WIZARDS CONJURE UP 4TH STRAIGHT WIN;

DEFENSE MOST MAGICAL IN FIELD AND OUT

The Villages Recreation Department’s Division Four Senior Softball League Wizards team swung some magic wands Thursday connecting for four homers against the Rockets. But what was really magical about the Wizards’ performance was their sorcery in the field.  Outfielders Barry Berger and Kenny “Don’t Take Your Love to Town” Rogers robbed hitters of extra base hits with their enchanted speed and sleight of hand catches.  While infielders Tom Kankeinen (shortstop), Don Glennan (2nd base), and Jim Gioia (3rd base) were pulling rabbits out of their gloves play afer play that would made Harry Potter jealous!  One such prestidigitation was on a ball thrown from the outfield that got by third baseman Jim Gioia and went to the fence.  Jim chased down the ball as Tom Kankeinen race to cover third base with the Rockets’ base runner, George Stanley, running stride for stride with him.  Jim snatched up the ball, pivoted and threw the ball at the base just as Tom arrived and was able to catch the ball in his bare hand and hit the base a half step before George. But there was one more act of wizardry to come.  Jim Anastasi’s magicians needed one more out to claim the 18-4 victory.  Don Glennan was covering second base for the force play, but the throw was wild and nowhere near his glove.  Presto!  Don’s bare hand flashed out, abracadabra!, and made the play for the final out!  Don also had a four for four day at the plate.  Winning pitcher Dewey Kalmer helped himself with three hits and three ribbies.  The Wizards now find themselves at 14-7 on the season tied for second place and just two games off the lead.

Denis Militello managed three hits and Mike Varga three rbi’s for the also 14-7 Rockets.