoff bowers had 4 rbi in the rocket rally, in one inning. Game 2 rockets win 5-3, 5 solid pitched innings from craig
martin of Sat. nite road trip and a team gathering at applebys now it’s the south bend cardinals Sunday another big pitchers dues, rockets win 3-1. our guy dan bollenbacher the winner goes 6 innings striking out 10, 3 hits 101 pitches. Travis gray picked up the save. Their guy gave up just one hit. 46 year old jayson best Knows how to play the game. The former pro in the twins organization, We beat him, but we tip our hat. Jayson ----I played against him, told me this is his 4th different team He has played for against That was our only hit. But we did piece together 2 more runs to give bollenbacher the win. Game 2 and With a 4 hit shutout. The rocket road trip a resounding success, we had 17 players on hand representing Portland; just hanging out at the hotel listening to coach doug tinsley talking about the intricacies of the game, passion, and how we can learn from those old pitchers like galiher and best,,,his message: hard work beats talent that doesn’t work hard Rocket attach this weekend led by geoff bowers 6 hits 5rbi, 5 hits Dalton tinsley w 5 runs scored. 4 hits each by waters, Colin will play for coach zeth zartman a former rocket. Rocket train now rolling with 5 straight wins, now 12-7. Next game is wed vs. the Wed game is questionable Rockets will play in the 4th of july tournament
in The 5 team field is south bend cardinals, the ft Rockets play at noon fri vs south bend at Carrington field. Rocket road trip a huge success,,,how sweet the sweep rockets go 4-0 in s bend |
| Posted Jun 27/14 - rockets win in ft wayne 3-0 over marlins |
June 27, 2014 rockets 3
marlins 0 at Carrington field Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Defeated the ft Rocket shot not only over the fence in left field but over the net, driving in geoff Bowers, that was alex 2nd dinger of the season. Former rocket Jeremy Luna at Tyler Reynolds, matt helm, craig martin, and travis gray scattered 4 hits. Rockets record now 8-7 Thanks to rockets sponsors, patriot fitness and Also buffalo bar and grill, Rocket road trip------south bend this weekend 1pm dh vs Starters waters, martin, bollenbacher, Reynolds. We have been making this trip each year for 30 years to kennedy park,. I still remember mcclurg and meinerding making the trip and they never did Find the ballpark. Congrats to jay county’s kyle selvey for his all state honors, and his dad and former rocket lea selvey who will help coach the all stars. Rockets win in ft Happy birthday Thomas mccowan Love ya in Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jun 27/14 - rockets win in ft wayne 3-0 over marlins |
June 27, 2014 rockets 3
marlins 0 at Carrington field Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Defeated the ft Rocket shot not only over the fence in left field but over the net, driving in geoff Bowers, that was alex 2nd dinger of the season. Former rocket Jeremy Luna at Tyler Reynolds, matt helm, craig martin, and travis gray scattered 4 hits. Rockets record now 8-7 Thanks to rockets sponsors, patriot fitness and Also buffalo bar and grill, Rocket road trip------south bend this weekend 1pm dh vs Starters waters, martin, bollenbacher, Reynolds. We have been making this trip each year for 30 years to kennedy park,. I still remember mcclurg and meinerding making the trip and they never did Find the ballpark. Congrats to jay county’s kyle selvey for his all state honors, and his dad and former rocket lea selvey who will help coach the all stars. Rockets win in ft Happy birthday Thomas mccowan Love ya in Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jun 23/14 - rockets split with summit city sluggers in portland |
June 23, 2014 rockets split with summit city sluggers, 7-2 3-5 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in The summer is here, and the rain wont stay away. Rockets dumped of 3 inches of rain off runkle-miller field and managed To split another dh this one Saturday vs the summit city sluggers.\ Rockets win 7-2 before dropping the nightcap 5-3 Sunday games in ft Special thanks to walt fafata and his jail work crew for the diamond duties. Saturday after a moment of prayer for coach mark flueckigers wife kim, she was In an auto accident, now recovering from surgery at Lutheran hospital., then it was baseball, mitch waters on the mound against the sluggers, he went the distance, 10 ks Scattering 5 hits. Mitch does his work in 1 hr 38 min. sure like that--- Rockets score 4 runs in the 6th , 3 on an alex delk blast over the left field fence, to break Open the close game. Alex from cowan, had 3 hits , also key in the inning dillion bell Bunt mishandled, and kyle markle’s double off the top of the
fence. Justin miller had 2 hits in each game, and a sore shouldered
Was limited to 1st base and designated hitter duties. We hope to have him back at his post this week,,, Great to have former rocket coach and good friend david waters on hand, keeping those umpires honest,,,also good to see kinda old friend perry jones out at the ballpark. Love ya in Game 2 rockets waste a fine pitching effort by dan bollenbacher and lose to coach mark Delagarza team 5-3. bollenbacher struck out 8 giving up 4 runs on 9 hits. Travis gray finished up. rockets make it interesting 3 times loading the bases and as sports Writer chris Schanz ntoes, still waiting for that one big hit It doesn’t help when we hit in double plays, strike out or runners running thru stop sign At third, getting thrown out by a mile, Reminds me of the question asked manager casey Stengel, what do you think of the execution of your team,,,casey dead panned …” Im all in favor of it” Great story line---out of retirement brad Buckingham
answered the call to catch bollenbacher and the south 2005 era did a fine job. 34 years old and still an athlete, gotta love that \and great to see jim Buckingham and family on hand. Congrats team Indiana and team wapahani,,,,,great job coach Wapahani rocket guys,,,luce lassiter Bolton etc. Rockets play tues 615 vs Tyler Reynolds the starter. Rocket record now 7-7 |
| Posted Jun 22/14 - rockets split with summit city sluggers in portland |
| Posted Jun 16/14 - rockets split weekend with tech and jackers |
June 16, 2014 rockets split weekend games vs. northeast kekionga, jackers Rocket notes: start weekend with an exciting victory 3-2 over northeast kekionga Then finish the weekend with a strikeout with 2 on to preserve a 2-0 2 hit shutout win Over the ft Bollenbacher of berne, he struck out 9 and threw a 73 pitch gem, one of the best games Pitched I have ever seen. He flat out dominated. Dan in his 7th rocket season, retired 13 of the first 15 batters, and did his job in one hr. and 30 min. As I told his mom and dad, happy fathers day , I think I just adopted your son Before the game I had told scott bollenbacher , who like dan, rode his motorcycle to the game---be prepared to watch a workhorse take on the load,,and we will ride that horse to the finish. And we enjoyed the journey. My other adopted son, mitch waters, 8 rocket year veteran, scored in the 1st inn. On cody Krumlaufs groundout, and rockets tacked on a run in the last inn. Singles by krumlauf, alex delk, and then a clutch rbi bingo by colin affolder finished the scoring Rockets win a big one 2-0 Jackers had one big threat with 2 on and no out , in the 5th, we needed a big break, Coach doug tinsley said we need a 5-3 double play, Next pitch ground ball to billy at 3rd, steps on bag, bowers scoops the low throw at 1st, 5-3 dp. As mel allen would say, how about that. Saturday was persimmons ridge day, lots of smile , the group had rocket hats from patriot sportswear, the group included my old buddy Gerald Kunce who helped in the Making of sportland. Tyler Reynolds the winner with a 6 hitter Billy geeslin and geoff bowers scored in the 6th inn. As the rockets held on, bases loaded Martin on for the punchout. Game 2 went crazy, travis gray took the loss, beat 15-10
. they went up 5-0 and we came back and
tied it 5-5. but rocket pitching just wore down. Martin, delk, affolder and Highlight of the day, a visit from rocket standout ss Jason murray of bluffton. Jason was an all mac player from ball state and one of our stable of ss from the 90s. he is now a coach for liberty university, his message to the team was touching. His start, was in Another highlight, billy geeslin hit his 1st home run of the season. Rockets the splitsers, lost game one Sunday 4-1 to garrett wiejak and the jackers. The rockets had 11 hits, but they had 12, mitch waters took the loss. Connor milligan also pitched. They had ohhhhh so many hits with 2 strikes. Rockets 1st baseman Thomas mccowan of On the weekend, geeslin had 6 hits, 5 each by Rockets travel to Record 6-6 jackers record 10-2 Time of dh sat. 4hr 59 min , sun. 3 hr. 49 min. Difference, pitching and umpiring Wed starter Justin miller or craig martin. |
| Posted Jun 13/14 - ROCKETS TROUNCE EXPOS 7-3 |
June 13, 2014 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Thurs evening the Field. And for when the one great scorer comes to mark against your name, he asks not If you won or lost, but did you beat ft. Skies cleared, beautiful full moon, and an old recipe for victory, good pitching, defense And timely hitting. And a sizeable contingent of rocket fans on hand including Charlie and Vicky tague Rockets plate 3 runs in the 1st inning and cruise to a 7-1 lead, 2 run single by billy geeslin, his first game back in 2 weeks after a shoulder injury, kyle marker from Celina Also had 2 rbi, and chris miller had 2 hits. Goeff bowers scored 3 runs in the game. Rocket pitchers mitch waters, matt helm from Congrats to billy geeslin’s team, the coldwater cavs for their state baseball championship. And good luck team Rockets win in ft. Tyler Reynolds and travis gray will be the starting pitchers. Rockets will travel Sunday to ft Mitch waters and dan bollenbacher will be the starters. We are expecting big things this weekend. The optimism of a healthy mind is indefatigable. See ya sat at runkle miller field Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jun 8/14 - june 7 rockets split with taylor twin city bankers |
June 7 2014 rockets split with Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Now the twin city bankers are the May I recommend the book “my mothers dream” the gas city baseball semi pro story written by bill lightle. The rockets played at What a pleasure to play on an all turf infield, even the home plate was just painted on the turf. Big dan bollenbacher went 6 innings striking out 13 hitters and the rockets went into extras with the game tied 2-2. dan worked thru 97 pitches to his old friend and personal catcher Jordan steiner and they starfire connection makes a great storyline on this day in upland in. in fact with Jordan steiner and colin affolder contributing hits and a sac fly, the boys from berne accounted for 2 of the rocket runs. Note steiner was a rocket about 5 or 6 years ago. A 3 sport
star at south Now with the game going into the last innings, pitcher mitch waters came in assuming the closer role, mitch was lights out---this after last tues breaking his index finger on his glove hand,,,,mitch gets the win and heres how!!!! An infield single by a speedy justin miller, a stolen base then mitch pinch hits and drives a run scoring single thru the middle of the infield to put the rocks up 3-2.. as axel bowers said afterward, just like uptown at the local little league, the guy gets the clutch hit, then strikes em out on the mound. Great win,,,,, Rockets then squander the chance to sweep, geoff bowers 2 hits, drives in miller to put Portland up 1-0,,tyler Reynolds of Muncie is dealing –its his birthday—family and friends on hand, and I messed it up,,,I didn’t get a picture of them all on his 23rd birthday---one tough inning –we had 3 misplays and they get 3 runs, 3 manage 3 hits the whole game rockets lose 3-1, tyler pitched well enough to win, then travis gray gassed em with his heater, he was sizzling Rockets record 3-4 June is heating up and so is the action,,,,,tues the rockets
will be home at 7 pm vs. the ft. Mitch waters the starter tues. nite Congratulations to a great Portland family, happy wedding day heath Williams and pazia speed, of course the Williams family and baseball are decades of success and just wanna say,,,,love ya in Portland---a lot of beautiful people on board sat. nite Rockets split at See ya tues nite first nite game of the year. Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jun 8/14 - june 7 rockets split with taylor twin city bankers |
June 7 2014 rockets split with Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Now the twin city bankers are the May I recommend the book “my mothers dream” the gas city baseball semi pro story written by bill lightle. The rockets played at What a pleasure to play on an all turf infield, even the home plate was just painted on the turf. Big dan bollenbacher went 6 innings striking out 13 hitters and the rockets went into extras with the game tied 2-2. dan worked thru 97 pitches to his old friend and personal catcher Jordan steiner and they starfire connection makes a great storyline on this day in upland in. in fact with Jordan steiner and colin affolder contributing hits and a sac fly, the boys from berne accounted for 2 of the rocket runs. Note steiner was a rocket about 5 or 6 years ago. A 3 sport
star at south Now with the game going into the last innings, pitcher mitch waters came in assuming the closer role, mitch was lights out---this after last tues breaking his index finger on his glove hand,,,,mitch gets the win and heres how!!!! An infield single by a speedy justin miller, a stolen base then mitch pinch hits and drives a run scoring single thru the middle of the infield to put the rocks up 3-2.. as axel bowers said afterward, just like uptown at the local little league, the guy gets the clutch hit, then strikes em out on the mound. Great win,,,,, Rockets then squander the chance to sweep, geoff bowers 2 hits, drives in miller to put Portland up 1-0,,tyler Reynolds of Muncie is dealing –its his birthday—family and friends on hand, and I messed it up,,,I didn’t get a picture of them all on his 23rd birthday---one tough inning –we had 3 misplays and they get 3 runs, 3 manage 3 hits the whole game rockets lose 3-1, tyler pitched well enough to win, then travis gray gassed em with his heater, he was sizzling Rockets record 3-4 June is heating up and so is the action,,,,,tues the rockets
will be home at 7 pm vs. the ft. Mitch waters the starter tues. nite Congratulations to a great Portland family, happy wedding day heath Williams and pazia speed, of course the Williams family and baseball are decades of success and just wanna say,,,,love ya in Portland---a lot of beautiful people on board sat. nite Rockets split at See ya tues nite first nite game of the year. Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jun 4/14 - june 4 lima locos 11 rockets 0 |
June 4, 2014 Good morning baseball fans, it’s
a beautiful day in The Not very accommodating. At Wood bat baseball is very humbling-one must do the toughest of all geometry assignments- Take a round bat and a round ball and hit it square. Rockets did so sparingly, we had 5 hits to There 10 . and in 4 different innings And glaringly 13 strikeouts. Hits by Already 5 games into the season and the injury bug has hit. Mitch waters collided with ss dillion bell and may have a broken left index finger. Yes tough day at the office, first inning a backswing Caught the home plate umpire in the head, he went home concussed. I like that word concussed Considering how many times I bit my tough last nite. As coach doug tinsley commented, “haven’t been in many of these games” , “not very representative. Also a banged up catcher krumlauf, a spiked hug, a geeslin dislocated shoulder, reminds me I have to stock up this years med kit. Well at least we got all 15 players in the game. When it rains it pours, and maybe it will today, but rocket pitchers were out of orbit. These space cadets walked 9 and hit 3. 5 errors did not help. Hows that go---sometimes you’re the bug, sometimes you’re the windshield. That’s baseball, and the great thing is , we play tonite. Another great lakes conference
challenge New rocket acquisition makes his
mound debut, matt helm from grace college and marion May the force be with you. Tune in to radio 100.9 for game status Rockets at Rockets lose to Rain rain go away rockets wanna play today Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jun 2/14 - 2014 season review submitted to portland paper |
54th year of Rockets Baseball Last year record : 33-8 Winner of ft. Winner of 4th of july Firecracker classic tournament Winner of Semifinalist in NABF Regional in Returnees: Pitchers Mitch Waters of Dan Bollenbacher- winner of games in regional and in world
series 8th year Tyler Reynolds lefthander from Alex Delk 2nd year pitcher/infielder from cowan Travis Gray 3rd
year closer from Norwell and Infielders: Justin Marrero 5th year from In Thomas Mccowan Dunkirk 6th year Outfielders: Justin Miller 4th year Yorktown and Catchers: Geoff bowers Chris Miller 4th year marion and Indiana Wesleyan New guys hoping to make impact Pitcher connor milligan Ss walker strait Missing: Zach tanner ss now with frontier greys independent Kyle markle of from Celina Manager randy miller 43rd season Assisted by doug tinsley 5th year Key dates june 28 29 in south bend, july 4,5,6 firecracker classic and aug 1,2,3 WBC |
| Posted Jun 2/14 - rockets open 54th season with split |
June 2, 2014 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a
beautiful day in Mayor Randy Geeseman threw out the first pitch and it was on like donkey kong. Note: Saturdays games are on the web at 360 action sports .com,,,first ever internet feed –cameras in pressbox and on backstop. The rockets hosted the ft. Rockets out hit the jackers but were defeated 6-3/ 2 innings the rockets loaded the
bases but came up empty. And of course the umpire missed the chalk fly on But how cool to watch that internet replay of mitch waters home run over the left field fence. And the big crowd loved it. Rockets big right hander dan bollenbacker toiled in game 2 and gave up 4 unearned runs in the 2nd but that is all they got, rockets lose 4-3 . Jackers entered the day 5-0 , rockets hadn’t played and it showed. Sunday portlands team fared much
better . behind the complete game
pitching of Game 2 On the weekend waters and tinsley led the attack with 4 hits. Also great to see back Justin Marrero and Thomas mccowan. And geoff bowers. Waters, bollenbacher, Reynolds,
gray, conner milligan, Justin miller, evan van Gordon of Thanks fred bailey and mayor geeseman for getting that American flag. And to buffalo bar and grill in Thanks to ryne post ft. recovery for being a rocket rooter. Also appreciate your donation, mr. Robert freemeyer my friend and mentor The square of the hypotenuse is equal to the square of the other to legs. Dudes,,,,, A2 +B2=C2 Highlight of the weekend don and marliyn maloy were in attendance Sunday. Love ya in Rockets send condolences to our gal who helps us out miss Ashley dawson who lost Her dad this week. Next home game next tues . all weekday games at 7 pm |
| Posted Aug 5/13 - ROCKETS FINISH 2013 SEASON 33-8 |
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| Posted Aug 2/13 - rockets lose in 12 innings |
longest game in memory, 4 hr 2 min rockets lose 11-10 to host team louisville drywall stars. a single off mitch waters past justin marrero scored the winning run in the 12 th inning and a team who refuse to lose, picked a fine time to leave its winning ways, 6 rockets pitchers walked 15 , giving up 11 runs on 4 hits. rocket offense managed to rally from a 10-6 deficit to knot the game at 10 10 in the 5th but never scored again in the remaining 7 inn. rockets had baserunners in every inning but one throughout the game. justin marrero hit a three run bomb to tie the score , had 4 hits in the game, mitch waters had 3 zach tanner and nick hollowell had 2 each. rockets took a 2 - 0 lead in the first with 4 straighthits but left the bases loaded to end the threat. junior santos started and did not retire a batter and gave up 4 runs. oh those bases on balls, alex delk, tyler reynolds, justin miller and waters all gave up runs dyland brammer pitched to 11 batters retired em all, struck out 8 gutsy and stellar , clocked at 91mph. rockets play in elimination game tonite vs louisville mustangs, 8 pm at derby city. dan bollenbacker on mound win and play sat at 130 and 4 15 walks and as elmer fudd would say or was it someone else DEspicable
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| Posted Jul 29/13 - ROCKETS WIN WBC GO 3-1 ON WEEKEND |
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| Posted Jul 22/13 - rockets doulble dip expos to finish regular season |
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| Posted Jul 22/13 - crossroads nite huge success, so is michael caley |
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| Posted Jul 15/13 - rockets road trip double dip |
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| Posted Jul 12/13 - rockets over cougars 9-1 |
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| Posted Jul 8/13 - rockets win firecracker classic championship |
Firecracker classic championship : winner Portland rockets july 8, 2013 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. For when the one great scorer comes to mark against your name, he asks not if you won or lost, but did you beat ft wayne? Portland rockets take the 4th of july firecracker classic championship in ft wayne this past weekend. Rockets took the roughest route, losing the opener Friday nite 6-0 to the ft wayne jackers, then came back to win 4 games in a row staving off double elimination. Friday nite in the tournament opener, down 1-0 going into the last inning dan bollenbacher pitched well enough to win. 95 pitches—rockets only had 1 hit, lose 6-0. old rocket theme carried thru in the 4 wins that followed, dominant pitching, solid defense, and clutch hitting. In fact, baseball purists would have loved the pace and precision these games all less than 2 hours was played. Saturday tyler Reynolds for Muncie south throws a 2 hitter, dominant--wins 8-0 over harley brandt---keith shepards club. Keith called me last nite congratulating our championship club. He remarked how after we lost game 1 to the jackers, they commented that this Portland team was not as strong as rocket teams past, well that makes it all the sweeter. The next 3 games Portland one in exciting fashion—all games score 2 –1. Michael caley complete game over the ft wayne expos. Michaels first game back since getting married . 3 hits allowed. Zack tanner who had 3 hits in game one, makes a heroic relay throw from Justin Marrero to travis gray at the plate to nab the potential tying run to end the game. Rockets again stay alive to championship Sunday; the rockets foe, the ft wayne jackers undefeated at this stage. Portland must beat ft wayne twice to win the championship. Dial up the stellar defense, dominant pitching and timely hitting. Rockets win em both 2-1 . crowned champions. Game one its portlands 29 year old mitch waters vs. 28 year old kris begly, rockets score in the last inning on nick hollowells hard ground out, waters scoring from 3rd then Dylan brammer from Mishawaka marian, our closer did his thing. In fact he closed again in the Championship game, I gave Dylan the game ball for some gutsy work – he closed the deal. Again rockets had to take the toughest route to climb this mountain, and standing right in the way, 28 yr old garrett wiejak, former rocket pitcher and good friend.he beat us earlier in the year, but we our starter junior santos was dominant through 4 innings, then Quinton smith of Huntington got 2 out in the 5th , enter dan bollenbacher to finish this inning----remarkable considering 95 pitches on fri, then mitch waters returns to pitch the 6th and brammer closes ---close but no cigar jackers,,,this one belongs to the rockets. In the 5 games, mitch waters led the offensive attack with 6 hits , 5 hits zach tanner , 4 by logan hug. Those timely hits, several of those where run scoring doubles by Justin Marrero. Rockets win last 3 games by a score of 2-1 Rockets have won 16 of the last 17 games, now 20-5 on the season. Great to see dick crumback With 19 players on hand this Portland team is strong ---and did you hear mention of some of the ages. Success stories by all our young men, however old players are a little smarter. Nice to see dick crumback at the ballpark—he is on the board of the northeast Indiana baseball association—his first act : to nominate ray miller to hall of fame, unanimously approved. Also thanks for your support Charlie and Vicki tague – happy birthday this week to my mentor fred freemeyer of ft. recovery. Also happy birthday max ludy, love ya in Portland. Rockets return to action in ft wayne thurs at 7 pm vs cougars then Michigan city trip this weekend. Again rockets win firecracker classic in ft wayne Way to go Portland Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 1/13 - ROCKETS WIN AGAIN FINISH JUNE STRONG |
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| Posted Jun 27/13 - ROCKETS 20-2 VICTOR |
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| Posted Jun 24/13 - ROCKETS TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS |
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| Posted Jun 21/13 - ROCKETS 17 HARLEY BRANDT 1 |
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| Posted Jun 12/13 - portland over dayton 7-4 |
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| Posted Jun 10/13 - ROCKETS WIN HOME OPENER 2-1 ON WEEKEND |
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| Posted Jun 7/13 - rockets lose 4-3 ft wayne jackers |
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| Posted Jun 6/13 - ROCKETS MARINERS BATTLE 2-2 TIE |
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| Posted Jun 4/13 - portland downs dayton 8-4 |
| PORTLAND ROCKETS 8 DAYTON DOCS 4 JUNE 3, 2013 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. The Portland rockets Return to action mon evening traveling to wright state university in Dayton. The rockets jumped out to an early lead thanks to a 2 run home run by ss zach tanner to right field no easy feat in the beautiful nichwitz stadium scoring Dalton tinsley, tanner finished his college career at this same stadium as a wright state raider. Portland tacked on 2 more runs in the 2nd, courtesy a double by geoff bowers plating Thomas mccowan and nick hollowell. With 22 players on hand Portland Downs Dayton 8-4 . mitch waters the winning pitcher works 4 innings, allowing 4 runs on 4 hits. Key in this contest of 2 hr 33 min, relief pitchers Dalton gentry 3 innings, tyler Reynolds 1 inning and Dylan brammer 1 inning ---5 shutout innings. This brammer kid from south bend Mishawaka brings it---as evidenced by fellow unoh university of northernwestern ohio catcher bowers bruised hand, fastball said to be 90+ Rockets outhit the docs 8-6, bowers 2 hits, tanner hits his second homer of the season, 2 runs scored by tinsley and mccowan. Rocket batters struck out an alarming 15 times in the game. Rockets again scored 2 in the first two frames, then 3 in the 4th walk to mccowan, single by bowers, an artistic bunt for a single by tinsley, then rbi bingos from logan hug, ben smith . 5th inning nick hollowell, ball state, singled in a vince anello to complete the scoring Of note, this the first game ever the rockets have played on an all turf field,,,no sunflower seeds allowed, true hops and not much dust, only dirt on the mound. Tinsley stole second and he liked the fake stuff. Dayton Manager chip shaffner is an old rocket foe---a parkway oh graduate chip and brother neal who later played with the rockets played for the old van wert orioles in the limberlost league of the 80’s –a ray miller brainchild that broadened baseball outside ft. wayne. Teams from Portland, van wert, new haven crumback simons,, Muncie orioles, bryan oh braves, Shaffner later played and coached with ron nichwitz for the hh morgan team from Dayton that won a national championship- in the 80’s a team that I don’t think Portland ever beat, though I recall mike meinerding giving them a tough time in Portland. The rocket victory evens the season record 2-2 ----portland plays at Celina wed eve 7pm vs the grand lake mariners,,,,another team from the great lake conference .. dan bollenbacher gets the start, Portland plays 6 games in 7 days ft wayne thurs then home for 2 games sat, travel to Huntington sun./ Portland over Dayton 8-4 Celina wed at Montgomery field or eastview park by the old huffys plant Roll on rockettrain Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted May 28/13 - ROCKETS OPEN SEASON 1-2 |
| The portland rockets opened their 54th season this weekend. The rockets go 1-2 on the weekend losing sun 17-7 to the richmond riverrats Sunday. The rockets split with the napolean riverbandits losing9-8 before taking the nitecap 7-6. At beautiful mcbride stadium sun mitch waters started and pitched well for 3 innings , in fact a thomas mccowan single plated zach tanner and the rockets led 1-0 in the second. Dan bollenbacher came on in the 4th with the game tied 3-3 the rocket workhorse found no good turns, taylor luna, travis gray and aaron paschal all pitched, rockets losing 17-7, this titanic struggle 3 15 minutes.3 hits doug tinsley, 2 hits including a home run zach tanner Sunday at beautiful Miami University McKie stadium rockets lost game 1 9-8 in the last inning. Trailing 4-0 in the 6th rockets marked a 7 spot keyed by a 3 run homer by justin marrero the rockets led 8-4 in the last inning. As marrero rounded third after his blast, we slapped hands, justin said, “that one’s for you pud” Zach tanner tripled in the top of the 7th and scored on a wild pitch,,,, nice to see portland on top 8-4 with but one more inning to play. Closer junior santos on the mound gets 2 strikeouts before a looping aluminum double just out of center fielder tinsley’s reach and whoops 3 straight ground ball errors and a wild pitch and we snatched defeat from the jaws of victory,,,,a 5 run implosion. Riverrats 9 rockets 8 and here is a first 7 of 9 runs unearned great pitching performance----art I called it michael caley returning starter from Indiana Wesleyan also from kyle zerface, huntington toughest loss I can recall coach mccowan called jimmy johns we win 7-6 ben smith returning rocket from 2 years ago, played in medicine hat canada last summer, goes 4-4 with 2 triples tyler reynolds gets the win dalton gentry, wabash,jon keesling wapahani, and travis gray norwell finished up dalton tinsley had 7 hits on the weekend, ben smith 6, zach tanner 5 Home runs tanner marrero nice portland contingent on hand in oxford, million dollar complex, including the brad miller and doug and stacy blankenbaker—hope that motorcyle ride did not turn into a wet ride special thanks to orie poole and crew on the new addition of a batting cage to our field rockets play thur in ft. wayne at carrington field vs the red sox, 1st game in the ft wayne league 7 pm nick mccoy from albion in the starter rockets go 1-2 in the opening weekend summer fun in store look out the rocket train is rollin |
| Posted Aug 20/12 - Rockets go 1-3 in World Series |
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Aug. 20, 2012 world series report Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. When kids go back to school, the teacher always asks, “what did you do this summer?” how about play baseball in the world series?!!!! The Portland rockets represented our area in the National Amateur Baseball Federation world series held in Buffalo NY this weekend. The rockets went 1-3,. Very competitive and very Portland proud, certainly could have easily been 3-1 The world series champion, the Chicago clout ,,,they beat the st. john’s lefties 8-2. tournament info can be found at www.buffalomunyaaa.com The Portland rockets were 24 men strong, filled the dugout and were all about baseball business in this trip,,,only 7 hours away, vans packed to the hilt, and the new kids on the block, first world series appearance ever, had a tough bracket. Game one at the minor league stadium under the lights, buffalo diesel 5 portland 2. Game 2 at erie community college field, dan bollenbacher was dan the man, a 4 hitter with 10 Ks 1 walk, love that effort, dominant and in command. Game in 2hour 8 min,,,all games are 9 inn. Rockets win 4-1 over grand rapids. Dalton tinsely opened the game with a home run and billy wellman had 4 hits, I told the guys we would hit on sat. after a tough game under the lights/ nothing like seeing that white pearl in the blue sky, Game 3 the beecher muskies of Illinois were not kind to starter bill geeslin, opened a 6-0 lead and cruised to a 8-1 win. Justin miller pitched 4 very effective inn. In relief. Game 4 of the world series played at the university at buffalo stadium, rockets had a great performance from Michael caley. Michael from markle battled thru 8 inn. His catcher also from markle, and norwell h.s. travis gray, did the work behind the plate for 5 inn, knowing that he is to have knee surgery later this week. Interesting to note, rockets fans, namely vacman brad, queen kristie and angi were getting text updates at the greasy pickle from rocket families in attendance And they decorated runkle- miller field to welcome the boys upon their return sat. eve Rockets were out scored 22-14 in the 4 game marathon, hit but .277 as a team striking out 33 times. Billy wellman, ball state, led the team with 7 hits in 17 ab. Justin Marrero and zach tanner had 6 each. But the boys of summer amassed many milestones this summer, and we stand Portland proud. A league title, a first ever WBC championship, a regional championship in Cincinnati and a first ever world series bid, the 3 week whirlwind most eventful. And the boys have grown with each experience,,,, lessons learned beyond baseball basics, what it takes if you dare to be a champion. TEAM> have your brothers back, check your selfish self, don’t talk the game, play the game. All the clubs we saw were older, many former ex-pros. You could see the maturity in the experienced player, lack thereof in the wannabees. Hey jon Harrison on hand from frankton , he won a 40 in tv in the opening nite drawing, Great to see dan bollenbacher with his dad and uncle on hand see the good guys win and dan have such success. Great to visit with bill Monroe from Winchester , recounting days with keith nunley, mike mccoy, thad abel and now Elijah jones part of the Winchester connection Many memories in the this trip, none more meaningful than 77 year old president of the nabf Charlie Blackburn in the managers meeting wed nite, welcoming the Portland rockets and saluting ray miller, those 2 having many phone conversations over the years.
