Oct. 27, 2013
SAN DIEGO, Calif. -
by Kirk Kenney
Slow runners on the base paths are sometimes accused of pulling a piano behind them.
How about a bobsled?
The Jamaican Bobsled Team made an appearance Sunday at Tony Gwynn Stadium in the SDSU baseball team's third annual Halloween Game.
What the Bobsledders lacked in foot speed they more than made up in creativity, helping the Red Team to a 5-3 win over the Black Team.
The Bobsled Team was the hit of the afternoon, the five-man car step, step, step, step, stepping to the plate in the top of the second inning.
C.J. Saylor was up front with a bat in his hands, with Tyler Sapp, Mark Seyler, Danny Sheehan and Cody Thompson along for the ride.
Saylor fouled off several pitches before popping up behind the second base bag. The ball was dropped but the Bobsledders were still thrown out from center field. It was a pity because many in the crowd were eager to see the Bobsled on the bases, where it really gets jammin'. (Note for next year: a two-man car would make for easier sledding).
The prize for best costume was to be a 2014 Corvette Stingray. But, because of NCAA restrictions, the Jamaicans instead were given warm applause.
Social media made a big impact at this year's game with the presence of Facebook (Evan Potter), Snapchat (Mitch Bluman), Twitter (Zack Oakley), App Store (Bubba Derby) and Instagram (Cooper Sholder).
Lifeguard Greg Allen, with zinc oxide on his nose and a floatie around his waist, led off the game with a single to center field for the Red Team. Blonde bombshell Tim Zier hit into a double play to erase the threat before Baby Ty France grounded out to shortstop to end the inning. Wah!
Charger Girl Brad Haynal started the scoring in the top of the second inning for the Red Team when he put a jolt into a pitch and sent it over the left-field fence.
The Black Team came back with three runs in the bottom of the second. President Obama Seby Zavala got it started with a single, Ninja Cody Sos doubled, Leprechaun Andrew Brown bunt for a single and Redneck Spencer Thornton sacrificed the runners over. Boxer Tyler Adkison capped the inning with an RBI single. Cheerleader Justin Gheorghe skied to center to end the inning.
The first person to come to the mound was Native American Jacob Erickson. The last one on the mound was Brett Seeburger, who, like Tyler Gatica, wore lederhosen. Wearing shorts and suspenders don't exactly instill fear in a hitter, but we're sure Nike will make it work.
Seeburger pitched the top and bottom of the final inning, earning credit for the win and the loss after allowing two runs to the Red Team in the top of the inning and turning away the Black Team in the bottom of the frame. Gnome Marcus Reyes also took the hill, wisely choosing to leave his pointy red hat behind him.
Brandon Thomas took charge in the bullpen, channeling Samuel L. Jackson.
Justin DiStefano and Ryan Alvarez may not be team captains this season, but they were Captain America and Captain Underwear, respectively. Tanner Reibenspies also supported the Red, White and Blue, wearing a USA-themed outfit.
Michael Cederoth represented Toy Story and Collin Orellana was a Fairy. Clown Orlando Meza, charting pitches behind the plate, could have used some of Allen's zinc oxide on his red nose. They game ended before we would ask Sailor Aaron Cross, sitting next to Meza, if he knew his port from starboard.
Andrew Schultz wore an orange prison jumpsuit, obviously hoping for a breakout season.
Hot Dog T.J. Kendzora roamed the stands with Bikini Girl Justin Hepner, their popularity greatly enhanced by the bucket of candy they were carrying.
Reno 911 Cop Ryan Muno was apparently in charge of security for the day. He had a badge and everything.
Associate head coach Mark Martinez wore an outfit that harkened back to college baseball's Gorilla ball era. Pitching coach John Pawlowski was dressed as a Hippie, with long hair, circle shades, rainbow-colored shirt and bell bottom pants. We're told it was the same clothes he wore for his senior picture at New York's Seton Catholic Central High.
Assistant coach Anthony Johnson was dressed as a flamboyant inner-city business man. Director of Baseball Operations Landon Burt was a Top Gun Pilot. He said he was Maverick, although he looked more like Goose.
The umpires came dressed as umpires for the third straight year.