August 1, 2009 (ST.LOUIS) - Ucity snapped its losing streak with a 8-8 tie in Lafayette Park against the Perfectos. Aided by loaned Unions Players, Mayhem, Noodles and Cornbread, the Lions played an all around fine match. They tied the game right before the rains came and put a halt to the proceedings.
Lions give birth to twin losses
July 25, 2009 (UNIVERSITY CITY) - The Lions played extra kind hosts to the Vols and Unions. The first match saw Ucity get edged by the Voles 11-6.. The Lions lost to the Unions, 14-1. The Unions complete the days sweep by defeating the Vols 19-5.
LIONS .BEAT .IN .THE .HEAT
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June 27, 2009 (ST.CHARLES MO)- Some timely hitting along with some Lions mishaps aided the Capitals with their historic first Vintage Base Ball win. With the heat predicted to be well over 100 degrees heat index, the two clubs decided to play one nine inning match. Batters on both sides were stymied as the fielders just followed the bouncing ball and converted them to hands down.
The Lions got on the board early as Chatterbox drove in a pair with a 1st inning hit.
Lefty led off the 3rd with a hit and was brought around to talley as Buttermilk singled. That was all the Lions could bring across as the the top two batters account for 5 of teams 11 hits. Both sides had a hard time moving runners. The Capitals had a lead off triple in the 8th, only to strand the runner. The Lions had the tying leadoff runner on in the bottom of the 9th.
But quick work of the next three strikers resulted in a Capitals victory.
Lions Notes: Lefty was a bright spot going 3 for 4, scoring two tallies. Knapsack retired the Capitals in the 4th on 3 pitches. 19 of the Lions 27 outs where bound outs caught on the bounce.
Photos in this slide show can be seen in the PHOTO SECTION.
Lions Sweep Past Clarkes
New additions spark wins
June 13, 2009 (UNIVERSITY CITY)--A new home field, a couple new players and now a new winning attitude for the Lions, as they stretched their winning streak to four wins in a row. The Murphysboro Clarkes were the latest victims of this Lions revival. The moist dirt infield at Millar Park had not yet completely baked in the sun. This was evident early on as fielders were not given much of bounce. aaaa Both sides adjusted and made some fine outfield plays to steal hits. Introductions were in order as "Tank" joined the team. He proved to be a chip off the rock, ("Rock" is his big sister) as he ran down Clarke flyballs and even grab one out of the air as if he was picking it off a shelf.
"Thunder" arrived to the match in street clothes and was enlisted to play after the Lions went down one player. Along with "Little Egypt" the two put new meaning to "Girl Power" as together they reached base 8 times and scored 3 runs.
Sticks rounds second.
MATCH 1
Lions 8a Clarkes 5
Sticks plays the drums when he's not swinging a bat. It was his bat this day that made the sweet music as he drummed out 4 hits in game one. It was part of his 7 hit day. He led the Lions charge in the 3rd as they tallied 4 runs to tie the match at 5-5. Sticks later scored two more runs which were part of the winning margin. Third Tender Smokey had a stand out match collecting 3 hits as he reinvented his swing. Knapsack pitched the whole 7 frames aided by the fine catching of Slug who made many a foul tip catch. The last one for the final out.
Tank debuts with 4 hits & 2 runs.
MATCH 2
Lions 8a Clarkes 5
In the second match it was the Clarkes who played catch up ball scoring 4 in the 3rd to tie the contest 4-4. Murphysboro's lead was short lived.
Enter Memphis Carter. The local crank stopped by and helped energize the Big Cats with his friendly comments to the oppositions. "You can't do this here in Ucity! We starting a rally! But we are gentlemen, we won't run up the score on you."
New Lion Thunder helped out too. She led off the 5th frame with a hit. It was part of a 5 hit barrage that aced 4 runs. Lead off man, Sticks scored his 7th run, scoring each time he reached base this day.
