Jasper Saunders was on the mound for the final out of the HBL Championship Series. A far cry from the team's 1981 championship run where he was forced to watch the final two months and the playoffs with a torn flexor tendon. "Most experts didn't think I would ever pitch again, especially after the setback in January of 1982," replied the 33 year old veteran when asked what was going through his head while rehabbing the injury. "but I knew I would pitch again. Here, another team, little league! I knew I would pitch again somewhere."
Saunders proved himself right ina big way being named the HBL North Closer of the Year today. The Indianapolis native saved a career high 32 games in 38 chances helping the Outlaws win the title. He squashed all doubts about the status of the elbow by finishing a career high 52 games but did pitch only 59 innings. "I feel good...I know there are concerns about the elbow but all I can do is pitch to prove its good," added Suanders. When asked if he thought the injury had kept the Outlaws from offering him an extension the free agent to be replied, "It has to be the reason. Look at the numbers...Foster and I had very similar numbers but he got the contract."
Saunders gave up just 17 earned runs in his 59 innings but eight of those came during a four appearance span in the middle of July in which he accumulated three blown saves and four losses. If you take away those four outings his ERA would be 1.52. He recovered from that midseason slide and let the Outlaws to the HBL title.
Jack Foster's first season as Canton's closer played out perfectly, well, almost perfectly. The only glaring exception being the HBL Championship loss to Oshkosh. "It was a fun season," said the 29 year old. "The only thing that makes it better is winning it all." Foster allowed just one baserunner and no runs in his two HBL Championship appearances and saved the lone Canton win in the series.
On the year Foster saved 23 of 37 opportunities and settled down after a rough May in which he gave up half his runs(8/16) for the year. One unnamed expert thinks it will be difficult for him to keep the closer job in Canton, "He wasn't even the best reliever on his team and he gave up more walks(42) than hits(40) on the year. That's a lot of extra pitches and a lot more rolaids for the manager."
Just two weeks after the series Canton rewarded Foster with a new three year contract that will pay him $345 k total. "It's nice to know where you'll play for the next three seasons and hopefully I finish my career here in a Kernels uniform," stated a blushing Foster when asked about the contract.
I guess being the closer for the best pitching staff in the HBL has its rewards!!