YCOBL’S 35TH SEASON READY TO GO!

School buses are back on the streets, footballs are flying through the air, and tropical storms are beginning to churn in the Atlantic, but to Freddy Junior the truest sign that fall is around the corner is the start of the York County Oldtimers Baseball season. Ah, yes. The smell of Flexall that floats on the breeze. The echoes of old guys moaning as they strain body parts they haven’t used in months. The sight of guys limping back to their cars after games like baby sea turtles trying to make it from the beach to the ocean. Only then does Freddy know it’s officially time to say farewell to summer.

It's hard to believe, but this season marks the 35th year for the YCOBL! Did you know that the traditional gift for anniversary number 35 is coral? It’s true. Freddy was super excited to learn this fact, until he realized that he didn’t hear the pronunciation of the “c”. Damn generic hearing aid batteries.

216 players, including a solid field of 29 rookies, registered to take part in the YCOBL this year. Additionally, two new – or should we say, returning – managers joined the fold. Chris Grothe and Rob Weaver each managed a few years ago, left for greener pastures, and now are back to endure more of Freddy’s whining, insults, and second guessing.

For the newbies who don’t know, Freddy is the ultimate Oldtimers superfan who can be found at almost every game sitting in his aluminum-framed lawn chair, heckling and booing away. Freddy will provide weekly game previews and predictions, with occasional help from his arch nemesis, Blaze Ruth. Speaking of Blaze, there are reports out there that say he is in the Epstein files, and Freddy can say that is absolutely false! But he is in both the Barbarino and Horshack files.

The preseason manager's poll says that the favorites this year are the Rockies and Astros.  But what to they know.

Good luck to everyone this year and as always, have fun and don’t get hurt!

FREDDY JR’s FORECAST

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Rockies at Diamondbacks – Codorus Twp 10:00

For just the second time in his illustrious career, Rick Goebeler was not taken with the first overall draft pick. Both of those times, he wound up a member of the Rockies. Meanwhile, Coach Miller commandeered the league maximum number of Hayneses allowed. Rockies roll.

Padres at Giants – Jacobus 12:15

The Padres took a bunch of rookies early, meaning Coach Schaale either knows something everybody else don’t, or he don’t. As for the Giants, their early picks contained plenty of 410 area codes. Giants rise from the south.

Dodgers at Phillies – Pleasureville 10:00

I’m not saying all Philly teams are this way, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see a Phillie spit on a Dodger during the exchange of the lineup cards on Sunday. Especially if Hoss’s dentures are loose. Expect(orate) a Phillies win.

Brewers at Pirates – Pleasureville 12:15

Coach Grothe secured the Swiss Family Anderson with the first pick in the draft, quickly ending any worries about pitching depth. The Pirates are among oh, I don’t know, 15 other teams wondering who’s gonna toe the rubber mid game. Brewers grab the opener.

BLAZE RUTH PICKS: Rockies, Giants, Phillies, Brewers

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Twins at A’s – Codorus Twp 12:15

The Commish might not have seen any on his grade school report cards, but he’s got plenty of A’s now. On the other side, the Twins will need passing marks in attendance for a successful year. A’s for effort.

Rays at Tigers – Jacobus 2:30

Nobody’s mistaking him for Kirk Gibson, and even fewer will confuse him for Willis Reed. But we expect to see Cronie on the field this weekend despite whispers that he’s about to go into labor. As for the Tigers, nothing wrong with ham. It just tastes like ham. Rays the roof.

Orioles at Guardians – McWilliams 10:00

Returning manager Rob Weaver might have to break out the Truffle Shuffle against One-Eyed Willy and his Guardians. Cuz everybody wants a Chunk of them. Guardians ‘R’ good enough.

Astros at Royals – McWilliams 12:15

Defending champ manager Hughes has to face a few of his former teammates in the opener. Once the hugging is over, there could be lots of offense in this one. You might say the runs scored will be Astronomical.

BLAZE RUTH PICKS: A’s, Rays, Guardians, Royals

You were as dedicated to the police department as you are to the YCOBL.  After 31 years with the York Police, we all hope you enjoy the next chapter in your life with your family and friends.  Now there is nothing standing in the way of continuing your Ripken-esque consecutive game streak!  Once again, congratulations Rico!

WGAL article, video and interview