Players will be Players. Some families are very fortunate they play and stay together. Raff and Jake Yagjian both played in the highly acclaimed Cape Cod Baseball League. Yes, father and son teams have, for the most part been a rare sighting in the league, however I can name another F&S team, and both Noel and Ryan Kinski have made their mark as players and coaches.
      I happened to umpire an alumni game between our Team Cape Cod All-Stars and former players of the same league. Playing conditions were mediocre and the very hard, dry infield created a difficult playing surface. A sharp sinking line drive to 2nd base, Jake Yagjian backed up, instead of going to the ball, and made a truly professional play on the ball, snagging the ball with his left hand going back and whirling to his left to throw the batter runner out at first. What a Banger! Some things cannot be taught, some players have an instinctive gift for the game.
      The Cape League season is over for 2007 and I would like to reflect on the why the Brewster Whitecaps released Jake Yagjian. I guess the Brewster Coach thinks only Division 1 players should play in the league. Hummm!!!
      This year, the infield for the Whitecaps could have used this bright, Division 3 player. Jake will be a senior at Wheaton College, and has made his school very proud as a strong middle infielder and he is no slouch with a bat either. The baseball program at Wheaton, under the tutelage of Coach Eric Podbelski, has a very strong schedule, playing teams outside their division with great success, I might add. Eric has lead his team to the NCAA Division 3 championship game in 2006, marking his sixth appearance in 9 years to the NCAA tournament.
      How about Scott Pickler, the field manager for the Y-D Red Sox. So far, I have not perfected the art of human assessment, nevertheless, my regard for this outstanding coach is held in extremely high esteem. His penchant for player management and growth has proved to be worthy of his uninterrupted championships.
      On another note, some say, “things never change.” I have to disagree. Because the harmonious relationship between the Cape Cod League and the new officiating body, CBUAO, which is a newly formed assigning organization under the direction of 3 time College World Series Umpire, Nick Zibelli, has changed. The relationship between Nick and Sol Yaz has made this transition a enormous success. Nick Zibelli, and his college umpire assigning organization provides the highest quality of officiating, including umpires who have worked the NCAA Men’s College World Series.
      For example, recently, the Umpire in Chief of the league, Sol Yas, approached the four umpires before the first game of the Y-D Red Sox vs. Falmouth Commodores at Red Wilson field and asked the umpires, “Is their anything you need?” He also made sure that the umps had something to eat after all the playoff games. Not just burgers, mind you, but a nice buffet tray of fresh meats salads and rolls. This courtesy is such a refreshing gesture, similar to the major league treatment of umpires before and after the games.
I love to umpire in the Cape League, but at times watching them is more educational. I just go to the games and watch the other men in blue. Since I am a visual learner, for the most part, I pick up little things I did not know before. The game of baseball has so many different circumstances and situations from one game to the next, that watching is most advantageous. In all of history, no two games are alike.
      Ahhh! My new favorite umpire in the league is Harry Greer. His hustle, demeanor and field comportment set a very high standard for all umpires, both in this league and others. Harry, who resides in the Philadelphia area, works several leagues, including minor league fill, AA & AAA, and most Division 1 conference series along the east coast. Harry, you are my hero.
Notable Baseball Quotes and Heckles
Maybe I do have too much time on my hands, but I love this game. Baseball is real, it’s outdoors and it’s just a game.
“Baseball, it is said, is just a game. True. And the Grand Canyon is a hole in Arizona.” — George Will,1990.
Here is my favorite quote from Sandy Koufax, you all remember Sandy, right? All pitchers should learn from this. Here goes, “I became a good pitcher when I stopped trying to make them miss the ball and started trying to make them hit it.” Great advice. Way to go, Mr. Koufax.
Why does everyone stand up and sing Take Me Out to the Ballgame when they’re already there?
Ok, enough of the serious stuff and on to my favorite heckles and comebacks.
“Hey Blue! You’re missing a good game.”
Comeback — I know, I’m working this one instead.
Hey Blue! Check your cell phone, that’s three missed calls.
Comeback —I think your gene pool needs more chlorine.
A fan yelled out to a batter, “You better be swinging, you’re standing in the umps strike zone.” There is no comeback for this one; the ump wins every time with a big strike zone.
Hey Blue! You call more strikes than a union delegate.
Hey Blue! We know your blind, I’ve seen your wife. Oh no, there goes the coach taking the bus home early.
Hey Blue! I, too, was confused the first time I saw a baseball game.
Comeback — If you’re so important, how come the seats don’t face you.
Hey Blue! You should break your cane and shoot your dog, you blind bat.
Last one, Hey Blue! There’s a town in Massachusetts named after you, Marblehead.
Doug Ricciardi’s column appears here once monthly. He may be reached via e-mail at nyyank@comcast.net.