Rockets finish with just the 2nd 2 game losing streak of the season, and 31-13 on the season. Another great year in Portland. Many milestones, it brought many nice things said about baseball in Portland, and rocket nation took note, many rockets from years past sending in congrats and well wishes. Saw many of those guys at the md softball rockets past, baily, heyne, geier, Schmitz,moorman, stauffer, fullenkamp, at the softball tournament in coldwater ohio, yesterday. Congrats to miracle lanes and gary Bernard on the runner up trophy. Rockets go 1-3 in NY world series, 31-13 on season but we will be heard from again, We are Portland couldn’t be prouder, if you cant hear us we’ll yell a little louder. As cubs fans forever say, wait till next year. Randy miller pg 14 May I share a story of weirdness,,,I call it dualing cups Buffalo diesel catcher while preparing for his turn at bat, takes his bat and drums it off his cup, like a percussion instrument he in effect is hitting himself down below making the drum sound. Absolutely disgusting and if I ever see it again, there will be a game delay and perhaps an ejection. While this exhibionist pounds away, pitcher mitch waters takes the ball while on the mound, and pounds it on his cup,,,,,mocking the ding dong at the plate,,,,,,weird but funny Weird but not funny 3 wild pitches in the last game that ended the 8-7 loss. Weird but funny, the conversations and discussions you hear from college age men in a van through 7 hours.
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| Posted Aug 13/12 - PORTLAND TAKES REGIONAL, WORLD SERIES BOUND |
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Aug 13, 2012 nabf regional results Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland Breaking news, folks, the Portland rockets in this their 53rd year, have won the Nabf regional in Cincinnati, yes the rockets are going to the world series in new york Glory be , 23 rockets in Cincinnati , backed against the wall sat nite in an elimination game,,,3 elimination games as a matter of fact, did not quite and won 3 exciting games in a span of hours. As reported earlier, dan bollenbacher and billy wellman s hr and 3 rbi defeated Springfield 7-4 thurs.. nite, fri nite the rockets and billy geeslin were defeated by the Cincinnati chiefs 12-7, their offense prowess is immense. Rockets could not hold a 6-4 lead , wellman again homered. But the rocket staple pitching and defense, not in house in this key matchup. The 5 team field Springfield Yorkville, 2 cinci teams and Portland then had a draw, At quarter till ten, rockets drew the chiefs again and 3 hours later, almost 1 am, Michael caley and tyler Reynolds prevailed, rockets win 12- 6. as mentioned these are elimination games, and now kristie Delaney and brad miller have joined a host of other rocket fans and now the boys of summer turned it up a notch.. the hit brigade drew praise even from the cinci coaches, 14,14, and 16 hits in the next 3 games./ Michael caley goes 7 inn 123 pitches, and rockets send 9 men to the plate in the 1st inning to go up 4-0 Rockets then enmasse at 130 am go to eat and coach tinsely unfolds the waffle house plan, save waters and bollenbacher for the chiefs in the final game, Pitch Yorktown lefthander Justin miller,. Never thought of that….rockets always go with the big 4, bollenbacher, waters, geeslin, caley, well, now we have the big 5, Justin miller goes all 7 inn. Giving up but 4 hits, striking out 7 rockets roll over Yorktown yaks 12-2 in 7 inn. Offense clicks agin and hits 3 hr in one inn----chris miller, billy geeslin and Kirby Campbell all go deep in the 3rd. Setting the stage for the championship game. Same setting at the same diamond we had in 2009 with Jensen painter and josh ludy Except now we have a fresh pitcher left in mitch waters, mitch had played earlier in the week with the canton stallions, not happy with that and that will not happen again, but flew back fri nite and arrived during game 3 of the tournament. But mitch has a flair for the dramatic,,,,, and those on hand were about to see history Mitch went the distance, 117 pitches all 9 inn and his offense again showed up 16 hits Rockets formula, clutch hitting , pitching, defense, and guts equals championship Zach tanner had 2 home runs, Justin Marrero had 4 hits and a homer, and Portland knocked out the chiefs 10-2. the chiefs by the way had been to the world series two years running and hoping to make it 3 but not this day, Portland has now played Cincinnati 6 times,winning 4 losing 2. and they are older and tough customers, Rockts hit 8 home runs in the 5 games, outscored opponents 48-26 ,, wellman and Marrero had 8 hits, Kirby Campbell 7, tom mccowan and tanner 6, tanner led the team in runs scored with 7 and rbi 6,Marrero 6 also. Catcher chris miller and mvp of wbc tournament , was hit by the pitch, the 20th time of the season. When asked, he just said< if they throw it inside, I just take one for the team How about that, Games concluded about 6 pm sat, and here comes the water cooler the players dumped over my head, and we have a championship in Portland. Right up there with jchs cheerleaders Portland is on the baseball map and now headed to play on the country;s biggest stage. The nabf world series in buffalo new york,,,,, And we couldn’t be prouder than to represent Portland Indiana in the 10 team world series. Fla, Connecticut, new jersey, buffalo, ft wayne, Portland, Youngstown, Illinois .Louisville will contend on the last weekend of the season. Portland proud we are in the mix, rockets win wbc for the first time and also the regional for the 1st time. Now stand 30-10 So many calls and emails from rockets past with well wishing-----side note 11 rocket players and coaches payed respects to a fine baseball man ,. Gene daggett sun. love ya in Portland gene By the way welcome to the world futurue rocket, ryan ray farmer jenny farmers newborn, my great nephew This is 30 years, at 600 dollars of registration a year, $18,000 plus just in tourney fees, but its on like donkey kong, Portland in the world series what makes me proud, got an email from a team in Mississippi last nite, wanting to come to play in Portland, in wbc wow r-o-c-k-e-t-s rockets rockets are the best here we go to buffalo randy miller pg 14
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| Posted Aug 10/12 - rockets win game 1 in regional 7-4 over springfield |
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Aug, 10, 2012 nabf regional cincinnati Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland The Portland rockets, Bachman turner overdrive, I mean taking care of business In round one of the nabf regional , win 7-4 thurs. eve at roselawn park over the Springfield angels. No rain, nothing fancy, just rocket style hard ball, just like we saw from portlands championship team last weekend in the wbc tournament. A billy wellman home run in the bottom of the first, drove in team mate Kirby Campbell Rockets up 2 –0 in the first. A 4 spot in the 5th opened it up, rockets up 6-0, good enough for rocket ace dan bollenbacher to cruise thru 6 inn, he gave way to codey Harrison in the 7th. The line on big dan, 87 pitches and 7 Ks, 5 hits no runs and we will need him again later in this 5 team regional. 3 cincinnati teams, Portland and Springfield.. On offense, billy wellman had 2 hits and drove in 3 runs, of the ball state connection Kirby Campbell scored 2 runs, randal muhlenkamp of coldwater oh also had 2 hits .rockets scattered 8 hits on the day. Coach Kevin mccowan batting practice paying off. 16 rockets huddled before the game paying prayerful respects to gene daggett who passed away wed. and also to my good friend and brother kent Dilworth also known around ft recovery area as captain America,,,,, daddy daggett father to pitcher eathan daggett a great baseball man, held proudly his championship medallion that eathan presented him after our Portland wins on Sunday. Hey, my sister mickey reports daughter jenny is having her baby this moring, ryan ray welcome to the world----- Billy geeslin and Michael caley slated as starters as the championship field narrows down Rocket record now 27-9 and the rocket train rolls Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Aug 8/12 - ROCKETS PLAY SPRINGFIELD ANGELS IN GAME 1 OF NABF REGIONAL |
| news release from cincinnati nabf regional 5 team field double elimination, favored cincinnati chiefs 22-11 9although not well represented in wbc portland cincinnati brewcrew 17-4 yorkville yaks 12-19 springfield angels 14-2 portland rockets 26-9 rockets will play springfield angels record 14-2 thurs nite at roselawn park 6:30 dan bollenbacher of berne starter should we win play fri at 630 and 830, lose game 1 and we play loser of yorkville and chiefs billy geeslin game 2 michael caley game 3 so 1 may be 2 games thurs/fri games sat at 1 and 330 winner of the 5 team field goes to buffalo ny for the world series, rockets have never done this rockets also send condolences to family of pitcher eathan daggett of andrews, his dad gene, daddy daggett passed away today of cancer he was at many games in portland the past 2 years. our prayers to eathan's family bracket emailed to you is 1. brew crew 2. yorkville 3. chiefs, 4. springfield 5. portland |
| Posted Aug 6/12 - ROCKETS WIN CHAMPIONSHIP |
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Aug 6, 2012 rockets win championship wbc Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland The Portland rockets hosted the world baseball congress tournament this Weekend, 6 teams Cincinnati, Cleveland, Chicago, ft wayne, Lebanon, Portland Vie for the 4th wbc title, ---certainly a blockbuster of good baseball teams The Portland rockets were crowned tournament champion. The home team defeated The Illinois jayhawks 5-2 in the title game last evening. The jayhawks had won the tournament last year, and 2 of the last 3. This was to be portlands day. Championship Sunday is reserved for the survivors who gut it out, execute and make the plays----3 teams entered Sunday with a 2-0 record Ohio fightin titans, the number one seed lost to the jayhawks, the rockets edged the ft wayne jackers 3-2 setting the stage for the title game. Michael caley won over old former rocket garrett wiejak, 3-2, Michael from markle scattered 6 hits thru 5 2/3 inn. But big dan bollenbacker saved the game retiring the last 5 out of 6 batters he faced, slamming the door on a jacker rally in the 6th with the bases loaded. Rockets scored 2 in the 1st on zach tanners double, then tanner again doubled in the 3rd and billy wellman drove him home,,,,that’s clutch the 3 and 4 hitters in our lineup coming thru. The rockets jumped up early in the final, 5-2 in the 4th , key the logan hug bunt single that loaded the bases, followed by rbi singles by Dalton tinsely and Kirby Campbell. Billy ballgame, billy geeslin went 77 pitches, walked 5 but gave up only 2 hits, he went 4 inn, travis gray pitched out of a bases loaded jam in the 5th, then captain mitch waters, who had pitched a Friday win over Lebanon, came on and closed out the nite for Portland in a fashion only mitch could finish. You should have seen the jubilation around the rocket veteran,,wow what a weekend ,,air horns, potato guns, broken lites, fire on the light poles, ejections, mayor geeseman on hand to welcome the teams. Larry chittum, he played on the first rocket team in 1960 sang the national anthem. By the way, happy to report Lebanon ss,drew brantly who had a defibrillator trigger his heart on Friday nite ---sent him into cardiac arrest ---a very scary scene is home and doing well. Good work jay county ems.i willalways see Kirby Campbell holding on tto the fallen player and he , holding onto Kirby while Kirby prayed,,,,powerful,,,the rockets went on to beat Lebanon, 4-2 mitch waters was dealing going the distance giving up ust 4 hits , 7 Ks. Billy wellman had 2 rbi , 2 hits Kirby Campbell ---man he is a good player, solid…. Rockets the only team in the field to go 4-0 claimed the trophy ---and a beautiful world baseball congress banner from pengad but the road to the title wasn’t easy Over 4 inches of rain sat nite and sun made playing conditions impossible but enter vacman, brad miller and the shop vac and a lot of hardworking rockets made the field playable,,,also thanks for the breeze and the prayers form the prayer warriors, Also special to the day , all the former players from decades past, david lyons made some calls, and we had a reunion of sorts, tom Nixon brought his collett uniform, collet billy goats, some guys like Gerald kunce and many more, What a tournament ---mvp chris miller for his handiwork catching all 4 games zach tanner had 7 hits and the only rocket home run, tinsely 5, wellman, Campbell and waters 4 each
But great tournament atmosphere made Portland a great tournament host, and a great champion,,,,record 26-9 and regional bound in cinci this week Portland the champion and we stand Portland proud Randy miller pg 14
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| Posted Aug 3/12 - fri nite is jay county hospital nite with the portland rockets |
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August 3, 2012 world baseball congress tournament Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. Happy august everyone, hear those locusts singing? The Portland rockets Host the world baseball congress tournament this weekend. Cincinnati, Cleveland, Chicago, ft. wayne, Lebanon, Portland. All season long, the rockets have been road Warriors , driving to take on the competition, now the competition is coming to Portland. Games begin tonite 630 the Chicago Illinois jayhawks vs the Cleveland fightin’ titans The Portland rockets at 815 will take on the Lebanon merchants. At jay county high school the ft. wayne jackers will match up with the Cincinnati chiefs. The rockets will also be in action sat. at 415 vs the Cincinnati chiefs/ games will be ongoing all day sat starting at Noon. Championship round will be Sunday also at noon. The Illinois jayhawks have won this blockbuster 2 out of the last 3 years. Battle creek won the other year. My friend 8 year old friend matt Steiner from Geneva attended his first game in Cincinnati yesterday and what a thrill—I remember my first game seeing all that green in tiger stadium Go to a reds game, the average cost for a family of 4---$250 Well here is a deal, this 6 team blockbuster is just $3 per day, or $5 all weekend And fri is jay county hospital night with the Portland rockets They are such nice people, and I love their food Jay county hospital family show your badge and enjoy both games for free. And each family member gets a freedrink and rocket dog---how about that!!! The competiton comes to Portland and it will be a buzzin at the corner of western and blaine,,,,,,bring your lawn chair and you cooler and root root root for the home team And check out the lastest improvements to the greenest park in Portland. Thanks to brad miller, doug blankenbaker, and our parks dept force. Portland is on the baseball map in the Midwest, we have been hosting tournaments since 1991, and we are uniquely able to do so. Most city balldiamonds are under lock and key and an afterthought. Our field of dreams, as ken schieterman of true value called it---gets daily care,,,,,and thanks to jim eiykes and his work crew for moving all the material to the new barn---get this phil frantz, first time in 30 years the rest rooms are clean. Happy birthday to ole rocket josh Atkinson; Here is the likely starting lineup for the rockets record 22-9 winner of the heartland league 1st base billy wellman Portland 2nd base Justin Marrero Reynoldsburg oh 3rd base tom mccowan Dunkirk ss zach tanner Yorktown lf bryan brudi Churubusco or grant hendershot Pendleton cf Dalton tinsely rf Kirby Campbell cowan c chris miller Topeka p mitch waters Portland the competitive juices are flowin,,,,,jay county marching band and the Portland rockets couple of winners that deserve your backing bring out the lawn chairs and coolers and potato guns and air horns its jay county hospital nite with the Portland rockets see ya at the ballpark
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| Posted Aug 1/12 - world baseball congress info |
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4th WORLD BASEBALL CONGRESS TOURNAMENT AUGUST 3,4,5 2012 PORTLAND, INDIANA 47371 ALL GAMES AT RUNKLE-MILLER FIELD 515 BLAINE PIKE GAME 1 AT JAY COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 2072 HWY 67 RAIN GAMES AT BOTH SITES note: no coolers, no alcohol at JCHS Coolers, lawnchairs welcome at Runkle-Miller Field Available-restroom facilities, the lunching pad (concession stand), Batting cage time starts one hr before game time, first team listed gets 1st half hour, 2nd team gets next Please park in parking lot, managers may drive up to dugout to unload equipment
Entry fee: $250 6 teams each will play at least 3 games each team plays 2 games, top 4 advance to single elimination championship round Teams will be seeded 1 & 4, 2 & 3 5th and 6th play consolation game $3 fan admission for game, $5 for weekend pass no roster restrictions however no current professional players
Portland Rockets mgr. Randy Miller Ohio Fightin’ Titans mgr. Mike Janos Cincinnati Chiefs mgr. Jeff Hannah Illinois Jayhawks mgr.Mark Cladis Lebanon Merchants mgr. Bob McPike John’s Jackers mgr. Richard Brown
Seeding: Best record Head to head among tied teams Lowest defensive runs allowed Most offensive runs scored Coin flip If teams are tied for a position,the higher position will be determined first
DH for pitcher only All games 7 innings . 8 run mercy rule after 5 inn. No dumping catcher Wood, composite bats only 10 min allowed for infield on your first game of each day all time slots are adjustable, be ready 30 min. after the previous game----a 5 pm game may start 415 coin flip for home team except game 3 portland will be home as evening is also Jay County Hospital Nite
any questions may be directed to randy miller 260-703-2003
Friday August 3 6:30 Cincinnati Chiefs vs Ft. Wayne John’s Jackers Jay County High School Park in right field parking lot 6:30 Chicago Illinois Jayhawks vs. Cleveland Ohio Fightin’ Titans 8:15 Lebanon Merchants vs. Portland Rockets
Saturday August 4 Noon Illinois Jayhawks vs. John’s Jackers 2:15 Lebanon Merchants vs. Ohio Fightin’ Titans 4:30 Cincinnati Chiefs vs. Portland Rockets 6:45 Consolation game
Sunday August 5 Noon #2 vs. #3 2:15 #1 vs. #4 4:30 Championship game
thanks to all and good luck visit tournament website www.leaguelineup/worldbaseballcongress |
| Posted Jul 23/12 - rockets split vs jackers regular season closes 22-9 |
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July 23,2012 portland splits vs ft wayne jackers Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. The Portland rockets finished their regular season sat. at Carrington field vs the ft wayne jackers. the rockets lost game one 1-0 but won the nitecap 5-2. the split gives Portland the season series vs. ft. wayne 3 games to 2. In game one an old fashioned pitchers duel, rockets had just 2 hits, the jackers had 3 but they pushed across an unearned run in the 3rd vs. mitch waters. Ft wayne wins 1-0 ---mitch goes the distance striking out 7 walks one hits 2 and almost starts a fight, all in one hour 13 min. rockets had 3 baserunners in the contest vs old rocket pitcher garret wiejak, he pitched for Portland in 2007, 2008----and doesn’t play for the jackers ----he just shows up as a hired gun . the 3 baserunners 2 picked off----are you kidding me?????? Game 2 rockets righten the ship,,,with ace dan bollenbacher on the mound, he throws 84 pitches and battles out of jams all day, rockets win 5-2----dan gives up 2 runs on 6 hits fans 5 walks none, effective relief pitching by eathan daggett and travis gray nails down the win. Rockets outhit the jackers 8-5 in game 2 Zach tanner from Yorktown, the old pro released from the gary south shore railcats, went 3-3 with a big triple in the 5th , Thomas mccowan clutch 2 out hit brings in zach with the go ahead run. Also driving in runs, tanner a sac fly in the 6th drives in Austin bridges, Austin bridges drove in mccowan in the 2nd. Dalton tinsely also had a sac fly in the second. Dalton tinsely, rocket 2nd year cf from kokomo saw his 30 game hitting streak end vs. wiejak,,,,,,he has worked to make himself a steady fixture in the of and will make some college coach a fine leadoff hitter, he currently attends Danville but is being courted by glen oaks and parkland===ah, glen oaks former rockets carey waters and good friend tyler fullenkamp went there Speaking of former rockets had a conversation with david lyons about a reunion of guys who played for Portland Bryant collett Montpelier pennville the old independent league Such a reunion hopefully at the world baseball congress tournament here in Portland aug 3, 4, 5 nice names like hoehamer, shawver, chittum, masters Rockets now wrap up the regular season 22-9 league playoffs are up this weekend however teams up north have wrapped it up, rockets are heartland league champs again But will not have to drive to south bend to vie for the title, strangest league I have ever seen and many say a thanks to league organizer and dropper victor canales. Happy birthday billy ballgame, billy geeslin our pitcher from coldwater. Well wishes to daddy daggett who had surgery Sunday eathans father from huntington
Rockets will await outcome of ft. wayne and cinci city leagues to hopefully find an opponent for sat. at present sat we will have a team workout and open grill out at 1 pm come out and join us, young ballplayers are welcome to shag fly balls with the team, Come see these athletes fine tune their game getting ready for the world baseball tournament in Portland, teams are already booked at the holiday inn from Chicago and Cleveland, Rockets split vs ft wayne lose 1-0 to wiejak that turkey and win 5-2 to go 22-9 on the season Hope to see ya sat at the ole ballpark, cooler in hand Randy miller pg 14
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| Posted Jul 16/12 - rockets take 3 game set over indiana cubs |
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July 16, 2012 rockets defeat Chicago cubs 3 game set Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland The Portland rockets hosted the Indiana cubs 2 games sat and one game Sunday The cubs from the region area did not find the hosts gracious. Rockets take the 3 game set, 12-1, 12-0 and 17-0. the rocket attack was bolstered by the return of Yorktown ss Zach tanner. Zach recently released by the gary railcats. The wright state product flashed some leather this weekend and also homered sat and sun. Lets give some kudos to the cubs,,,,they showed up and played it out with dignity. Coach mark pavuk spent 2 nites in Portland and said he will be back next year. He was impressed with our club and the atmosphere. Our pa guy dan haines plays my kind of music and does sucha nice job They came at a bad time, after 2 losses during the week to the ohio warhawks, the rockets were looking to mash. Mitch waters had 6 hits in the 3 games, tanner, Dalton tinsely, billy wellman, Kirby Campbell all had 5 hits. Rockets had 3 home runs in the 3 games, 2 by zach tanner and one by adam Wilson. Sat rockets starter mitch waters went 5 inn 81 pitches scattered 6 hits 1 run. Tyler Reynolds 2 scoreless innings in relief. In the nitecap, dan bollenbacher followed up with a shortened 5 inn game winning 12-0 giving up no runs 3 hits. Rockets wore their Sunday best, their Sunday vests,,,,the other more old style uniform. The 21 rockets on hand all but one got in the game. Michael caley on the hill, and he was dominant. Caley went 6 inning giving up but one hit rockets cruise to a 17-0 win. Caley only had pitched 39 pitches thru 5 innings, hardly a workout. Ethan daggett, cody Harrison and travis gray finished up. Good friend , former rocket from the 90’s john bailey in the house,,,,also receiving a rocket t-shirt in a pregame ceremony, Richmond legion coach morris mccreery on hand. Rockets score 17 runs and that airhorn of Rodney miles was blaring. Perhaps the highlite of the day, the potato gun! Rodney mentioned sat he might just bring out the launcher to jim runkle, jim said do it and I will bring the potatoes. And man, that thing is literally a blast. And for kicks, Rodney launch one over the fence and some 4 year old kids got to run around the bases –how about that!! Rodney noted that all the rockets came out of the dugout, amazed at the spectacular bombs---the last one landed by the pee wee football field beyond center field. A big weekend in Portland, it rained a half inch and the field looked great. Thanks doug blankenbaker for all your help- thanks Kristi and analyse smith for helping out at the lunching pad. Thanks gary pensinger for just being gary pensinger and special thanks to phil frantz for his very kind donation. Congrats to the mr and mrs tyler newell. Great folks and a great time at the reception sat. nite……grandparents larry and donna chittum could not have been any prouder.
