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The Russians Are Coming!
The Russians are coming! The Russians are coming! And it has nothing to do with that 1966 movie that I never saw. It does have to do with a little bit of luck, the internet and a heads-up play by the Press-Republican's sports editor, Bob Goetz.
First of all the Russian National Baseball Team is in the middle of its USA tour. When one of their opponents cancelled recently, the team management looked for a replacement team to play. Since they had a game scheduled for Saratoga, New York, on Monday, July 23, they were looking for a team in the vicinity to fill the open spot on Friday, July 27.
A Google search of New York sports media brought them to the Press-Republican website and sports editor Bob Goetz. Bob, being the helpful guy that he always is, referred the Russian team to Mike Bergman, assistant baseball coach at Plattsburgh State and a star in the Champlain Valley Baseball League.
Bergman, who loves baseball as much as anyone in the North Country, wasn't about to turn down a unique opportunity to play against the Russian National team, so he offered to create an All-Star squad to compete against the Russians.
It should provide an interesting game: the dedicated Russian athletes against the North Country kids, sponsored by Meron's, a popular city stop for sports fans.
As a final piece to the story, my North Country Cable Network has been asked to videotape the game for local public-access television. That was an offer too good to turn down. Of course, I may have a little trouble with those Russian names. For years I've been gliding through baseball names like "Kowalowski" without a problem. But, for this game, I will have to handle names like Alexander Vashakidze and Nikoloz Kapanadze.
Maybe I better get Goose to help me with those names!
The big game, the Russian National Team versus Meron's Expos, will be played this Friday at 4pm at Chip Cummings Field on the campus of Plattsburgh State. It would be great if a huge crowd gathered to welcome the Russian team.
You can obtain more information about the visitors by going to the website: www.Russianbaseball.org.
I wonder if Courtland Wood or Mad Dog Castine knows the words to the Russian national anthem?
Comments
I hope it doesn't rain! I have our big family reunion starting on Friday. Maybe I can convince everyone to go. It should be a great game to watch. It's on the calendar and I'll do my best to get the "Brushes" to go.
(Foxy's note: That would be great. Guests are always welcome in our first base "press box.")
Posted by: Rebecca Leonard | July 26, 2007 2:47 PM
This game has become so big even WIRY will be broadcasting the game live. Sorry Craig, there will be no Al Michaels, Ken Dryden and do you believe in miracles....yess.
You will have to settle for Rob and I.
Posted by: Rick K | July 25, 2007 6:12 PM
Foxy,
I'm looking forward to the good old USA putting it to the Russians again like we did in the Cold War and the 1980 Olympics. God bless America.
Craig Mathews
Posted by: Craig Mathews | July 25, 2007 12:20 PM
Foxy, thanks for mentioning the big game! Also, thanks for being there to cover it. Hope Goose makes it, too. Although I am Polish, I can't help too much with those Russian names!
(Foxy's note: Feel free to stop by our "press box" down the first base line. We can talk some baseball for an inning!)
Posted by: The Donald | July 24, 2007 3:21 PM