Charis vs. H2O
I guess a post on this blog has been long overdue, but it's hard to find something to write about, especially when you're not in school where various things can happen everyday. When you're out of school, not much really happens except work, eat, and sleep.
Anyway, as some of you readers (whoever still visits) may know, history was made in the Chinese Christian Softball Association (CCSA) on August 24, 2008. It is the first time in the league's history that two teams from Mississauga faced each other in the Championship game. What makes it even MORE unique is that both teams come from the same church - Mississauga Chinese Baptist Church (MCBC).
MCBC Charis - making it to the finals for the first time since 1989 when they won it all in the Junior division when they were called the Mustangs.
MCBC H2O - making it to the finals after their inaugural season three years ago, never making it past the 2nd round of the playoffs in each of the first two seasons.
This was great. The game was being hyped up at MCBC, there was even an announcement to encourage the congregation to come out to the diamond to cheer both teams on. It was even mentioned in the sermon. And there were jerseys of both teams, draped infront of the drum set showing the churches' pride in these two teams (although, it wasn't planned lol).
Before the game started, I noticed that there were several MCBC people at the diamond, which was all the way out in Toronto (Lawerence/Victoria Park area). But as the minutes before game time went on, I started to see a lot more. I was surprised to see so many people coming out to support us because of the location. Nevertheless, it was awesome to see so many people come out to support us and they were in for a treat.
The game got started and H2O got off to our usual slow start. We didn't generate very many runs in the first few innings. In fact, Charis was up on us by about 4-5 runs early on by hitting a few bombs (homeruns). H2O started to chip away by playing some good defence and having some timely hits. Before we knew it the lead was changing back and forth between the two.
I think the last two innings are the best two innings to talk about. Also, to let you guys into how intense this game was, the last two innings were the 8th and 9th innings (in CCSA we play 8 innings). So let me try to re-cap it (also note that I only really remember the H2O side of the game :S) the best I can.
Going into the top of the 8th inning, H2O is down by one run. Our first two batters for the inning have gotten out. Phil is up to bat (side fact, Phil has ended our last to seasons in the playoffs with his bat) and he has taken to pitches. He has to make contact with the last pitch. The pitch is thrown and he rips it to leftfield. Leftfielder misplays the ball! Phil is huffing and puffing around 2nd base, where he almost fell, rounds 3rd base and scores. His first homerun of the season couldn't have come at a better time! Tie game! I think the next batter was Jeremy and he hits a double, and then Jay hits another homer. At least I think that's how it went down. Jenna ends our half of the inning. H2O 17, Charis 15.
Charis is up. I actually don't remember how Charis got on base and I don't remember how we got the first out either. All I know is that the game is now tied at 15 with runners on 1st and 2nd base. The game-winning run is on 2nd base and Keith is up to bat for Charis. Many of us thought he was going to go opposite field into rightfield, but this is what unfolds. He hits the ball hard on the ground to 3rd base, where I field the ball and promptly step on 3rd base for the force out and fire it to 1st base. DOUBLE PLAY to end the inning! I was so relieved after that because the whole time, I was worried about the throw to 1st base because it's the longest and widest part of the infield. I was actually surprised that I was able to throw Keith out because I believed that he was a quick runner.
My teammates mob me as I'm heading back to our dugout, but we still had business to take care of. The score is now tied again at 15 going into the 9th inning.
Joe leads off and grounds out. I'm up to bat. I hit a hard grounder to 3rd base, right down the line. As I start to run down to 1st base, I see that the third baseman had trouble with it, actually knocking the ball into foul territory. I didn't see him throw the ball to try and get me at 1st base though. As I got back to 1st base (after over running it), the first baseman says, "Wow, that guy usually never misses a play at third!" I reply back, "Well I'm glad he missed this time!" And we both had a little chuckle.
Next up is Kevin Y and he rips a shot, I think, to left-centerfield. Jay was basecoaching 3rd base and he was signalling me to stop at 3rd base, and as I was slowing down, he quickly changes his mind and signals me to go home, so I run as hard as I can, and as I'm on my way home, I see that the shortstop has just retrieved the ball, and is about to relay to home. Oh crap, I gotta gun it!! It was a close play at home, and luckily the first baseman who was covering home bobbled the ball. I'm safe and Kevin gets a triple.
After I asked Jay why he changed his mind and it was because Kevin never stopped at 2nd base! Lol...
So Kevin's at 3rd base and Elena's up. I think she popped out. Back to the top of the order and Vince is up. Vince hits a double and scores Kevin from 3rd base. Jon TY flies out to center to end the inning. H2O 19, Charis 17.
Man, the intensity at this point in the game was high. I'm sure a lot of us players on both teams were nervous. I was a little too.
