Hi, and welcome to the first edition of Forgotten Games, a column where we’ll talk about games from our softball organization’s 17 year history.  If you have any suggestions on games to cover, please let me know and they will be considered. 

The first installation covers a game from July 19, 1996, where our Mr. Broadway/Babe XXX sponsored team almost accomplished an organizational first. 

Mr. Broadway/Babe XXX took on Shamrock Tavern at Block Park.  The starting lineup for the game was: 

1. Derek Snyder, AH
2. Chad Plonski, SS
3. Damian Helmbold, 3B
4. Billy “Watcher” Davide, 2B
5. Joe Berry, LC
6. Tony Troccia, LF
7. Rich Russell, RC
8. John Finch, 1B
9. Jimmy “Jesus” Dixon, AH
10. Steve Silverman, RF
11. Scott Liese, P
12. Mike “Babe” Lake, C

Mr. Broadway/Babe XXX jumped out in front early on the heels three first inning errors by Shamrock, followed by a two run Rich Russell home run. Then, the rain started. Shamrock was retired quietly in the bottom of the first, with Babe XXX ahead 5-0. The rain continued to come down hard into the second inning, and both teams were retired in order. In the third, Chad Plonski and Damian Helmbold singled with two outs. Watcher Davide crushed a home run in a near torrential downpour to make the score 8-0 Babe XXX. After conferring with the officials about the inclement weather, the game continued. After Shamrock was again retired in order in the third it was brought to light that Shamrock still did not have a single hit in the game. If Babe XXX could score two or more runs in the top of the fourth to enact the mercy rule, pitcher Scott Liese stood a great chance at sealing the first no hitter in team history.

Mr. Broadway/Babe XXX responded in the top of the fourth. Tony Troccia led off the inning with a screamer, which was booted by the second baseman. Rich Russell singled, and John Finch’s fly ball advanced the key runners to second and third. Jimmy Dixon’s single brought both runners home, to give Babe XXX a 10-0 lead. A walk and two more errors made the score 12-0 going into the bottom of the 4^th. If Babe XXX could hold Shamrock hitless for one more frame, Scott Liese would be etched in the annals for all eternity.

Shamrock’s lead off batter popped up. The second batter hit a sharp grounder down the first base line to perennial gold glover John Finch. The ball was just fair, over the bag. Finch dove for the ball but it ricocheted off of his glove and the runner was safe at first. A quick check with the official scorekeeper showed they scored the play as an error! After two more quick outs, Scott Liese sealed the 12-0 victory, his no hitter and his place in history.

However, during the post game celebration, the opposing manager Vinnie Lounsberry heard of the feat and went to speak with the scorekeeper. Soon thereafter, the scorekeeper informed us he changed the error call to a hit at Vinnie’s request. The call was a judgement call, which could have went either way. Scott Liese was instead credited with a one hitter. To this day, a pitcher has yet to hurl a no-hitter for the franchise.

Home Run: Watcher Davide, Rich Russell