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Show S 8 Th Magna Time, Watt Valley Newt 8 Keami Chronicle, i Apnll 1,2002 Sports Opening day action Serendipity Sports - So long blame - by t)ale Simons 'There were two great left handed pitchers on our college baseball team . One was Blaine Sylvester and I can't remember the name of the other one , lent control. Great moxey on the mount. If one of those hapless hitters did reach first base, he would often pick them off. Allow me one man's It was Saturday, March 16, 2002, and I had just helped to carry my good friend to his grave. It was an honor to pay tribute to Blaine. It was both a happy and sad day; sad to see him go; happy that he had been my friend. As I drove back to Salt Lake, the memories came flooding back. Bl;aine, die Was he great really gone? We had been baseball teammates at the University in 1955 and 1956. These were good years for Utah baseball, mostly because of good pitching; Jim Dokos, Blaine Sylvester and Ted University of Montana in 1956. Blaine had been marvelous cm the mound n and Utah held a lead in the last of the ninth. Somehow, Montana got the tying runnner on first base. I was holding the runner close and looking for the bunt Blaine made one of his great moves and threw to first; only trouble was I had left to cover the Berner. bunt. story: We were playing at the left-hand- one-ru- I met Blaine in 1955 ' while trying out for base- - . ball at the University of Utah. We were in the back of the old Einer Nielsen Field House. Blaine was throwing batting practice when I stepped into the cage. I lined the first pitch off his cup aixl he went down hard. He soon bounced up and Soch Suroraerhays, who was watching said was hit pretty good." It is funny sometimes how you make the team. Blaine stuck the next pitch under my chin and we have been friends ever since. As a baseball pitcher, in his four years at Uteville; 1 against BYU and those were just the league games. Blaine was a crafty lefthander who could get most people out I know two of those Provo Cougars who went their whole college career and never got a hit off of Syl. Adequate fastball, great curve and excel 27-- 2 4-- come-from-behi- us The ball went a long ' ways down the right field line and the happy Montana base runner stood at third with the tying run. I was embarrassed when ' I went to the mound to apologize. "Your pick-omove is too good." I said. "Dont wony about it," was his answer. 'TU strike outhe side and well be ok. It took Syl about 10 pitches to get the win for us. Out dinner that night in Montana tasted mighty good. Almost as good as the win over the Grizzlies. I'm not a good enough writer to put down on paper the way I feel about Blaine Sylvester sq I will just say: So Long Blame." ff It Syl had no peer. He want Baseball league Saturday saw game action for all teams in all divisions as Opening Day for the Hunter-Cypru- s their series. Above, Minors player Lexie Tronrud tries to beat the throw to first base they played opening day Richard the The Angels pulled off a 3 Jenkins. win. Baseball action in guarded by Angels will the Hunter-CyprHunter continue at and Park Park daily leagues Copper through June. , w 11-- Simons Says: Earth's gifts a sweet enjoyment lend, but only God can send a friend." Simons Says: The thing about Blaine was that the hitters knew he was going to get them out, they just didn't know how f ! For all of your j advertising, Call The Magna Times & West Valley News I j at j tSO-565- 6 L j j j j j j A new era in healthcare is coming. ( We're doing it again! We are offering some of Utah's most challenging golf at Utah's most competitive prices. You can enjoy 18 holes of golf with cart, Monday through Friday for only $25. This great rate is also available on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays after 2 p.Vn. Dont wait any longer, make your tee time now at 966-465- 3. While you are here, join our Mens and Ladies Associations for great golf When open the new Mountain West Medical art, modern equipment will soon be be brand a new day in healthcare for its going to here. Our commitment to compassionate care has Tooele. After all, weve spent the last three never been stronger. And that commitment will years providing quality healthcare continue to grow in the years for the to come. The new Mountain community with an MOUNTA1 N WEST West Medical Center. Theres towards the future. eye Medical Center And as promised, a better no reason to go anywhere we state-of-t- he Center, Emergency Room facility with else for care. QUALITY CARE. RIGHT HERE, 0 2055 North Main Street www.mountainwestmc.com all summer long. 843-350- Lmm |