Each week, we will catch up with Team Captain Matt "Howitzer" Lungariello (pictured above) on his thoughts regarding the game of the week. Last weekend on April 9, the Park City Nine had the week off and so gathered for some practice at Seaside Park. On the agenda? Gearing up for a big round robin tournament up in Waterbury. The opponents - Waterbury Connors, Meddowe BBC, and Newtown Sandy Hook.
We got the chance to chat with Howitzer today and go over practice and look to the big tourney for April 27:
KEEP IT VINTAGE: So, the turnout for practice was pretty weak?
HOWITZER: It is very important to notify Vintage Joe when you can't make it to practice. I know he sends about 14 e-mails a day, but sometimes he has some important info in them... SOMETIMES.
Last week's practice could have been cancelled or moved to a much warmer indoor batting cage. Joe and I factor in attendance to help us decide playing time.
KIV: It was frigid and you guys had field issues?
H: It was cold and it looked like rain all morning. I think 21 fields were all being used when we got there, so we had to practice on a field we have never seen before. But the guys who were there were real troopers and roughed it. There is nothing quite as vintage as hypothermia.
KIV: Big weekend, first road game, multiple team tournament. You hoping to announce the team's improved presence this season?
H: In some ways, yes. Really, I am looking forward to the Newtown game. I thought we matched up pretty well against them last year, but we were never able to beat them. I can specifically remember blowing a three run lead in the bottom of the ninth on a walk-off homer by Pops. Heartbreaker.
We actually did beat them one Sunday but I think three of their starting nine were Orators filling in, due to the Hooks being short a few guys. Last season, we took any win we could get, but I don't really count that particular game. But any time we played each other, it was very competitive and a lot of fun.
KIV: What team are you most looking forward to seeing get vintage this weekend?
H: Like I said, it has to be Newtown, though I am excited for every matchup that comes our way. We are linked to Newtown like Siamese Twins. Very good looking Siamese Twins I might add. Those guys were at our field at our very first practice, teaching us the rules of the game, mentoring us. We always look out for each other in an emergency - if we're short a guy, the Hooks are always ready to gear up in the gray and blue. Same for us - a lot us O's have filled in when Newtown needed us.
KIV: Do you consider Newtown a rival?
H: Based on location, I would. We want to win every game we play, but because we are so close them distance wise and as vintage gentleman, I think you always want to have bragging rights.
KIV: It's an 1861 tourney this weekend. What do you think Bridgeport's forte is in terms of which rules?
H: I think that the '61 game is the easiest for us to play at the moment. So I would say we have the best chance in those rules as far as the underhand games go.
But if Cap, Kurt, and Goz are rested, we have shown we can be a great 80's team as well.
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