Pops completed his 5 hit day and Buffalo pitched them all. The fine sportsmanship and excellent play by the Clarkes helped make the home opener exciting and enjoyable.
A special thanks also goes to our arbiter Soxs Tyler, who besides doing an excellent job, collected at least 75 cents in fines.
Clarke Lf is just out of reach.
Lions 1st Tender Pop.
Pictures in this video can be seen at the Photos page.
This video features the Lions vs. Clarkes Match
Spilling the Beans on Vintage Base Ball
Dave "Beans" Heim, currently with the Unions, was interviewed on News 20 in May. Beans was a loaned player to the Lions in the past. The 29 minute interview is a excellent introduction to the great game of Vintage Base Ball. Great work Beans!
Pictures in this video can be seen at the Photos page.
This video features the Lions vs. CyclonesMatch
This video features the Perfectos vs RSGS Match
WINS SOME, LOSE SOME
Lions split in Shephard Barclay
JUNE 6-7, 2009 (ST.LOUIS)- The annual Shepard Barclay Festival in Lafayette park marks the beginning of summer for local Vintage Base Ball supporters. The 5 team celebration of base ball included the St. Louis Perfectos, Unions, Lafayette Cyclones and the Lions. A crowd which covered the thirdbase line to the foul pole was a mixture of returning cranks, and new curious spectators. A perfect place to be introduced to Vintage ball. Judge Shepard Barclay once recalled that Lafayette Park was the locale where St. Louis youngsters first learned "the modern game of base ball."
Smokey drives the ball.
Lions 4 aGround Squirrels 8
The bright day started with a Lions tally in the first as Lighting got on with two outs and came around to score after Chatterbox drove a double into right center. The Ground Squirrels introduced themselves to the Lions by scoring runs like they were hoarding nuts for the winter. When it was over 5 crossed home and it was all they needed. Lighting was the Lions bright spot reaching base all three at bats and scoring a pair.
Lions 1a Perfectos 6 The last meeting between these two clubs was a happy memory for the Lions. But the win in the Missouri Cup was quickly forgotten as the Perfectos notched 6 runs before a Lion scored. No Lion could scratch more then one hit for the red faced club.
Lions 8 aCyclones 6 A preseason meeting was the first time these clubs clashed and saw the Cyclones blow past Ucity with two wins. The previous days matches taught the Lions to score early and big. A four run 1st was powered by a 5 hit inning. The Cyclones bats woke up after some successful fair foul swinging and trailed by only a run after 5 ½. It was time for the bottom of the Lions lineup to shine. 5 more hits produce 3 runs to give Ucity a 8-4 lead which was enough.
Lions 11a Cyclones 7 The Lions saved their best offensive performance for the last match. But it was a defensive performance that wowed the crowd and saved the game. Lighting continued his fine play reaching base 4 times and scoring three. Pop had a memorable match with 3 hits including a double. But it was the “Kid” Noodles who had the Joe Jackson type game.
The Cyclones trailed 7-9 in the top of the 6th. The bases were loaded with two hands down for the batter Shutterbug. The “Bug” cranked a Buffalo pitch that made the Lions shutter. The ball took flight deep into left and by the time gravity took hold two Cyclones had already touched home. Lions heads sank as surely it would clear the bases. But this kid Noodles has speed and talent. He used both to nab the ball before gravity took it a second time and made a grab for the ages. An act even Ringling Brothers would be proud of.
Oh ya, the “Kid” also went 4 for 4.
Barclay Festival matches announced
(May 31, 2009) ST.LOUIS-- The schedule is announced for the Annual Shepard Barclay festival held each year at Layfayette Park. The teams taking part this seasons are the four local clubs (Lions, Unions, Perfetos, and Cyclones) plus the Rock Spring Ground Squirrels from Deacatur Il. With so many matches losing out to the rain this year, the festival is a great way to reboot the season.
