The final game was over--the Groundhogs had come closer to winning a world
series than any DL ever had before, but had still been unsucessful. Greg
Maddux and the potent Outlaws offense rolled over the Hogs 12-6. Bobby
Thomas threw an incredible game 3, allowing just 1 hit, but was shelled for
6 early runs in game 7 while Greg Maddux and the Outlaws relievers kept the
Hogs behind.
But when the Groundhogs got back home, their fans didn't seem to care. In
fact, thousands of fans showed up late at night to greet the team and
welcome them home. Owner Dan Shapiro had a few brief words for the crowd
before he departed.
"Earlier this year, I talked of possibly moving the team out of this fine
city because we didn't think everything was going well," he said. "But
after the amazing support everyone showed over the last two months has
convinced me that we will hang our brand new Defiant League pennant on the
walls of Ponxatawney Phil Memorial Stadium, right here in Punxatawney, for a
long time."
The fans were elated to hear this news, cheering more and more as various
players thanked the fans before heading back home for the short offseason.
Unfortunately for one Groundhog, this team will not return together next
year. One player is expected to get a lucrative offer from another team and
leave on Monday. Reportedly, Ryan Klesko, Ricky Bottalico, Bobby Thomas,
Juan Guzman, Jason Giambi, and Geronimo Berroa have been talking with other
teams, but the Groundhogs retain the rights to all but 1 of their players.
"We might make some changes this offseason, but we want to bring back a lot
of the same team if we can," said Shapiro. "We'll probably look for some
better relievers and another top starter. There might be a big trade or two
that will surprise a lot of people. Then again, we'd be happy to bring back
the same 25 guys again."
Next season, division rival Houston is reportedly planning a major
rebuilding. It may come down to a 2-man race between Punxatawney and
Springfield as the Groundhogs pursue a 4th consecutive division title. Only
the Hogs and Galena Hamsters have won three straight division championships.
Both have to be odds-on favorites for a 4th title, though upstart Ann Arbor
could certainly surprise.
"We are already looking ahead to next year," said Shapiro. "This year was a
great season and we went farther than ever before. The only thing left for
us is a Series title. That's the goal for 2000."
