There are reports UFC’s Dana White was in attendance Friday night at Nelson…after all he never seems to be to far from a good solid beat down! The Hobos spent a few days between Friday and Tuesday licking there wounds after a Friday Night battering from the Cards. The anticipated Heavyweight battle never materialized …at least from the BO’s side as the Red Birds hammered there way to an 11-1 win and sole possession of first place. On Tuesday the somewhat replenished train hoppers faced a very tough “new look” Giants team and managed a tidy 2-0 win. It seemed both teams hit first pitches as the 21 outs were recorded in a little over 1hr ½. The Bean eaters now look ahead to a tough pair of weekend games before the BVB shuts down for ten days while League members travel to Vancouver to battle for National prominence. The Sox are in town Friday 6:00 @ Nelson and the BO’s get there first look at the expansion Braves Sunday night 8:30@ Ireland.If you are up for some weenies with the BO’s on the weekend?“Hop on the Train”
PSSSTT! The break is over!!
The Hobos take there down time serious, and this time they are playing for keeps! After the mid season break the BO’s were rained out on Friday night and when the train pulled into Ireland park Sunday there were only a handful of bean eaters in attendance. This was surprising as the team was pumped up to play the X, as there website indicated that they have signed “New Blood”.Maybe a change of there site message will bring some luck? The “New Blooder’s” battled hard and put up a good battle but in the end it was the Baloney bros. who would taste victory.Blake Fisher, Craig Frohlick, and Steve Manz held the hill while Brian Gregory contributed to the X offence.The Hobos next action is at Nelson on Friday night 8:30 to battle the mighty Cards….lets hope when the wheels stop rolling and the doors slide open some Bums roll out!If you need a ride to the Park…..“Hop on the Train”
HOBOS hit Dawg Days … as Summer begins..
After 11 games the BO’s in black have produced a 7-3-1 record and remain at the top of the pack.In the tough B.V.B standings Working through the standard battle of player availability and Healthy bodies the Train Hoppers have to be happy with there status as teams hit the Mid season mark, With the so called Dawg days upon us all teams will have to battle the mid term madness that includes vacations, dead arms, flat bats and wonky dreams, The next quarter schedule will position teams for the final month as the stretch run will begin.The current 2010 team record is almost an exact mirror vision of last year for the defending Champs. The Boys want to extend a shout out to a couple of loyal teammates as they set out on separate missions, Casey Cosgrove and Justin Pysar will both be missed as there significant contributions will be unavailable on the backside of the schedule.Good luck Boys! We look forward to seeing you both on the field soon.Please Note # There will be a HOBO food drive on Sunday June 27th at Miley Park….all donations will be accepted…preference to Hot and cooked products (the team will provide utensils)While highway traffific will be affected this weekend due to the G-8, G-20 meetings feel free to…“Hop on the Train”
Train Hoppers still on Rails!
On Friday night your BO’s kicked off the 2010 season, after a one week rain delay, the baloney brothers were slated to play the expansion Yankees to begin the season but the weather had other ideas.So the Cubs had first crack at the defending Champs and the Hobos pieced together there first win of the season. The pitching combo of Colin Lalonde, Craig Frohlick, Blake Fisher and Steve Manz held the Cubs hitless and scoreless as the BO’s never looked back after a Colin Lalonde first inning 2 run bomb and closed out the Cubs 8-0.Sunday’s date was with the 2009 Lutz Cup champion Brewers, the two teams concluded the 09 season playing out the league Championship series, both teams were still working off a long winter as both rosters showed up but the intensity did not, Both teams battled through 1 run and scoreless innings until the Hobos were able to string together a pair of runs in the 5th after the Brew.defence sprung a leakA couple of hits tossed in with walks and errors can be a lethal salad, at the conclusion it was the Black Bums 4 and the Brew 2. The game marked the début of the Polish pistol Mike Sarnowski as he tossed 2 successful innings allowing 1 earned run, he was followed to the hill by Colin (Newsy) Lalonde, and Steve Manz..Bo’s mgr. Jim Hambrook caught post game stated “Sarnowski looked good and this Lalonde kid looks like there may be some upside, the closer role appears to be a Manz job and the pinch hitting appearance by Casey Cosgrove was encouraging to say the least!”The BO’s now look forward to a long weekend break before hooking up with long time rivals the Red Sox on Tuesday 25th at Nelson, first pitch fly’s at 8:30.The Hobos would like to wish all a safe long weekend and upon return a free pass to…. “Hop on the Train”
HOBOS bookend 10 years of B.V.B success!
