Rants from the Dugout

Bring on year #10!

05/15/2008

When I was bamboozled into running this team back in 98 by Brent, I figured this team would dissolve through natural attrition. I can say that I am shocked that this team has stuck together for 10 years. Those of us who have been here since day one, can recall some dark days in the early beginning. Who can forget our championship season of 2000? Or Mike's bunt in a scrimmage game? Or Slurvy passed out under the trees at NDSU which caused us to forfeit a pair? Or how about any time time Uncle Steve took the field? About the only memories that have been forgotten are of Red Willow in times past, but those memories are gone for a totally different reason.

In ten years we have seen some great friends and players come and go but they are never forgotten. It seems like just yesterday we were taking the field with Brent, David, Chad, Jeff K, Jason D, Barry, and yes even Mark and Jay Murdoff. All of those players and the active ones today have molded the history of the Hog Palace. We remember those who were with us in the past, but we always look to the future.

This years squad took some major blows by some players not returning for the 10 year anniversary. Gone are long time stalwart Barry Peet, Jason Rodacker, Jim Mikkelson, and sadly Chris Love. All of them will be missed, they were all unique and like those in the past, can never be replaced. Hopefully we will be able to lure them back or sucker them into a few tournaments here and there.

On the bright side, we have the core of the team back from our 3rd place team last year. I realize third place is like nailing the ugly girl at the prom, but it beat 11th place. We plan on improving on our dismal season last year and bring home some league hardware, again! Back to lead the team are the original five from 98, Donnie, Jason, Randy, Sabe and Dammon. This group is the heart of the team and will carry the team into the future. But there are a number of people who have logged many years with the team and are back. Tommy, ET, Blaine, and Mike K, were all present for the championship season of 98, and continue to show up week in and week out. Andy, Braden, and Donnie C are back for more as well as newcomer Rob, aka Ryan Dunn. Matt Burm will be filling in for the season, he is no stranger to our team as he has filled in for us in the past. Our team will feel the void left by some but should be in the heart of the chase till the end.

Unfortunately, we will spend the majority of our season up at McKinley. Only four weeks will be spent at our home, NDSU. Sabe brought up a good point, maybe putting up us north is an effort to help Fargo go green and recycle our empties. Who knows? Our schedule is posted, and now that I am home for good, so crank up the season. So tell your friends and come join us in celebrating our Decade of Debotchery! See you at the Yard, Meat!