The Sanderson Times Sports Wrap

It was a warm April afternoon for opening day at South Platt Field where an American League match-up of epic proportions took place pitting old foes Fountain and Lucas against Pepsi in a battle that would go a long way in determining dominance in the Plattsburgh Little League...

Led into battle by the unstoppable father-son tandem of Bashur and Yashur al Faqur, Pepsi looked primed to rebound after a difficult end to their season last year in the "B" division championship at the hands of Johnson's Auto Glass. Clearly intimidated by Corey Manion's rat tail, Pepsi's top pitcher, Kevin Hart, proceeded to walk the first 9 batters he faced, before Manager al Faqur finally came in with the hook and replaced him with Jake Kravitz, who had missed the last 3 games leading up to the playoffs due to an unfortunate Sega Genesis incident at Tim De Lise's house on Grace avenue.

Coach al Faqur, looking to continue his legendary coaching career, will find it difficult to fulfill lofty expectations after becoming the first coach in the modern era to lead both Little League and PYS teams wearing the same pair of sweatpants that he had around his ankles with the vivacious Jashur al Faqur the night before. "It's definitely a challenge to follow up on something like that, Coach al Faqur, declared, but I'm determined to put forth my best effort."

The younger al Faqur was looking to follow-up a tremendous 9-year old campaign in which he led the league in doubles and became the first rookie ever to pound six juice boxes, one for each inning in a game. "What can I say, Yashur boasted, I'm a phenomenal drinker. It probably bodes well for my future in Babe Ruth, when I can move up to Gatorade."

Fountain and Lucas, the defending champion, having beaten Sun Foods in the championship the year before, was also looking to achieve lofty goals this year. Led by 12-year old standouts Otis Sanderson and Luther Brewster, they certainly have the experience needed to go all the way and repeat. When asked about last years championship against Sun Foods (who would later reform as Hannaford's after the tough loss) Otis Sanderson replied, "It was a tough match-up for sure, but we had Coach Hector (referring to legendary coach, Hector Duquette) on our side, and I would put any of my baseball cards up against any team as long as we have Coach Hector."

"I was a little intimidated by Sun Foods' catcher, Stamford Branch, Luther Brewster announced. Did you see him? He had chest hair when he was 10! And I swear he drove to Game 3 in a mini-van!" Needless to say all questions about Branch's eligibility were raised and answered at the annual draft, held earlier in the month at the 4th Ward.

Fountain and Lucas boasted a cast of characters that would make even the Bad News Bears blush. "We definitely have a good team this year", said Jordan Maille, wearing a specially made jersey touting the prideful orange colors of the "Lucas". "We are going to make that convenience store proud this year!"

Looking at some of the other teams and spectators taking in opening day, there seems to be quite a debate on who will take the title.

"I don't even care about Little League", 9 year old Rufus Feldmore shouted. "More girls play soccer and hockey. That's why I play, for the girls!" True to his word, Feldmore had held hands with more girls than anyone in the history of PYH. However, in taking in the festivities at South Platt, Feldmore seemed to sense a new challenge for himself. "Maybe I should join Little League, some of these girls look good in their stirrups."

(Editorial note: Rufus Feldmore would later be caught in the ice cream truck between games with Hannaford's center-fielder, Debbie Davis, who would later miss the team’s game with an apparent brain freeze from a Slurpee, a terrible loss for the defending National League champs.)

As the games began, other players from teams began to take note of the action on the field, firing themselves up with a quick game of "Pepper". Meyer Video 2nd baseman, Carrie Oakey however, prepared in another way. "I'd much rather pump my fist to some Phil Collins", Oakey stated. "It gets me in the zone. Besides, I'd much rather be playing tennis anyways."

The fans certainly had an eye on the talent as well. "Look at that boy. He's pretty," 7-year old Ali Pellerin continued to shout from the sandbox at Oakey. "Will you build a sandcastle with me"? Oakey, obviously distracted, would go on to give up his last 3 years of Little League eligibility, skipping away with Pellerin to focus on what else...sand castles, tennis, and the great Phil Collins.

"What a cute couple," Jashur al Faqur exclaimed from the stands. Turning back to the field, she rooted on her Pepsi boys. However, they would ultimately succumb to the tough pitching of Taylor Stone and his impressive mohawk, 3-2, after Yashur al Faqur struck out looking with the tying run on second to end the game. Coach al Faqur, could be heard telling Yahsur to use his brother Mashur's "rec specs" next time. They obvious work a lot better than whatever you are wearing," Coach al Faqur declared. "But we'll get them next time, and you still slugged 8 juice boxes. Now that's impressive!" "Let's go get some ice cream"

Needless to say, it is shaping up to be quite a year in the Plattsburgh Little League.

More reports soon to come...

Stamford Branch,
Sanderson Times: Boston Office