West Allis NATIONALS Baseball

Undercover operations are an important area of police work. This reporter has learned that from reliable sources that one of our teammates has become just such an undercover operative. So as to not blow this teammates cover, sources referred to him simply as #41. Though not specific on the nature of the investigation and surveillance, one source did make it clear that #42 was the only candidate considered for this duty. "He's a natural...I mean, how many other cops readily admit to enjoying gay sex and other perverted acts. Animals, youth, whatever...he has always seemed consumed." In a related story, James Herkowski proudly announced this past week that he purchased the Cadillac of computer systems. James looks forward to investigating the "dark" side of the internet. You can be sure skin, kiddy porn, and other smut will keep his mouse busy.

Much to no one's surprise, Brian Gibson has chosen Lee Hardee to stand beside him on October 4 as he marries Amy. Brian and Lee are longtime associates in blue, and Brian has always considered Lee his umpiring mentor. Said Gibson, "The way he gracefully executes his safe call on a bang bang play is...suave. Few have such dramatic license with balls and strikes. And attire...forget it...I can only dream of pulling off the open collar,dangling chain thing. My mom would never have it." Congrats to #17. Insiders indicate fellow umpires Tony Klappa and Brian Henson will join Lee in the groom's party. Last in line, standing up in front of God and all, will be Brian's longtime nemesis, J.J.

In one of the most stunning developments in Doyne Open history, relative newcomer, Laura Zimmer, earned her first title. Laura, teamed with three others-including Joe "Sarge" Hluchnik, rallied over the final 10 holes of play to set a tournament record with a score of 48, 6 under par. Laura made several birdie putts on the back nine as her team posted the 9 hole of 22. Phil Ammerman was this year's inductee into the Doyne Hall of Fame. Ammerman, with three green jackets to his credit, was honored by emcee Lance Longhenry who presented him with an elegant lazer eched plaque of his visage. Ammerman joins Dale Longhenry and Gary Meyer as the only members of this elite club. Nationals players also honored their teammates, casting votes for MVP, Rookie of the Year, Veteran of the Year, Harvey Kuenn Batting Champ, Dave Kuhnke Pitching Champ, and Jeff Neibauer Spirit Award. Results will be announced and awards distributed at the next team meeting during the Christmas break. If you have not cast your vote, please call Steve or vote online. Congrats to all on another fine Doyne Open Championship!

Congrats to 2003 Champion, Laura Zimmer, who contributed birdie putts to her team's record score of six under par 48. Hall of Fame Inductee: Phil Ammerman Ambassador Award: Cissy Ammerman Closest to the Pin (Female) Elizabeth Elliott Closest to the Pin (Male) Mitchell Longest Putt (Female) Cissy Ammerman Longest Putt (Male) ??? Closest to the Fringe: Dick Mallmann

If you were a fan of either side it was a tough game to watch. Every pitch and every play had the potential to win or lose the game. Neither side blinked, but the Nationals did come up one play short, losing to the Milwaukee Angels 3-2 in the Milwaukee County Championship game. Tom Donovan put the Nationals on the board first with a towering home run in the fourth inning. The Angels countered with two runs of their own, however, to take a 2-1 lead. After several rallies stalled prematurely, the Nationals finally knotted the game in the seventh inning. Mike Wajerski drew a two out walk, stole second, and scored on a line single to left center by Jake Paige. Paige advanced to second on the throw home, but was stranded to end the inning. The Angels responded by scoring the deciding run in their half of the inning on D.T. Nokovic's second RBI of the contest. The Nationals again pressured Angels starting pitcher, Nate Schwartz, in the eighth. With two down, James Herkowski and Brian Gibson drew walks, but Jim Dettman's ground ball in hole at short was fielded cleanly and Gibson was forced at second. A disputed third strike call on red-hot Mike Wajerski took the wind out of the team in the ninth. Wajerski, who to that point had two singles, a walk, and three steals, was rung up on a low and away curveball. The Nationals opted for a pitcher by committee strategy in the contest. Starter Tim Spata went the first four innings, allowing two runs. Tim Ustruck followed with two and one third innings, allowing one run, and Pat Bovee threw the last inning and two thirds, holding the Angels scoreless. The Nationals completed another fine season with a 21-11 overall record (15-5 league) and stable of young, battle-tested talent. West Allis Nationals 15-5 (21-11) Milwaukee Athletics 13-6 (14-8) Rookie's Cubs 11-8 McGuire's Cats 3-17 Milwaukee Angels 16-4 (20-6) Kingpins 13-6 (14-8) West Allis White Sox 7-11 Jetsetter Pilots 0-20 Players will be honored at the team's annual Golf Outing and Picnic on SUNDAY AUGUST 31 at MADISON PARK GOLF COURSE. TEAM MVP: Joe Kissler HARVEY KUENN BATTING CHAMP: Tom Donovan DAVE KUHNKE PITCHING CHAMP: Joe Kissler JEFF NEIBAUER SPIRIT AWARD: Tim Spata, Mike Wajerski, Laura Zimmer VETERAN OF THE YEAR: Alex Franson ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Tom Donovan