The HOBOS spent Friday night in a strange environment; they were surrounded by, heat, light, food and plenty of well wishers.The train pulled into Kings Court and the BO’s piled into a full house to celebrate 10 years of Vintage baseball.The night was full of stories and awards honoring the accomplishments of League merit. The train hoppers were able to enjoy the evening as they quietly celebrated amongst the throng of Vintage enthusiasts.Awards were handed out for individual and team accomplishments, long time B.V.B members Water Lutz and Lee Mackey gained entry into the league Hall of fame and the Cards and Brewers traded places at the podium walking away with Lutz Cups, Silver Cups and Home run awards.Then the men in Black were presented with the (Gold) Vintage Cup. This was a special moment for a team that has been together for the entire 10 years of B.V.B existence.The Hobo franchise has set a number of high water marks in 10 years, providing a measuring stick for all teams to target.League director Jason Riesberry stated emphatically that the BO’s have proven and have earned the respect and right to be considered a true dynasty. The Team has suffered the loss of two colorful teammates over the ten years that have left a mark on both the team and League.The Night was a great time for all teams to re-visit the past summer and b.s about the year ahead.Needless to say it took the Trainmen a little longer to get back to Myley Park. After the doors closed.HOBO SCRAPS…………………..Note: The Hobo franchise was actually est. in 1999 and played in the defunct “Hardboys” league. Jim Hambrook ,Casey Cosgrove and Shawn Pomfret were and are today Team members.(Jake Timmis also played with the 99 BO’s but traveled for 2 years and was away from the team) the HOBOS won the 1999 “Coronation Cup” (the Hardboys version of the Vintage Cup)- 6 Vintage Gold Cup Championships(4 of the past 5)- 8 trips to the Gold Cup Final- 10 straight appearances in Vintage Pool playoff round.- First team to win Lutz and Vintage cup same year 2006.- First team to 150 WinsHOBO Scraps:- Jim Hambrook, Casey Cosgrove also won the Coronation cup in 1998 as members of the Hardboy “black sox” team.- Casey Cosgrove was voted league MVP 2000 and 2001- Shawn Pomfret was original league webmaster- Mobile Cartage original sponsor- Team wore grey vests for 2 years- Justin Pysar from Edmonton roomed in California with Jamie Evans 20 years before ever knowing of Burlington.- Paul Depodesta (49) started every single game for the HOBOS (over 150 including playoffs)- 49er National tag is dedicated to Pauley D’s 49- Myles Fleming hit a monster HR out of Burger Park the day after Pauley died. he quietly muttered” that’s for you old man” as he hit the plate.- Mike (Benny) Bennett, former player for Canada’s national team- C Randy Stanbury and P Mike Bennett were closing Battery mates in 1986 provincial championship replicated same role in closing out 2008 National Title in Hamilton.- Colin Lalonde and Shawn Pomfret share league HR record with Metal.- Doug Chrysler played 5 years with the BO’s before being sent down to Hamilton.- Jay Lack has played the most games in ctr. field 4 Vintage and 10 with the Brants.Look for more Scraps in future updates!In the mean time “Hop on the Train”
Train has pulled into the Station
While the HOBO franchise celebrates its 11th year of operation (1 year in the defunct Hard boys Loop) the numbers that stand out are the ones under the B.V.B banner.As the league celebrates its 10th year of operation. The BO’s captured there 6th Vintage crown with a three game sweep of the Lutz Cup Champions (Brewers).The Hobos opened the New playoff format with a 2-1 series victory over there long time rivals the Red Sox; The BO’s dropped game one and stormed back to take the next 2 games.Game 1 – Red Sox 4 Hobos 1Game 2- Hobos 10 Red Sox 1Game 3- Hobos 8 Red Sox 4In the Semi final the number #2 seed Tigers were on the schedule while initially being reported as a sweep the accurate report had the Tigers winning game 2 of the series.Game 1- Hobos 3 Tigers 2Game 2- Tigers 4 Hobos 3Game 3- Hobos 17 Tigers 2 (5 inning Mercy)Game 4 Hobos 9 Tigers 0And finally a meeting with the regular season champs. The Brewers. The Brew crew played there inaugural season in the B.V.B this year and will file away some of the little intricacies that will make a difference in year 2.Game 1 Hobos 5 Brewers 3 (8 innings)Game 2 Hobos 5 Brewers 4Game 3 Hobos 6 brewers 1The Hobos used there long bench and long memories as both #13 Miles Fleming and #49 Paul Depodesta were booked in for the ride.Mgr. Jim Hambrook “We have a tremendous amount of grit amongst every player past and present, Selfish is not a word we are familiar with, we spell team with 4 letters like everyone else, its just that our 4 letters are HOBO” .The Hobos won in the inaugural season in 2000 and managed the improbable bookend 10 years later.The 2009 Hobos are proudly represented by: Jim Hambrook, Casey Cosgrove, Shawn Pomfret, Blake Fisher, Jay Lack, Colin Lalonde, Justin Pysar, Randy Stanbury, Richard Stanbury, Mike Bennett, Craig Frohlick, Doug Chrysler, Steve Manz,Doug Cameron, Dan Cameron, Craig Carroll, Brian Gregory, Bruce VanLoon,Jake Smith, Jake Timmis,Steve (Shmuckie)Posthumously: Miles Fleming, Paul DepodestaThe Train will be parked for a couple of weeks before re-firing for the team golf tournament …please feel free to Hop on…
BO’s Squeeze out game 1 Win!