Rockets win all 3 games this weekend over the Indiana cubs. that makes 9 games in 9 days. No games this week, lima buckeyes belly up----rockets will have a batting practice workout thurs open to the public at 6 pm. Next game is sat at Carrington field at 1 pm vs. ft. wayne jackers Portland baseball is on the map----preparations are underway for the world baseball congress tournament aug 3, Louisville Chicago Cleveland Portland. In addition the rockets have been accepted in the nabf tournament in cinci Rockets record 21-8 roll on rockettrain Potato guns blasting
Randy miller pg 14
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| Posted Jul 12/12 - ohio warhawks scalp rockets 11-6 |
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July 12, 2012 ohio warhawks 11 portland rockets 6 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. The Portland rockets traveled to Springfield oh, just east of Dayton wed nite to face the ohio warhawks. Yes, those warhawks, the club that travels in the vans, that beat us on crossroads nite 12-1, those players that come from all over the country to live in one big dorm and are on major league draft boards. Don’t forget they also lost to Portlands billy geeslin on june 19 7-1. so they beat us again. At a most beautiful Wittenberg stadium , home of the Wittenberg do you know their nickname—trent baily I believe went there, former rocket matt steinke did too, the tigers ohio warhawks 11 portland rockets 6. Same old bugaboo early and the rockets down 5-0 shoddy umpiring only made things the tougher. We urge our young men to be professional, but they tend to be boys anyway. We are working on that----but the men in blue are supposed to be professional too--- 2 hours from home and down 5, why not an old touch of medicine?? An old rocket rally. And in the 5 th here come the boys from Portland. Against a pitcher from las Vegas, just signed to go to ucla, talk about traveling for the competition, rockets score 4 to narrow the game 5-4 . grant hendershot singled, randal muhlenkamp doubled, singles by Dalton tinsely, kirby Campbell, tom mccowan, Justin Marrero and a sacrifice fly by billy wellman and we have 4 runs on 6 hits. Rocket rally—I get excited when I mention those names---we have a good team. But as we have on occasion, we still have some kinks., game close pitcher geeslin who struck out 8 in 5 plus inn. Walks the leadoff hitter, and a botched double play open the floodgates. Keep in mind they use aluminum bat and it does make it easier to make more solid contact.. the next three ground balls find ways to produce runners and the warhawks are back on the warpath. Cody Harrison called on to put out the fire, he gives up no runs in 2 inn. Striking out 4.. you got a like that---I do like him! Bullpen coach doug tinsely likes him too Rocket offense had 12 hits, 3 by Marrero and hendershot 2 each by tinsely and mccowan. Warhawks now 21-4/ Portland 18-8 Hey baseball fans, hear is a rumor: remember Geraldine? Well you didtn hear it from me. Runkle-miller field is getting a new equipment shed----oh please no, we have a shed—we need a building. Currently u see our materials when taking a trip to the rest room Don’t trip over the firehose, bags of clay,turfus and lime, the lime chalker and paint striper, the car seat foam we use to soak up puddles of water, the old signs, helmets, steer clear of the grill and the event tent. Don’t bump your head on the tables stacked over the stalls. We have a lot of crap in the bathroom,,,,,,that is one better than even Jeffery o can come up, a lot of crap in the bathroom This aint no rumor,. Portland hosts a year end tournament aug 3-5----we drive to the competition and they drive to us. Portland, Chicago, Cleveland, and Louisville have all made plans to make the Portland World Baseball congress tournament. More on this blockbuster later, I know 33 rooms at the holiday inn express one year. More competition this time staying in Portland this weekend. The Indiana cubs from Chicago will play sat at 1 pm a dh. Then a single game sun at 1pm. Brad miller asked a good question how are they the Indiana cubs from Chicago???? Guess we will find out Happy birthday to rocket captain and all American heath Williams,,,,we sure miss him at his postion,,,,I think we have had 6 guys at second. Sat and sun at the corner of western and blaine, lets go Portland Take me out to the ball game, waters/ bollenbacher/ caley the starters We wont win em all, but we’ll win the next one. Randy miller pg 14
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| Posted Jul 11/12 - ohio warhawks 12 rockets 1 crossroads nite |
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July 11, 2012 ohio warhawks 12 portland rockets 1 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. The ohio warhawks Came to Portland tues nite on a mission. Avenging a 7-1 loss to Portland june 19, The warwawks tomahawked the rockets 12-1. that put a screeching halt to the Rocket 6 game winning streak. The ballpark was all abuzzin, biggest crowd ever according to orie poole, it was cross Roads nite. No room in the parking lot. Truly a fine community event, on truly one of the most pleasant summer evenings I can ever recall, our friends At crossroads made it a happening. They all chipped in with games, prizes and smiles galore. I do believe the highlight of the evening was the money machine. Turn it on and try to grab as many dollars as you can in 30 seconds. Our rockets had trouble grabbing hold of anything. By the 3rd inn, the warhawks pushed to an 8-0 lead. Several misplays contributed to the undoing of 5 different rocket pitchers. Casey stengel the new york yankee manager when asked about the execution of his team, Said, “ I’m all in favor of it. Travis gray made it thru 2 inn. But walked 4 and gave up 5 hits, 7 runs. The rockets had 3 hits, eli jones scored on Justin marreros single in the 6th. Offense had but 5 baserunners, an exercise in futility . they had power pitching that can make any team look lethargic. The game was originally to be played vs league foe van wert twisters, however, they have Serious issues ---a loser mentality—when the tough gets going---they cower and hide. True, they have never beaten Portland. They folded claiming it wasn’t worth the trip to honor their scheduled commitment. A late call to Dayton and the warhawks saved the game. A big thank you to manager ron slusher and his club. They are not really ohio. They come from all over the country to play/ they have won the national 19 year old division world series 4 yrs in a row. The warhawks record 12 and 1 Portland record 18-7. Here is an opinion: our boys, riding high on 6 game winning streak, expecting van wert losers to be in town,,really didn’t have the mindset needed to step up their game againt a solid fast powerful club like the hawks. Like a trap, and like several games I was a part of in adams central football, they get a few big plays and get on a roll that crescendos. But what a nite, crossroads nite. David lyons and jim haines, mr. Robert freemyer handed me a generous donation and shared his good fortunes playing bridge with glen Bryant. Fred baily also made a donation.Particularly grand was seeing all former rockets in the house, my teammates.. really all of Portland went to bat on crossroads nite. Jeffery o, steve grabacz and of course the maloys Doug blankenbaker and wife on hand and he has issued us a challenge with the Rock Softball team. Now the great thing about baseball, put me in coach im ready to play,,,,,it’s a new day today and we play again. Portland travels to Wittenberg university stadium, our opponent----those same speedy ohio warhawks----we have won one, they have too, this is the rubber match.. you are only as good as your starting pitcher, and we have a good one going, billy geeslin who beat them last time is the starter. One question remains, how many of those runkle burgers did Charlie tague eat???? Rockets beaten 12-1 by warhawks ----play em again in Springfield oh 630 pm
You cant beat fun for a good time\\\\\ thanks crossroads gang. You have great spirit Randy miller pg 14 Rockets on hand,,,,,,heath Williams, Jeremy luna, Jason Stanton, larrimee van skyock Butch gray, gary sautbine, steve takats, larry chittum, mike snyder
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| Posted Jul 9/12 - Rockets rip through South Bend |
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July 9, 2012 rockets sweep south bend Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. After a delightful 4th of july parade, special thanks to patriot sportswear, the Portland rockets returned to action this weekend in south bend. The road warriors did good winning all 4 games. Sat the rockets defeated the south bend sultans 4-0 and 7-0. mitch waters on the mound and billy wellman his batterymate, they set the tone for the weekend. with a heat index reading of 105, mitch went the distance allowing but 3 hits no walks, 10 Ks. 1 hr 22 min. Michael caley pitched game 2 and shut out the sultans, 7-0. Michael from markle 2 walks 5 hits 6 K’s. Justin Marrero had 3 hits. Waters and chris miller 2 hits each in game 1. Marrero had 3 hits in game 2 as did billy wellman. 2 hits each for Dalton tinsely, Thomas mccowan, Justin miller and adam Wilson. Of note: home plate umpire george zinnich 80 years old. Sultans record 7-5,,,,Portland rockets move to 18-6. 6 game winning streak going into tues home game vs. van wert twisters,,,,,,,crossroads nite Rockets won twice sun over the michiana scrappers. Dan bollenbacher the winner in the first game went 6 inn. No earned runs , 3 hits 3 Ks 2 walks. Rockets win 8-4, 4 hits by Marrero including a home run smash to left. Wellman had 2 hits. The final game of the weekend was toughest. Rockets came all the way back from a 6-0 Deficit and win 9-6 in extra innings. Starter eathan daggett was touched for 6 runs in the first 2 inn but cody Harrison from frankton kept the rockets in the game for the next 4 inn. Rocket pinch hitter billy geeslin hit a 2 run home run in the 6th to tie the game ----so emotional, he shared he dedicated it to my mom and it was his first ever in his baseball career. Part of the emotion, billy making his return to baseball after a year off for tommy john surgery on his right arm. We were reminiscing before game 2 his days as a kid shagging flys in rocketland watching his dad pitch. A rocket memory deluxe was a 6 year old billy singing take me out the the ballgame in portland. His shot tied the game, and billy geeslin the slugger turned into goose the winning pitcher as he pitched the final 2 inn. Tyler Reynolds scored on a wild pitch in the 8 th for what proved to be the winning run. Final score Portland 9 michiana 6. 2 hits tinsely and mccowan in the game. Only 1 hit Marrero.. but Justin Marrero was an awesome 11-15 on the weekend. Good to visit with coaches ron milovich, an old friend from the south bend senators, and Javier Jimenez former foe now coaching the scrappers. Old rocket from berne area, rod bollenbacher on hand, big dan’s uncle.. he played with the rockets in 1986, 87. Cost for to play in the Chicago league $1000,,,,Portland charges 50 Interesting to note sun lf,,waters,Wilson, daggett, Reynolds 3 pitchers. Rockets looking forward to continuing their 6 game streak,,,,tues nite crossroads nite The van wert twisters coming to town Tuesday 7 pm at runkle-miller field. Don’t miss this special event, crossroad financial credit union always brings fun and smiles to the park----lots of stuff between innings fun for kids. So come out and bring the young ones, lots of prizes and shenanigans. Rockets roll through south bend with double dips sat and sun See ya tues at the ballyard Olivia, mitches sister would say r o c k e t s , rockets rockets are the best Randy miller pg 14
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| Posted Jul 2/12 - Rockets take 2 from Ft Wayne 3-1 13-0 |
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July 2, 2012 rockets sweep ft wayne red sox Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland For when the one great scorer comes to mark against your name, he asks not if you won Or lost, but did you beat ft. wayne? Rockets take two from the ft wayne red sox sat at runkle-miller field, 3-1 and 13-0 Happy july everybody, all Portland is playing pick up sticks, but the rockets prevailed thru rain, wind, trees falling on the fence and more rain Here is an unusual twist, game preparations Saturday included a chain saw, that Rodney Miles just keeps showing up doing good deeds, he carved up the tree that made its way to the rocket bullpen. Now come the good stuff. Dan bollenbacher, rocket ace from berne, pitched a gem----in the second game dan pitched a no-hitter---he struck out the 1st nine hitters, and 12 of the 16 he faced beating the ft wayne club 13- 0. that’s a pitcher’s dream a no-no. no hits 68 pitches one hr. 23 min. rockets also had a strong game one performance from billy geeslin of coldwater, a 2 hitter and 10 ks in an hr 37 min. a doubleheader in 3 hr---might be a record. Dalton tinsely has shown he likes the lead off spot in the batting order, Dalton lead the offense with 4 hits on the day, 2 triples and a double, also tripling and doubling grant hendershot, triple by Kirby Campbell, and another home run off the bat of mitch waters. On hand many former rockets= Laramie van skyock, keith nunley, coach david waters, Jordan Steiner and especially nice visit with #12 rocket captain of 6 years heath Williams. The tournament trails he and I have shared are many, canton, Cincinnati, ft wayne, Evansville, kokomo, wow. Did I mention don and marilyn maloy were there? hey good luck charm zeth rupe was there. and a whole host of wellman watch billy get some time in behind the plate. Coach Maloney of ball state wants billy to get some work in behind the dish and each player has a summer assignment to read a book---that’s unique ---the lone survivor You bet I am going to read it. I heard todd Steiner of berne recounting old days, he said, you haven’t lived unless you’ve been to a softball game at riverside park in new corydon. Rockets play next sat and sun in south bend at kennedy park, vs. the south bend sultans, and the michiana scrappers. Then tues its crossroads nite in Portland, that is always a big nite on the docket---I heard becky white on radio this morning,,,she makes me smile We remember her son shane as a rocket pitcher a few years ago, drafted by the pros right out of high school. Janet jeanna and gillispie, they sure made us feel welcome in our visit to crossroads fri. free food, handed out some schedules Rockets will participate in the 4th july parade wed and patriot sportswear will be giving away some cool vintage 1960 rocket t-shirts. Join us at the fairgrounds at the event tent for more baseball fun. Rockets win 2 bollenbacher throws a no=no, mitch goes deep, 3 rockets hit 4 triples, I love triples, and it rained and I love a parade Rocket record 14-6 Roll on rockettrain I love a parade Randy miller pg 14
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| Posted Jun 27/12 - Rockets 12 Van Wert 1 |
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June 27, 2012 portland 12 van wert 1 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. The Portland rocket Return to their winning ways knocking off van wert tues nite 12-1 at runkle-miller field. 4 runs in the 1st, 6 in the 3rd and the offense clicked. a lead off triple by Dalton tinsely, and a 2 run double by mitch waters key blows in the 1st inning. Tinsely had 3 hits showing his prowess before parkland college of Chicago coach matt kennedy. Coach kennedy played vs. the rockets in 2004 with the Crawfordsville eagles. Remember the tommy pearce home run for the state championship---glory days/ more rocket fireworks in the 3rd, key blow a 3 run home run to the woods in left by brice davis. Brice had 3 hits in his last game, 2 in this game. Also with 2 hits newcomer Kirby Campbell from cowan and ball state, Kirby with a double and a triple and 2 rbi. Kirby is cody campbell’s brother, both bsu cards and he is an athlete. Rocket pitcher Michael caley from markle, effectively hurled 61 pitches, allowing but 1 unearned run to the twisters thru 5 inn. Billy geeslin and travis gray each threw an inn. Van wert defeated mich. City 8-7 sun, a surprise after mich city beat Portland twice sat. Van wert loses to Portland 12-1. van wert twisters have never defeated the rockets. 19 players played for the rockets in the 7 inning game. 1 hr 50 min for this titanic struggle. Good crowd on hand, of course the maloys were there, thanks david lyons for your generous donation===that guy just makes you feel good to be around Team mvp, asst coach and batman, seth rupe---when seth is there we win. Do it again sat seth. Special thanks to chief aker and the fire department for sharing their tanker on the sportland outfield. Rocket notes: congrats to elijahjones of Winchester, he competed as a class 2A all-star sat at Decatur central. Congrats to Thomas mccowan 23 yrs old today. We are still awaiting word if rocket ss zach tanner will be signed by the gary railcats. Steve garbacz shared he has seen many a railcat game---what is a railcat???? Tanner will be at our game sat unless signed professionally. And congrats to josh ludy----1st team all-american a dream come true/ June 27 2009, josh ludy came home from Wisconsin woodchucks and along with current rockets, bryan brudi, Jensen painter, dan bollenbacher were nabf regional runnerups- going 35-13 that summer. I can remember asking ludy, how much wood can a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood. Rockets win 12-1 over van wert Will rest thru the heat and play sat 3pm vs. the ft wayne red sox DH sat orig. slated for 6 will be played at 3pm Bollenbacher and geeslin the starts See ya sat late afternoon You cant be fun for a good time Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jun 25/12 - portland double dipped by michigan city |
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June 25, 2012 michigan city sweeps twin bill over Portland Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. Michigan city Came to Portland sat nite. And the Michigan city lakers came, saw and conquered. Lakers take two from the rockets 8-0 and 4-2. that snaps the rocket 5 game win streak. As sports officionado Donald gillispie noted, the laker squad was loaded. They broke open a close game with 5 runs in the 5th off starter mitch waters, out hit Portland 10-5 and cruised to a 8-0 win in game 1. 1st time rockets shutout this year. Last year only shutout once by lamargarita blues in regional. A true whopping, granted rockets 3,4,5 hitters were absent on this day. SS zach tanner was at a tryout with the gary railcats and they put him up in a hotel so they could get another look at him sun. Prior to game to we had a bit of a pow wow in the dugout and game plan, give the ball to big dan. And ride the strong right arm of dan bollenbacher . we take our chances behind dan. His folks were sitting in the new bleachers over behind third base with mr. And mrs. Tague, my support staff, Charlie said he was ready to pinch run if we ever got anyone as far as third base, Dan did his job, rockets nursing a 1-0 lead after 5 but gave up 2 unearned runs in the 6th, tied the scored in the bottom half, then gave up 2 more unearned in the 7th , ouch if it sounds as if we handed it to them, well, yes on the proverbial silver platter1. dan bollenbacher 4 hits 0 walks 7 ks. We outhit them with 10 hits. 3 hits by brice davis from Indiana Wesleyan and 2 by bryan brudi. Game ended with runners on second and 3rd, mitch waters hit a shot to the corner in left, just foul before grounding out to end the contest. Game one 1 hr 37 min, game 2 1 hr 52 in. Michigan city manager tj jahnz is a voodoo sports product representative, voodoo is on the car of dale earnhardt jr. and I was presented a voodoo hat autographed by jr. how cool, voodoo is a cleaner for cars, but tj used it to clean home plate. Rockets record now 11-6, mich city’s fine club 15-3. interesting to note, sun the lakers played 2 and split vs. van wert losing 8-7 after winning 7-5 in first game. Van wert beat em, wow, van wert is who we play tues. Michael caley from markle the slated starter. You can see that the heartland baseball league has some fine players. Rockets will welcome the addition of new outfielder Kirby Campbell from ball state tues. Great to have larry and donna chittum at the park celebrating their 50 wedding anniversary. That’s 50 for larry and 50 for donna or 100 chittum years. Of course the maloys were there. Great to have rocket rooter kristie Delaney back in the lunching pad---and a happy birthday note to orie dean poole, the Johnny cash of jay county . Rockets take a double drubbing at the hands of the Michigan city lakers, will rebound tues in Portland. 7pm tues vs. van wert twisters. Heartland league game we wont win em all but we will the next one. Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jun 22/12 - Porltand rained out after 2 innings at Van Wert |
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June 22, 2012 rainout 2nd inn at van wert Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. The Portland rockets riding a 5 game winning streak motored to van wert Tuesday but wow, it rained. How about that! Rockets up 2-0 in the 2nd starter eathan daggett pitched 13 pitches, billy wellman and chris miller each drove in a run but then the skies opened up. Game called due to wet grounds. 22 rockets huddled in the dugout trying to stay dry---sorry no room here for umpires they had to run to other dugout----this is a team and these guys are starting to realize they are a part of something bigger than themselves. They drive to play for the love of the game, for the competition, for the challenge. They make the trip for their teammates---our mantra—we got our brothers back- As I went thru that dugout, I say rockets from Huntington, Pendleton, Portland, coldwater, Muncie, Yorktown, frankton , Dunkirk, Churubusco, kokomo, Topeka, Winchester, Ossian. These guys know they ;are on the cusp of something special. They will all be back on sat this time in Portland, key league matchup- 6 pm dh vs. the Michigan city lakers/ Portland is the leader in the heartland baseball league, teams from 4 states in this league Indiana, ohio , mich, and illinois Rockets vs mich city at runkle-miller sat its on like donky kong Mitch waters captain Italia, the starter in game one, mitch actually played one yr for mich city Dan bollenbacher game 2 our best vs. their best Mananger TJ Jahns is bring his troops and staying overnite in Portland, often in a Winnebago. He is a rep for voodoo sports products, their logo on ernhardt jr.’s car. Special thanks to our friend, Jennifer Nixon helping us hook up on the community online Calendar neat stuff===dugout note from asst coach Kevin mccowan,,,that guy knows all that is going on, talk about being connected, he knew immediately that coach rich Maloney is back in charge of ball state baseball. He knows the Portland rockets. Just a couple of bullpen lessons of live from coach doug tinsely, he and my brother brad always are reminding me to smile You’ve got to know when to zig and when to zag, and you’ve got to eat good to be good Come sat nite 6 pm beat the heat The Italian stallion mitch waters and ace dan bollenbacher I am amped, cant wait for game day Saturday Rockets rained out after 2 innings thurs Rockets put their 5 game winning streak on the line. How good are we..11-4 we have some of the best athletes in the area And that is why we are Portland proud Portlands team, Portland rockets Come out and picnic at the ole ball yard on the corner of western and blaine
Sat nite 6pm vs. Michigan city Randy miller pg14 |
| Posted Jun 20/12 - Rockets defeat Ohio Warhawks 7-2 |
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June 20, 2012 rockets over ohio warhawks 7-2 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. The Portland rockets Defeated the ohio warhawks 7-2 tues eve at runkle-miller field. Billy ballgame, billy geeslin stifled the warhawks on just 3 hits striking out 12 batters thru 6 innings. Billys Mound presense was dominate and truly showed he has come back fully from arm surgery. Devin wilburn finished up the last 3 innings striking out 5 ---that is 17 punch outs in the game! The warhawks, a younger team have won 4 national world series in their division, are still getting their team together, players from Alabama, Arkansas, florida and all over, they use metal bats but coming ping together 5 hits in the contest. They are prepping for their tournament this weekend in Memphis. We will play these guys again in Dayton in july. The rocket attack was led again by captain Italia, mitch waters---mitch smashed his second homer in 2 days, scored 3 runs with 2 rbi. Portland scored 2 in the 2nd inning on rbi singles by zach tanner and tom mccowan. The offense tacked on 2 more in the 8th inning on a 2 run triple by grant hendershot. We outhit the hawks 8-5. game time 2 hrs 6 min ---how bout them apples ray cooney----lot better than 3 plus hrs in the ft wayne win. New ss zach tanner joins the squad from Yorktown, as he has finished his collegiate career at wright state. zach knows many of our players as they are connected thru baseball icon and legend bobby graves, coach of the Muncie legion. They should make one of those old farm bureau insurance commercials with bobby. Coach graves, 79 yrs old called me yesterday and went to bat for another young prospect. Never having seen the tanner kid, bobby said the guy is trying out for the gary railcats sat. and wants to play -----so thanks bobby graves yes the kid can play. Bobby was quick to say he called josh ludy the next day after the Baylor loss to Arkansas and that is just the guy he is,,,still connected . Portland rockets probably have had 30 plus players with a bobby connection. Love in Portland bobby graves
Rockets win and the crowd loves it. Many friends and supports on hand at the park. Donna chittum celebrated her birthday at the park with husband larry,,,and I will not believe she is going skydiving no, and david lea who umpired for years in Portland was on hand. Steve takats, Donald gillispie, our sheriff work patrol helper jim eiynkes on hand. Special thanks to Rodney miles and his lawn care staff for field touch up. Also my brother has now assigned Vicki tague the OOPS Official Operations P rodder Supervisor to keep rocket management focused Perhaps the most important sighting of the day, the new refrigerator installed at the lunching pad by jim runkle..thanks jamar. Rockets back in action thurs . 7 pm start at smiley park van wert. Eathan daggatt the starter yes we are going back to ohio Rockets will be home again sat for a 6 pm dh vs. Michigan city lakers Rockets on a roll record now 11-4 Randy miller pg 14
happy birthday old rockets scott stauffer, john brigham |
| Posted Jun 19/12 - portland over ft. wayne |
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June 19,2012 portland over ft Wayne 22-14 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. For when the one great scorer comes to mark against your name, he asks not if you one or lost, but did you beat ft. wayne? Portland rockets defeat ft. wayne jackers 22-14. it wasn’t easy, but it could have been. Rockets jumped to a 5-0 lead in the first inning and the slugfest was on. Billy wellman hit a home run into the woods in left field to start the fireworks. Wellman scored 5 times in the contest. Rockets still led 6-2 in the 4th but the former shady nook club came back. Score tied 6-6 more fireworks in the 4th, mitch waters hit a woods shot over the fence, a 3 run blast . the timely blow almost turned the slugfest into an old fashioned donneybrook, after much mouthing, started by our team I might add, both benches were warned, order restored. The quality of play was suspect. 18-8 and game near end, jackers came back again scoring 6 runs-5 unearned off Michael caley who was in relief of dan bollenbacher –3 innings . rockets held on to win 22-14 in 3 hours 8 min. Sports writer ray cooney, who stayed the duration, was wondering where the extra hour came in and we endured but it wasn’t pretty. Tyler Reynolds and travis gray closed up the mound duties. Offensively, grant hendershot, Pendleton had 4 hits, as he auditioned before his college coach kyle gould from taylor university. Coach gould was complimentary of rockets baseball and was needling the 3 rd base coach about his effect coaching, slopping baserunning resulting in Runners picked off 2nd and 3rd. Portland also had 3 hits by way wellman, 3 hits by adam Wilson, 2 by Thomas mccowan, and 4 rbi by Dalton tinsely. The jackers had 3 shepards from Wabash pitch, the last one 43 yr. Former major leaguer keith Shepard. I have his baseball card with the Colorado rockies Good crowd on hand enjoyed the breezy nite- maloys, david and Jacob lykins on hand took batting practice with the team, larrimee van skyock getting ready for his 12 yr anniversary was at the park. Special visit from max and sherri ludy---they showed me a picture of josh ludy, #22 in a philly official mlb uniform. And also he getting engaged. Rocket record now moves to 10-4 and we are undefeated in Indiana. Now as summer approaches so does the biggest of challenges. Tonite the ohio warhawks come to Portland 630 start The Dayton club has players from all over the country. they lost 2 games last year as they won their 4th straight national title last year. One of their loses was to Portland. In fact, we have beaten them 3 years in a row. Billy ballgame, billy geeslin will be on the mound. Devin wilburn will also pitch in the game 630 start and it will be a good one, they use metal we use wood. 630 start at the corner of western and blaine come support the home team randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jun 18/12 - rockets sweep lima buckeyes |
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June 18, 2012 rockets sweep lima buckeyes Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. The Portland rockets sweep a doubleheader beating the lima buckeyes, 5-0 and 9-2 Saturday at runkle-miller field. Mitch waters on the mound and he set the tone for the day. The Italian stallion shut out the buckeyes on just one hit, retiring 15 of the last 16 he faced one walk, 7 Ks . the rocket veteran, threw just 74 pitches and completed duties in 1hr 38 min. A billy wellman 2 run double to the fence in the 3rd scored logan hug and Justin Marrero and that was all mitch needed, rockets win 5-0. chris miller his battery mate, also hit a home run and a double. Thomas mccowan also had 2 hits/ billy wellman had 4 hits on the day . had a nice visit with rich wellman I am sure he had a happy fathers day. We learned that his daughter Danielle wellman was named area player of the year. She will continue her softball career at grace college. Rockets continued taking care of business with a 9-2 win in game 2. eathan daggett went 5 inn and he too struck out 7 with no/zero walks and allowed 3 hits. Justin miller finished out the contest. 1 hr 52 min. 5 of the lima club play baseball at ohio northern university nickname …..polar bears crazy name on a 94 degree day speaking of hot, adam Wilson had 3 hits in game 2, in fact every rocket starter had a hit 2 each by wellman and jose Gonzales of carrucus venezeula Many were in attendance====hey we even found a spot to claim for don and marilyn maloy on the bleacher pad ,,,,,,hey thanks for making my day with the generous donation –love ya in Portland guys We had the music blaring and the lunching pad was cooking---tony minch used to help josh Gibson run that thing in the day, but Saturday he was being dad to his son Sheldon; over in the golf cart with her pseudo roster in hand, Vicki tague was rooting for the home team, eric rogers picked up a cool rocket jersey. Former rockets larry chittum, and paul minnich on hand. A special visit to the rocket dugout by former rocket and teammate and friend mike Ashley he was in town for the Portland high school reunion My favorite rocket story, mike Ashley married the prettiest girl in Portland lana but on that special day he played rocket ball and went 4-4 before excusing himself to go get hitched---we were still in the second game when their procession came honking thru the parking lot. Sat eve capped off at the American legion for our Portland high school reunion many friendly old faces and several former rockets on hand. What year you might ask, well I will tell you, we are great we are cool were the envy of the school, were the class that;s really true were class of 72 Rockets win 2 record 9-4 Big game tonite 7 pm at runkle-miller Ft wayne jackers vs dan bollenbacher jackers the best club of ft wayne Old rivals shady nook Coach kyle gould of taylor will be in attendance.
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| Posted Jun 18/12 - rockets sweep lima buckeyes |
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June 18, 2012 rockets sweep lima buckeyes Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. The Portland rockets sweep a doubleheader beating the lima buckeyes, 5-0 and 9-2 Saturday at runkle-miller field. Mitch waters on the mound and he set the tone for the day. The Italian stallion shut out the buckeyes on just one hit, retiring 15 of the last 16 he faced one walk, 7 Ks . the rocket veteran, threw just 74 pitches and completed duties in 1hr 38 min. A billy wellman 2 run double to the fence in the 3rd scored logan hug and Justin Marrero and that was all mitch needed, rockets win 5-0. chris miller his battery mate, also hit a home run and a double. Thomas mccowan also had 2 hits/ billy wellman had 4 hits on the day . had a nice visit with rich wellman I am sure he had a happy fathers day. We learned that his daughter Danielle wellman was named area player of the year. She will continue her softball career at grace college. Rockets continued taking care of business with a 9-2 win in game 2. eathan daggett went 5 inn and he too struck out 7 with no/zero walks and allowed 3 hits. Justin miller finished out the contest. 1 hr 52 min. 5 of the lima club play baseball at ohio northern university nickname …..polar bears crazy name on a 94 degree day speaking of hot, adam Wilson had 3 hits in game 2, in fact every rocket starter had a hit 2 each by wellman and jose Gonzales of carrucus venezeula Many were in attendance====hey we even found a spot to claim for don and marilyn maloy on the bleacher pad ,,,,,,hey thanks for making my day with the generous donation –love ya in Portland guys We had the music blaring and the lunching pad was cooking---tony minch used to help josh Gibson run that thing in the day, but Saturday he was being dad to his son Sheldon; over in the golf cart with her pseudo roster in hand, Vicki tague was rooting for the home team, eric rogers picked up a cool rocket jersey. Former rockets larry chittum, and paul minnich on hand. A special visit to the rocket dugout by former rocket and teammate and friend mike Ashley he was in town for the Portland high school reunion My favorite rocket story, mike Ashley married the prettiest girl in Portland lana but on that special day he played rocket ball and went 4-4 before excusing himself to go get hitched---we were still in the second game when their procession came honking thru the parking lot. Sat eve capped off at the American legion for our Portland high school reunion many friendly old faces and several former rockets on hand. What year you might ask, well I will tell you, we are great we are cool were the envy of the school, were the class that;s really true were class of 72 Rockets win 2 record 9-4 Big game tonite 7 pm at runkle-miller Ft wayne jackers vs dan bollenbacher jackers the best club of ft wayne Old rivals shady nook Coach kyle gould of taylor will be in attendance.
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| Posted Jun 18/12 - rockets sweep lima buckeyes |
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June 18, 2012 rockets sweep lima buckeyes Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. The Portland rockets sweep a doubleheader beating the lima buckeyes, 5-0 and 9-2 Saturday at runkle-miller field. Mitch waters on the mound and he set the tone for the day. The Italian stallion shut out the buckeyes on just one hit, retiring 15 of the last 16 he faced one walk, 7 Ks . the rocket veteran, threw just 74 pitches and completed duties in 1hr 38 min. A billy wellman 2 run double to the fence in the 3rd scored logan hug and Justin Marrero and that was all mitch needed, rockets win 5-0. chris miller his battery mate, also hit a home run and a double. Thomas mccowan also had 2 hits/ billy wellman had 4 hits on the day . had a nice visit with rich wellman I am sure he had a happy fathers day. We learned that his daughter Danielle wellman was named area player of the year. She will continue her softball career at grace college. Rockets continued taking care of business with a 9-2 win in game 2. eathan daggett went 5 inn and he too struck out 7 with no/zero walks and allowed 3 hits. Justin miller finished out the contest. 1 hr 52 min. 5 of the lima club play baseball at ohio northern university nickname …..polar bears crazy name on a 94 degree day speaking of hot, adam Wilson had 3 hits in game 2, in fact every rocket starter had a hit 2 each by wellman and jose Gonzales of carrucus venezeula Many were in attendance====hey we even found a spot to claim for don and marilyn maloy on the bleacher pad ,,,,,,hey thanks for making my day with the generous donation –love ya in Portland guys We had the music blaring and the lunching pad was cooking---tony minch used to help josh Gibson run that thing in the day, but Saturday he was being dad to his son Sheldon; over in the golf cart with her pseudo roster in hand, Vicki tague was rooting for the home team, eric rogers picked up a cool rocket jersey. Former rockets larry chittum, and paul minnich on hand. A special visit to the rocket dugout by former rocket and teammate and friend mike Ashley he was in town for the Portland high school reunion My favorite rocket story, mike Ashley married the prettiest girl in Portland lana but on that special day he played rocket ball and went 4-4 before excusing himself to go get hitched---we were still in the second game when their procession came honking thru the parking lot. Sat eve capped off at the American legion for our Portland high school reunion many friendly old faces and several former rockets on hand. What year you might ask, well I will tell you, we are great we are cool were the envy of the school, were the class that;s really true were class of 72 Rockets win 2 record 9-4 Big game tonite 7 pm at runkle-miller Ft wayne jackers vs dan bollenbacher jackers the best club of ft wayne Old rivals shady nook Coach kyle gould of taylor will be in attendance.