Bottom of the 9th inning. We were lucky to have the bottom of the order come up to bat. It was guy-girl-girl. We have to shut this down!
First batter comes up to bat, rips a double. Oh no! Girl comes up. Hits a grounder to 3rd base, I field it and throw to 1st base without even checking the runner. Just as the throw was finished, I glanced over to 2nd base to see the runner taking off for 3rd base! Oh crap! Jon T comes off 1st base and fires the ball to 3rd base where Kida is covering for me, tag! OUT! DOUBLE PLAY! Runner was out by a mile! We all scream with joy! Amazing play!! But we had to settle down. The game was not over yet, we need one more out!
Girl up to bat again. Kida's playing deep infield to cover my holes as I play shallow infield. Carrie hits a weak pop to shallow shortstop, I run to my left and hoping that I don't drop the ball. I make the catch and I immediately jump into the air to celebrate while screaming with joy at Elena who was playing home! Everyone comes in and we celebrate at the pitcher's mound. What a great feeling, what a great game.
I have to admit though, I did get emotional during the celebration and I actually shedded a few tears. It's just all the hard work, the pain (I had shin splints) throughout the summer, the team unity, just took over my emotions. It was a great feeling. Tears of joy.
So this is the Championship 8th and 9th innings through my own eyes.
Charis was a great team to play against, and Charis was definately a different team from all the rest of the teams out in CCSA. They have a unique style, and they have a lot of power hitters. Their game mostly is the long ball. We were lucky that we were able to track their balls in the dark sky and it was very challenging for our outfielders. We were grateful that we were able to stick to our game play of small ball. We were able to use our quickness on the bases to generate our runs.
After the trophy presentation, we were able to take a full team picture of both members of Charis and H2O, united as one church. Sadly, next year, H2O will be the only team from MCBC to be playing in CCSA as this season was Charis' last, it would've been nice for them to end off their softball careers with a championship, but 2nd place isn't bad either! Victoria said it best when she told us during devotions that "If we were to lose in the championship game, we'd want to lose it to H2O." I thought those were very kind words.
Afterwards, we all went out to eat at Congee Wong to celebrate and didn't get home until 1am.
Crazy me, I went to work the next day too. I was dead tired. But I was smiling all day. Replaying the game in my head.
There were so many what ifs in that game.
What if...
Anyway, as some of you readers (whoever still visits) may know, history was made in the Chinese Christian Softball Association (CCSA) on August 24, 2008. It is the first time in the league's history that two teams from Mississauga faced each other in the Championship game. What makes it even MORE unique is that both teams come from the same church - Mississauga Chinese Baptist Church (MCBC).
MCBC Charis - making it to the finals for the first time since 1989 when they won it all in the Junior division when they were called the Mustangs.
MCBC H2O - making it to the finals after their inaugural season three years ago, never making it past the 2nd round of the playoffs in each of the first two seasons.
This was great. The game was being hyped up at MCBC, there was even an announcement to encourage the congregation to come out to the diamond to cheer both teams on. It was even mentioned in the sermon. And there were jerseys of both teams, draped infront of the drum set showing the churches' pride in these two teams (although, it wasn't planned lol).
Before the game started, I noticed that there were several MCBC people at the diamond, which was all the way out in Toronto (Lawerence/Victoria Park area). But as the minutes before game time went on, I started to see a lot more. I was surprised to see so many people coming out to support us because of the location. Nevertheless, it was awesome to see so many people come out to support us and they were in for a treat.
The game got started and H2O got off to our usual slow start. We didn't generate very many runs in the first few innings. In fact, Charis was up on us by about 4-5 runs early on by hitting a few bombs (homeruns). H2O started to chip away by playing some good defence and having some timely hits. Before we knew it the lead was changing back and forth between the two.
I think the last two innings are the best two innings to talk about. Also, to let you guys into how intense this game was, the last two innings were the 8th and 9th innings (in CCSA we play 8 innings). So let me try to re-cap it (also note that I only really remember the H2O side of the game :S) the best I can.
Going into the top of the 8th inning, H2O is down by one run. Our first two batters for the inning have gotten out. Phil is up to bat (side fact, Phil has ended our last to seasons in the playoffs with his bat) and he has taken to pitches. He has to make contact with the last pitch. The pitch is thrown and he rips it to leftfield. Leftfielder misplays the ball! Phil is huffing and puffing around 2nd base, where he almost fell, rounds 3rd base and scores. His first homerun of the season couldn't have come at a better time! Tie game! I think the next batter was Jeremy and he hits a double, and then Jay hits another homer. At least I think that's how it went down. Jenna ends our half of the inning. H2O 17, Charis 15.
