This week in Toledo sports history: Falcons have baseball success

5/7/2018
BLADE STAFF
  • SPT-hens7p-E

    Lehigh Valley's Andy Tracy bats against the Mud Hens at Fifth Third Field in 2008.

    BLADE PHOTO

  • This week in Blade sports 10, 20, and 30 years ago, Bowling Green State University baseball players had success against the Mud Hens and in the majors. One City League baseball team found national success, and one local athlete enjoyed a dream season. And finally, in golf, a new tournament picked up momentum at course that was going through a name change.

    ■ May 7, 2008: Tracy homer dooms Hens — It’s only natural that Andy Tracy, a Bowling Green native who played at Bowling Green State University, heard some cheers when he stepped to the plate at Fifth Third Field. Yet Tracy made the Mud Hens cry by slamming a three-run home run in Lehigh Valley’s 5-1 victory.

    ■ May 8, 1998: Start doesn’t stop winning — The Start baseball team is now 18-0, and not only are the Spartans the No. 1-ranked team in Ohio, but according to the USA Today, they’re the best in the country. “They always think they’re going to win,” Central Catholic coach Jeff Mielcarek said. “They get out of their cars with confidence.”

    ■ May 9, 1988: Stritch’s Brown off to hot start — A more consistent Jeff Brown means constant trouble for Cardinal Stritch baseball foes. The left-hander’s numbers are real eye-openers: a 7-0 record, a 0.69 ERA, and 91 strikeouts in 50⅔ innings. “He’s having a dream season,” Cardinals coach Roger Achter said.

    ■ May 10, 1988: Champ says Farr Classic coming of age — Take the pacifier away from the Jamie Farr Toledo Classic. Born in 1984, this tyke of the LPGA Tour is past the teething stage and is ready to take its place among the top-rated events, said reigning champion Jane Geddes, who made a quick stop in Toledo.

    ■ May 11, 1988: Glengarry will change name — The Jamie Farr Toledo Classic will again be held at Glengarry Country Club. Well, sort of. Actually, it will be held at Stone Oak Country Club. Are you confused? “The name change is going to be unofficial until after the tournament,” event boss Judd Silverman said.

    ■ May 12, 2008: Mud Hens pitchers roughed up — Call the Mud Hens’ 10-6 loss to Charlotte a total pitching breakdown. Toledo manager Larry Parrish sure did. “I don’t think we had anyone throw good today, 0 for 4,” he said, noting that his four pitchers combined to allow 12 hits, five home runs, and six walks.

    ■ May 13, 2008: Badenhop perfect for Marlins — Rookie Burke Badenhop wants the Florida Marlins to play like he pitches: Nice and loose. “It gets me locked into the game,” the Perrysburg High and Bowling Green State University graduate said of his on-field actions. “I hope to have fun out there, and I hope the guys have fun playing behind me.”

    —Compiled by Tommy Gallagher