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| Posted Jun 15/12 - rockets defeat van wert 11-1 |
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June 14, 2012 at van wert Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. The rockets successfully opened their defense of the heartland baseball league championship last nite defeating the Van wert twisters 11-1 at smiley park in van wert. Portland league champs last year, has never lost to the twisters. The heartland league is a wood bat league with teams from 4 states. Members include Portland, van wert, oh. Michiana scrappers, mich, Illinois jayhawks Chicago, mich city lakers and south bend sultans. The rockets scored 7 runs in the first inning and cruised to the victory in 2 hours 19 min. mitch waters and billy wellman each had 3 hits and 3 rbi. Most importantly 3 new rockets reported for duty . actually returning to duty pitcher devin wilburn of ball state. devin started and went 4 innings allowing 1 unearned run on 1 hit with 5 strike outs. Also returning Jensen painter of ohio university, one of the nations leading collegiate home run hitters, Jensen was a rocket with josh ludy in 2009 on our regional finalist team. Jensen played the last 2 summers in the great lakes conference. Jensen doubled off the fence in the first inning to drive in the games first run, Also making his rocket debut, Austin bridges of Muncie After wilburn, tyler Reynolds went the next 4 innings with no runs and travis gray pitched the ninth. Dan bollenbacher went one for one as a pinch hitter. ;Portland outhit van wert 14-5 Once again, Portland had more runs, more players and more fans in this road contest Rocket record now 7-4, van wert 2-7 Happy birthday today billy wellman We will see you on sat as the rockets return to action 1pm at runkle-miller field vs. the lima buckeyes. Rockets also home mon and tues nite. Mon vs shady nook jackers, tues vs. ohio warhawks. Baseball in Portland at the corner of western and blaine Mitch waters will be our starter and we like our chances with our man mitch. Why not enjoy the game sat then enjoy the ft. recovery jubilee in the nite? Maybe play the duck races if you can put up with ken schoen Thanks for that fathers day poem played earlier on wpgw rob weaver Ray miller’s poem ray miller’s way. Nice touch and certainly brought a tear to my eye Bring a lawn chair, or enjoy our new bleachers, pack that cooler, but see ya at the ballgame we love ya in Portland
Randy miller pg 14
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| Posted Jun 11/12 - rockets split 4 games in cinci |
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June 10, 2012 cincinnati road trip Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. Portland rockets split a 4 game set in Cincinnati this weekend. In sweltering heat on both sat, sun Portland lost 11-10 sat to the cinci chiefs then won 4-1. the rockets built a 6-1 lead and starter mitch waters was cruising but a bizarre 7 run 4th inning proved to be the difference. Billy wellmans first game catching. Justin Marrero homered in the contest. The chiefs featured 2 former pro players one of them 36 year old Jamie spottz from ball state and a former rocket 15 years ago. The game ended with the tying run at 3rd base but 2 strikeouts ended the threat. Manager jeff Hannah noted he has coached for 28 years and mitch waters is one of the top 5 competitors he has ever seem Game 2 portland won 4-1. Michael caley went the distance. Michael from markle, was the ace of the Indiana Wesleyan team this spring and he showed it sat. mixing his 77 pitches he went the distance, a 4 hitter not easy on a hot day Rockets also split a pair on sun. Game one rockets win 3-0 in an hour 23 min over the cinci cobalts record now 9-2…..dan bollenbacher rocket ace was one sweaty dude,,,,but a winner no less. Dan went all 7 inn in 86 pitches allowing but one hit Rockets only had 5 hits but managed unearned runs in the 5th. Game 2 the cinci champions came in fresh replacing the cobalts. Billy geeslin gave up 6 runs but only 1 hit and champions win 8-3. in the 4 game set, mitch waters led the hitting attack with 8 hits, Justin Marrero had 6 and logan hug from indy had 5. The work load this week was a mountain. Trips to Dayton, Celina, cinci –7 games in 6 days. Rocket record now 6-4 Rockets return to action at 7 pm tues a home game, at runkle miller field. Lima buckeyes are coming to town,,, devin wilburn returns to Portland for the start. Sat game at roselawn park did bring to mind a 2009 flashback and a josh ludy story., In the nabf regional, Portland defeated the chiefs behind nick bruns to advance to the championship game sun vs. the Detroit jet box.. a Sunday game in summer heat and I was astonished to find out that morning our catcher josh ludy still conducted his regular grueling P90 workout… his manager me was not really thrilled with the kid having worked out before the game but I have to hand it to josh----hard work beats talent that doesn’t work hard Rockets split the 4 game set in cini Home tues nite-pack up the cooler, bring the lawn chair and join us 7pm Take me out to the ballpark,,,,the lunching pad awaits This is randy miller pg 14
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| Posted Jun 7/12 - ROCKETS FALL TO MARINERS |
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June 6, 2012 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. Wed twi-nite doubleheader in Celina, rockets rolling with a 4-0 record. our club has some swagger, with many Portland fans on hand, 28 players we competed with our grand lake rivals. Rockets go down swinging, losing 4-3 and 5-1 Both games the Portland team was in a position to win, my sister mickey would also make that claim while playing the dice game aggravation,,,be in a position to win We just didn’t climb that mountain All our undoing came disappointedly, with 2 out Tied 3-3 in the 7th , eathan daggett who was masterful in his 2 inn was touched in his 3rd inn on a 2 out double and a controversial safe call at first base as the mariners drove in the winning run on a ground ball that Justin Marrero made a fine play on , firing to billy wellman at first and we only could wish to see a replay. Rockets had a good pitching performance by starter billy geeslin who went 3 innings Giving up 2 runs on 2 hits. Tyler Reynolds gave up one unearned run in the 4th before daggett took the hill. The rockets out hit the marines in both games 7 hits 2 each by bryan brudi and Justin Marrero,, Marrero with 2 rbi sidenote: Marrero was drafted out of high school 4 years ago by the white sox in the 32 round game 2 dan bollenbacher rocket ace returned to form,,, and put us in a position to win --- dan left us ahead 1-0 in the 5th Marrero scoring our only run in the 4th on a 2 out error, the big righthander from berne surrendered 1 hit with 5 ks but again the 2 out bug bit. Cody Harrison with 2 out loaded the bases, travis gray then gave up a 3 run double and the game had a new leader. Rockets gave up 2 runs in the 6th all with 2 out also. Really a managers nitemare 6 walks with 2 out in those last 2 inn. That issue will be addressed Game 1 2hours 1 min, game 2 2hours 19 min Logan hug, marreo, grant hendershot, and jose Gonzalez from carrasco Venezuela a new catcher who came with bollenbacher all had hits, ben smith also had a single, a walk and a stolen base.. Ben a rocket mvp from last year now moves on to the medicine hat mavericks in the Canadian league.. good luck ben we will miss ya Good to see don and marilyn maloy who made the trip and also marv bruns along with many other of our ohio baseball friends. And happy birthday gary miller of Wabash ohio Rockets resume action sat in a weekend double header in Cincinnati Sat vs. Cincinnati chiefs at 2 pm at roselawn park mitch waters who pitched a no hitter vs. them 2 years ago the starter Sun vs. Cincinnati cobalts at 11 am at Lakota west hs. We wont win em all but we we’ll win the next one Randy miller pg 14
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| Posted Jun 7/12 - ROCKETS FALL TO MARINERS |
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June 6, 2012 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. Wed twi-nite doubleheader in Celina, rockets rolling with a 4-0 record. our club has some swagger, with many Portland fans on hand, 28 players we competed with our grand lake rivals. Rockets go down swinging, losing 4-3 and 5-1 Both games the Portland team was in a position to win, my sister mickey would also make that claim while playing the dice game aggravation,,,be in a position to win We just didn’t climb that mountain All our undoing came disappointedly, with 2 out Tied 3-3 in the 7th , eathan daggett who was masterful in his 2 inn was touched in his 3rd inn on a 2 out double and a controversial safe call at first base as the mariners drove in the winning run on a ground ball that Justin Marrero made a fine play on , firing to billy wellman at first and we only could wish to see a replay. Rockets had a good pitching performance by starter billy geeslin who went 3 innings Giving up 2 runs on 2 hits. Tyler Reynolds gave up one unearned run in the 4th before daggett took the hill. The rockets out hit the marines in both games 7 hits 2 each by bryan brudi and Justin Marrero,, Marrero with 2 rbi sidenote: Marrero was drafted out of high school 4 years ago by the white sox in the 32 round game 2 dan bollenbacher rocket ace returned to form,,, and put us in a position to win --- dan left us ahead 1-0 in the 5th Marrero scoring our only run in the 4th on a 2 out error, the big righthander from berne surrendered 1 hit with 5 ks but again the 2 out bug bit. Cody Harrison with 2 out loaded the bases, travis gray then gave up a 3 run double and the game had a new leader. Rockets gave up 2 runs in the 6th all with 2 out also. Really a managers nitemare 6 walks with 2 out in those last 2 inn. That issue will be addressed Game 1 2hours 1 min, game 2 2hours 19 min Logan hug, marreo, grant hendershot, and jose Gonzalez from carrasco Venezuela a new catcher who came with bollenbacher all had hits, ben smith also had a single, a walk and a stolen base.. Ben a rocket mvp from last year now moves on to the medicine hat mavericks in the Canadian league.. good luck ben we will miss ya Good to see don and marilyn maloy who made the trip and also marv bruns along with many other of our ohio baseball friends. And happy birthday gary miller of Wabash ohio Rockets resume action sat in a weekend double header in Cincinnati Sat vs. Cincinnati chiefs at 2 pm at roselawn park mitch waters who pitched a no hitter vs. them 2 years ago the starter Sun vs. Cincinnati cobalts at 11 am at Lakota west hs. We wont win em all but we we’ll win the next one Randy miller pg 14
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| Posted Jun 6/12 - rockets win 2-1 over dayton docs |
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June 6, 2012 rockets win 2-1 over Dayton docs
Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. The Portland rockets Traveled to Dayton tues nite, a visit to a baseball complex deluxe at wright state. The rockets defeated the Dayton docs 2-1. the win moves portland’s record to 4-0. A cool drizzly evening cleared off in time for a pitching gem. Mitch waters was dealing. The veteran righthander threw 4 no hit innings walking 2 and striking out 4. mitch threw 51 pitches and even surprised a few hitters with the knuckleball. Michael caley, markle came on and was just as effective, he went 4 scoreless frames and allowed but 1 hit. The first Dayton hit came with one out in the 7th. Justin miller, Yorktown, pitched the 9th and closed the deal with a nifty double play to end the game with the tying run on second base. Portland scored 2 runs in the opening inning and that was it. Logan hug walked, a Dalton tinsely double, and a wild pitch scored one run, billy wellman’s line shot single scored the other. The rockets outhit the docs 6-2, tinsely and bryan brudi each had 2 hits, Justin Marrero and wellman also had hits. The rockets had a scoring threat in the 8th with tinsely on 3rd, brudi on first with no outs, but failed to score --- Amazingly, it took only 1 hr. 57 min to complete this titanic struggle, the reds game last nite 4 hours wow This was opening nite for the Dayton docs, their first game ever, they will compete in the great lakes conference as does our neighboring foe, the grand lake mariners. It cost $20,000 to plant a franchise in their league, operating expenses $105,000. Rockets expenses -----yearly around $30,000 total Rockets win 2-1 over Dayton docs Another coach in attendance called me on the way home, to congratulate our 26 member squad,,,,,Dayton had expressed concern if we would make a worthy competitor -----and truly we aren’t supposed to win these exhibitions,,, they are stocked with division 1 players from all over, their summer job is to play ball as they live at a host family for the summer, ask billy wellman he has been in Kansas the last 2 summers,,,welcome home billy hope you have a great summer, Tonite our road warriors head to Celina,,,,,a double header first game 5 pm at westview park, billy geeslin the start, snd game starter dan bollenbacher I am a Baylor bear baseball fan,,,,they wear green and gold,,,not near as nice as rocket black and gold We are proud to claim josh ludy as one of us, from Portland Big baseball news josh drafted into the major leagues---every young player’s dream I remember stories of perhaps the first rocket drafted, fireballer jerry shawver he too by the phillies I remember more vividly playing cards with on draft day, awaiting the call from the Montreal expos also in the 8th round for Michael dull from berne Love ya in Portland josh Rockets 4-0 and rockettrain rolls onto celina Randy miller pg 14
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| Posted Jun 4/12 - ROCKETS HOME OPENER NEWS |
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June 3 2012 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland Record now 5-0 Sat marked the 53rd opening day in Portland in the storied franchise, oldest in Indiana Yes Maggie runkle shared rocket founder dick runkle’s scrapbook First rocket game may 29 1960 winning pitcher larry chittum, first hit steve takats And it was festive at the corner of western and blaine----Saturday june 2,2012
Impressive ----the 32 rockets players on hand from all over the state, some very talented to be sure Very unimpressive ---the no show forfeit of the cinncinati chiefs –bad business ---part of being a team is honoring your commitment very sorry indeed
The rocket team played an intersquad exhibition game,,,rocket veterans vs prospects The outing was a tuneup for some, an audition for others, But it was a successful event just to showcase what Portland has that brings em all together Runkle-miller field is getting better and better every year--- Thanks to the city administrations, parks board and all who attend to our field of dreams New fencing, new cement pads supporting new bleachers, and the old coaches boxes are sodded in, manicured edges about the field,,,,,, thanks doug blankenbaker, thanks to jim eiykes and his jail workers and special thanks to Rodney miles and his lawncare crew---- Of course opening day must have its pomp and circumstance, mayor randy geesman was on hand and you might remember those geesemans in the athletic arena a few decades ago (randy reminded me we are same age) He did a fine job on the first pitch,,,,, Also sharing in the first pitch ceremonies, christain runkle- happy birthday christain fired one into to rocket mitch waters, then posed for a picture with adam farmer-jenny, my niece’s son, as they are great grandsons of the 2 families, dick and Maggie runkle, ray and betty miller Maggie and mom both passed away this spring and were remembered in a moment of silence-----wow my first season of 41 without my sounding board mom ouch Here is a sweet note, sugar cookies made by Julia schwonmeyer with Maggie runkle’s recipe ,,,,nice with my coffee and so thoughtful Also on hand, Samantha Thomas and steve g from the media, helpers kristie Delaney, dan haines and of course brother brad miller Emily Roberts and her 22 banners that outline our outfield fence from patriot sportswear on hand, Important to note that this ballclub will miss the services of veteran heath Williams rocket captain for 6 years, maybe he will unretire like brett favre??? Back is mitch waters from italy, bryan brudi from a bout with cancer, bill geeslin from arm surgery. Mitch was a big part of our 2005 state championship when he went 13-0 on the regular season. Brudi was on the 2009 team with josh ludy that went to championship of the regionals in cinci and 35-13 on the year., Dan bollenbacher and thtom mccowan also return as does chris miller and Dalton tinsely. These guys major contributors to last years 38=12 season.
Best shots of the day—dalton tinsely grand slam home run into the vines in right Blast of the top of the center field fence by bryan brudi, mitch waters shutout 2 inn and the rocket logo painted on field, spectacular catch made by catcher chris miller in front of dugout The boys of summer are back and loaded up--- Road warriors this week tues at wright state 7pm vs Dayton docs, waters starter Wed 5pm DH at Celina vs. grand lake mariners billy geeslin and dan bollenbacher the starters Sat sun 4 game set in Cincinnati Next home game june 12 7pm vs van wert twisters
Roll on rockettrain Randy miller –pg 14 |
| Posted May 29/12 - rockets open 2012 season with WINS |
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Portland rockets open season with 2-1 win over Richmond riverrats, then sweep twin bill 9-8, and14-3 over napolean riverbandits to go 3-0 on weekend in each the first 2 games the Portland rockets trailed going into their last at bat, but rallied to win. Sat rockets trailed 1-0 in the top of the ninth in Richmond at mcbride stadium, until mitch waters, the Italian stallion, hit a seeing eye single thru the middle scoring ben smith with the tying run. Justin miller Yorktown and Manchester college drove in mitch then tripling down the right field line. Travis gray norwell, heidleberg closed out a bases loaded jam in the 8th and took the win shutting out the prospect league rats in the 9th. Waters, dan bollenbacher, south adams, and bill geeslin coldwater, urbana, all threw shutout innings. Tyler Reynolds, Muncie, ind. Tech. Pitched in the 8th giving up one run on 3 hits. - great place to play and enjoy a ballgame, at john cate field ==== long time friend and founder/coach of the roosters - coach cate nominated ray miller to be inducted in Indiana baseball hall of fame Did you know???? 96 degrees in oxford ohio, the hottest may temp on record EVER rockets played at Miami oh university another great venue-incredible scoreboard, dugouts, cages rockets behind starter Michael caley, ind weslyan, went up 4-0 thru 3 innings, lose lead only to rally from a 8-4 deficit to win in the 9th 9-8 key blows in the rally, a 2 run single by Justin Marrero Shawnee st. a single by waters to put the tying run on first and a triple by Justin miller to put rockets ahead cody Harrison frankton closed out the bandits for the win also pitching, eathan daggett Huntington and derrick mckinney Huntington
game 2 rockets scored 6 in the first and 6 in the third, cruise to a 14-3 win, caleb miller Muncie, delta the winner, eric schmackers coldwater in relief key blow 2 run triple by billy wellman in the first wellman and waters with 2 hits on the weekend set the rocket attack led by billy wellman, mitch waters, and Justin miller all with 4 hits
rockets will play Saturday 3pm vs. rival Cincinnati chiefs in a meet the team double header in season home opener bring your cooler, lawn chair, and your young ones out to the ole ball park go Baylor bears and our old rocket josh ludy rockets rolling to start season 3-0 randy miller pg 15
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| Posted Aug 7/11 - rockets go 1-2 in nabf finish season 38-12 |
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NABF report from Concordia high school
8 team field Pool A: ft. wayne jackers, Chicago clout, Mishawaka brewers, Warsaw Indians Pool B: Pontiac packers, lamargarita blues, Decatur dirty birds, Portland rockets
Kudos to Concordia coach, former Indiana tech coach lance hershberger on field
Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. Portland rockets played in the national amateur baseball federation regional tournament this weekend in ft. wayne. The Portland team went 1-2 losing a heartbreaker 7-6 to the Pontiac parkers in 10 innings sat afternoon. A walk-off 2 run home run off devin wilburn, 1st homer he has allowed this year, sends Portland home –a 3 ½ hour titanic struggle. Portland rockets end this special season 38-12---one the best ever. Portland’s wilburn actually put us ahead 6-5 in the top of the 10th with a bases loaded walk, but the Pontiac-rhymes with cardiac-and the attack came in the bottom of the inning. Rocket OF ben smith, a candidate for tournament MVP, hit a mammoth home run –one the many rocket faithful on hand will never forget,,,I know I won’t. estimated at 480 ft. into the treetops, to give starter eric van matre a 5-2 cushion. Ben now with 11 homers on the season went 6 for 12 with 5 rbi in the tourney. Van matre, with the heart of a warrior, is a bulldog of a competitor. The ball state asst coach went 6 inn on 112 pitches , verlander of Detroit went 110 yesterday, struck out 7, 6 walks, 2 runs on 4 hits. Van matre gave way to Trevor kill, and the cardiac began. 3 runs to tie in the 7th and 2 to win in the 10th. Also pitching in relief, tyler Reynolds, tyler Holloway, and then wilburn. Nate clem had 2 hits for Portland –pontiac out hit the rockets 10 to 9. Portland goes 1-2 in tournament play—fri morning we lost to lamargarita 3-0 on just 3 hits. Dan bollenbacher pitched well, but had just one bad inning. His college coach Hartman of lima northwest was on hand, other lima recruits from Portland, geoff bowers, ben smith and Thomas mccowan. Nice Portland flavor with 4 rockets next spring. Game 2 and facing elimination Portland responds. With a good rocket crowd on hand, yes Kristi Delaney was there representing sesame st., we turn the lights out on the Decatur season. Portland wins 6-3 ---7th consecutive win over the nasty birdies this year. Brad benbow, tyler Reynolds, eathan daggett and Trevor kill with the mound duties. Ben smith’s 2 run double in the 6th the key blow along with a tie breaking home run by Dalton tinsely. Hey, good to see doug tipton in ft. wayne sat at the football meeting for officials. Go robotics, well done dude.
Rockets chance to advance came to a cardiac arrest vs. Pontiac. Season started in may –50 games and a whole lot of fun—the boys of summer become men we win 38 games (43 wins is the record in 1996 with the luce boys –I played back then) . memories aplenty from this Portland campaign—pitching, defense, more double plays than I can ever recall, every game a tradition-laced representation. This team took more batting practice than all other rocket squads combined. Thanks to Kevin mccowan—rest that arm for next year. The Portland rockets earned respect and many compliments throughout the year. We finish the year 38-12 and stand Portland proud.. we ended with many shared thanks, hugs, a few tears but all were proud to be a Portland rocket. Watch out next year, the rockettrain will roll again. Randy miller Note: rocket nation well represented in tournament field. Pontiac player luke momrik was a rocket around 10 years ago ----he passed on many warm thoughts of rocket days and the impact of one ray miller on a team summers ago Also on hand rockets on other teams, randy moss, matt ousley, garrett wiejak, bryan brudi, josh shatto,. Keith shepeard, Happy birthday to old rockets mark flueckiger and Jason murdog murray
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| Posted Aug 2/11 - draw for NABF tournament at concordia high school |
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rockets play in pool B at concordia high school (just across from IPFW) on anthony blvd. behind zollner stadium fri games 10 am portland vs. lamargarita blues 4 pm portland vs. decatur dirty birds sat. games 1 pm vs. pontiac mich. 4:30 group A winner vs group B runner up at carrington 9 inn 4:30 group B winner vs group A runner up at concordia 9 inn sun. championship game at noon , concordia high school 9 inn we have to do our duty in pool play, this is the sacrifice that puts us on the map---it takes ALL to make this work,,,team unity, chemistry and perserverance makes this collective unit a CHAMPION Cody Campbell cant make it this weekend so someone will have to step in and step up--- 5 games in all to be regional champs, a full pitching staff should be on hand you never know when a player may be ejected, injured, ---we must have our brother's back go rocket train 37-10 and ready to roll
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| Posted Aug 1/11 - rockets make it championship, lose to illinois jayhawks |
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World baseball congress report: Illinois jayhawks win, Portland runner-up
Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. Portland hosted the world baseball congress national tournament this weekend. The action was hot and intense. The rockets, riding a 19 game winning streak took on all comers and beat em. In pool play, Portland defeated Decatur 8-3, then the Illinois jayhawks 5-0, then the Louisville angels 6-2 But come the championship game Sunday, an old formula became the determining factor. Illinois jayhawks win the crown defeating Portland 3-1, the formula pitching, defense, and timely hitting. They seized the day scoring just 3 runs, 2 earned off starter eric van matre and made all the plays. The rockets streak ended with scoring opportunites squandered, and the jayhawks closer struck out 7 of the last 9 outs recorded. Jayhawks out hit the rockets 5 to 4 and took the title for the 2nd time in 3 years. Battle creek mich. The winner last year. Portland knocked out Decatur 8-3 in the first game, that makes the 6th consecutive win this year over the dirty birds. Brad benbow the winner going 5 innings. Justin marrero’s 3 run home run the big blow. Portland then defeated the jayhawks sat. nite 5-0 behind a stellar pitching performance by devin wilburn. Wilburn went the distance scattering 7 hits striking out 7. ben smith had 3 hits, 2 triples and cody Campbell had 4 hits the team had 14 hits . Championship Sunday was baseball on stage, drama , suspense hey, it was the gunfight at the ok corral---rockets beat the Louisville angels 6-2 but in the 6th inn. The Louisville pitcher hit rocket shortstop brady roundtree in the head, and it was on like donky kong, both brady and the catcher had to be restrained, words were exchanged, I think I heard rocky Williams reprimand a rocket saying, “rockets don’t do that “ and he is rght on---- We are representatives of Portland and we do it right,, order restored and bollenbacher goes the distance to garner the win. Mark isenberg hit a towering homer to left. Now hear is an acorn for you,,,, Rodney miles of miles mowing and lawncare would blast that loud airhorn for each rocket rally and it surely got all of south west portland’s attention. Thanks Rodney good stuff Mayor bruce hosier was on hand sat. to throw out the first pitch and was there sat. too. Samantha Thomas was on hand to cover the action…..many former rockets on hand to root for the rockets, thanks to chris hearn, steve takats, larry chittum and many others. Also former rocket and now college coach kurt rammel now at tiffin university was on hand with his folks. He is recruiting some of the rocket players. In the 4 game field Portland went 3-1, so did the Illinois jayhawks they just won the championship game. Again the loss marks the end of the 19 game win streak, leaving the team record at 37-10. our last loss was july 3, in the championship game again at the 4th of july tournament in ft. wayne. On the weekend heath Williams went 7 for 15, ben smith went 6-11 with 6 rbi, and cody Campbell went 6-13 to lead the rocket attack… Rockets will take that airhorn and travel to ft wayne fri to start the nabf national tournament----fri action 10 am vs. lamargarita blues at Concordia field What I take from this tournament, not just the runner up trophy but that we have winners here in Portland,,,,,,support and community involvement. It is about the people, players and fans…. Many compliments given to Portland,,,about the field, the team, the hospitality. Congrats to the winners, the Illinois jayhawks of Chicago,,,,,,but we are sure sitting pretty good right here in jayland,,,,love ya in portland Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Aug 1/11 - rockets make it championship, lose to illinois jayhawks |
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World baseball congress report: Illinois jayhawks win, Portland runner-up
Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. Portland hosted the world baseball congress national tournament this weekend. The action was hot and intense. The rockets, riding a 19 game winning streak took on all comers and beat em. In pool play, Portland defeated Decatur 8-3, then the Illinois jayhawks 5-0, then the Louisville angels 6-2 But come the championship game Sunday, an old formula became the determining factor. Illinois jayhawks win the crown defeating Portland 3-1, the formula pitching, defense, and timely hitting. They seized the day scoring just 3 runs, 2 earned off starter eric van matre and made all the plays. The rockets streak ended with scoring opportunites squandered, and the jayhawks closer struck out 7 of the last 9 outs recorded. Jayhawks out hit the rockets 5 to 4 and took the title for the 2nd time in 3 years. Battle creek mich. The winner last year. Portland knocked out Decatur 8-3 in the first game, that makes the 6th consecutive win this year over the dirty birds. Brad benbow the winner going 5 innings. Justin marrero’s 3 run home run the big blow. Portland then defeated the jayhawks sat. nite 5-0 behind a stellar pitching performance by devin wilburn. Wilburn went the distance scattering 7 hits striking out 7. ben smith had 3 hits, 2 triples and cody Campbell had 4 hits the team had 14 hits . Championship Sunday was baseball on stage, drama , suspense hey, it was the gunfight at the ok corral---rockets beat the Louisville angels 6-2 but in the 6th inn. The Louisville pitcher hit rocket shortstop brady roundtree in the head, and it was on like donky kong, both brady and the catcher had to be restrained, words were exchanged, I think I heard rocky Williams reprimand a rocket saying, “rockets don’t do that “ and he is rght on---- We are representatives of Portland and we do it right,, order restored and bollenbacher goes the distance to garner the win. Mark isenberg hit a towering homer to left. Now hear is an acorn for you,,,, Rodney miles of miles mowing and lawncare would blast that loud airhorn for each rocket rally and it surely got all of south west portland’s attention. Thanks Rodney good stuff Mayor bruce hosier was on hand sat. to throw out the first pitch and was there sat. too. Samantha Thomas was on hand to cover the action…..many former rockets on hand to root for the rockets, thanks to chris hearn, steve takats, larry chittum and many others. Also former rocket and now college coach kurt rammel now at tiffin university was on hand with his folks. He is recruiting some of the rocket players. In the 4 game field Portland went 3-1, so did the Illinois jayhawks they just won the championship game. Again the loss marks the end of the 19 game win streak, leaving the team record at 37-10. our last loss was july 3, in the championship game again at the 4th of july tournament in ft. wayne. On the weekend heath Williams went 7 for 15, ben smith went 6-11 with 6 rbi, and cody Campbell went 6-13 to lead the rocket attack… Rockets will take that airhorn and travel to ft wayne fri to start the nabf national tournament----fri action 10 am vs. lamargarita blues at Concordia field What I take from this tournament, not just the runner up trophy but that we have winners here in Portland,,,,,,support and community involvement. It is about the people, players and fans…. Many compliments given to Portland,,,about the field, the team, the hospitality. Congrats to the winners, the Illinois jayhawks of Chicago,,,,,,but we are sure sitting pretty good right here in jayland,,,,love ya in portland Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 29/11 - portland to host wbc tournament game at noon sat |
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World baseball congress notes july 29,2011
Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. The Portland rockets host the 3rd world baseball congress national tournament this weekend at runkle-miller field. Games begin sat. at noon Portland vs. Decatur. The rockets will also play at 730 sat nite vs. the Illinois jayhawks (Chicago). Last year’s field was 8 teams from 5 states, battle creek mich the winner. This year we have 4 teams, Portland, Decatur, the Louisville angels and the winner 2 years ago, the Illinois jayhawks. Portland has been hosting statewide tournaments since 1991, only possible with community support. Just yesterday the boys from the parks dept, tom hicks and company along with jim ieynkes and his crew from the jail were out prepping the field. Then for good measure, Rodney miles of miles moving and lawncare brought his tractor in for maintenance on the bullpens. All part of the Portland machine that makes this community just a notch above ----thanks guys, love ya in Portland Portland’s team is a notch above as well, coming off a big weekend claiming the heartland league;s eastern division crown, the rockets take a 16 game winning streak into sat. action. Portland’s trip to east Chicago for the league championship was cut short due to rain, still to be made up. Happy birthay Kathy miller This note: coach lea selvey is helping coach the summit city sluggers and they are advancing in pool play in Chicago. They were placed as of thurs, 12th of 50 teams. Talking with josh Gibson of the lions club, he shares the jay county fair is bigger and better than ever, so why not take a break and catch some of the tournament action this weekend at runkle=miller field. Rockets record 34-9 play Decatur at noon sat, then at 730 vs. Illinois jayhawks ---it is jay county hospital nite, should be festive----mayor hosier will probably stop out Rockets will also be in action on Sunday at 10 am vs. the Louisville angels then ;the championship in the afternoon. It is all a buzzin in Portland, not just demolition derby—and we all root for orie poole-he is the Johnny cash of jay county—it is tournament baseball at the corner of western and blaine, lawn chair and cooler ---take me out to the ballgame and root root root for the home team Craig martin of taylor university is slated to go game 1, devin wilburn of Selma game 2, and dan bollenbacher game 3 should we make the finals, eric van matre the starter Randy miller pg 14 All games to be played at Runkle-miller field Entry fee will be $300
American league rules with Dh Composite bats are allowed, flip for home team.
Saturday Noon Portland Rockets vs Decatur Dirty Birds 2:30 Decatur Dirty Birds vs Louisville Angels 5:00 Louisville Angels vs Illinois Jayhawks 7:30 Illinois Jayhawks vs Portland Rockets
Sunday
10 am Portland Rockets vs Louisville Angels noon Illinois Jayhawks vs Decatur Dirty birds 2 pm Consolation game 4:30 pm Championship game
Area 51 wood works will be vending the tournament on Saturday afternoon, stop by and check out their wares!
Good luck this weekend.
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| Posted Jul 25/11 - ROCKETS CLAIM EASTERN DIVISION CROWN, DEFEAT WARSAW AND DECATUR SAT. |
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Rockets win 2 games in playoffs sat. 11-1 over warsaw, 7-5 over decatur 7/24/11
Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. It rained, and that stopped the train. Portland winners of the east division of the heartland baseball league, hosted the eastern playoffs sat. and the rockettrain took on all comers, beat em all. Portland’s team beat van wert thurs, remember that day, the hottest in 30 yrs. Then Portland ambushed the Warsaw Indians 11-1 sat. the nitecap matchup, Portland 7 decatur 5. Portland now the number one seed loaded the train and set out for the championship Sunday in east Chicago, whiting actually, but games where cancelled due to rain. So the championship is unsettled, Portland is to play gary patriots or mich. City lakers. We will issue them a challenge. Sat playoff action ;;;the rockets blasted Warsaw 11-1 in 5 inn. Devin wilburn went all 5 inn biving uup just 3 hits. They touch wilburn up for one in the 1st but that is all they would get. The lefty struck out 8. game time 1hr 27 min. All starters had hits and cody Campbell had 2. mark isenberg hit the last blast over cf head to complete the ten run mercy rule.
