Rookie Faatz pitches 2 at gunpoint, wins none August 23, 1998
Hartford, CT (AP)- In a freakish conspiracy fronted by acting PVBL commisioner
Randy Reese, all pitchers were forced at gunpoint to make two straight starts
today. Ten minutes before the first pitch in Hartford today, 10 gunmen dressed
all in black, including ski masks, stormed the field and dugouts taking
strategic positions and aiming their AK-47's at all of the players and fans.
Apparently, local law enforcement authorities were in on the plot as they
blocked all exits, forcing the crowds to watch both games in their entirety.
These events were particularly disturbing for one young Whaler, Clint Faatz.
Faatz was scheduled to make his major league pitching debut against the Tucson
Border Patrol in Game 1. Suddenly, while stretching, Faatz was informed he
would be forced to pitch both games. "I was ****ing scared out of my mind,"
said Faatz after Game 1 while preparing for Game 2. Manager Jeremy Chrabascz
simply stated, "Well, I knew all hell would break loose when Matt (Peck) left
town. I never thought that Reese guy was all there, ya know?"
Unfortunately, today's events did little to reverse Hartford's bad fortune as
they dropped Game 1 6-3 and Game 2 2-1 to Tucson. Faatz (0-1) lasted only 4
2/3 in Game 1, allowing 5 earned runs on 7 hits. The rookie did, however,
pitch a gem in Game 2. He went 7 strong, allowing only 1 earned run on 3 hits.
Arthur Rhodes (3-11) picked up the Game 2 loss in relief of Faatz. Manager
Chrabascz is apparently at his wit's end with Rhodes, who has blown almost
every hold and/or save opportunity in the last 2-3 weeks. "I'm not saying she
should start packing just yet but let's just say he ought to test his house on
the market," said Chrabascz after the game. It's uncertain if he meant to
refer to Rhodes as "she" or not.
With the losses, the Whalers' losing streak has reached 8 in a row and they have
fallen 10 games back of Edmonton.
