Nine Runs Proves Enough in Both Semifinal and Championship Games; Walls Named Tourney MVP

MacGyvers starter Kerry Walls spends an intimate moment with the trophy

Walls wins Tournament MVP
Turning in perhaps the best one-day pitching performance in the history of Sporting News Radio softball, Kerry Walls led the MacGyvers to Wednesday's Championship with a 9-3 victory over #7 seed XGBN in the semifinal and a 9-6 victory over #1 seed Rocky Vanders in the championship game. Walls posted a combined line that looked like this... 14 innings pitched, 25 hits, TWO walks, 3 strikeouts and EIGHT earned runs!!! Not only that, but on Wednesday night, Walls also went a perfect 5-for-5 at the plate with two walks and an RBI. Hey, that's more hits than the Cardinals' 3-4-5 and maybe 6 hitters had in last year's World Series!

Dom the Great!

Dominic Retires on Top
In an announcement that has been rumored for weeks, Legends catcher Dominic Zucchero confirmed Wednesday night that he has played his last pair of games with the Sporting News Radio 12-inch softball team. "It's been a great five years," Dom told the rest of the team as he announced his retirment. "There isn't another collection of 9, 10, 11, or 12 guys I'd rather go to war with." Dominic will reportedly continue to pursue his softball dreams of greatness with a 16-inch team he has played on since he was knee-high to a grasshopper. Team insiders also suspect that Dom will been seen in a Legends uniform again at some point in the future. "He just can't stay away," team Captain Justin Hesse said.

Parade Plans Announced!
The City of Northbrook has announced plans to shut down Techny Road Friday afternoon from 1PM-2PM to accomodate the MacGyvers victory parade. We hope this does not interfere with the travel plans of the Coppock on Sports Friday luncheon.

Ed Marut: Solid as a Rock at first

Team Votes On Tony D's Playoff Share
One Legend who was not in attendance on Wednesday night as the MacGyvers celebrated their Tournament victory was Tony DiGiacomo, who, for the second week in a row was unable to make it to the game(s). Naturally, the question arose whether Tony D should be voted a share of team's Championship winnings (a la Nomar with the Red Sox). By a nearly unanimous vote of 11-1, the Legends decided to withhold Tony D's share until, as Marc Brafman so eloquently put it, "The guys have had some extra time to go home and pack for a big upcoming trip." Reporters have been unable to determine whether the only vote in Tony's favor was cast by fellow D-Jock, Joey.

Barry Good Defense
The defensive MVP of Wednesday night's Championship game was none other than left-fielder Barry Goldman, who made numberous one-handed -- and bare-handed -- diving catches on low-trajectory balls that required a lot of, well, balls to go after on the fly. Fittingly enough, Barry also made the final catch of the game. He did not do a Darin Erstad-esqe dance after making the catch.

Korney with Superfan Jen and the ball Barry caught for the final out

Thanks to the Fans, and all Legends of the Past
In the Legends' five-year history, we have occasionally won regular season titles. But Wednesday's Tournament Championship marks the first time we have concluded a season as winners. In light of this momentus occasion, the Legends would like to thank all the die-hard fans who have attended nearly every darn game we've ever played. First and foremost, Superfan Jen Zins (soon to be Walls), as well as Dina, the Rooster, the Stinkin' Genius, the Coulters, Jeanna, Bob's parents, Justin's parents, Rickard and Wheeler's dog Max. Also, here's a shout-out to some of the Legends of the past who contributed to the winning tradition of SNR softball, but had to move on before partaking in a Championship victory. These names include Nick "The Greek" Pavlatos, Paul "You're Out of Here" Fredericy, Ryan "Oh! My back!" Williams, Matt "F-you Guys" Nahigian, "Sweet" Lou Pellegrino, Tim "Chair Destroyer" Montemayor, Chuck Powell, Randy "Whoa, Slow Down There!" Merkin and, of course, Lonnie "THE LEGEND!"