In the nitegame the rockets rallied to beat the Decatur stinky pigeons 7-5 down 4-0 early the boys of summer put up 4 in the 4th on some clutch 2 out hitting and creative baserunning. Geoff bowers and Dalton tinsely drove in runs and advanced bases in the rocket rally, we heard ya mickey, the 10th man factor is loud and clear down the right field line. Rockets score in the 5th, 3 insurance runs in the 6th and now have defeated Decatur 5 times in a row. Heath Williams, ben smith, geoff bowers each with 2 hits. The game also was the pitching debut of mark isenberg – ice, the strongest arm on the club, one of 5 rocket pitchers was helped out by catcher chris miller. With 2 on, 2 out a the ball was hit straight up in the air, with runners going past him, catcher miller stayed on it and hauled it in rockets win 4 games in all played at the ballyard sat, thanks brad, mickey, gary, kristie coach Kevin mccowan his long weekend, and doug tinsely, also to the community center and for dinner at the greasy pickle, even had a visit from mayor hosier. Thanks to chief aker and dustin hilfiker for aiding in the watering of the field. The rockets have now won 16 games in a row, and as ambassadors of Portland they were in route to Chicago, their quest a league championship. But the rain came, no game 18 rockets soldier up each weekend to go wherever, that is commitment. Especially when we had to stay up with the laundry till 1am sat. nite . league championships are on hold,,,,,,coming to Portland ya, the j county fair, also the world baseball congress national tournament begins fri this week. Rockets will play fri nite, and sat nite will be jay county hospital nite. Last years winner battle creek in a field of 8 teams from 5 states. More details as the week unfolds rockets division champs, 16 wins in a row, record 34-9 we stand Portland proud randy miller pg 114 |
| Posted Jul 22/11 - rockets trounce van wert 11-1 in playoff opener |
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Rockets win 11-1 over van wert in opener of playoffs july 21,2011
Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. Baseball players like hot weather---especially if you are on a hot streak, and the Portland rockets are on a roll. Portland trounced van wert thurs evening 11-1 in 5 innings in the playoff opener at runkle-miller field. The van wert twisters scored first in the first, one run and that’s all they got. Portland outfielder ben smith tied the score with a home run in the bottom of the first, then hit a 3 run bomb in the 3rd and the rockets rolled on to the mercy rule win. I called the second hand store last nite to remind jayland the game was a 730 start, and kiddingly said come out to the ballgame and maybe you will see ben smith hit another one in the parking lot and holy smoke, he hit 2 patented moon shots---smith now with 10 homers on the year. He is the first rocket to hit 10 home runs in a season since tommy pearce did in 2004. another rocket launcher was on hand last nite, bud finch and shared stories of the early rockets and bud is modest,, he was known for tape measure blasts.. you know he said catches his eye about this year’s club. Defense. And he is right The rockets have outscored opponents in league play 129 to 37 in 19 games. The offense caught fire with 13 hits last nite, every starter but one had a hit, 3 by smith ,2 by roundtree, Campbell, and tinsely. Doubles off the fence by roundtree and Justin Marrero. You might recall Marrero was the rocket clean up hitter last year, he returns from a wood bat league in new jersey and we are glad to have him in the lineup. Pitchers martin, benbow, and Reynolds limited the twisters to just 5 hits. Speaking of returning, the mayor of sesame street dave Johnson made his 1st rocket game last nite, with the maloys and our great helper kristie Delaney, sesame street is the rocket clubhouse—thanks guys,,,,last nite we had several from the commercial review on hand. And jack Ronald was quick to remind us steve Ronald was a member of that first rocket team in 1960. happy birthday to mike dull and bill geeslin, I have a feeling billy ballgame will be back in rocket gold next year . Rockets have now won 14 straight, record now 32-9. playoff action continues with games sat. at noon and 730. Portland the division winner in fact, hosts 4 playoff games all at runkle-miller field sat. rockets play Warsaw at noon, then van wert and Decatur play, rockets return for the nite game at 730 vs. Decatur. The wapahani connection will be dealing ---wapahani pitchers wilburn and van matre on the mound. Between games the rockets will shower and freshen up at the community center, (thanks jack houck) then we invite all rocket fans and family to join us for lunch around 3pm at the greasy pickle. Warsaw Indians at noon sat------they have beaten us 3 games out of 4, Portland has an ambush awaiting at the corner of blaine and western,,,,,this is good stuff, get on board the rockettrain randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 16/11 - Rockets over Red Sox 11-2 |
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friday nite baseball means good old fashioned hard ball at the corner of western and blaine wood bats, nine innings, home runs, rocket dogs, sodas, double plays, good community spirit all in a couple hours rockets take the friday nite marquis, 11-2 brad benbow went 5 inn and allowed just 2 runs, but the locals already had 8 runs after 4 and threatened to end it early with the mercy rule, but left runners on in both the 7th and 8 th innings. benbow gave up just 3 hits, but 5 walks, enter tyler reynolds. he goes 3 inn. in 29 pitches allowing 0 runs 1 hit. tyler holloway throws 7 pitches to close out the ninth. offense: every rocket starter had a hit except 1,,we ouhit em 11-4, but lets talk about right fielder ben smith. smith had 3 hits, scored 3 runs, and 4 rbi and a most impressive moon shot to right field that was so high, so long everyone had time to gasp for breath twice.. the ball landed in the parking lot---that is correct---beyond the hedges and onto the pavement that has to be near 500ft. i will measure when i get there today. last blast like that may have been former rocket mark hillman in the 90's or maybe mike meinerding from ft. recovery./ ben smith is a maria stein native and a leader on our team, he has 8 home runs (we had 4 as a team all last season) thomas mccowan and cody campbell also had 2 hits each. still the rockets left 13 men on base in 8 inn at the bat. we had runners in scoring position every inn. but the 8 th. great to see a buzzin about the bleachers with a fine crowd on hand, good to see former rocket duane sautbine and rose and they always make me laugh---thanks for the generous donation salty!!!! also larry and donna chittum, the maloys don and marilyn, and my old teammate and friend randy "nubs" smith and his wife. and dont forget phil from lynn--he gets on the rocket train every year this time as he gets pennant fever here is a portland rocket first::::: dry weather is tough on a playing field that is over used. after nature's green landscaping provided an outfield treatment, doug blankenbaker spoke with fire chief chad aker and............the fire department gave a spraying to the runkle-miller outfield.. thanks, now that is community support no game sat----bad business on the hands of the cinci chiefs---i have never called a manager ever and said we are unable to come, and now it has happened 3 times this year to us,,,,it really messes up our pitching plans and gives us a bad taste this old manager rarely gets a burr up, but those 3 failed committments will NOT be forgotten sun rockets play huntington at 1 pm DH in portland. it is the last regular season home games of a fine season. dan bollenbacher the starter game 1, eric van matre game 2 it will be interesting to see how eric's tryout went this past week with the gary railcats see ya sun at the ballyard
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| Posted Jul 14/11 - Rockets take 4th straight from Decatur 8-6 |
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Portland Rockets 8 Decatur Dirty Birds 6 July 13, 2011
Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. Tough assignment, beat your rival 4 times in a row, especially tough when at their home field and they bust out with a 4 run first inning. Let’s call it a character builder. Rockets rally and defeat the Decatur dirty birds 8-6 at bellmont h. s. last evening. Decatur was league champion last year, Portland sweeps the regular season set 4 games to none. Devin wilburn settles in after a rough start, pitches 4 scoreless innings, craig martin goes 2 inn. Giving up 2 runs, and Trevor kill closes it out 2 inn. 0 runs. But it wasn’t easy The rockets started chipping away, that’s what good teams do 2 runs in the 2nd, one a towering home run blast by Thomas mccowan, 1 run in the 3rd, single by heath Williams he scores on a bad bounce triple by ben smith , mark isenberg slams a double in the 4th to tie the score, rockets take the lead on ben smith’s home run to left center. Smith now with 7 home runs on the season. Rockets would tack on 2 more runs in the 6th on a couple errors and a beautiful steal of home plate by geoff bowers who timed perfectly the return toss back to the pitcher then came in the back door to literally steal a run . the iceing on the cake mark the iceman isenberg’s home run to left in the 7th. Rockets comeback gives Portland the win again the 4th over Decatur this season. And good chance we will see them again in playoffs next week. And maybe even in regionals. Playing at bellmont hs. Means shorter fences and the rockets hit 3 home runs, smith, mccowan and isenberg. And 2 double plays, roundtree to Williams to clem and many broken dirty bird bats. Heath Williams and isenberg each had 3 hits. 2hr 58 min in this game happy birthday ray gerber Quite a day for geoff bowers and dan bollenbacher,,,,,they made the trip to Louisville and participated in a reds tryout and still made it back to Decatur for the game. Good rocket crowd, they travel well, the maloys on hand, chance to visit with a former rocket of 11 years, terry bultemeier and wish his family well. Also our banker from the bank of Geneva, keith muhlenkamp and ava on hand. Thanks to scott bollenbacher for having me on hand talking baseball with the rotary club. We recounted some of the great community sharing Portland has had with the rockets for 52 years. The rotary club, what a unique fun bunch, some of portland’s finest. I enjoyed. Rockets record now 26-9—division champs with a 14-4 mark, and did I tell you we swept Decatur 4 times this year. More baseball this weekend. And I cant wait I love to watch these guys perform,,brady roundtree from Anderson, a glove surgeon at shortstop,,brings memories of some rocket shortstops of the past, and we are talking some good ones, jack wood, dave neuenshwander, doug Bolton, pete milas, ryan rammel, mike moorman, wow See the action Friday at runkle-miller field,,7 pm vs. the ft. wayne red sox,,,,,,Friday nite at the corner, come have a picnic with us at the lunching pad----brad benbow the starter Games sat at 2 vs. the Cincinnati chiefs dan bollenbacher the starter Sun DH vs Huntington at 1pm Cant beat fun for a good time Randy miller pg 14
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| Posted Jul 11/11 - Rockets sweep ft. wayne red sox 13-0, 11-1 |
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Rockets sweep ft. wayne red sox 13-0 and 11-1 sun july 10, 2011
Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. Portland rockets run thru the ft. wayne red sox like a hot knife thru butter ---a DH sweep Sunday at runkle-miller field 13-0 and 11-1. we will try to not make any more reference to the hot weather / Rockets started off with a 6 run bang in the very first inning, that is all starter eric van matre would need as Portland cruised to the 5 inn mercy rule. Van matre struck out 7 of the 13 batters he faced allowed but 1 hit. Craig martin pitched one scoreless inning. Van matre has a professional ball tryout this week with the gary railcats. Good luck to our veteran lefthander from wapahani. Rockets right fielder ben smith drilled his 6th home run of the season over the right field fence to add to the fireworks. Roundtree, Williams, mccowan and Campbell all had hits. Thanks for the donation to portland’s team, bob freemeyer . and to portland parks dept for the completion of the new outfield fence----old fence replaced over $8000 1985 After a short break, the lunching pad grilling burgers and serving cold drinks---the rockets went back to work and extended their hot streak. The 11-1 pasting of the red sox in game 2 extends Portland’s win streak to 6 games. Included in that hot stretch-sat. forfeit by the Indiana breakers –their mgr called sat morning and said he could not make a team to Portland----he expressed his apologies to all the players, fans, and city of Portland—he had heard how Portland cares about its baseball,how well attended and how it is an event==== well- thanks for the compliment but the greatest compliment is how our guys show up to hone their craft, honor their commitment, and have each other’s back=we show up –whiting, mich. City, Warsaw, Mishawaka, we respect the game and a may the best team win—we represent Portland we don’t call in sick. League officials share that the breakers although leading the west division will be excluded from post season play. Anyway rockets take game 2 11-1, dan bollenbacher the rocket ace, he always shows up and you better fear the beard, dan throws his 3 inn of no hit shutout ball, eathan daggett and tyler Reynolds finish up. 2 hits each for roundtree, clem, bowers and miller. Rockets sweep both games slightly over 3 hours and have field cleaned up for the jay-randolph legion team. Rocket record now 24-9 league record now 13-4 and assures Portland of western division championship. We have bigger fish to fry down the road in post season play, League playoffs, we host the national world baseball congress tournament july 29, then the nabf regionals and hopefully world series in Louisville Rockets play tues in Portland vs. van wert at 7pm Come see championship play at runkle-miller field tues devin wilburn the starter Champions do it every day, they don’t call in sick Randy miller pg 14
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| Posted Jul 7/11 - Rockets Revenge: Defeat jackers 3-1 |
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Portland rockets 3 shady nook jackers 1 july 6, 2011
Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. For when the one great scorer comes to mark against your name, he asks not if you won or lost, but did you beat ft. wayne. Rocket revenge so sweet, Portland defeats ft. wayne shady nook jackers 3-1 wed nite at runkle-miller field. It was crossroads credit union nite and the crowd was the largest of the season. Those folks made it an event,,,,most festive games, prizes, food and the rockets win again to cap it off. The jackers, fresh off their weekend championship over Portland at their place ( they beat us 3-2 sat, and 8-1 sun) brought their club to Portland and it was a a different story. Devin wilburn was dominate thru 8 inn, striking out 8 scattering 5 hits. The jackers touched wilburn for one run in the 8th on a simple throwing error from the mound to first. Wilburn had been sidelined with a serious bout of poison ivy, but he sure looked like the mound doctor out there. he was picked by sportswriter steve grabacz as player of the game. Tyler Holloway pitched the 9th , coaxed a game ending double play to finish it off. The rockets scored all 3 runs in the 3rd –a walk to brad kindred, a single by brady roundtree, then after a nifty double steal, ben smith delivered a 2 out 2 run single to put the boys on the board. Nate clem followed with another rbi single to close out the scoring. All 3 runs off former major league pitcher keith shepeard 44 yrs. Old. I have his card while playing for the Colorado rockies. Rockets out hit the jackers 10-5 and turned 3 double plays. 2 hits each by roundtree, smith, clem, and Thomas mccowan. The rocket lunching pad was a buzzin with activity, mayor hosier on hand, rocky Williams took his turn at flippin burgers,and I always get a kick out of seeing tyler newell--- and it was quite a community event----all in an amazing 2 hours 2 min.tin caps game yesterday 2hr 42 min. Special well wishes to Maggie runkle who is on the mend after her fall this week at jc hospital. Happy Rocket record now 20-9 . home dh sat and sun---as the new fence gets put in----thanks to our parks dept as they continually help us make improvement on our field of dreams. Dh sat starts at 4 pm vs. the Indiana breakers----they are from the region, calumet area and are the current leaders of the west division of the heartland league. Sun dh starts at 1pm vs. the ft. wayne red sox Lawn chair, cooler, sun gear, make it your event sat game time 4pm This rocket team is good and will be heard from come tournament time, Rockets win revenge match 3-1 over ft wayne revenge so sweet Randy miller pg 14
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| Posted Jul 6/11 - Rockets best Decatur 3-0, 3rd time this year |
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Portland rockets 3 decatur dirty birds 0 july 5, 2011
Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. The Portland rockets continued their winning ways tues nite besting the Decatur dirty birds 3-0 at runkle-miller field. This marks the third straight win over over rival, we beat them 2-0, 5-1 and now 3-0. a huge crowd on hand, of course the maloys were there, did not see much offensive firepower, had plenty of that at the july 4th skyshow at the fairgrounds. This contest was scoreless until the rockets scored 2 in the 5th . brad kindred singled to left, blake turner executed a sac bunt, kindred took 3rd on a wild pitch and was ruled safe at home plate on brady roundtrees ground out to first. And he was safe, confirmed from the rocket pressbox by both public address man dan haines, and his scoreboard operator judge clem. Rockets added another run on an 8th inning home run blast by ben smith over the hedges in right field, ben’s 5th home run of the season. Smith and heath Williams led the attack with 2 hits each. Rocket pitching was the highlight of the evening, brad benbow of delta went 7 scoreless inn. For the win. Brad allowed just 3 hits and struck out 5 giving up 4 walks and he hit 3 batters. Tyler Reynolds went unscathed in the 8th. Trevor kill closed out the game…the last out was made on a sparkling diving catch by kinderd in cf. with a throw to 1st to double up the dirty birds. They end up with 13 runners left on base and 0 runs. So exasperated with his inept offense, manager victor canales came out of retirement to take an at bat, he bounced out to Williams at second In attendance was former rockets Jason Stanton, corey locke, paul minnich and coach dean lehrman from heritage high school. Last nites game went 2 hr. 8 min. Rocket record now 19-9 and 11-4 in league play. And as judge clem stated, we get to do it again today. Rockets play the shady nook jackers tonite in Portland. Yes, that is the same team that knocked out the rockets in tournament play this past weekend. Well, this has a revenge match flavor to it,,,,and certainly some home town community spirit will be in vogue …. We will have our friends from crossroads financial credit union help set up the ambush. 7pm at the corner of western and blaine, bring your lawn chairs and root root root for the home team. Rockets vs. shady nook jackers in a rematch -----devin wilburn the starter The rematch ===sounds like a rocky movie, cant wait to see it. And all those zany folks from crossroads on hand, this will be fun. Special birthday wishes to Robert freemeyer from ft. recovery and to max ludy, josh ludy’s dad, and josh is still in texas darn it. Last nite 3 rocket catchers were unable to make the game, we called blake turner and he backed out of his umpire gig and made the trip to Portland and caught the shutout. Great work blake. |
| Posted Jun 30/11 - email from former rocket terry bultemeirer |
| Dearest Crudly Pud! Hey, great season thus far with the rocket train! Keep them moving! Just a quick note to wish you well this year again and to (seriously now) convey my thanks for allowing me to play for the many years with the Rockets. There is a lot of pride in wearing the yellow & black. Very much appreciated your father and what he gave to so many of us...the chance to play the game we love(d). If I calculated correctly, I played 13 years in the Musial league, 11 of them with the Rockets. No matter the age, that is a huge portion of my life. I'm planning to bring my boys to see the game (13th) at Bellmont against the Decatur shitty pigeons, plus try to find a few more. Because they both have been playing this summer, we haven't had a chance to get to see the Rockets. We will make it... Thanks again, Terry Proud Rocket #7 See ya at the ball field. |
| Posted Jun 27/11 - padres tryout info |
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FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The San Diego Padres will hold a tryout camp at Parkview Field on Friday, July 1.
High school and college players between the ages of 16 and 22 who are currently not drafted or under an affiliated Major League Baseball team contract are invited to showcase their baseball skills at the tryout camp conducted by area scouts of the Padres' organization.
The tryout is free of charge. Position player check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.; pitchers should check in starting at at 11:30 a.m.
Scouting officials and personnel directors of the Padres system will handle the entire camp and will make any decisions on players. Fort Wayne TinCaps personnel will not make any decisions on player signings.
Players are not required to pre-register for the tryout camp. All players under the age of 18 will need to have their approved registration waivers signed by a parent or legal guardian before the tryout camp or on the day of the event.
All players trying out will need to bring the following items - uniforms, gloves, shoes and/or cleats, and catching equipment if needed. All baseballs, wood bats and batting helmets will be supplied by the Padres' and TinCaps' organization. For additional information not covered above regarding the tryout camp should contact the TinCaps' front office at (260) 482-6400. |
| Posted Jun 27/11 - Rockets good enough thur,fri sat not sun |
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Rockets defeat van wert 13-5 fri, napolean sat. 1-0, 4-1 drop to at Warsaw 3-5, 1-2
Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. Rockets go 4-2 over weekend stretch, down goes Decatur 5-1, down goes van wert 13-5, down goes napolean riverbandits 1-0 and 4-1 but rockettrain kinda ran out of gas in Warsaw,. Doubledipped 5-3 and 2-1. Fri. rockets rallied from a 3-1 deficit and put up 7 runs in the 9th to defeat van wert twisters 13-5 in van wert. Brad benbow the winning pitcher in relief of eathan daggett, Trevor kill closed out. 4 hits by brady roundtree, 3 hits by new rocket cody Campbell from cowan and bsu, a monster home run by nate clem, Sat at runkle-miller field the rockets sweep the napolean riverbandits 1-0 and 4-1. pitching and defense , eric van matre throws a 3 hit shutout 1hr 23 min, masterfully done the eric of old extended himself and was a swing and miss pitcher they swing they miss, 6 Ks. Geoff bowers 2 out single in the 1st scored Thomas mccowan for the only run. Game 2 more pitching, more defense-- 6 inn by tyler Holloway , a save for kill and rockets beat a good club 4-1. 1 hr. 26 min on this one-rockets outhit em 7-4 nate clem 2 hits----riverbandits who leave for an Alaska baseball trip this week, were 21-3, now 21-5. Samantha Thomas of wpgw, did profiles of each player and she is a media specialist. She works also for the ft. wayne tincaps. Hey larry hiatt thanks for coming out and sharing with us. Ray cooney, local sports editor, was on hand in the rocket dugout . just as we were talking, a shot in the hole at short was tagged and ran down by rocket ss brady roundtree, like a wild west gunslinger, cooney shot from the hip his camera ripped off 4 pics of the catch.. impressive! Happy birthday geoff bowers, 23 . happy birthday orie poole, the Johnny cash of jay cou nty Sunday the rockets play games 5,6 in 4 days at grace college vs. Warsaw Indians. We split with them last week. Game 1 tyler Reynolds throws 5 shutout innings, but that 2nd inning with his right contact lens giving him fits, they score 5 times—the rocket rally comes up short and we lose 5-3,,,,both teams had 6 hits but they had most of theirs in the fateful 2nd. Ben smith provides instant offense with his 4th home run of the season. Ben had 2 hits in both games. Rockets muster only 5hits in game 2 vs. warsaw’s best pitcher elliot rowe of bethel college. Being league leaders, we often see teams best. Rowe wins 2-1. rockets struck out 7 times. Our pitcher did a remarkable job, craig martin gave up just 2 runs and was a damage control specialist going 5 innings scattering 6 hits. Dan bollenbacher threw 1 inn. In relief. Rocket Dalton tinsely tripled to lead off the 7th and scored on brad benbow’s groundout. But there was no more. The rockets suffer their 6th one run loss of the season. Record 14-7 league 9-4. Rockets return to league action tues 7pm at smiley park, van wert. Wed. home game at the corner of blaine and western vs. the ohio warhawks. Note: sparky Anderson, longtime manager of the Detroit tigers, had his number 11 retired yesterday in Detroit. Sparky would sign autographs and would say thank you. Always. He was a man who knew to appreciate. To paraphrase a comment he made and make it fit this report-----you don’t have to live in Portland to know it’s a great town,,,just go to a ballgame. So bring your lawnchair and see a great game wed. in Portland. Thank you Portland.
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| Posted Jun 24/11 - rockets have new lumber |
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straight from louisville, coach kevin mccowan on business, did a rocket stop at the bat factory and yes they are louisville sluggers, so lets be sluggers larry chittum addressed the jay county historical society tues (thanks for the invite larry hiatt) and shared that back in the day a woodbat could be purchased at watson's sporting goods in dunkirk for $3.95 a bat. mccowan got this major league wood with blemished decals for $40/ bat. by the way get well wishes to kevin's wife stephanie,,,she has to take care of both kevin and thomas...wow remember the jackie robinson bat (thick handle) the pete rose and mickey mantle? geometry lesson: take a round ball, a round bat and hit it square
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| Posted Jun 24/11 - Rockets beat Decatur again 5-1 |
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rockets vs. rival dirty birds again its portland 5-1 thurs nite at bellmont hs. rockets score 2 in the 6th , 3 in the 7th and knock out any threat decatur has on offense with pitching and defense. cold, drizzly, wind rocket dan bollenbacher was all about fear the beard, at 6'5"" and with full black beard, the grizzly berne bear was dominate, 5 inn just 2 base runners one walk, one hit,, dan faced one over the min. in 5. bollenbacher got the win and has now pitched 23 inn, 10 hits 4 bb and 27 ks very consisent. teammate devin wilburn finished up, not as sharp as last outing but 4 inn and 1 runscored on 4 hits. rockets pretty much won this game with pitching defense, and baserunning----several rockets on base unnerved the birds into throwing errrors. also 4 stolen bases, 2 double plays. rockets had just 7 hits and 11 strikeouts 2 hits by ben smith --rbi walk to geoff bowers in the 6th , a ground out by nate clem, then dalton tinsely had an rbi single to right, rockets now 11-5 on season and 9-2 in league travel to van wert fri smiley park at 7pm eathan daggett starter sat. rockets home at 1pm at runkle-miller field vs. napolean riverbandits starters eric vanmatre and tyler holloway sun rocket road warriors at grace college vs. warsaw indians,,,,,tyler reynolds and craig martin starters
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| Posted Jun 20/11 - Rockets go 3 out of 4 on weekend, split with warsaw, sweep South Bend |
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Portland rockets go 3 for 4 on weekend, split with Warsaw, sweep south bend june 20,2011 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. Portland rockets this weekend, just like last weekend go 3 out of 4. rockets split with the Warsaw Indians sat winning 2-0 game 2 we lost 9-8 in 8 innings. Sunday the rockets swept the south bend sultans at Mishawaka marian h. s. 12-0 and 7-2.
Sat. Portland beat the Warsaw Indians riding the wing of rocket veteran eric van matre 2-0. eric, assistant coach at ball state, threw 5 inn. No-hit baseball . masterful mixing up of pitches, he is returning to top form after injury last year. Brad benbow and Trevor kill finished mound duties preserving the shutout. Good crowd on hand , of course the maloys, carl funk, chittum saw a the game in 1 hour 21 min. after a half hour rain delay. Game 2 rockets came all the way back from a 5-0 deficit, took an 8-5 lead into the last inning, but couldn’t hold it , lose 9-8 in 8 inn. Craig martin, taylor univ. was not hit hard, but hit with bad luck, giving up 5 runs, 5 hits in 5 inn. Brad benbow quieted the Indian uprising, and geoff bowers blasted a moon shot to left, home run as the rockets took the lead. Trevor kill who had 3 saves in row, came in the 7th but was touched up and took the loss. Rockets had the winning run at 3rd in the 8th in Dalton tinsely, but after the squeeze was fouled off, a pitch later, Dalton broke for home on a wild pitch. The ball caromed off the new cement backstop right to the turned around catcher, and it was close but his shoveled toss to the pitcher covering was in time for the out. Just a split second earlier, Dalton. Wow
Sunday the rockets traveled to Mishawaka to face north west division foe, south bend sultans. Portland swept the DH 12-0 and 7-2. game one tyler Reynolds, Muncie threw a nohitter in the 5 inn game. Only 1 man reached base. Every time out we become more impressed with this lefthander------Tyler struck out 4, 56 pitches in his masterpiece. lefthanders---- wilburn, van matre, martin, and Reynolds--- pretty impressive arms stash from the left side. Righthanders bollenbacker, kill, benbow, Holloway and daggett. Sunday was a treat: game one, every rocket starter had at least one hit and ben smith maria stein, hit a monster home run in each game., 3 on the young season . I love games we win especially when we have a double play and a home run. We had 4 double plays on the day. Game 2 was all tyler Holloway , complete game much like his last start, a 3 hitter allowing 2 runs, 1 earned. And his knuckler was working. Offensively this weekend the rockets are timing it up, 44 hits in 4 games-home runs by bowers and smith but check this out—brady roundtree Anderson in the last 5 games Roundtree 17 ab 10 hits also bowers 14 ab 9hits, mccowan 16 ab 7 hits, miller 11ab 6 hits Rockets have won 9 out of last 11 and are now 10-5 overall, 8-2 in league as leaders of the eastern division of the heartland amateur league. Rockets have 3 days off before rematch with Decatur thurs at bellmont h.s. fri at van wert. Sat home vs. napolean sun (schedule has a glitch) we go to warsaw. Congrats to heath Williams voted player of the week by the league. Happy birthday sat to donna chittum and today, jack houck and john brigham
Interesting note; Mishawaka marian lost to Crawfordsville in the state finals sat. at victory field Indianapolis. We were on their field sun. and met coach jim Aldridge and wished him well,.. one of south bend’s pitchers attends bethel college---his coach is seth zartman former rocket and owner of some of thelongest balls hit in Portland---this kid pitched sun after his bachelor party sat nite.. special thanks to judge tom clem for his help in the press box. Tues I will speak at 7 pm to the jay county historical society on the history of the Portland rockets. All are welcome to attend. I had a special visit last week with Maggie runkle and we went over Richard runkle’s detailed scrapbooks. Richard her son, founded the rockets in 1960---did you know the Portland’s team original name?? Our boys. Note by coach john Edwards Warsaw on sat. DH in Portland. Classy day, classy program
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| Posted Jun 17/11 - Rockets win 7-6 over Huntington at Forest Glen Park |
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Portland Rockets 7 Huntington Foresters 6 June 16, 2011
Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. The Portland rockets defeated the Huntington foresters thrus. Eve at forest glen park 7-6. the rocket train keeps rolling---6 wins in the last 7 games. But it wasn’t a walk in the glen park--- Bottom of the 9th with the fog rolling in, Trevor kill coaxed a ground ball to second baseman zach tumulty with the tying run at second to seal the deal. Kill’s second save in 2 games. This contest, 2hr and 39 min was a back and forth, see saw affair. Forestes up 2 in the first ,rockets up 2 in the second – they touched up starter eathan daggett , he too from Huntington just off coach degitz high school sectional championship team, 5 runs in 3 inn and the score is tied 5-5 in the 5th . with one out in the 6th catcher chris miller, Winchester, singled –tough at bat with 2 strikes, chris tillery breaks his bat but places it to right for another hit, brady roundtree and ben smith prove to be clutch performers, each with a solid run producing hit. Dan bollenbacker pitched the middle 3 inn and picked up the win, dan nursing a blister on his right hand, struck out 6 allowing only 1 hit. Brad benbow went the next 2 and shut em down. Trevor kill, 4th rocket pitcher the save in the 9th. 20 rockets in the dugout, more batting practice with coach Kevin mccowan is paying off. Rocket offense 12 hits on the game, we cut down our whiff ratio---only 4 Ks. Brady roundtree the leader with 3 hits from the lead off spot in heath Williams absence,,2 hits each by geoff bowers and Thomas mccowan. Chris tillery scored 2 runs. Rockets win now moves the season record to 7-4 Rockets will host the Warsaw Indians sat at runkle-miller field at 2pm starters eric van matre, and craig martin. The rockets will then travel to Mishawaka sun to marian high school vs. the south bend sultans, tyler Reynolds and tyler Holloway the starters. Side note: Warsaw always loves to come to Portland to stay the night then play Decatur on their return trip Sunday. Main reason: a visit to rocket sponsor the greasy pickle, in fact they often make both the pickle and buffalo wings and rings. Today I have the good fortune to pay a visit to Maggie runkle—her husband was the pioneer who founded the rockets in 1959. Maggie, sharp and very neat lady is 97 and she is quite willing to share with me some of her scrap books and artifacts of early rockets days. Very timely as I will speak at the jay county historical society museum tues nite . By the way rocket nation is everywhere---our opponents last nite had 5 former rockets on their team. coach Andrew Drummond played with the rockets in 2007 in the aabc regional in Evansville . also tribolet, mills, palmer, and brannock were with the rockets in the past couple seasons. Reminder 2pm start vs. Warsaw Indians Rockets 5-1 in heartland league standings, Indians 4-3 Check league info on heartland amateur baseball league on the web. |
| Posted Jun 15/11 - Rockets outduel Decatur 2-0 |
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Portland Rockets 2 Decatur Dirty Birds 0 June 14, 2011
Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. 2 rival teams met and battled in Portland at runkle-miller field and the battle turned into a duel, a pitcher’s duel The rockets defeated Decatur tues nite 2-0 and the guns were smoking. Rocket pitchers struck out 16 birds, allowing but 3 hits and walked just 2 . the guns were impressive to say the least, a nine inning game that lasted 2hr 5 min. a big game atmosphere with a big crowd on hand, and the duel was on.
