There was a palpable excitement during the entire opening day game for the Coyotes as they took on the Monarchs.
“Yea Poppa! Yea Poppa!” screamed little Chelsea Kick, cheering on her Grandfather Chuck Martin. Her cheering might have been a catalyst for Martin, as he was 5 for 5 in the nine-inning game; two of those hits were home runs in the 5th and 7th inning.
Spouses, friends, neighbors, children, and grandchildren came on this beautiful Saturday afternoon on May 5 to cheer the players on. The stands were full. Fans shouted, clapped, and cheered on their favorite players.
Grandkids key to Home Runs (L to R): Michael Diprizio, Pat Klatt, Valentina Diprizio, Chuck Martin and Chelsea Kick. (Photo by Christine Such/Sun Day)
The game was delayed an hour due to the condition of the field, but the field was ready for action when the Coyotes and Monarchs arrived.
Paul Flentge said, “Credit should be given to the dedicated grounds crew who were able to get the field in shape to salvage at least one of the games yesterday. Credit to the umpire crew for their professionalism and quality of officiating. Credit to both teams, for a well-played game and good sportsmanship. Credit to all the fans who showed up to cheer on both teams. And credit to Mother Nature for providing sunshine, a breeze blowing out to right field and perfect temperatures!”
John Pawelek, helping with the team management, shared, “The men played a terrific game. They had a good defense and a lot of power plays. I hope they keep it up.”
Larry Wojtas, playing the outfield, made a diving catch in the 3rd inning for an out. In the fourth inning, the Coyotes took a big lead, retiring the side after the maximum of five runs.
Robert Higgins, a new draft pick for the team, enjoyed having that first win underway.
“I loved playing for the Coyotes,” he said.
Martin was not the only Coyote to hit big in this opener game. Gary Pokorny hit one home in the 5th inning and Patrick Klatt scored one in the 7th inning.
The team, spurred on by the crowd and the great plays, seemed to get even better in the last innings. The 8th inning saw a double play with Gary Porkony and Alex Schank tagging two Monarchs out. The game ended with the final out caught by Barry Cianciarulo in the outfield.
The final score was Coyotes 17, Monarchs 6.
Team manager, Gary Pokorny said, “Going into the game I knew, because of the way we practiced in April, we were playing much better as a team, and everyone was much more prepared for game defensive situations. On offensive, we really improved on our batting. A Monarchs player stopped me on the field after we took a sizeable lead and said, ‘You Coyotes look good this year – picked up some players in the draft.’ I said we did, but this year we are having fun and playing as a team. Finally, how did I feel after the game? I suspected we could improve as a team, but after that effort, 33 hits and only 7 errors – I knew we were going to have some fun this season.”
Veteran to the team, Ed Barnas said, “This is my 10th year playing, coaching or managing – look forward to it every year. Great to try to relive your past and spend quality time with friends and neighbors.” Bill Bandford, a Coyote team member who could not make the game sent his wishes.
“Congratulations Coyotes! Well done!” he said.
