FREMONT, CA -- Following a stellar 8-2 regular season, the Bay Area Bombers completed a 3-game sweep in the playoffs to complete its first ever city-wide championship. "It's a great feeling," said pither Robert Swan. "It's been a long time since we've won it all."
"A long time" may be an understatement. It's been a lifetime for more than half-a-dozen Bomber kids who were not born the last time the team won a championship back in 1993. Only Mike Manley, Rich Scott, George Adragna, Robert Swan, and Trevor Curran remain from that 1993 team.
"This is so different from our other championships," said Swan. "We had success early on, winning two championships in our first three years. It makes you appreciate it more when you have to wait seven years in between!"
The Bombers had reason to cheer even before they began play over the weekend. Trevor "Kidd" Curran, an original Bomber who played with the team from 1991 to 1999, returned to the Bomber line-up and gave the Bombers an immediate boost. Foreshadowing an all-around terrific tournament, the Kidd recorded all three put-outs in the first inning of the Bombers' first playoff game. "It's always a great feeling to win a tournament," said Manager and MVP Richard Scott, "but winning it with Trevor back in the line-up makes it all the more special."
But Trevor and Richard weren't the only Bombers to have fantastic tournaments. Don, George and Johnny had plenty of clutch two-out RBI hits, and both the infield and the outfield played flawless defense. There was even great coaching. "I consider Rick Bird to be my pitching coach," said Swan. "Birdie always reminds me to keep the ball up and control the tempo of the game. After not getting a (strike) call or two, I need to be reminded of these things."
The MVP voting turned out to be closer than any of the Bomber games, with Richard winning by a single vote over Don. "The great thing is," said Swan, "there were at least five guys who received an MVP vote. That shows that this team doesn't rely on anyone; it relies on everyone."
The Bombers are hoping to embark on a journey to a repeat as they begin their next season this Sunday.
Quips & Quotes
"There is no 'i' in 'team,' and that was a team win. I mean, no one relied solely on Manley's power or Boughton's speed." - Scott Rose, following the Bombers' championship game.
"It just proves to me that we have two guys on this team with very good memories." - Robert Swan, on receiving 2 MVP votes after a mediocre individual season.
"See, Rich! I told you not to eat that seventh slice of pizza last night!" - George Adragna, after watching Richard Scott jump for and barely miss a line drive.
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Links to Other Bomber Pages
My Thoughts On Softball
Bombers Look Forward to 1999
1992 Championship Article
Adragna Signs with Bombers
Bombers Recapture Fire
A Bomber for Life, by Trevor Curran
Bombers Win a Strange One!
Bombers Clinch Division Title