After finishing to the two previous seasons with heartbreaking losses, the Bill Rescue Bombers set out on their 2019 campaign with a fire in their bellies. The Bombers return 8 regulars from last season. The signing of Tommy “Salami” Carberry added to the call up of top prospects Gary Holzapfel and Tyler Krolikowski who both spent some time with the big club last year bring in three more powerful players. The subtraction of Nick Gargan (DFA, on restricted list), Jon Roesch (optioned to minor leagues) and Greg Dawber (nobody knows) from last year’s team does not seem to be something that will haunt the Bombers this year.

The Bombers project to have a much stronger team this year than last year with their recent additions. On top of that, Steven Giustino will be pitching for only his second calendar year and should continue his path of development into a top pitcher in the league. The youngest Giustino, fresh off a stint as a loaner pitcher to the Domincan Republic Penal Winter Ball League, should be primed for a season of many wins and a sub 6 ERA. The Bombers return 5/6 infielders from last year starting with the Stalwart Catcher Jon “Yogi” Bella. Bella has been doing squats in order to help get low for his pitch framing and also striking up conversations with random men at dive bars around the island to sharpen up his Umpire Stroking Skills, in which he was rated much lower than his projections show; seems like a technique issue that should be resolved. The rest of the infield will round out very nicely with returning starters Scott Sadowski (1B), Joe Giustino (2B), Kevin Connors (SS), being joined by Krolikowski (3b). The STAC Spartan Infield of last year is broken up by a Dolphin, which can only mean good things from the choke perspective. The Spartan Triumvirate includes: on base machine Sadowski, who also brings the best 1b glove in the league should be less tired at games now that he isn’t playing as much baseball; the team’s heart and soul, as well as being the General Manager J. Giustino, who has one of the sweetest left swings in the game and looks to improve on his fluke like BABIP and Hard Hit Ball % BA, who was already rising back to where he belongs (was third on the team for full time players in BA in the fall) and bring his legendary hose, and his strong arm, to make plays around the diamond; and Connors, who leads the team in every offensive category excluding walks, brings a tremendous glove, great shorts, tons of Pedialyte, two beers per game, the umpire fees, ability to write extremely long run on sentences and all the intangibles to the table. KrolikowskI should play some solid defense, have a hurt arm by the end of game 1 and record a lot of hard hits and foul tips. He is a young stallion who is as healthy as the oldest player on the team, but Bill Rescue management says “his grit and ability are a necessary add to the squad full time this year). The infield should also see some part time fill in work from Justin Rose, Bella, and Hasenfeffer.

The outfield is where we see a bit of shakeup. Returning outfielders include: Defensive Player of the Year Chris Moravick, the oft injured but tremendously dependable Rose and Toolsy, streaky young buck Luke Aguera. Moravick is the guy who supplies all the beers for his dead beat teammates, brings the boombox, sometimes transfusions. He is slated for double leadoff duty as he dominated his role with last year leading the team in walks and sporting a gargantuan Joey Votto like .110 pt gap between BA and OBP. The man knows how to turn over the lineup. Management would love to get him back in the leadoff spot, but the run creation potential is limitless. Defensive scout for a rival team said of Moravick “75% of the earth is covered by water… the other 25 is covered by him.” Justin really came on as the season rode along and was a shot in the arm for this team during the dog days of August. Rose played stellar defense wherever asked, he played all 4 OF positions, 3B and 2B well last year; a true renaissance man. Luke was a very streaky hitter for the club, at times being dominant and others making really hard outs but struggling to find consistency. “He has all the tools in the world, hits for power, runs, strong arm. When he’s good, the Bombers are dangerous” said a ranking official in the league. In addition, the two biggest additions to the roster this year will also be spending most of their time grazing the outfield turf. Mayor Carberry will bring his history of tracking down any ball and will get on base like nobody’s business. I think we’re going to see power out of him by years end, but I look for a high average player aggressive on the paths to start the year. Heizenberg (Gary) should slot into the middle of the order and make every play in the field. “He has da versatility to play any position on the diamond, except shawt *grins and adjusts mic*” says team manager and team midday radio host Kevin “El Campocorto” Connors. Gary is the missing piece that the team has needed. Can play outfield every day to close the gaps that Uncle Mohammad and co couldn’t do with their skeleton OF squad, big stick for average and power and other things, and has a great name that is tough to pronounce. The OF should finally be a strength with this crew.

In addition to the 11 regulars, we would be remiss to not mention the depth this squad can bring during the heat of the summer.  Roesch and Roesch’s Brother and Friends have brought a body with a pulse to some games that cannot be counted out this year. The real strength of the bench lies in the eldest Giustino, Patsy “Patsy Pimpin” Giustino. Pat’s best attribute is being there; you can’t teach that. He can fill in at catcher, grab a pinch hitting appearance and draw some walks for you. He keeps a great book (cardboard box) and keeps the team in line. I would also look for Greg “g-nac” Naccari to get some time as he has been assigned to the Big League Fill-in List. He made his debut in the fall championship game last year and had several hits, using his ability of being lefty to his advantage and starting many rallies.

The summer season ended abruptly in the semi final round of the playoffs. A swamp in the outfield and a lack of production led to the difficult defeat. The Bombers will look to capture a fall title starting in September.

BILL RESCUE BOMBERS

2018 Inaugural Season

"Minimum Effort, Maximum Results"

CEO of Bill Rescue Joseph Giustino announces hat sponsorship for the Bill Rescue Bombers. A beautiful low profile adjustable navy cap with the Bill Rescue Bombers' logo on the front will be adorned by the Bombers this season. A wonderful gesture by a great company. 

4/11      

Bill Rescue Bombers, a team with no true affiliation (at this point) to the cost saving business of the same name, have announced the signing of 12 players to one year deals. An unprecedented 8 college baseball players have signed, a testament to the recruitment power of General Manager, Joe Giustino. It’s yet to be seen whether he will round the team up Gordon Bombay/Mighty Ducks 2 style yet but it wouldn’t be inappropriate. In addition there were some big adds, signing a former Softball League Champion as well as accomplished summer league talent. President of Softball Operations Kevin Connors is excited to get this star studded squad on the field.