Devin wilburn, Selma, and ball state, was on fire. Wilburn went 6 inn striking out 10 allowing 2 hits. Enter eric van matre, veteran who debuts after pitching in only 1 game last year—an emotional and testy appearance for eric, he proved to be awesome, 2 innings striking out 4. eric a ball state assistant baseball coach, and of course, mamma matre, his mom, and team mom lisa was there and that is so cool. Trevor kill of st. marys closed the 9th and he struck out 2 more, guns ablazing.
Scott baker, the Decatur pitcher, will attend bsu next year. And he was a gunner as well, he had 11 k’s and ryan leaguers and he limited the locals to 2 runs on 4 hits.
Portland scored a run in the 5th and one in the 6th . Dalton tinsely walked, stole second and scored on brad benbow’s seeing eye single up the middle. Brad kindred, leadoff hitter in heath Williams absence, heath has a sprained ankle will be out for a while, brad walked to lead off the 6th , went to 2nd on brady roundtree’s single, abvanced to 3rd on a passed ball and scored on ben smith’s sac fly.
Rockets have now won 5 of last 6, and lead the eastern division of the heartland league with a 5-1 mark, team record 6-4 overall. Next game at Huntington university, at forest glen park thurs at 7 pm . eathan daggett of Huntington, our starter. Next home games sat at 2pm : note the change from 4pm, we play the Warsaw Indians at 2pm at runkle-miller field. Starters for sat are tentatively listed as craig martin and eric van matre
Side note : happy birthday billy wellman and to former rocket Cameron brannock Check out the cool rocket schedule on the rocket lunching pad----special thanks to pengap printing.
A first ever at runkle-miller field, you can listen to the broadcast of last nite’s game, yes, I said broadcast on www.adamscountyvoice.com-- I broadcasted football for them last fall and coach victor canales of Decatur and his sidekick steph have done much on the broadcast trail. Portland has the makings of a bonafide pitching staff---who will fit what roles!!! 5 games in 4 days and do it again starting thurs. How do you number these 9? Bollenbacher,Martin,Wilburn,Reynolds, Holloway,Benbow,VanMatre,Daggett,Kill 5 rhp, 4 lhp Lets build an Indian ambush for sat. at 2pm vs. warsaw
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| Posted Jun 15/11 - Rockets outduel Decatur 2-0 |
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Portland Rockets 2 Decatur Dirty Birds 0 June 14, 2011
Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. 2 rival teams met and battled in Portland at runkle-miller field and the battle turned into a duel, a pitcher’s duel The rockets defeated Decatur tues nite 2-0 and the guns were smoking. Rocket pitchers struck out 16 birds, allowing but 3 hits and walked just 2 . the guns were impressive to say the least, a nine inning game that lasted 2hr 5 min. a big game atmosphere with a big crowd on hand, and the duel was on.
Devin wilburn, Selma, and ball state, was on fire. Wilburn went 6 inn striking out 10 allowing 2 hits. Enter eric van matre, veteran who debuts after pitching in only 1 game last year—an emotional and testy appearance for eric, he proved to be awesome, 2 innings striking out 4. eric a ball state assistant baseball coach, and of course, mamma matre, his mom, and team mom lisa was there and that is so cool. Trevor kill of st. marys closed the 9th and he struck out 2 more, guns ablazing.
Scott baker, the Decatur pitcher, will attend bsu next year. And he was a gunner as well, he had 11 k’s and ryan leaguers and he limited the locals to 2 runs on 4 hits.
Portland scored a run in the 5th and one in the 6th . Dalton tinsely walked, stole second and scored on brad benbow’s seeing eye single up the middle. Brad kindred, leadoff hitter in heath Williams absence, heath has a sprained ankle will be out for a while, brad walked to lead off the 6th , went to 2nd on brady roundtree’s single, abvanced to 3rd on a passed ball and scored on ben smith’s sac fly.
Rockets have now won 5 of last 6, and lead the eastern division of the heartland league with a 5-1 mark, team record 6-4 overall. Next game at Huntington university, at forest glen park thurs at 7 pm . eathan daggett of Huntington, our starter. Next home games sat at 2pm : note the change from 4pm, we play the Warsaw Indians at 2pm at runkle-miller field. Starters for sat are tentatively listed as craig martin and eric van matre
Side note : happy birthday billy wellman and to former rocket Cameron brannock Check out the cool rocket schedule on the rocket lunching pad----special thanks to pengap printing.
A first ever at runkle-miller field, you can listen to the broadcast of last nite’s game, yes, I said broadcast on www.adamscountyvoice.com-- I broadcasted football for them last fall and coach victor canales of Decatur and his sidekick steph have done much on the broadcast trail. Portland has the makings of a bonafide pitching staff---who will fit what roles!!! 5 games in 4 days and do it again starting thurs. How do you number these 9? Bollenbacher,Martin,Wilburn,Reynolds, Holloway,Benbow,VanMatre,Daggett,Kill 5 rhp, 4 lhp Lets build an Indian ambush for sat. at 2pm vs. warsaw
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| Posted Jun 13/11 - Rockets win 3 out of 4 on region roadtrip |
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June 12, 2011 Portland Rockets take 3 out of 4 on Mich. City road trip
Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. Portland rockets road trip to The region resulted in a resounding success—rockets win 3 games, lose one. Sat. 18 rockets made the trip to Michigan city and swept the lakers, 6-0 and 3-2. Sunday in whiting Indiana, the team split games with the northwest patriots losing 5-4, then rebounding with a big 10-1 win. Mich. city , one time a home for minor leaguers turned major leaguers, juan marichal, and many,matty,jesus alou and others. For the weekend we had more players, more fans, and More runs, we outscored our foes 23-8 in the weekend. Sat. big dan bollenbacher rocket ace, went the distance with a 6 hit shutout rockets win 6-0. 55* and blustery, foggy strange day but the rockets went on to sweep as craig martin from marion kept pace, with relief help from new pitcher ethan daggett from Huntington, martin 6 inn. 7 hits and some strong defense including a catch by heath Williams that had everyone looking for a replay. Martin defeated a pitcher just released from AA Milwaukee, we had 3 hits in game 2. key, scoring first-williams the straw that stirs the drink got the party started, a bunt single, stole second, scored on geoff bowers single. Sunday the rockets traveled past merriville, past Hammond, past east Chicago to starndard oil park, a new $5million dollar complex in whiting and a beautiful ballpark indeed. With oil refineries on the perimeter, rockets got off to a big bang, a big ben smith (maria stein) blast over the right field wall, Portland had a 4-1 lead over the northwest patriots thru 4 inn. But the home team scrapped back and tied the game off lefthander tyler Reynolds in the 6th . reynold, 97 pitches his family reports, a yeomen’s effort gave way to brad bendow (delta) in the last inning and after an obvious blown call on an out at third, took the loss 5-4. again we need that replay board---portland represented themselves well in all phases on the trip, personally proud of their conduct, but several umpire discretions tested our mettle--- Rockets rebound in game 2 with a big 10-1 win to make a statement. Tyler Holloway went all the way scattering 4 hits, 93 pitches, many knuckleballs. Thomas mcowan, chris tillery and Dalton tinsely (kokomo) had 2 hits each. On the weekend, tinsely, bowers, and mccowan led the offense with 5 hits. Williams had 4 . special thanks to coach Kevin mccowan for the extra bp. But really the starting pitching was key in this 4 game set. Bollenbacher, martin, Reynolds, and Holloway all going deep into games, complete games, bollenbacher and Holloway. Rockets now have won 4 out of thelast 5, and record overall 5-4, 4-1 in heartland league play. Check the league website www.league/lineupheartland (google) for updates and maps. Rockets the road warriors, took some chinks in their armour, injuries to nate clem, severe bruise right hand-day to day, likewise heath Williams turned ankle preparing for his 5th stolen base of the weekend, also chandler sidwell still 2 weeks on hamstring. Rockets return to a tues matchup with league foe and rival , Decatur dirty birds. Rockets will send ball state lefthander devin wilburn to the hill, and hopefully tues will mark the return of lefthander eric van matre,. Also of ball state. Check your rocket website for upcoming games and news www.ballcharts.com/portlandrockets2010 rockets tues 7pm bring your lawn chairs-----should be a big game atmosphere
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| Posted Jun 8/11 - Rockets win 12-1 over Van Wert in home opener |
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Portland Rockets 12 Van Wert Twisters 1 June 7,2011
Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. Baseball at the runkle-miller field last nite and it was fun to see everyone, fun to play at the corner, fun to win 12-1 over vanwert. Meet the team night, 20 rockets were introduced before a fine opening nite crowd, and the team did not disappoint. The locals scored as they often do, first, captain and home town favorite heath Williams walked, stole second, and scored on ss brady roundtree’s long double to rightcenter. Roundtree then scored on nate clem’s single.. Clem of Anderson gave the crowd a jolt with a vicious home run smash in the 3rd, that cleared the left field fence on a line, and rolled to the woods. Clem had 2 hits as did c geoff bowers, 3 hits for cf brad kindred. The rockets had 17 hits in the 7 inning contest. Also cody Johnson ft. wayne had a 3 run double to the gap in right. In discussion with ray cooney, he pointed out that the competition we faced in Richmond and Celina no doubt, has us ready for these league games. Those power arms we faced last week have us timed up and more ready at the plate. Also on showcase was mound performer, left hander devin willburn of Selma. He went 4 perfect innings and not one ball was hit out of the infield. he struck out 7 of the 12 he faced. He could have perhaps pitched a perfect game, but we are developing a staff so tyler Holloway and brad benbow completed the chores, and no hits for van wert, that’s right, wilburn, Holloway and benbow combine on a no-hitter. Mercy rule in effect, this titanic struggle –2 hr. 7 min But just as important, we played a home game, so much to be thankful for, so thanks city parks dept, moving all that grass, rocky Williams for moving twice the infield, jim eyink for bring your work crew out, james Brewster Brewster electric for his full day on the lights project, judge clem for his field help, gyles laux for posting game today sign See this home game, not just the Selma kid, the Pendleton guy, the jay county guy, this successful venture made possible by the team effort. Thanks for the support, love ya in Portland and the sea of lawn chairs in the shade, the kids know we have something in this town. Cant wait to see all the folks next tues when Decatur comes to town. Special! Rockets record now 2-3, and big project in store,,longest road trip of year,,,,league DH in mich city sat, then in whiting vs. northwest patriots on sun. Portland will be represented and they always save their best for us. Check out league standings on www.leaguelineup/heartland league.com happy birthday tyler Reynolds, 20 good to visit with my coach larry chittum did I mention don and marilyn maloy in the house??? Rocket train to Michigan city sat roll on rockettrain Samantha from the radio station has some pictures of last nite’s action check www.wpgwradio.com on the facebook link. Randy miller pg 14
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| Posted Jun 6/11 - Rockets fall 1-0 to Grand Lake Celina |
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Rockets return to celina’s jim hoess field Sunday for a 9-inning wood bat contest with The grand lake mariners. Same results. We battled, we competed, we played well enough To win, same results as sat, we lost, we didn’t score grand lake 1 portland 0 in 2 hr 19 min. A gem pitched by rocket lefthander craig martin of marion went by the wayside, he went 6 innings (1st rocket starter to do so) no runs, 2 hits, one walk and 2 Ks. Grand lake touched reliever tyler Reynolds with an unearned run in the 7th as tyler struck out 3 in his 2 inn. Work giving up just 1 hit. In that 7th ,grand lake 3rd baseman corey klenke, of coldwater, a rocket someday I hope, singled, sac bunt to 2nd, stole third? The ump said, then scored on a throwing error from third. Each team had 3 hits, we had 8 baserunners to their 7. 4 runners in scoring position but they never dented the plate. Brad smith, brad kindred, and geoff bowers each had a hit. The rockets loaded the bases with 1 out in the 4th, but after fouling off a squeeze attempt, tom mccowan grounded to pitcher for a rally ending DP Rockets had the tying run at second in 9th but a strikeout ended that threat. Lots of rocket fans in attendance saw rocket starter martin retire the 1st nine he faced. Talk about grooving game time 2hr 19 min game time in Cincinnati sun 3:50 Rockets will get their groove on tues 1st home game vs. the van wert twisters. Devin wilburn of Selma the starter, portland’s team is 1-3 but have all games have been 1 run affairs. Come these warriors, you will be amazed, our ss,2nd baseman, cf are fast, faster and fastest, wow Great to see rocket rooter scott bollenbacher and family, and happy birthday . happy birthday also to rocket tony mccowan, and to gary miller of the pitstop. And buckshot may Have you heard? Miracle lanes softball and gary Bernard wins another tournament, MVP stumpy Tues it’s meet the team nite Rockets vs. van wert at the corner of western and blaine, bring your lawn chair, cooler and play music trivia with dan haines our pa guy Take me out to the ballgame, in Portland tues 7pm
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| Posted Jun 5/11 - Rockets lose to Grand Lake 1-0 in 10 innings |
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in the young season, we have a 1-2 record, the 2 loses by 1 run each in extra innings yes, we compete, contend, and are in the hunt each game against pitching of an upper echeleon saturday again 3 games and 3 times we K 14 times akron, xavier, eastern ky, they are solid power pitcher we must adjust rockets lose 1-0 mustering but 2 hits, heath williams and nate clem, 5 base runners in the 10 inning game that went 2 hr 29 min. chris tillery had 99 degrees on his truck gauge but dan bollenbacher on the mound was dominate thru 4 inn striking out 5 2 hits, brad benbow was his equal the next 3, tyler holloway likewise,, we allowed 4 hits walking but 2. in the tenth, a pop up near the mound dropped among 3 rocket infielders and the winning run soon crossed on a sac bunt, a phantom balk call and with the infield in a single over ss brady roundtree at ss made a play for all seasons, throwing out a batter from left field as he ranged into the hole and came up firing ala jeter, this team is still in its development stage but will contend game today 1pm vs. celina at jim hoess field craig martin to start tyler reynolds. chris tillery in relief Note: hamstring pull sidelines rocket catcher from anderson chandler sidwell, former north=south indiana all star |
| Posted Jun 2/11 - rockets lose heartbreaker 3-2 to richmond in 10 innings |
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RICHMOND RIVERRATS 3 PORTLAND ROCKETS 2 10 INNINGS
AT RICHMOND JOHN CATE FIELD, JUNE 1, 2011
Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. Bottom of the ninth, Portland leads Richmond 2-1, 2 out, nobody on base and but one pitch away from winning back to back games vs. the riverrats. Lefthander craig martin of taylor u., in his third inning of relief, found fate unkind. A seemingly harmless walk, a single to right and ben smiths throw to third got by Thomas mccowan, and in blink of an eye, the score tied. 2 – 2 in the tenth, heath Williams singles, advances to second, but becomes the 11th man left on base, rocket tyler Reynolds who pitched well last nite, takes the tough loss after a single, stolen base-error, and with the infield in , a ground ball well played by Williams at second, throw just off the mark at the plate, Richmond wins 3-2 in ten innings.
The rockets had 5 pitchers hold off the home team thru 9—ball state lefthander devin wilburn drew much praise from the opposing coaching staff, he went 4 innings and gave up one run on 5 hits, struck out 5, mike werling, brad benbow (delta) each 1 shutout inning, craig martin went the last 3 before Reynolds in the 10th. Had the game ended on the 9th inning ground ball single to right, we would have finished in 2 hr 22 min. not to be---
Rockets out hit em again wed nite, 9-8 captain heath Williams, the straw that stirs the drink, finding his all-american form, led all players with 4 hits but strangly, never scored, in fact 3 times runners from 3rd with less than 2 outs were left stranded. Too many strike outs, 14, ouch.
Brady roundtree ss of Anderson, many considered the best player on the field in the 2 game set, just missed a home run in the 6th, ended up with 3 hits. Richmond is in the prospects league, play chiloquothe today, 43 players from their league have been drafted into the pro ranks. Players from st. xaiver, st. boneventure, heck I know where st. Anthony is,, we like those guys, chad wendel, chico, and richy vogel.anyway , the rivverats are tough, and they whopped us good last year, but they quickly see that Portland has a much improved team.
Rockets continue on the road to Celina sat and sun vs. the grand lake mariners,,,another tough foe, this one from the great lakes conference. Our league the heartland league, division teams include Portland, Decatur dirty birds, Warsaw Indians, and van wert twisters. Lets have rocket rooters out at Westfield park on fairground round rooting the boys on. Coach john cate, hall of fame inductee, high school, college, we all have heard of the roosters, his pro team in Richmond, we talked at length, the ball field is named in his honor and deservedly so.. former rockets to play with the roosters, doug Bolton , john pettibone, and pete byrum.
Sat rockets play at 2 pm Celina, dan bollenbacher and craig martin starters Sunday devin wilburn the 1pm starter, see ya in Celina roll on rockettrain
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| Posted Jun 1/11 - Rockets win Opener 6-4 over Richmond |
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PORTLAND ROCKETS 6 RICHMOND RIVER RATS 4 June 1, 2011
Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland--- and happy june 1, happy summer of 2011. the Portland rockets opened their 52nd season last nite at beautiful mcbride stadium on john cate field in Richmond last evening. And this years new version of Portland’s team won 6-4. certainly a new team, but with an old winning formula , pitching, defense and timely hitting. Behind returning veteran dan bollenbacher of berne, the rockets retired the river rats 12 up and 12 down, thanks to 2 baserunners cut down by catcher geoff bowers (lima)., dan faced the minimum in 4 inn.allowing but 1 hit and 1 walk. Scoreless into the 7th, Portland drew 1st blood when 3rd year rocket Thomas mccowan walked, stole second and scored on chandler sidwell (kokomo) base hit. Richmond in their half scored 3 off tyler Reynolds (Muncie) and tyler Holloway (Anderson) but the rocket rally ----now there is an old welcome concept- 4 runs in the 8th rbi singles by ben smith (maria stein) Thomas mccowan, and chandler sidwell. Brady roundtree (Anderson) tacked on an insurance run after tripling in the ninth. But it is never easy, on a 92 degree nite, closer Holloway loaded the bases and the riverrats had the tying and winning runs on, truly a gutcheck, but Holloway ensued the hitter to pop out to roundtree----several special defensive plays by our up-the-middle guys, roundtree, team captain and 7 yr.vet, heath Williams, and cf brad kindred,,,man can this kid fly. Round tree and sidwell 2 hits each –portland outhit em 10-7 Rockets return to Richmond tonite address 201 n w 13th st. devin wilburn of ball state(wapahani) the starter. Rockets play this weekend in Celina then home on june 7 special note of appreciation baseball icon john cate has coached and impacted baseball at many levels, many ways including as a pioneer of the professional richmond roosters---congrats on having the field at mcbride stadium dedicated as john cate field,,,,,proud of our association with this connected baseball man note game is at 7pm at 201 n w 13th street come support porrtland |
| Posted Apr 25/11 - former rocket and ball state cardinal lorenzo scott joins mets |
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ball state linebacker lorenzo scott has speed and NFL credentials but baseball was to be his vehicle to professional sports. after spending a summer with portland in the outfield, lorenzo was signed by pittsburgh in the baseball draft and currently is playing minor league ball for the mets. may the force be with lorenzo, i am sure he has fond memories of playing ball in portland his last year as an amatuer.
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| Posted Apr 25/11 - randy miller names to NSPBA hall of fame |
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Coach randy miller has been named to the National Semi-Pro baseball hall of fame. Coach miller is entering his 40th year as a rocket. guess longevity is a good thing. ray miller was in the first class ever inducted into the hall of fame in 2007 along with long time friend and foe, mick owens of kokomo. trivia: the last ever kokomo memorial day weekend tourament was won by the portland rockets in 2000.....keith nunley, matt luce, matt deckman, scott hall, matt ousley, jim geeslin, and many others were key contributors |
| Posted Apr 25/11 - portland city parks department has more renovations in store |
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on the heals of the newly installed $15,000 backstop last july at runkle-miller field, the city parks department has more renovations on the field in store. already a load of clay/dirt has been provided. nature's green lawn care services are again contracted to service the luscious green at portland's field, site of the world baseball congress national tournament.
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| Posted Apr 25/11 - portland moose to host a benefit dance/meet the team nite |
| the portland moose is in the process of scheduling a benefit dance/meet the team nite in portland at a date to be announced. they have already benefited many a good cause in portland and dave lyons is willing to work with our team to have a special nite in their behalf. the band for the evening is depending on availablity, grove hill band. a moose nite will be scheduled upon completion of schedule at runkle-miller field |
| Posted Apr 25/11 - congrats pete milas and eric vanmatre |
| congratulations to former rockets pete milas and eric vanmatre for their assignments as assistant coaches for coach marconi at ball state. milas, rocket shortstop for many championship seasons also serves as 1st base coach and proudly gave me the tripod sign when i was at bsu watching the cards beat rocket nick bruns (his first MAC loss). vanmatre, still in shape, is hoping to pitch again this year again for portland. he serves as bsu volunteer assistant. |
| Posted Aug 8/10 - rockets lose to cinci chiefs 1-0 end tournament trail and season |
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To: cr.sports@comcast.net; ramiller15@embarqmail.com
Subject: rockets
Rockets lose in Cincinnati nabf tournament 1-0 to Cincinnati chiefs loss ends tournament run and season
Rockets end year 19-19 Bill geeslin pitched a gem giving up 2 hits but the rockets only had 3 on the day . The proverbial rocket rally was not to be this day, the rockets did put the 1st two runners on in the 7th inning, single by bryan brudi and a walk to justin Marrero just back from the great lakes conference tournament
, but after a failed sacrifice attempt, riley muhlenkamp hit into a double play and thomas mccowan popped out and the rally was squashed.
Geeslin gave up a lead off two strike double to start the 1st inning and after advancing on a ground out , the only run of the game scored on a wild pitch.
Bill gave up 2 hits , walked 3 and struck out 3, all in a game that lasted one hr and 18 minutes
Bill went the last 5 innings pitching no hit baseball.
Rockets had hits from heath Williams and mark Isenberg and bryan brudi. Just yesterday the rockets had 0 hits losing 4-1 to Cincinnati cobalts left 0 runners on base, tonite rockets leave 3 but get shut out 1-0
Portland defense turned 3 double plays in the game and made many defensive gems as they have all season to keep the game close. 20 portland ambassadors of summer baseball on hand to finish the year , Portland travels well and as always, more fans, more players but this time not more runs/ as you may recall the rockets played 5 games in regional last year, only to lose in the championship game to the detroit jet box. Said coach miller, we have pitching still waiting in the wings, mounsey, walters, mills, and palmer, as we prepared for a 5 game marathon, but it wasn’t meant to be as rocket s go out 2 and done special thanks to all rocket fans and families, as well as to coach kevin mccowan for his many contributions. thanks also to max and sheri ludy, david lyons, and don and marilyn maloy for their donations. a big rocket thanks to all rocket sponsors for a great year in portland and best wishes to our rocket facebook photographer lisa van matre on her medical recovery. dont forget the rocket golf outing sept. 25 at the portland golf club as we sign off for an other. we echo the same sentiment cubs fans do annually, just wait till next year love ya in portland, this is randy miller pg 14
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| Posted Aug 6/10 - Round One of NABF Regionals - Cincinnati Cobalts 4 Portland Rockets 1 |
| Good morning baseball fans! It’s a beautiful day in Portland! The Portland Rockets played in round one of the North Central NAB Baseball Regionals in Cincinnati last evening and lost to Cincinnati Cobalts 4-1. Game was a close one through 6 innings as score stood 2-1 against the Cincy league and City Champions. As you may recall Portland defeated the Cincinnati Chiefs last Friday in the World Baseball Congress Tournament in Portland 10-1. They will be our opponent at Roselawn Park tonight at 6:30 pm. Rockets dented the plate first when Heath Williams (the straw that stirs the drink) walked, stole second, and scored on Bryan Brudi’s ground out. But, that would be it for the offense, in fact the Cobalt pitcher fired at no-hitter as only 2 rockets reached base, Williams and Muhlenkamp via walks. Dan Bollenbacher battled thru 5 innings giving up 2 runs on 7 hits, striking out 5. Tyler Mills gave up 2 runs in the last inning. Cincinnati Cobalts record 18-8; Rocket record now 18-18. The Rockets regroup tonight vs. the Cincinnati Chiefs at 6:30 at Roselawn Park with Bill Geeslin on the mound. Returning at a great time is infielder, Justin Marrero, who arrived last night about 10 pm after his game with the Ohio Copperheads. He stayed in Kevin McCowan's room and we are happy to have him. Rockets win the 6:30 game and will play at 9pm as well tonight. Nineteen Rockets, (well 20 counting me) are Ambassadors of Portland and were proud of them! Let's go Portland! this is randy miller pg14 |
| Posted Aug 2/10 - championship battle creek 4 portland 1 |
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Battle creek behnke wins world baseball congress title, rockets runnersup
Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland happy august everyone The world baseball congress national tournament concluded yesterday at runkle-miller field. 8 teams from 5 states, Indiana, ohio,Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky- competed and it came down to 2 teams on championship Sunday. Portland rockets and the battle creek buds, . your winner, battle creek behnke 4-1 over the rockets. The 2 teams had met on Saturday nite and battle creek beat Portland 4-3 but Portland was declared winner of their pool based on the fact they had allowed 2 fewer runs in pool play than behnke. So on championship Sunday, the in semifinals action, Portland rockets defeated the northwest patriots from Merrillville, and battle creek took out the Illinois jayhawks. Portland lost then in the finals to battlecreek, 4-1 spoiling a fine pitching effort by mitch waters who gave up 3 earned runs on 5 hits, striking out 10. the rockets only could muster 2 hits vs. the battle creek 18 yr old pitcher cam bortell, one of them a home run by bryan brudi. We only had 4 hits against em on sat. nite in that 4-3 loss.
Rockets won on Friday nite, 10-1 over Cincinnati chiefs, mitch waters 6 innings of no hit baseball, then on Saturday after a 2hour rain delay, Portland defeated ft. wayne pirates 12-4. will walters pitched a 5 hitter striking out 10, brian brudi 4 hits, mark isenberg had 3. so Portland was 2-0 and set for the big battle creek game. Playoff atmosphere to be sure. Battle creek took down dan bollenbacker with 4 runs scored in the middle innings but on 6 hits and 6 walks,Derek mounsey in to finish em off, but Portland conjured up a rocket rally in the last inning, scoring 3 times and brudi at 3rd with the tying run,,, mitch hit it hard, but a fine defensive play nailed brudi at the plate, behnke wins 4-3 The rockets Sunday knocked out the northwest patriots 6-2 behind 5 hit pitching by bill geeslin. Bill struck out 8 in 6 innings, mounsey again finished em off. 0-0 in the 4th , rockets loaded the bases, mitch waters drives in one run, Thomas mccowan’s double drives in 3 rockets lead 4-0 and cruise to the 6-2 win.