Last night at Nelson Park the Hobos faced the Lutz Cup champions in game 1 of the Vintage Cup Championship.The game got off to an exciting start as the BO’s hammered baseballs all over the Yard, but managed to find Brewer gloves, at the conclusion of the first inning the teams were square at a 1-1 score.That is when things took a twist, the lights failed to come on and the teams were forced into a 45 min. delay ,once the lights came on the BO’s trotted 2 more runs to take a 3-1 lead.Not to be out done the Brew crew managed a couple themselves and the game was again knotted at 3, the pitching duel continued as the 7th inning concluded with both teams still tied 3-3.As the 8th inning started the Juice (Bruce Van loon) started flowing and the big man found himself standing 90 ft. from the plate, Catcher Randy Stanbury had a chance to cash the big man with a hit and that he did, via the suicide squeeze, the ball went 6ft in front of the plate and the juice shook hands with the catcher on his way by.The BO’s added another and Doug Chrysler picked up the save, Dan Cameron, Justin Pysar, and Steve Manz were outstanding on the Hill each pitching 2 innings.Tuesday night at 7 pm Nelson Park the hostilities continue with the Ball flipping BO’s and the saber rattling Brewers.As usual the Train will be packed and tickets are going fast!Pack yourself a jacket and “Hop on the Train”
HOBOS Roll into Final
The Hobos are through the Vintage Cup semi’s and on there way to the Vintage Series .The Bo’s have appeared in 7 previous finals and have captured 5 championships in the 9 years that B.V.B has been in operation. The Train Hoppers will play the #1 seed Brewers.. the first pitch fly’s on Sunday Sept.20th at 7pm @ Nelson.The BO’s battled the Tigers and managed to out pitch and out slug the Cats to take the Vintage semi. 3 games to 1.Check back tomorrow for a pre-series review.Still time to “Hop on the Train”
HOT Day – HOT Bats!
The Hobos have played 10 of there last 14 games on the road and have a pretty solid record, but when they have the chance to enjoy some home cooking they have been that much tougher.After splitting road games 1 and 2 with the Tigers and gaining home field advantage the BO’s went to work Sunday at 4 pm as the hosts and were simply Rude to there guests. Scoring early and often the final score was a couple for the Cats and a bunch more for the Bums in black.Yesterdays game reminded me of a time when old Yogi was playing with the BO’s and a young boy approached him and said “hey Yogi what’s the difference between a Bum and a Hobo? And without batting an eye Yogi looked across the field and as he pointed at the other dug out he said “well son were Hobos and there Bums”With game 4 slated for 7pm Wednesday at Nelson my guess is the Tigers will lick there wounds and pack there “a” games, its cliché time. “Backs to the wall” “Win one for the Gipper” “there is No Tomorrow” As for the train hoppers a couple of good sleeps without the wheels grinding below them and 1 square meal each day they will hope to take advantage of 1 more attempt at being good hosts….something that they are currently struggling with!Don’t be late..Extra Tickets have been printed and additional staff will be on hand!To our friends on the road – exit at the Appleby line GO station …..To all others “Hop on the Train”
Big Win! – Big Loss!
The Bo’s hit the field last night for the opening game of there best of 5 semi-final versus the #2 seed Tigers. The 2 teams have battled each other for the better part of 10 years and like every other game and series this match was no different, Both teams brought there hurry up offence and rushed back out to play defense without any real signs of success. The pitching on both sides was plenty good enough to win the day, but only one team would prevail in the end. Both Tiger runs came compliments of the score keepers HBP, the lead off man in the first and the lead off man in the 7th.Dan Cameron, Justin Pysar, Steve Manz, and Doug Chrysler combined to hold the Tig’s to 3 hits and the defense was its usual solid self. The Bo’s took a substantial hit in the top of the 2nd when 2nd basemen Craig Carroll jammed his ankle into the base while sliding into the bag.Early indications are not good but the team will await doctors results, His season will possibly continue if the Bo’s manage to advance to the final.Mgr Jim Hambrook “Craig will absolutely be missed, he has been a big part of this teams success, he is a tremendous utility player and we will now have to look to our depth to fill his role”The Bo’s will continue the road trip as they travel to Ireland Park for the 2nd game in the series on Friday Sept.11 - 7 pm.Tickets are going fast as it is also Dan Cameron Bobble head night in celebration of the dangerous ones 30th Birthday!!Pack the Wieners and Beans this could be a long night!Note: Those travelling with the team, train leave the station at 4pm sharp. Remember to keep your hands out of the team stash!“Hop On the Train. See you at the park Friday”