Charis is up. I actually don't remember how Charis got on base and I don't remember how we got the first out either. All I know is that the game is now tied at 15 with runners on 1st and 2nd base. The game-winning run is on 2nd base and Keith is up to bat for Charis. Many of us thought he was going to go opposite field into rightfield, but this is what unfolds. He hits the ball hard on the ground to 3rd base, where I field the ball and promptly step on 3rd base for the force out and fire it to 1st base. DOUBLE PLAY to end the inning! I was so relieved after that because the whole time, I was worried about the throw to 1st base because it's the longest and widest part of the infield. I was actually surprised that I was able to throw Keith out because I believed that he was a quick runner.
My teammates mob me as I'm heading back to our dugout, but we still had business to take care of. The score is now tied again at 15 going into the 9th inning.
Joe leads off and grounds out. I'm up to bat. I hit a hard grounder to 3rd base, right down the line. As I start to run down to 1st base, I see that the third baseman had trouble with it, actually knocking the ball into foul territory. I didn't see him throw the ball to try and get me at 1st base though. As I got back to 1st base (after over running it), the first baseman says, "Wow, that guy usually never misses a play at third!" I reply back, "Well I'm glad he missed this time!" And we both had a little chuckle.
Next up is Kevin Y and he rips a shot, I think, to left-centerfield. Jay was basecoaching 3rd base and he was signalling me to stop at 3rd base, and as I was slowing down, he quickly changes his mind and signals me to go home, so I run as hard as I can, and as I'm on my way home, I see that the shortstop has just retrieved the ball, and is about to relay to home. Oh crap, I gotta gun it!! It was a close play at home, and luckily the first baseman who was covering home bobbled the ball. I'm safe and Kevin gets a triple.
After I asked Jay why he changed his mind and it was because Kevin never stopped at 2nd base! Lol...
So Kevin's at 3rd base and Elena's up. I think she popped out. Back to the top of the order and Vince is up. Vince hits a double and scores Kevin from 3rd base. Jon TY flies out to center to end the inning. H2O 19, Charis 17.
Man, the intensity at this point in the game was high. I'm sure a lot of us players on both teams were nervous. I was a little too.
Bottom of the 9th inning. We were lucky to have the bottom of the order come up to bat. It was guy-girl-girl. We have to shut this down!
First batter comes up to bat, rips a double. Oh no! Girl comes up. Hits a grounder to 3rd base, I field it and throw to 1st base without even checking the runner. Just as the throw was finished, I glanced over to 2nd base to see the runner taking off for 3rd base! Oh crap! Jon T comes off 1st base and fires the ball to 3rd base where Kida is covering for me, tag! OUT! DOUBLE PLAY! Runner was out by a mile! We all scream with joy! Amazing play!! But we had to settle down. The game was not over yet, we need one more out!
Girl up to bat again. Kida's playing deep infield to cover my holes as I play shallow infield. Carrie hits a weak pop to shallow shortstop, I run to my left and hoping that I don't drop the ball. I make the catch and I immediately jump into the air to celebrate while screaming with joy at Elena who was playing home! Everyone comes in and we celebrate at the pitcher's mound. What a great feeling, what a great game.
I have to admit though, I did get emotional during the celebration and I actually shedded a few tears. It's just all the hard work, the pain (I had shin splints) throughout the summer, the team unity, just took over my emotions. It was a great feeling. Tears of joy.
So this is the Championship 8th and 9th innings through my own eyes.
Charis was a great team to play against, and Charis was definately a different team from all the rest of the teams out in CCSA. They have a unique style, and they have a lot of power hitters. Their game mostly is the long ball. We were lucky that we were able to track their balls in the dark sky and it was very challenging for our outfielders. We were grateful that we were able to stick to our game play of small ball. We were able to use our quickness on the bases to generate our runs.
After the trophy presentation, we were able to take a full team picture of both members of Charis and H2O, united as one church. Sadly, next year, H2O will be the only team from MCBC to be playing in CCSA as this season was Charis' last, it would've been nice for them to end off their softball careers with a championship, but 2nd place isn't bad either! Victoria said it best when she told us during devotions that "If we were to lose in the championship game, we'd want to lose it to H2O." I thought those were very kind words.
Afterwards, we all went out to eat at Congee Wong to celebrate and didn't get home until 1am.
Crazy me, I went to work the next day too. I was dead tired. But I was smiling all day. Replaying the game in my head.
There were so many what ifs in that game.
What if...
spun by b at 12:14 a.m.
1 Web Spinners:
just from my memory:
bottom 8th, steve to rips a double down the right field line. and then he scores on the next hit
great game though
you'll see it on espn classic
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