Lots of compliments on a fine tournament, good crowds, good food good competition. And we are Portland proud of our facility. Truly the big city has nothing over Portland on a baseball park and its fans. Special thanks to jeff harker and doug blankenbaker for their efforts. Also to those on field preparations,, brad miller, rocky Williams and david waters. And its always fun to have mickey and gary out there at the lunching pad. Great show put together by director victor canales. All 3 days at the ball park we raffled off free nite stays at the holiday inn express and also coupons were given for buffalo wings and rings. Portland went to bat and did well…… As tournament runnersuup, the rockets had 4 players on the all-tourney team… of. bryan brudi went 8 – 15 on the weekend scoring 8 runs and had 7 rbi,,,,,,,mitch waters pitched 2 big games struck out 17 in 13 innings, also went 4-15 at the plate, heath Williams went 6-13 scoring 5 runs, 3 rbi bill geeslin pitched portlands win over northwest 5hits, 8 ks. Thomas mccowan also had 6 hits for the weekend. That completes all baseball in Portland this season, but the rockets advance to nabf regionals this Thursday in Cincinnati. Rockets lose championship game to battle creek to complete the wbc tournament. Winners received a trophy, medallions for each player, a wbc banner by pengap, we like those guys , and numerous team photos. MVP was ss kyle kracht. Portland got the second place trophy, not as cool as the championship trophy we won in ft wayne july 4th weekend, and each player received a medallion . Rocket roadtrip to Cincinnati in regionals We love ya in Portland This is randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Aug 2/10 - WBC Tournament Wrap-Up News |
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Subject: 2010 National championships concluded The 2010 national championships were again played in the town of Portland, Indiana. The tournament has already grown to include teams from 5 different states with more teams inquiring every day about the next tournament. After three days of baseball were complete, the Battle Creek Behnke squad from Michigan had ran to a 4-1 record and the national championship. In pool play, the Battle Creek team defeated the Fort Wayne Pirates 18-1 on Friday night for a great start to the tournament. On Saturday afternoon, the Behnke team took their only loss of the tournament in pool play when the Cincinnati Chiefs took them down 6-4. Knowing they faced a must win game, Battle Creek got the job done against the host team, Portland Rockets, on Saturday night 4-3. On championship Sunday, Battle Creek faced off with the defending national champions from Chicago, the Illinois Jayhawks. Playing like champions through injuries and fatigue, Behnke persevered against the champs 6-2 as Illinois through their star pitcher from Rice University. This set the stage for a return bout with the Rockets and hometown hero Mitch Waters. But, Behnke was not to be denied as they rode the wave of momentum touching the Rockets star for 4 runs, 3 earned on the day to take the championship home to Michigan. For his play in the tournament, Kyle Kracht of Battle Creek was named national player of the year, adding his name to the trophy that includes last years player of the year from Chicago, Jon Kuzilinski. "I was impressed with the level of competition at this years tournament.", stated tournament co-director Victor Canales. "You had league champions from different state who didn't make it to championship Sunday. 4 ranked teams, and players from all different levels of baseball on the field. It's a great tournament to be a part of and we are only going to get bigger!" There were great crowds all weekend and the teams were very impressive. So one more year goes into the books with the final national rankings coming out in two weeks. Results from the weekend Pool "a" Portland Rockets (IN) 2-1 Battle Creek Behnke (MI) 2-1 Cincinnati Chiefs (OH) 2-1 Fort Wayne Pirates (IN) 0-3 Pool "b" Illinois Jayhawks 3-0 Northwest Patriots (IN) 2-1 Decatur Dirty Birds (IN) 1-2 Louisville Angels (KY) 0-3 Championship Sunday Battle Creek over Illinois Portland over Northwest Championship game Battle Creek 4, Portland 1 wp- Cam Bortell lp-Mitch Waters 2010 All American's Fort Wayne-Jason Nantz, pitcher Louisville- Kiley Jones, outfield-pitcher Decatur- Dan Maringer, catcher Decatur- Travis Case, designated hitter Decatur- Ryan Leugers, pitcher Illinois- Kevin Graham, outfield Illinois- Jon Kuzilinksi, catcher Illinois- Dan Claddis, pitcher Cincinnati- Josh Scipner, outfield Cincinnati- Rex Baker, first basemen Cincinnati- Ronnie Witt, pitcher Northwest- Tony Hoolihan, pitcher Northwest- Chris Skibinski, first basemen Northwest- Jeff Strbjak, outfield Portland- Heath Williams second base Portland- Bryan Brudi, outfield Portland- Bill Geeslin, Pitcher Portland- Mitch Waters, Pitcher Battle Creek- David Blaylock, Pitcher Battle Creek- Travis May, first basemen Battle Creek- Dave Larson, Designated hitter National player of the year Battle Creek, Kyle Kracht, shortstop |
| Posted Jul 31/10 - ROCKETS OVER CINCINNATI 10-1 IN FIRST ROUND WBC PLAY FRIDAY NIGHT |
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WBC Round 1 Portland Rockets 10 Cincinnati Chiefs 1
Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. Portland hosts the World Baseball Congress National Tournament this weekend. Games were played at both Jay County High School and Runkle-Miller Field last evening. The 8 team field includes teams from 5 states, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and Kentucky. In Round One action, winners were: Northwest Patriots 9 and Louisville 2, Illinois Jayhawks 7 and Decatur Dirty Birds 5, Battle Creek 17 and Ft. Wayne 1, and Portland Rockets 10 Cincinnati Chiefs 1.
Portland Rocket right-hander Mitch Water (the Italian stallion) was dominating with a capital “D”. The 6-year Rocket vet returned home and retired the first 11 men he faced. With a 90-plus fastball, he pitched a no-hitter into the 6th striking out 7. Rockets broke open a 0-0 game in the 3rd, Heath Williams smacked a lead off home run to left and the Rockets took off, 2 runs in the 3rd, 2 runs in the 4th, and 6 in the 5th inning. Big blow in the 5th inning was a bases clearing triple by Waters. Mitch also led the offense with 3 hits, oh yeah, his dad David Waters did the field preparations on the day too, thanks man. All with 2 hits, Heath Williams including his Rocket shot over the fence, Brian Brudi and Bill Geeslin.
Rockets had 12 hits to Cincinnati 2. The Chiefs, the winner of their city league, now fall to 21-8. We will see them next week at the NABF Regional in Cincinnati. Rockets now 16-15.
Happy big “0” birthday Karen Roesler, from our sponsor bank of Geneva. Rocket fans were in for a treat last night, we had a bunch of Sautbines and Clarks there, and if you missed it, hey we get to do it again! In round two Saturday, the Rockets play Ft. Wayne at 11am and then Battle Creek at 5pm. The 5 pm matchup Portland vs. Battle Creek is huge in the pool play format. Dan Bollenbacher will start vs. the Battle Creek Buds. Let’s go Portland; we need your support at 5pm if we dare to be a champion.
Glad to hear Oriel Poole was a champion at the demolition derby last night, he is the Johnny Cash of Jay County, you know; wonder if he drove his car barefooted??? Rockets win over Cincinnati; play at 11 and 5 pm today (Saturday). Grab a cooler and a lawn chair and a Rocket dog and have a great time at the ballpark. Hey, we are giving away a free night’s stay at the Holiday Inn Express tonight, stop by for details on other prizes as well. You can’t beat fun for a good time. This is Randy Miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 29/10 - WBC TOURNAMENT NEWS |
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We originally had 9 teams in the draw, due to outside factors; a team had to drop on Monday night. Therefore the pools had to be slightly adjusted. The pools are as follows Pool A will be: Portland Rockets, Cincinnati Chiefs, Fort Wayne Pirates and Battle Creek Behnke Pool B will be: Decatur Dirty Birds, Northwest Patriots, Illinois Jayhawks and Louisville Angels The format will be as follows: All teams will play 3 games on Friday and Saturday. The winner of pool A and B will face the runner up from the opposite pool. We will be flipping before each game for the home teams. Baseballs will be provided for each game. The tournament will appreciate any help with retrieving foul balls for the tournament play as you would your home field. Wood bats and wood composite bats are legal. College slide rules. There will be no infield allowed between games. Championship game on Sunday will be a 8 inning contest. All innings will be played. Pools play tiebreakers: 1.head to head competition 2. Least amount of defensive runs given up 3. Most offensive runs scored 4. Coin flip Players must have photo identification on their person at all time. Team members in uniform will be allowed through the gates, no uniform, then you must pay. Ticket prices for the weekend will be $3 per day or $5 for all weekend pass NO COOLERS will be allowed on the grounds of Jay County high School. You may bring your drinks in by hand, but no coolers. (Alcohol will not be tolerated) |
| Posted Jul 28/10 - EMAIL FROM CHRIS TILLERY |
| To the Rockets, Pudman, and Fans, Well this is Chris Tillery and have some bad news. Saturday during our 1st game I hyper extended my knee hitting 1st base after a sac bunt. It sure felt like a pain like I have never felt before. Pudman helped me up and was attempting to walk me back to the dugout but I pushed him away so I could try to walk under my own power. It was hard but I did it. I went to the hospital and got x-rays which were negative, but I was still in major pain so I actually got a pain shot. I came back to see our Rockets win the 2nd game of the day. I was up walking (with a little limp) and felt pretty good telling everyone I was going to be back for this weekends games. I woke up Sunday not able to walk, it was the pain meds talking on Saturday. Monday morning I got an MRI done on my knee and sat and waited for the results which I received today (Tuesday). My worst pain was on the back left side on my knee, and that's where my news was coming from. The doctor told me I did some damage, and I had partial tears in different places, but nothing that required surgery. I have 3 partial tears and a bruised bone. Great news that I didn't have to have surgery, but bad news.... I'm out for 3 months. It should be about 6 weeks to heal, and 3 months total to get back in to baseball and full activity. I am gonna be on crutches and in knee braces for awhile till everything is fully healed. I just want to say thank you to all my teammates, Pudman, and all of Portland thank you for an amazing summer and season. For the Rockets and all the returning guys for accepting me and letting me come to the team. I am going to miss all the guys and the fans. Sitting at the hospital I was thinking about was the team. I kept saying we had to get back to the 2nd game so I could watch them win. I kept telling the doctor that we had to make sure I was ready to play by this weekend, that can't happen now. This has been the best summer I have ever had, and this is a HUGE buzz kill to end it. I will be at the games this weekend still yelling and making sure everyone hears me out of the dugout, you may not see me dancing and jumping around, but I will still be there. Now I am just going to work twice as hard to get ready for my school season, and I am really looking forward to coming back to good ol Portland and play with the Rockets next summer. This has definitely been an experience that I will never forget, but I sure didn't want it to end like this. Thanks again everyone, See you next season, Cause I will be back, Chris Tillery #2 |
| Posted Jul 26/10 - Rockets Double-Dip Warsaw 5-4 and 6-3 |
| Rockets defeat Warsaw twice 5-4 and 6-3 July 24, 2010 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland! Double plays, home runs, Rocket rallies, clutch hitting, gutsy pitching, It was all there at Runkle-Miller Field on Saturday, where the Portland Rockets took down the Warsaw Indians twice, 5-4 and 6-3. On the hottest day of the year, Dan, the man, Bollenbacher pitched his strongest game of the year. Dan went the distance in game one striking out 7, giving up 7 hits but it took last inning heroics and a Rocket rally to win the game. Needing one to tie and 2 to win, Max Ludy gave me the 2 sign, just get 2 and win the game he said... well, it worked. Heath Williams got his second hit of the game to lead off, Chris Tillery laid down a nifty bunt, to move Heath up…Tillery nearly collided with the Warsaw infielder covering and went down in a heap, injuring his knee. Latest reports are he has a sprain and should be ok this week. Brudi, who crushed a home run earlier, smashed a ball that ate up the 3rd baseman. Then Mark (they call him the iceman) Isenberg made Ludy a prophet with a shot to the gap scoring Brudi...winner, winner chicken dinner!!!! Rockets made 5 errors in the contest but Bollenbacher faced a season high 33 batters and prevailed. Rockets with 2 hits from Williams and Tillery. In game 2, Will Walters pitched shutout ball for 6 innings, he allowed no runs in 3 innings last week, Will gave up but 3 hits and Ko'd 7. Bryan Brudi hit another home run blast (that was 2 in 2 games) and while it was quite breezy on Saturday, as well as hot, his drives needed no help...long gone! Rockets scored 3 in the 1st 2 frames and took a 6-0 lead into the 7th . Tyler Palmer finished the 7th allowing 3 runs, 3 hits. Rockets took down Warsaw in one hour 35 min. in game one, then 1hour 33 min. in game 2 . Those Indians were beaten and ready to cool down at the Greasy Pickle. Sunday’s game vs. Taylor University rained out! Rockets are hoping to schedule a game Tuesday, but as it stands, Portland ends the regular season 15-15 . Big fish to fry this weekend ….World Baseball Congress tournament draw is today, action begins this weekend. Teams from all over the Midwest will be in Portland, I hope they enjoy the Jay County Fair, because when they come to our house, the competition will be intense. Rockets win twice over the Warsaw Indians, good stuff !!!! This is randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 22/10 - Rockets lose to Decatur 8-5 |
| Decatur 8 Portland 5 July 21, 2010 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. Last evening the Decatur Dirty Birds avenged last week’s loss to the Portland Rockets with a 8-5 win at Bellmont High School. Rockets will look back on this one, chances squandered again and again. Decatur had 7 hits, to Portland’s 5, but Decatur issued ten walks, and Portland left 10 men on base. Heath Williams was the only Rocket with 2 hits. Heath led off the game with a single, a nifty bunt single by Chris Tillery, and then a sacrifice fly by Mark Isenberg (the ice man) and we are up 1-0. Starter Tyler Mills got touched up for 2 runs in the first, and 2 in the 3rd inning. Heath led the charges back when we Rocket rallied in the 5th inning. Williams, Bryan Brudi and Isenberg singled, 3 walks in a row and now we are down just 6-5 with bases loaded 0 out…(oh the agony)!! Johnson strikes out looking, Cook fouls off the squeeze bunt, then hits into a double play and our Rocket rally fizzles. Zero runs with the bases loaded. We would not score again. After Mills had 4 runs in 3 innings, Bill Geeslin had some tough luck; he gives up 4 runs in 3 innings. Five of those Decatur runs came with 2 outs and 2 strikes on the batter. We just didn’t put the birds away. They have beaten us now 3 out of 4 this year. But wait the National World Baseball Congress is in Portland next week and we shall meet again. More on the tournament later! Dan Bollenbacher pitched the final 2 innings and he was on. He struck out 4 of the 6 men he faced. Four of Decatur runs were unearned, Portland had 3 errors in the game. And I may mention as well, our fine fan contingent including the Maloys and their grandson, did not find favor with the umpire. Too many walks, too many balls, too many what was that’s...this epic struggle 2 hours 34 minutes goes to Decatur. Rocket record moves to 13-15. Happy Birthday wishes go out to Michael Dull. This Berne native signed a scholarship to play baseball at Southern Alabama (while still in a Rocket uniform) after a game in Van Wert. He later played professionally for Montreal. Michael, one of the best hitters ever in Portland, along with several other South Adams players, brother Ron, Mark Flueckiger, Scott Dubach, Dave Neunschwander, and Jim Geeslin, were all instrumental in the Rockets 1st State Championship in 1985. Next game two games are at home. Double Dip Saturday and Sunday in Portland. Rockets play the Warsaw Indians Saturday at 1pm at Runkle-Miller Field. On Sunday, the Rockets host Taylor University. See ya this weekend for some old-fashioned hard ball at the corner of Western and Blaine. Don’t forget the carry-in after the game on Sunday. Portland Rockets is the oldest semi-pro franchise in Indiana. This is Randy Miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 21/10 - Rockets win 7-3 over Indiana Wesleyan |
| Portland Rockets 7 Indiana Wesleyan 3 July 20, 2010 Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland! The Portland Rockets hosted the Indiana Wesleyan Tuesday night at Runkle-Miller Field, but the hosts were not that hospitable. Game ended with Rockets 7 runs and Indiana Wesleyan University 3 runs. Two runs in the 2nd inning, 2 runs in the 3rd inning and 3 more in the 5th and the Rockets jumped to a 7-0 lead. Derek Mounsey of DePauw University had plenty of to work with. Derek pitched 5 innings (no runs, 1 hit, and struck out 5). Will Walters pitched 3 more shutout innings, striking out 4, giving up just 2 hits. Tom McCowan pitched the 9th inning for the home team. Rockets had 11 hits by 10 different hitters. Mark Isenberg, the only player with 2 hits, led off the 2nd with a triple off the left-center field fence, right off the Pac-a-Sac sign. He scored on a double steal executed along with Michael Ingram, then Ingram scored on a two out 2 strike bingo by Bryce Cook. Third inning RBI to Bryan Brudi and Ingram and the Rockets were rolling. One of the longest balls hit on the day by Laramee VanSkyock, but he was on their ball club to help fill out their lineup. Corey Locke, Rocket outfielder from the 2005 and 2006 teams, is now in the coaching ranks. He brought along some of his players also to round out the roster. A large crowd on hand saw the Rockets win 7-3 in 2 hours and 9 minutes. (They had a 3 hour rain delay in Cincinnati last night). Lots of those same little guys who participated in our instructional clinic were running around at the park last night. And you know what, we lost only 1 foul ball last night---- how about that for payback. Thanks fellows love ya in Portland! Tonight the Rockets move north on Hwy 27 to play a rivalry game with the Decatur Dirty Birds at Bellmont High School. Game time 7:15pm. We knocked off those Dirty Birds last time we played. What is a dirty bird????? Tyler Mills is the starter for Rockets tonight. Our next home games are Saturday and Sunday. Don’t forget the carry-in lunch after the double-header on Sunday. We are all behind our baseball team! Go get 'em, Portland Rockets! This is randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 19/10 - Alumni/Youth League Clinic a Success |
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Rocket Home Run Derby, Youth League Instructional Clinic and Alumni Gathering Success 7/17/10
Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland! Saturday it was all Portland baseball at Runkle-Miller Field., kids from 8 and under to Kids 55 and older, all Portland, all playing baseball. Portland Rocket alumni home run derby, and youth league instructional clinic was the theme for the day. Corey Heniser brought out his pitching machine, and we all smacked the ball around. With the help of Rob Lennartz, Jason Minnich, and a host of other moms and dads, we had about 30 kids out shagging fly balls during home run derby. Lico and I played music and cracked jokes on the sound system watching this circus event unfold… and these guys did well! The alumni report a success, no pulled muscles, no herniated discs. Mike Hosier and myself of the 70’s, and Corey Heniser, who still holds the Portland Rocket record with his 26 game hitting streak in the 80’s. Also, Ron Dull, captain of our 1st state championship teams in 1985, Laramee Van Skyock and Jason Stanton on the 1996 state championship team. Rocket favorite, Brandon Cooley, the catcher on our 2005 state championship team also participated. 70’s, 80’s 90’s....almost sounds like one of those K-Tel music commercials! Great music last night in Ft. Recovery at the park with Gary Burbank and his blues band. Anyway, the home run derby became a contest between those old fellas and current Rocket players. Every one got a chance to hit, even commercial review reporter, Steve Grabicz and rocket coach Kevin McCowan. The finals came down to Laramee Van Skyock who can hit 'em out left, or right-handed, Corey Heniser, looks in great shape and Heath Williams and Brandon Vanmatre from the current Rocket Team. The winner was Brandon Van Matre in a playoff, good job Bubba. But the best part of the day was seeing those kids, boys and girls, mind you running rampant around the park. We had an instructional clinic, 4 stations with Rocket coaches working on fielding, pitching, cage hitting and on-field hitting---Brad and Easha fixed up the free Kool-Aid. I passed out eating coupons for Wings and Rings. There was a hub of activity all about, baseball moms and dads following around to take pictures and offer encouragement. Great day for Portland and thanks for your insights and manpower, Corey Heniser. I think we have some future Rockets in the making. This just in rocket game Sunday rained out----how about that...Rockets took a 5-0 lead over Crumback in the 1st inning but the storm came quickly to end the Fort Wayne Double-Header. Heath Williams, Riley Muhlenkamp, Tom McCowan, Bryce Cook, and John Clawson all had base hits in the 1st, but Derek Mounsey never got to pitch ----it rained hard! Rockets next action...Tuesday night at 7pm in Portland vs. Indiana Wesleyan. Come see the Boys of Summer on this the last week of the regular season. Rockets at Runkle-Miller on Tuesday 7pm. Be there or be rectangular!! Randy Miller pg 14
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| Posted Jul 15/10 - Rockets Revenge Decatur 7-3 |
| Good Morning Baseball fans, it's a beautiful day in Portland! Portland hosted Decatur last night at Runkle-Miller Field. A large crowd witnessed a fine rivalry game. It was Crossroad Financial Credit Union night. The good spirit prevailed for the home team. Rockets won the game with a 7-3 score over the Dirty Birds. Lots of fun, free stuff and good Community karma. The kids took part in the bat spin competition, the strike toss, and, of course, the girls from Crossroads (Janet, Gina, Becky, Paula, and others) decked out in their baseball shirts, sang "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" in the 7th inning stretch. Wow, we have a nice PA system, it even made them sound good! And the new backstop made Portland look good. The other Park Department offerings have helped our "Field of Dreams" have a new sparkling look about it...even sounded busy with all of the fans lining the fences on both sides. Love ya in Portland guys!!! For the record, our pa man, Dan Haines, pointed out that Riley Muihlenkamp was the first to hit a foul into the modern netted backstop. The focus point of the evening was to find out if the Rockets, loser to Decatur twice this season, had an answer for the Dirty Birds. Solid pitching by Dan Bollenbacher and Bill Geeslin and timely hitting (a 4 run Rocket rally in the 4th inning) RBI's that inning to Justin Marrero, Thomas McCowan, and Mark Isenberg helped offset spotting Decatur a 3-0 lead. GOOD DEFENSE, and I dare say GOOD KARMA and GOOD ENERGY when Billy Geeslin comes to the game. Billy "Ballgame" was lights out the last 4 innings, 0 runs on 1 hit, striking out 7. There is an answer, and it comes with an exclamation point. It is always a great game in Portland when we see a Rocket double-play defensively and a Rocket home run blast on our side! Williams-Marrero-Muhlenkamp on the double-play and Bryan Brudi in the 7th inning with a monster home run over the left field fence to add some insurance to the cause! Rockets outhit the Birds 10-7. Hits by Muhlenkamp and Mark Isenberg. Special thanks to bat boy, Seth Rupe, and our helpers Mitchell and Chuck Brunswick. Congratulations to Graphic Printing on their Koufax Championship. Also, good for Portland...coming out and rooting en masse for the home team. Rocket defeat Decatur 7-3 in a 2 hour and 29 minute game. Tonight we play at home again and have another big rivalry dame with our old friend, Leo Ocha and the LaMargarita Blues. Come out and join the fun - have a Rocket dog and a pop! Sure can't beat fun for a good time! This is Randy Miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 14/10 - Portland 9 Indiana Wesleyan 1 |
| Portland Rockets 9 Indiana Wesleyan 1 Good Morning Baseball Fans, It's a beautiful day in Portland! Portland Rockets traveled to Marion Tuesday night and defeated Indiana Wesleyan 9-1. Portland scored in the opening inning on hits by Chris Tillery and Bryan Brudi. We executed a double steal, Tillery taking home, then 3 more runs in the 3rd inning. Brudi's triple was the big hit, then cruised with 9 runs on 12 hits for the 9-1 victory. Bryan Brudi of Churubusco and Vincennes University had 3 hits and 3 RBI's . Two hits for Tom McCowan and Chris Tillery. Rocket righthander, Tyler Mills, was dealing, for his second consecutive start. "General Mills" (as I call him), was in command. He allowed 0 runs on 5 hits through 7 innings. I can't resist....I guess you can say "General Mills" had them for breakfast!!!! Mills threw only 66 pitches as the game lasted 2 hours and 26 minutes. Tyler Palmer, his Huntington Forester team mate, pitched the last two innings. Four double-plays were turned by Portland. What a beautiful ballpark Coach Chad Newhard has at Wesleyan, and a fine program as well. Rockets return to action tonight at our own beautiful ballpark, Runkle-Miller Field. Come see the new netted backstop. The whole place looks brand spanking new...thanks to our Parks Department. The corner of Western and Blaine will be hopping tonight. It's Crossroads night and I am sure that Janet and her zany group will have some shenanigans in store for the crowd. Our rivals tonight are the Decatur Dirty Birds. They beat us 4-3 in 11 innings a couple of weeks ago. Dan Bollenbacher gets the start. I like our ball club and I think you will like them too! Special thanks to our new sponsors, Holiday Inn Express and Wings and Rings. They have cooked up some good deals for us. Come out to the park and find out more of what is happening on the home front. It is great to work with local promoters like Sue and Vicki. Don't forget the Alumni Picnic on Saturday, July 17 at 4pm. Home run derby begins at 3 pm. Happy Birthday to Ray Gerber, Baseball Icon from Geneva. Once again, Portland 9 Wesleyan 1. Tonight is Crossroads Night with the Decatur Dirty Birds at 7 pm. Rockets, rockets are the best....R O C K E T S !!!!! This is Randy Miller, pg 14 |
| Posted Jul 12/10 - ROCKETS LOSE AT TAYLOR AND FT. WAYNE SAT,SUN |
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Rockets lose doubleheaders -- Saturday to Taylor University 2-1 and 4-1 and Sunday lose to Fort Wayne Shady Nook, 4-0 and 16-9.
The Portland Rockets returned to action this weekend after a long week of no action. Games cancelled Wednesday and Thursday, left the boys a bit rusty.. After winning 6 of the last 7, the Rockets were beaten twice at Taylor University Saturday and twice at Fort Wayne on Sunday. On Saturday, Dan Bollenbacher took a no-hitter into the last inning but our 1-0 lead was not enough...(kind of sounds like that Reds pitcher, Travis Wood). Two hits and a walk and we were walking off the field stunned, defeated 2 –1. Justin Marrero had 2 hits and so did John Clawson. Game 2 was another solid outing. Bill Geeslin and Derek Mounsey were our pitchers, but our hitters only had one hit as we lost 4-1. On Sunday, the week lay-off brought us back to Fort Wayne, where just last week we beat Shady Nook in the Carrington Field Firecracker Classic for the championship. We had an army of Portland fans on hand, including the Maloys, to support the troops. However, Sunday this week had a different ending. with the Nooksters 4-1 in game one and Nooksters 16-9 in game 2. Rocket lefthander, Will Walters, went the distance giving up 2 hits, but 7 walks. The offense still sputtered, just 2 hits this game, both by Chris Tillery. During Game 2, the offense broke out with 7 runs in the 3rd inning to take a 7 –4 lead. But it was 11-9 in the 6th and finished 16-9. Bryant Cook and Bryce Cook took the brunt of the blows in relief of Justin Scott, new rocket pitcher from Manchester College. Thomas McCowan came on to end the Shady Nook five run 6th inning. Marrero, the slick-fielding shortstop, had 2 hits, so did Bryan Brudi, Tom McCowan and catcher, John Clawson (caught both games Sunday). I bet he slept good last night! Again, after winning 6 of last 7, Rockets lose 4 this weekend. We picked up some help in the bullpen in the right-hand slants of Justin Scott and Tom McCowan. Rockets record moves to 10-14 this weekend...kind of like the fortunes of the Cincinnati Reds. ----- Thanks to the Portland Lions Club for 50 years of service to the old backstop, but cant wait for the new one! On Saturday, July 17, we will have the Rocket Alumni Game and it will be a lot of smiles and fun for old times sake----just an FYI...never say "old" around old guys like Speedy Man and Hearn!!! Speaking of "old", Happy 25th birthday to our Captain, Heath Williams. Two years ago, Heath was first team All-American and last year, honorable mention. He has been a Rocket for 6 years. Of course, Rocky and Lisa and Hannah were on hand yesterday...Love ya in Portland guys!!! Hey, we won't win 'em all, but we’ll win the next one, Tuesday at Indiana Wesleyan at 7 pm!! See you there! This is randy miller pg 14
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| Posted Jul 5/10 - ROCKETS TAKE TOURNAMENT IN FT. WAYNE |
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Portland Rockets win Fort Wayne Federation Championship over July 4th Weekend. Sweep Fort Wayne to go 4-0 in the Tournament. Good Morning Baseball fans, it's a beautiful day in Portland. For when the one great scorer come to mark against your name, he asks not if you won or lost, but did you beat Fort Wayne! Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!!!! Rockets blast off July with 4 tournament wins in Fort Wayne over the weekend. Your winner and champion Portland Rockets take the Fort Wayne Federation Tournament. Portland, the only team to go unscathed, took on all comers from Fort Wayne and made trips on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to Carrington Field. But, as often is the case despite the distance factor, we had more players, more fans, and more runs. And oh, I love it when our fans get on those umpires so we don't have to!!! Rockets won Friday night behind the 2-hit pitching of Dan Bollenbacher. Final was 5-4 over the Fort Wayne Cubs. Last at bat heroics by Michael Ingram (Richmond) with a 2-out, bases loaded walk off single. Rockets win Saturday on a one-hitter by Bill Geeslin through 6 innings, Tyler Mills finished up, and final was 2-1 over Shady Nook. A walk off suicide play by Chris Tillery scored Bryce Cook with the winning run. What an exciting play when it works and it worked again Sunday with John Clawson executing. Sure makes a coach look good and is demoralizing to the opposition. Don't tell anyone but if Heath Williams is on second with a man at third, we are working on a secret play to score 2 runs in one squeeze bunt. Saturday night the Rockets defeated LaMargarita 7-2. Will Walters, Derek Mounsey, Tyler Palmer all on the mound. We got three hits from Chris Tillery (not big in stature, but big on heart, hustle, and smarts), two hits by Michael Ingram sealed the deal! This sets the stage for championship Sunday! What a Rocket turnout! Of course, Don and Marilyn Maloy were there and Rocket fans and cameras flashing all over! Baseball on July 4th, how American is that! I am proud to be on the Portland team. They lined up for a team photo reserved for champions, and five people were lined up to take their picture. On Sunday, we led 2-0 through 6 innings before Shady Nook touched Mills and Mounsey for four runs. Singles by Muhlenkamp and Thomas McCowan scored one run. Tyler Palmer was the winning pitcher and held them in the 7th inning. Then Rockets had a two-run rally in the 7th, winning run scored on a wild pitch to Bryan Brudi. Justin Morero scored the last run in the last at bat in three of the four games. Exciting, but excruciating for this old timer! Tyler Mills goes into the 6th and manned up in 95 degree heat, 95 pitches (ironically), giving up 2 runs, 3 hits, 4 walks. Tyler Palmer in relief gets the win in his second day of work. This Rocket Team adds Bryan Brudi from Churubusco, who just got back from Australia. Bullet Brudi makes this team solid along with Ingram, Isenberg, and Tillery in the outfield, the return of Justin Moerero in the infield -- hey, they have won 5 out of our last 6 games to go 10-10 in the season. Remember last year we started slow, 9-8 when Josh Ludy joined us on June 27. On the weekend, Heath Williams led the offense with 5 hits, 4 hits by Tillery and Muhlenkamp. Rocket all-tourney selections are Bollenbacher, Geeslin, Williams and Tillery. Hey Mom...where are we going to put this championship trophy? I know, we will put it on display at Crossroads Credit Union...They have a big night planned on July 14 at our park. This just in...the fireworks show at the Fairgrounds had championship kudos to all! Rockets play at 6:30 pm Wednesday at Canterbury High School in Fort Wayne against the Fort Wayne Cubs. Then, we will be home on Thursday night. Rockets champions of Fort Wayne Tournament 4-0 on weekend, mission accomplished...Portland Champions has a nice ring to it! This is Randy Miller pg 14
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| Posted Jul 4/10 - Portland Undefeated in Ft. Wayne Federation Tournament |
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Good morning Rockets Fans...It's a beautiful day in Portland! Happy July 4th to all you Great Americans! Portland Rockets win 3 games in Fort Wayne Federation Tournament to be the only undefeated team headed to the Championship Sunday. Rockets defeated Fort Wayne Cubs behind Dan Bollenbacher, with a clutch 2 out hit by Michael Ingram in the last at bat. Then on Saturday, we defeated Shady Nook behind one-hit pitching for 6 innings by Bill Geeslin. A squeeze bunt in the last inning by Chris Tillery scored Bryce Cook to get the 2-1 win over Shady Nook. In the winner's bracket on Saturday, Rockets beat LaMargarita 7-2. Will Waters, Derek Mounsey, and Tyler Palmer pitched the victory. Key hits in this game were by Mark Isenberg and Justin Morero. On Sunday, July 4, the Rockets play for the championship at 2 pm vs. the winner of the LaMargarita and Shady Nook game. If the "Boys of Summer" win, we are champs! If we lose, they have to beat us twice and we go back on Monday, likely at 11 am. Rockets welcome back last year starter and outfielder, Bryan Brudi, who this spring finished a most successful campaign helping Vincennes to post-season status. Go Rockets...Tyler Mills is starter on Sunday! |
| Posted Jul 1/10 - Rockets fall to Decatur in 11 innings 4-3 |
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Decatur Dirty Birds 4 Portland Rockets 3 June 30, 2010
Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. Portland Rockets were defeated Wednesday evening by the Decatur Dirty Birds by a score of 4-3 in 11 innings. The Rockets, undefeated at home, saw that streak end in a squeaker that wasn’t over until it was over. Two out and 2 men on and our most productive hitter, Mark Isenberg, at the plate. .Still many of the large crowd on hand were holding their collective breath as Mark hit it hard, deep to right, but it came down at the warning track in the right fielders glove much to the dismay of the locals. Lots of suspense at the corner of Western and Blaine in this one. Decatur scored first, 3 runs off starter, Eathen Tribolet, he went 4 innings. Will Walters pitched the next 4 innings allowing 0 runs, and the Rockets rallied with runs in the 3rd and 7th innings. However, in the 9th, we were down 3-2 and Brandon Bubba Van Matre delivered a clutch lead off double, pinch runner, Corey Scott, advanced to third on Chris Tillery’s single, and scored on a long sacrifice fly drilled by Heath Williams to tie the score. We still had two more innings of jams and stomach churning action to go. Derek Mounsey pitched the last 3 innings and only has one pitch he wish he had back. Decatur ‘s Austin Grate hit a home run to left –the Rocket rally was not to be in the 11th as Isenberg's drive was just short. We spent 3 hours 11 minutes in this Titanic struggle. Decatur had 8 hits, Portland 6. Portland had baserunners in every inning including a threat in the 10th, 2 on and 1 out, but the next 2 hitters struck out on 3-2 pitches by closer Josh Shatto. The Decatur victory gives coach Victor Canales his 100th career win. Decatur Dirty Birds now 13-3 on the year. Rockets rally but fall short in extras, record now 6-10.