The Lions schedule is Saturday June 6--Lions vs. Ground Squirrels (10:15 am) aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaviaaaaaaiaaPerfectos vs. Lionsaaaaaaa((1:15 pm) aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiiiaaaaaaiaaCyclone BBC vs. Lionsaaaa(3:45 pm)
9:00 iiPerfectos vs. Unions
10:15i Lions vs. Ground Squirrels
12:00 Cyclone BBC vs. Unions
1:15 iiiPerfectos vs. Lions
2:30 iiiGround Squirrels vs. Unions
3:45iii Cyclone BBC vs. Lions
Sunday
12:00 Perfectos vs. Ground Squirrels
1:15 iCyclone BBC vs. Ground Squirrels
2:30 iiPerfectos vs. Unions
3:45 iiCyclone BBC vs. Lions
New Caps Complete Look
The final piece which was the Lions uniform puzzle will be put into place as the club debuts their new vintage caps this weekend in New Salem. The Lions are hosted by the Springfield Longnines, and hope these new caps can change their 0-2 fortunes.
Along with the embroidered "L" on their crest and optional yellow belt, the well dressed Lion is ready for a long summer of Old Tyme Ball.
The caps were a long time coming, and eventually showed up all smaller then expected. Knapsack was worried. "The headache of getting these caps got worse. But my sister Maria was kind enough to undo all the caps, steam stretch them, and re-sew them up without charging us."
Seems like old times
Good news: Last game with ugly yellow caps
(APR 18, 2009) FLORRISANT MO- Another match, another loss handed to the Lions by the St.Louis Unions. The Missouri Cup win seems light years away as the boys from Flo replaced a whip and chair with bats and excellent defense to once again tame the Lions. Sparked by a 8 for 8 day by Dave " Beans" Heim, the Unions doubled their pleasure with a convincing 15-6 victory in the first match and a 12 -4 triumph in the second.
An overcast day threaten the matches, resulting in a gloomy day. That daze appeared to lift in the 4th as the Lions Tony "Lighting" Wicker launched a opposite field homerun into right producing the Lions first run of the season. The Lions two hitting stars in the first match were Sticks, and Chatterbox as they each collect 3 hits a piece.
Sticks is on one of the 3 newest Lions having come over from the defunct Mascoutah Blues. Along with Lefty and Rocks, the trio reached base 15 times, signaling brighter days ahead for the Lions.
Lions final see action
Preseason warm up
The first match had the Lions peaking in the first with a single run as Mike, "The Saw" Benack, came round to ring the tally bell. The Cyclones countered with 4 tallys of their own in the bottom half ,which was all they needed to come away with a 6-2 win.
Match 2 saw the Lions bats come to life as rookie, Matt “Ace” Hanlon, cracked a triple down the leftfield line sending home Chatterbox to start the scoring. The 5 hit inning gave the Lions a temporary 3-2 lead going into the 3rd. After a 4 run Cyclone 3rd, the Lions tied it at 6 as Saw, Cyclone, and Lighting reached base. Chatterbox came through with the big hit scoring a pair as part of his 6 hit day.
A combination of good hitting and fielding rust saw the match go back and forth with the Cyclones, winning the match 13-10.
BELIEVE IT!
Buffalo and Champagne
Lions run on all cylinders to power past rivals
Weather forecast in Hell...Snow
THE MOUSE THAT ROARED
Lions turn into Union Busters
Match 1lll lLions 18 ......Unions 11
(October 4, 2008) ST.LOUIS MO-- The longest journey begins with the first step. In the summer of 2007 Ed “Buffalo” Nickel's University Lions took their first steps onto the field.. They faced an experienced and talented St. Louis Unions side which showed little mercy on these newbies, thrashing them 15-2. In the next 7 meetings the Lions hoped to form a competitive rivalry with the Unions, but it turned out to be more like the rivalry between a dog and a fire hydrant, with the Lions getting all wet. The Lions took their journey to the 2008 MO Cup looking to the next big step…beating the Unions.
