WWBL Crowns 2002 Champion

[WWBL Commissioner]

162 regular season games, 4 Ft. Sumner Games, 6 Mason-Dixon Games, and 7
games of the Gettysburg Cup. Thats 179 games, 2 less than the maximum amount
any team can play during an entire season/postseason. 179 games the Colorado
Springs Firestorm played in 2002. The Firestorm went into Game 6 needing a
win to play "Just one More".

Kieth Harrison was unimpressive, but the Firestorm pulled out a victory in
front of the home fans to force the last game of 2002. The chants of "Just
one more" rang thru the stadium to start the game. The Firestorm seeking one
more win.

John Wachter, acquired in a midseason deal from Fargo would take the hill on
3 days rest to face the best the BL has to offer. 19-2 Joe Nealon. The
Firestorm had some success in both games against Nealon, so they weren't
completely lost. Well, on to the game (I havent looked yet folks, so barer
with me...)...

And what a game it was!!! After taking a 1-0 lead the Firestorm would allow
3 runs to face a 3-1 deficit. At this point, Nealon was hurt and already
came out of the game. The Firestorm would do what they do best, and do it
in the 4th. Hit after hit, followed by a few walks, and the Firestorm would
plate 9, yes 9 runs in the 4th to take a 10-3 lead. Of course, Madison would
score 4 in the 7th to make it 10-7, but in true Colorado springs fashion,
the Firestorm answered right back with 3 and held on for the 13-9 win, to
take Game 7, Game 179, and win "JUST ONE MORE!!"

The Colorado Springs Firestorm are the 2002 WWBL Champions!!! Fans rushing
the field, as Bill Smith blew a 2-2 fastball past Evan Allen to get Strike
3, and Out 3 in the 9th!!!

Team Leader SS Kirby Cepeda, was the first to reach Smith, and tackled him
on the mound as the team piled upon each other in celebration.

Manager Mike Fields immediately went and shook Madison's manager Alex
Lamabe's hand before he joined the fray, "I have great respect for him"
Fields would comment later.

The Colorado Springs Firestorm become the first Wild Card team in the short
history of the Tres/WWBL to win a championship, but will be far from the
last.

Congrats to Justin Lorenz and the Madison Muskies on a great series, and
congrats to all the playoff teams for good years. Especially congrats to
your 2002 WWBL Champions, the COLORADO SPRINGS FIRESTORM!!!!!