Rockets will play in the Ft. Wayne Federation Tournament on Friday and Saturday. We won that tourney 2 years ago. On Friday we play at 6:15 at Carrington Field vs. the Ft. Wayne Cubs with Dan Bollenbacher the starter. On Saturday, we play either 1pm or 4pm.
Cool evening on Wednesday but some hot action. Thanks to Vicki and Charlie Tague for helping out at the lunching pad. Thanks to bat boy Seth Rupe and future Rocket, Colton Compton for helping out. Also, thanks mom for those blt’s. Happy anniversary Larry and Donna Chittum, 48 years!!!
On this historic day, we are proud to report the Runkle-Miller Field backstop donated by the Lions Club in 1960—will be torn down and a new netted backstop will be constructed. 50 years of service and $15,000 of improvement. Nostalgic note, I remember Coach John Engle of the Portland Panthers throwing bp to Rich Matchett at that backstop and Rick putting on a power display. He hit 7 of 10 pitches over the fence...wow!!!! Somehow those 15 baserunners left on base last nite don’t seem that important when you consider the "field of dreams" some innovative guys had named Runkle and Miller, and the city of Portland’s support over the years. Makes us Portland proud and we say "thank you"! Guess we will go to Fort Wayne and win a championship for Portland this weekend. Rockets in Fort Wayne Friday—615 at Carrington field. All tournament games 7 innings. We’re all behind our baseball team, go get 'em Rockets!!!!! Randy miller pg 14
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| Posted Jun 30/10 - Rockets roll over Shady Nook 10-6 |
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Portland Rockets win 10-6 over Shady Nook Jackers Tuesday June 29, 2010
Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland. Runkle-Miller Field was the scene for action, and plenty of it Tuesday night vs. Ft. Wayne Shady Nook Jackers. Doubles, double plays, double ejections, and double your fun. Lets just say, as one wise coach said many a time, "for when the one great scorer comes to mark against your name, he asks not if you won or lost, but did you beat Ft. Wayne"! Portland beat Ft. Wayne, 10-6 before a large crowd ----the place was hopping!!! Bill Geeslin, Rocket starter, was dominate; shutting down the Jackers through 5 innings allowing 2 runs on 1 hit striking out 7. Head coach from Indiana Tech, Kip McWilliams, was scouting Bill and had him on the jugs gun at 88 mph , topping out at 92...that is some serious heat. And how neat that his mom and grandma were there to see it. Portland scored 2 in the 1st , Williams again the catalyst, single stole second, scored on Mark Isenberg's hit, he scored on Thomas McCowan’s single. Riley Muhlenkamp plated Michael Ingram in the third to put the Rockets ahead 3-2. Then the doubles started. In the 5th , Bill Geeslin and Nook outfielder, Richard Berich, exchanged pleasantries and were both thrown out. Double ejection----key double by Chris Tillery from Earlham College drove in 2 runs and Rockets push to a 9-2 lead. But its never easy, 6 Rocket pitchers used in the game gave up 13 walks but just 4 hits. A Jacker threat was thwarted on a nifty double play by second baseman Tillery, as he gloved the ball, tagged out the runner passing by, and fired to first to get out a bases loaded jam in the 8th. Rockets had 13 hits, 2 each by Ingram, Bryce Cook, John Clawson, and Tillery, to stay unbeaten at home this season. Kudos to the City Parks Department for their efforts in making the field playable, and also to Rocky Williams for his help. Quite the buzz on the corner last evening and we get to do it again tonite, Decatur dirty birds coming to town, lets give em a real Portland welcome. Former rockets jobe, takats, mann chittum, stauffer were on hand and they were giving the ft. wayne coach the Portland welcome when he too was ejected. Speaking of former rockets, I saw UCLA in the college baseball world series, and they were there also in 1969,, that is about the time Portland standout athlete mike Ashley was pitching for ucla. So what’s happening? Its happening at the ballpark, brad had to go get more buns, and we are selling fishers award winning rocket dogs so come on out and root, root root for the home team Decatur vs Portland big rivalry matchup tonnite 7pm at the corner eathan tribolet the starter Reload the cooler jobe, we will double our fun at the ballgame
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| Posted Jun 28/10 - Rocket shots doom Dayton |
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Sat. june 26 portland rockets 19 miami valley dragons 0
Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland! Portland Rocket baseball in winning form Saturday at Runkle-Miller Field, just the second home game of the season and it was a good one; Portland all over Miami valley dragons, 19-0. The offense clicked, 7 runs in the first and it was on like donkey kong, The Dragons never recovered. All but one starting player scored at least one run , Captain Heath Williams scored 4 times himself and hit the fence with a long double to left. But the key offensive performer on this day was Rocket right fielder from Muncie, Mark Isenberg. Mark hit not one, but 2 massive blasts over the left field fence for back to back grand slam homeruns. In the 4th, Isenberg sent a missle over the scoreboard with the bases loaded, then in the 5th he did it again almost in the same place. The odds must be incredible and that feat is something you would read in “faces in the crowd” Sports Illustrated. Mark, 23-year-old Ball State player, said it was the first grand salami he hit in his life. And both of his brothers were there to witness. Bryce Cook scored 3 times on 2 hits. We had 19 runs on 12 hits, what an early fireworks display! Bill Geeslin and Will Walters did the mound duties for Portland and shut out the Dragons on 2 hits. The Rockets are now 2 and 0 at home and build up for a nice homestand, Tuesday nite at 7pm the Shady Nook Jackers come to town, and on Wednesday, Decatur comes in. Shady Nook won the Ft. Wayne NABF regional last year to earn a world series trip to Louisville. Portland made it to the championship game at the Cincinnati regional before bowing to eventual champion Detroit Jetbox. Come out Tuesday...Ft. Wayne vs. Portland. Eathan Tribolet will be the starter. More fireworks in store at the corner. Speaking of fireworks, what a show at Musicfest in Geneva—great job by the Geneva fire department. We will have some fireworks Tuesday at the corner of Western and Blaine, 7pm Portland vs. Ft Wayne. Stick an extra one in the cooler and I’ll see ya at the launching pad! Happy 21st birthday to one of my favorites, Thomas McCowan. This is Randy Miller pg 14
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| Posted Jun 23/10 - Rockets lose to Decatur |
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Rockets lose to Decatur dirty birds 7-0
Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland Summer nite in Decatur no rain , just tornado warnings, crazy Final score rockets lose to Decatur 7-0 Muggy nite indeed but the only unsettling was Decatur pitcher settlemeyer who Quieted rocket bats on but 3 hits, no runs rockets were without 3,4 ,5 hitters on this evening, catcher Justin branock elbow surgery scheduled july 8, matt hitt moves on to prospect league, concepcion morero moves to great lakes conference, oh and cleanup hitter riley muhlenkamp has a class for the week. They caught us shorthanded. Settlemeyer, from purdue pitched for crumback last year and we beat him, but that was Last year. Tough customer 8 k’s thru 7 inn. Retired 11 straight thru one stretch Rocket starter dan bollenbacher gave up one run in 2 innings, he has a major league tryout sun sohis stint was short. Too bad could have been a real pitchers duel. As it was we played em tough in 9 inn 2 hours 26 min. but Derek mounsey gave up 3 runs in 3 innings, tyler palmer 3 in 2 innings. Rockets had 2 on base in both the 3rd and 7th innings but a tough call at the plate went decatur’s way on a sliding bryce cook after a wild pitch to nab him at the plate Hits in the game by heath Williams, Michael ingram, and cody Johnson. On the bright side, the rocket defense was pretty awesome, 4 double plays on game Williams, cook and van matre Quite frankly heath Williams at second plays like no other I have seen at any level He is like curly neal of the globe trotters with ground balls, his range, his glove, arm and The word is , wizardry trulysomething to see Good for Decatur, our rivals we smoked em4 tmes last year we outscored them 52-11 in those games . they are a force to be contended with this year. And we look forward to that challenge next wed in Portland. Good to have coach mark flueckinger in the rocket dugout rooting the troops on, former rocket on the 85 state championship team, he is now coaching at Huntington university and is a huge connection in the baseball community. Flick is also expecting his first child and mother-in – law gyneth augsberger of the tourism bureau is a noted Portland fan but a bigger mark and kim fan.. I am proud to call them friends. Side note,,,,,,,flick loves betty miller’s potato salad Rockets haven’t played back to back games all season and are striving to hit their stride Big opportunity weather permitting thur. Home game vs Indiana Wesleyan. Time for Portland to go to bat. Rockets at home tonite 7pm be there or be rectangular lawn chairs, coolers we have the rocket dogs and popcorn Enjoy baseball, Portland rocket baseball corner of western and blaine Game today 7pm in Portland Randy miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jun 21/10 - rockets split vs. lamargarita |
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Portland rockets split DH with lamargarita blues, 9-7, in 9 innings, lose 7-3 6/20/10
Good morning baseball fans, it’s a beautiful day in Portland, Happy 1st day of summer, officially 7:28 am. This day June 21, 2010 Portland rocket baseball in ft wayne vs. the lamargarita blues, Sunday , a DH split rockets eak out a 9-7 win in xtra innings in game one, but lose the nightcap 7-3. Portland needed some late inning heroics from outfielder mark isenberg and some gusty Pitching in traffic by billy geeslin to nail down the nailbiter in 9 innings. Down by 2, in the last inning Portland down to its last out, mark isenberg drove a ball to the right centerfield fence to score corey scott and Derek mouncy and tie the game at 7-7. isenberg again with 2 out and the bases loaded in the 9th laced a single to left to score 2 and billy geeslin put the fork in em pitching a scoreless 7th , 8th and 9th for the win. I am now a wes-del warrior fan, mark isenberg 23, out of ball state coaches baseball for wel del with his brother. I bet there will be some of those guys at our home game Tuesday rooting him on. Rockets had 11 hits, 2 each by isenberg, riley muhlenkamp and Michael ingram. Good to see back in action, 3 yrd year rocket righthander eathen tribolet. Tribolet from Huntington was tough thru 4 innings before giving way to forester teammate will walters. Walters gave up 5 runs in the 5th but geeslin was in just in time to save the day. Billy geeslin came thru and it was like a personal gift to me on father’s day. And happy fathers day everyone. Billy’s dad jim was a rocket pitcher for many years and to see #17 out there, a spittin image of his dad, what a treat. I made sure to wear my dad’s socks yesterday, back when he wore 2 of them anyway. Rocket victory over lamargarita in 9 how grand Game 2 not so el grande. A 6th run 1st roughed up starter tyler mills, and we never recovered in game 2 losing the nitecap 7-3. we had an extra delay a wild pitch broke the umpire’s hand ouch,,,, a replacement was called in .Derek mounsey and tyler palmer kept the game close. A 2 run single by Justin branock made the score 7-3 in the 5th but we stranded baserunners in every inning but the 7th. Ex rocket and family favorite matt ousley was on hand to close out the game for the blues. Great to see john and Karen ousley at the game. John said matt should have pitched the 1st game for us , and the second for them. This just in, Justin branock gets a doctor report mri on his arm today, john clawson on vacation, rockets pick up new catcher matt hitt of fishers Indiana. Matt played at kewaukee ill. This spring headed to eastern mich. This year. A very fine pickup with a great baseball name, matt hitt. You know its summer when its jubilee time in ft. recovery and it was rocking on sat.nite Grove hill band putting on the hits. Good stuff . and well done lori thein the jubilee a success. We had a tribute to my friend big P, paul staugler and ami his daughter gave me a hug afterward. Sweet/ hey happy birthday gary Bernard big 40 and john brigham Baseball in Portland tuesnite 7pm vs crumback-symons, a home game at last. Lets give ft.wayne something to talk about. Last year I recall one ft. wayne player remark as he came past the lunching pad “wow, these guys take it serious” . see ya at runkle-miller field tues. 7 pm. randy miller
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| Posted Jun 14/10 - No Game Tonight - June 14 |
| NO GAME TONIGHT (MONDAY, JUNE 14)!! We have standing water in the infield and outfield. Play tomorrow (Tuesday) at Indiana Wesleyan Field, Wildcat Drive, Marion IN. Game is at 7:00, players be there at 5:30. Randy Miller |
| Posted Jun 14/10 - Warsaw Indians 2 --- Portland Rockets 0 Saturday June 12, 2010 |
| Good Morning Baseball Fans -- It's a beautiful day in Portland! Portland Rockets traveled to Grace College in Warsaw in Saturday to play a double-header against the Warsaw Indians. In a rain-shortened game (5 innings), Warsaw bested Portland by the score of 2-0. That counts as a complete game and is the second consecutive game Portland has played that was stopped by rain. The game was a pitcher's duel times two. Dan Bollenbacher of Berne went all 5 innings, only 1 earned run and struck out 7 as he topped out at 92 mph. It took a hot of gas on a hot, humid day to do that!! We had 21 players but none of them scored. Indians pitcher, Augustine, from Manchester College, was just a bit better, giving up just 2 hits to Thomas McCowan and 0 runs. Speaking of Manchester College, Jay County and Manchester All-Conference pitcher, Josh Atkinson, joined the team. He came down from law school orientation at Valparaiso University. Congrats, Josh, on all your honors and good luck in law school. As the clouds rolled in, Derek Mounsey showed me his phone with the Doppler gizmo, and seconds later it was like Donkey Kong...rained in torrents! The game was called and Sunday's action in Fort Wayne was canceled as well. A Warsaw player mentioned during the delay that he wished we had played in Portland because they could have gone to the Greasy Pickle when the game was called. The Indians had quite a pow-wow there last year. In talking with John Boggs this week, we noted all the fine sports programming made available by our local radio pg-14 and that is only made possible by our fine sponsors. So, a quick thanks to Williams Auto Parts, Jamar, Liggetts, and Strohls for being on Portland's team. Congratulations to the Miracle Lanes softball team and big tourney championship this weekend in St. Henry. Congrats go out to Coach Gary Bernard, Scott Stauffer, Tyler Fullenkamp (former Rocket) and a good bunch of guys, they know how to win! They may come over and support the Rockets tonight in the double-header vs. Fort Wayne Cubs at 6 pm at Runkle-Miller Field. Billy Geeslin will be the starter on the mound for Game 1. Happy Birthday to Tom Hirschy of Bryant. Rockets lose to Warsaw Saturday 2-0...we won't win 'em all, just the next one! Randy Miller pg-14 |
| Posted Jun 8/10 - Portland Rockets Score 8 to defeat Napoleon RiverBandits in 11 innings |
| Good Morning Baseball Fans. It's a beautiful day in Portland! The home opener for the 2010 season was a good one. Portland Rockets scored 7 times in the third and once in the eleventh to edge the Napoleon Riverbandits in extra innings. We had a big crowd on hand, Rockets dogs sold like hotcakes and the crowd was in for a real ballgame, wood bat, 5 Rocket pitchers, 21 Rockets played, Drama 9--- I mean 11 innings and a home town victory. Runkle-Miller Field was still a bit soggy Monday night but it played well and our guests, whom we had beaten twice last week, were impressed. Not many teams have their own diamond like we do. Our players arrived at 4 pm to put this together. Thanks also to our parks department, new sign, new flagpole, and thanks to city guys Smith and Penrod for helping out. Also, special thanks to Rocket Bat Boy, Seth Rupe. Seth, you look good in that Rocket hat. Also want to thank Rocky Williams, representing the Rocket alumni and Williams Auto Parts, for being willing to throw out the first pitch. Rockets starter, Tyler Palmer of Huntington University went a strong first 3 innings and gave up 3 runs. College teammate, Will Waters, went the next 3 and were were up 7-3. Derek Mounsey of DePauw pitched in the ninth and it was 7-7 and bases loaded with Bandits, no one out! Bill Geeslin came in from 3rd base and shut down the would be rally, a fisted ground out back to Bill and 2 big punch outs, a gutsy and game saving performance. Bill pitched the 10th, he struck out 4 of the 6 he faced...DOMINATION! Tyler Mills also of Huntington came in the 11th inning, did his job and we won in the 11th. That is three pitchers from Huntington...no wonder. Their pitching coach is an old Rocket and a dear friend, Mark Flueckiger. He does a great job getting his pitchers to work fast, throw strikes, and change speeds. Love ya in Portland...Flick! The seven run 3rd inning started with singles by Corey Scott and Heath Williams. The next 3 hitters walked, scoring 2 runs,and then the big blow was a 3-run triple by Mark Isenberg to the wall in left center. The relay throw went out of play and Mark trotted home, clearing the bases. Rocket offense went dormant until called on to win the game in the 11th. Corey Scott walked, Bryce Cook (another Wapahani product) bunted and beat the throw which went down the line and 2 men on. Concepcion Morero,our shortstop for the week, swings at the first pitch and hammers the game winner up the middle. Concepcion will not be with us Tuesday night as he turns pro in the draft. Rockets win 8-7 in 11 innings. Record for season: Rockets 3-4 and Napoleon 5-3 (all three losses to Portland). Time of game 3 hrs and 8 min. Rockets had 7 hits from 7 different players. Tonight we return to Westview Park in Celina for a 7:15 start vs. Grand Lake Mariners. Eric VanMatre will be the started. We may see old Rocket,Nick Bruns. Rockets win at home and that is special. We have free admission passes for tonight's game in Celina. If interested, contact Coach Miller. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOONA". Check out the new team website www.ballcharts.com/portlandrockets2010. See ya in Celina Randy Miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jun 7/10 - Grand Lake Mariners Take 2 from Rockets -- 4-2 and 4-0 on Sunday,June 6 |
| Good morning baseball fans, it's a beautiful day in Portland! Portland Rockets made the trip to Celina on Sunday; a delayed start at 4 pm due to rain. We played the Grand Lake Mariners tough, but lost 4-2 and 4-0. Dan Bollenbacher, the starter in Game 1, pitched well enough to win but we made just enough mistakes to lose. Dan was a closer for us last year and turned starter and he was lights out through 5 innings, striking out 6 while giving up 3 hits. When he left in the bottom of the 6th inning, the score was tied 2-2. The Rockets had scored 2 runs in the 4th to tie the score on a double by Concepcion Morero. (This New Jersey native is awaiting the MLB draft. He should know in the next two days where he will be going). He stole second and after Riley Muhlenkamp walked, he scored on Mark Isenberg's sac fly. Walks to McCowan and John Clawson loaded the bases. A 2-out wild pitch scored Riley, but 2 strike outs and the rally fizzled. The 6th inning is where the plot thickens. Bollenbacher gives up a single after a foul popup is dropped. Their cleanup hitter and former Rocket launcher, Justin Painter, bunted but Dan hit him in the ribs. Bill Geeslin is summoned to pitch and errors the next man's bunt to to load the bases. Bill strikes out the next 2 hitters except the umpire squeezes and calls a ball on the 3rd strike. The Franchetti kid from BSU hits the next pitch for a hit to score 2. The 6th inning ends when we turn a nifty double play. Rockets had 3 hits in Game One, striking out 12 times. That Igelh pitcher from IU, 6'3" and 255 lbs southpaw, was tough. Game 2 in Celina saw the Rockets again get 3 hits, 11 strike outs and the Mariners handed Portland their first shutout 4-0. Trevor Kill, of St. Marys, went 3 innings giving up 4 runs and broke 2 bats. (I love when our pitchers break their bats). Tyler Mills and Geeslin went the last 3 scoreless innings. Speaking of the MLB draft, Coldwater native and University of Dayton produce, Craig Stammen got his Major League debut with Washington yesterday vs the Reds. I talked with Craig about five years ago about pitching for Rockets, but he said he was going pro. We are really hoping for the best for Concepcion Morero. The Indians asked how much it would take to sign him and he said enough that he didn't have to go back to school right away, so we will see! Good Luck to him! Rockets open their home season tonight at 7 pm vs. the Napoleon RiverBandits. Come out and support our "Boys of Summer" and you know the price is right...NO CHARGE! The ump in Celina told me at the golf course that at the golf course, he has measured over 7 inches of rain in 15 days; so let's hope our field dries out. Marilyn Maloy reports over 2 inches yesterday morning. We look forward to playing at our park tonight. You can't beat fun for a good time! Trivia Question: Why are left handers called southpaws? Answer: All diamonds are to have home plate positioned in the southwest corner. Therefore, first base runs due east, and hence left handers when on the mound, have their left arm on the south side...South Paw! One of our southpaws, Tyler Palmer of Huntington, will pitch tonight in Portland in our home opener...Weather Permitting! Randy Miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jun 3/10 - The Rockets traveled again to Richmond Wednesday night to finish business with the RiverRats at McBride Stadium |
| Good Morning Baseball fans, it's a beautiful day in Portland! The Rockets traveled again to Richmond Wednesday night to finish business with the RiverRats at McBride Stadium. Business was finished early! Rockets got the lead off man, then hit into a double play. Richmond got their first three men on, scored 9 runs in the 1st inning and let to a 13-1 romp, business done early! Had sprinkles, but no rain. Weatherman, Kevin McGowan, shared his Doppler phone gizmo and assured us we would get the game in, and we did. I have to get one of those gizmos! Rockets, a 5-2 loser on Tuesday, played them tough after the first inning allowing no runs over 7 innings, but 2 innings were the undoing! Nine runs in the 1st off starter Billy Geeslin.Tyler Mills came in for 4 innings pitching 1 hit shutout baseball; guess the old coach started the wrong guy! Tyler Painter pitched an inning and Derek Mounsey of DePauw pitched the last 3 innings and allowed only 2 base runners. Despite the lopsided score and the 11 walks in the game, the pitchers are starting to mold into a rotation and the hitters are making more solid contact. This competition will only serve to make us better down the road. Offensively, the Rockets had 6 hits (5 the night before), and we hit into 3 double plays in 4 innings. We did manage to score in the 8th inning. Here's a name to watch out for...Conception Morero, a Shortstop from Sinclair and a teammate of Thomas McGowan, is going to be drafted by the Cleveland Indians. He was drafted once before out of high school but now it is his time. To stay fine tuned, he played for Portland last night. He doubled in the 8th. Another Rocket recruit, Cody Johnson from Fort Wayne Snider High School, had a clutch 2 out single to drive him in. This just in...4 games into the season and we have an injury list. Pitchers Josh Atkinson (All-Conference and Manchester ace) hurt his arm in the championship game and is probably done for the year. Josh set several Spartan records and will continue to serve as pitching coach in Portland. Ethan Tribolet is out with a sprained ankle suffered in Regionals for Huntington University. Also, Assistant Coach, Doug Tipton, is recouping after being in the hospital. Get well soon, Doug!! Of special note, Coach Jon Cate, gave us a tour of the clubhouse, home office and all the "cool stuff" inside McBride Stadium. We highly encourage you to travel down Highway 27 to this jewel. What an organization and it feels like baseball for all ages. Coach Cate has been a good friend of years and is a member of the Indiana High School Hall of Fame and a charter member of the Indiana coaching fraternity. John founded the Richmond Roosters. Former Rockets Doug Bolton, John Pettibone, and Pete Byrum played on this frontier franchise. The Rockets go back to action on Sunday in Celina, then Monday at home. Next week on Sunday is a doubleheader at Jom Hoess Field at 2 pm. VanMatre, Kill & Bollenbacher are starters for the Rockets. Speaking of "old relics" like McBride Stadium, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" this week to Chris Hearn. Randy Miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jun 2/10 - How Fleeting is the Undefeated Season...Richmond RiverRats 5 - Portland Rockets 2 |
| Good Morning Baseball fans. It's a beautiful day in Portland. The RiverRats are a wood bat team comprised of college players from all over the nation. The players live with hose families and their summer job is baseball...and they are good at their job. They are very much like our Celina neighbors, the Grand Lake Mariners, who we will play this Sunday, June 5. Richmond pitchers from Akron, Purdue, St. Joe, and Earlham, limited the Rockets to 5 hits, and jumped to a 3-0 lead in the 1st inning. By the ninth, the Rockets were down 5-0 but with an good ol' fashioned Rockets' rally, we loaded the bases with no one out and scored 2 runs. Dan Bollenbacher was the starter and went 5 solid innings, striking out 3 and walking 1. Will Walters of Huntington and Bryce Cook finished the game in a solid manner (Cook had 2 scoreless frames). The Rockets threatened in the 1st inning when Michael Ingram's long drive to right field bounced off the fence for a double, just inches away from clearing the fence for a home run. However, second base was not touched again until the 9th inning, as the offense went down 1-2-3 five times in the game. In the 9th, Derek Mounsey reached on a third sackers error, walk to Mark Isenberg, single up the middle by Riley Muhlenkamp, and the bases were loaded with the tying run on deck. Justin Branock bounced into a double-play but the throw to first was high and 2 runs scored. It was 5-2, had a pop out ground out and lights out! Game time for nine-inning game was 2 hours 19 min. The major league game average is 2 hrs and 36 min. As we talked after the game, we are about the competition. It will make us tougher down the road. We are developing a pitching staff. You should have heard the fans when we brought in Bryce Cook to pitch and John Clawson to catch (Delaware County connection). Bryce struck out the first 2 batters he faced and retired 6 of 7 batters. We had more players, more fans, just not more runs!!! Rockets return to action tonight at 7 pm at McBride Stadium. Billy Geeslin will be on the hill. We won't win them all, just the next one!!! This is Randy Miller pg 14 |
| Posted Jun 1/10 - Rockets win 2 games over Napoleon to start the season...I guess he met his Waterloo! |
| Good Morning Baseball Fans, It's a beautiful day in Portland and a Happy June 1 to everyone. Portland Rockets Baseball is underway in a winning way. Opening Day had the Rockets vs. Napoleon Riverbandits at the University of Miami in Oxford, OH. Rockets used 9 pitchers and swept the doubleheader 9-8 (1st game -8 innings) and 11-3 in the second game. In game one, the Rockets scored 5 runs in the 1st inning, cruised behind ace started, Eric Vinometer, who clocked in his Rocket debut at 86 mph, and cruised behind Tyler Mills and Tyler Palmer (both from Huntington University), and we led 6-2 in the 8th. Dan Bollenbacher of Berne, had a rocky 8th as the Bandits tied the score. Thanks to a gutsy dive at home plate, retrieving the ball that bounced in the dirt, catcher Justin Bannock picked up the carom and made a bare hand tag on a sliding runner with the potential winning run...it was all tied up in the 8th. Heath Williams (6 year Rocket veteran and the straw that stirs the drink), walked, stole second and then singles in Riley Muhlenkamp, Justin Brannock and then a timely 2 out double by Michael Ingram (CF from Southern Illinois) plated 2. Bill Geeslin from Coldwater OH came in from SS to the mound and held off the home team and Portland won 9-8. In the second game, Michael Ingram from Centerville IN is a CF burner; i.e. he covers a lot of ground and his 2 hits and 4 RBI's led the offense. Trevor Kill from St. Marys OH, Derek Mounsey from DePauw University, and Tyler Palmer shut down the Bandits 11-3 on 5 hits in the second game. Kill, who played ball in Kansas this Spring, gave up no hits through 3 frames but after 2 aboard in the 4th, Mounsey killed the Bandit rally. Using the wood bats became easier as we scored 4 in the 5th and 5 in the 6th for the win. The key hit/highlight was a 3-bag blast by Bubba VanMatre (probably the only triple he has ever clubbed, and this first baseman is not a fast man but a good man). Justin Brannock had 3 RBI's and Billy Geeslin had 2 hits in game 2. The Rockets head to Richmond tonight (Tuesday June 1) for a 7 pm night game at McBride Stadium with the RiverRats. First home game is Monday June 7 at 7 pm with the Napoleon RiverBandits and Dan Bollenbacher will be on the hill. Randy Miller pg 14 |
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