(AP)The Galena Hamsters are capping off their 1998 campaign in a
remarkable fashion: With 4 games left on the Hamsters' 1998 schedule, the
team won their 108th game. That's two games better than the former record
of 106 wins, set by the beloved Hamsters one season ago.
"I'm amazed by the consistency," admitted owner Matthew Peck, "To
win 100 games in one season is a remarkable feat, but to have back to back
100+ win seasons is unbelievable. We've been lucky though. No major
injuries to offset our progress. We have a good roster, deep in a lot of
positions. It takes a lot of injuries to hurt us.
The two major players injured for the Hamsters in the 1998
campaign were Doug Glanville and Dave Nilsson. Nilsson hurt his back in
early May and was sidelined until early September. Fortunately, Candy
Powell, a 23 year old rookie catcher with great defensive skills, was able
to step up behind the plate to help Scott Servais replace the injured
Nilsson. Left fielder Doug Glanville had two stints on the DL, each
lasting one month.
"What's important is that we're going into the playoffs completely
healthy," noted Nilsson, "We should be at full strength come playoff time
Wednesday."
Peck mentioned that most of the regular Hamster position players
will be rested the final two games of the season, to assure that they are
fresh come game 1 of the first round of LCS play.
"Winning 110 games would be nice, and it's something we still
might be able to accomplish without a lot of the regulars playing," says
CF Kenny Lofton, "but we'd rather go into the playoffs completely rested.
Winning in the post season is more important to us than winning 110 ball
games."
If the Hamsters win at least two of the next three contests, they
will reach the coveted 110 win mark. And what a feat that would be!!