.....An earlier 10 am game time had the morning dew still on the field at Lafayette park, in St. Louis. Nature did its part on making it a beautiful cool day, now it was up to the Lions to play some beautiful base ball if they didn’t want to leave with their tail between their legs.
.....Lions pitcher, John “Knapsack” Mena, a part time Union during the season, hoped his familiarity with the Union players would benefit him. This wasn’t the case in July as the Unions dismantled the Lions scoring 25 in one match. The Unions arrived to the Mo Cup powered by two of their biggest bats, Eric “Buttermilk” Ferguson, and Brian “Ricochet” Robison. .....Early on, the match seemed to follow the usual script as Lions shortstop Justin “Rebel” Dawson was robbed by Union right fielder “Grizzly”, who made a terrific one handed grab. Hits by Lions sluggers “Chatterbox” and “Pop” gave the Big Cats a early 1 run lead. For Jon “Pop” Fann, it was just the beginning of a 4 hit game.
.....In the 2nd, British International, Tim “Cricket” Woodcock laced a single into left, and he was later moved over as Tim “Mercury” Zorich reached base.This seasons U-City's lineup has been bolstered by the addition of Tim “Mercury” Zorich. Zorich spends most of this time hitting the books in a Kansas City University but fortunately he came home in time to hit some base balls. It was his spark in July which lead the Lions to their two match sweep of New Baden. .....The Lions butchered the ball as the meat of the lineup hacked hit after hit. 6 runs scored in the 3rd giving them a commanding 7-0 lead. But it was early and it was definitely not enough. Up until the 4th, U-City was able to hold the Unions scoreless, but only due to the thievery of the players making inning saving plays again and again. The Boys from Flo are not use to playing catch up, but it’s a game the play well. Tallying bit by bit, they trailed 12-5 heading into the 8th.xTony xWicker,x a.k.a xMr. Lion,
spent the day at the race track getting out of rundowns and scoring 6 runs. Along with Zorich, and Dawson, he completed the Lions Holy Trinity of great defensive players. He helped the Lions pad there lead 14-5 in the 8th . The Unions exploded in the 8th with 6 runs cutting the lead to only 3, creating doubts that the Lions could defend their lead.
.....With the old saying that the best defense is a good offense, the Lions did some woodwork with their bats and carved out a 7 run lead going into the bottom of the ninth. There must still be a writers strike because this match was definitely not going according to script. In the end, a Unions scoreless 9th inning took out a thorn in the Lions paw, that was a 8 game Lions losing streak to the Unions. Just what a good script needs, a surprise ending.
.....After the Unions were finally unable to tame the Lions, they fell to the Perfectos in the days second match. It was then time for U-City to try to take their second big step.
LIONS WAKE UP & EAT DANIEL
Last man standing contest determines Mo Cup winners
Match 2lll lLions 17 ......Perfectos 16
(October 4, 2008) ST.LOUIS MO-- The glow and euphoria resulting from of the Lions first defeating of the Unions wore off quickly when they faced another nemesis, the St. Louis Perfectos. Having also defeating the Unions that day, the Perfectos were looking for another scalp and they tommy hawked their way to a 7 run opening frame. This was the largest early margin the Lions had ever faced. Fortunately, they had a tiger in there tank and drove in 4 runs in their bottom frame.
.....A 3rd inning Lions hit parade seemed to seal the deal as 11 more runs were tallied. The Lions Brad “Chatterbox” Waller doesn’t talk lightly (some say too much!), but he does carry a big stick. His Chatthian hitting was a key ingredient to the Lion's success on this day. His 8 hits were tops on the club. Lighting came round to score his 6th in the festival and giving Ucity a sweet 16th in the match.
.....Justin “Rebel” Dawson is a new father this season. And all day he was saying “come to daddy”, as he vacuumed up balls at short, which included a one handed circus catch.
.....In a high scoring back and forth match, little things can mean a lot. It may be a “Mercury” throw to gun out a Perfectos runner at the plate, or “Little Egypt” keeping an inning alive by scurrying around two Perfectos debating who should pick up a ground ball at first. Chris “Mad Dash” Gordon had such a moment to
end the Lions scoring in the 6th. Chris missed the first match but more then made up for it by reaching base all 5 times he batted.
.....Standing on second with two gone, “Knapsack” makes a bid for an infield hit to short, where the shortstop knocked the ball down and threw late to first on a bang bang play. With no third base coach to give him the stop sign “Mad Dash” surprised the throngs by taking off for home and just beating the throw. His play was ultimately the winning margin.
.....With the Perfectos needing some runners, they cleverly used the fair foul rule to get the first two on. Cries of “big comeback!” from the St. Louis bench could be heard as pitcher Knapsack was rubbernecking all the hard shots into the outfield. When the barrage finally ended 6 runs had scored and the Lions nursed a slim 17-15 lead.
.....Buffalo has superior leadership skills. But sometimes if you want things done right, you have to do it yourself. Sending Knapsack to the bench he took the reins and pitched the ninth. The Perfectos are no strangers to late game heroics. Last season they used the ninth to defeat the Unions in the MO Cup. When a catchable infield pop up fell it seemed to foreshadow doom for the Lions as their lead was cut to one.
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.....With a runner at second and only one out, momentum had shifted to St. Louis. Funny thing about momentum, it can shift in the blink of an eye. A shot into center looked like it might fall in for a bound out. But “Rebel”, the Lions shortstop had one last amazing stunt to pull from his bag of tricks. He used his feet to run the ball down; he used his hands to nab it on the fly; and he used his head by firing the ball to Debra, "Little Egypt", who was right on the bag. Throw beat the runner on second by less than a step to throw him out and stamped the Lions name on the trophy. Game over.
.....The Lions played two hard fought matches which could have been won by either team. A special thanks and congratulations should go to the host club the Perfectos for doing their usual outstanding work in hosting.
Lions scratch out win
Springfield Sluggers Fall Short
Match 155 Lions 1655 Long Nines 14
(Sept 21,2008) Florrisant MO --After a convincing victory against the St. Louis Unions, the Springfield Long Nines took on the Ucity Lions in Florrisant. The Lions coming off their seasons best showing, sweeping the Juniors in August, the Lions wondered if the long lay off would effect their play. After re introducing themselves to their teammates the Lions jumped on top with two runs as Jim and Lighting came around to score. The lead quickly vanished as the Land of Lincoln boys rang the bell with 4 runs in the bottom of the 1st. A slug fest ensued with the lead changing hands 3 times. After 5 innings the Lions saw themselves on the wrong side of a 12 to 6 match.
In the 6th , the Cats started to chip at the lead by tallying 3 runs which were powered by 5 lion hits. The Lions were getting their roar back and in the 6th a round tripper by Chatterbox aided in seeing 6 more runners cross home.
The bottom of the ninth saw the Lions protecting a slim 16-13 lead with the club from Springfield still having plenty of fight in them. Consecutive hits produced a tally and brought the tying run to the plate with two outs. A force out at second ended the well played match, giving the Lions there 4th ever victory, and first win against a club other then New Baden.
A fine offensive showing could not have happen without everyone form the club contributing. But game standouts where Jim with 4 runs , 5 hits, 3 doubles. Chatterbox with 4 hits, 1 hr, 2 doubles, Knapsack 4 hits, 4 runs, Justin 3 hits , 3 runs
Bats Go Splitsville
Lions Snap Win Streak At Three
Match 2
Unions 655 Lions 0
A tired lions team then took on the host Unions. Like nerdy kid getting his daily recess beating, the Unions stole the Lions lunch money….again. The Lions lumber company from the Springfield match turned into the Slumber company. The Unions scored 6, which included a Buttermilk homer that is probably landing at Heathrow airport around now. The Lions will get another crack at those Flo Valley Boys when they meet them at the Missouri Cup October 4th.
Big Day for Big Cats
Ucity sweep the New Baden Juniors
Place cursor over pictures to see next one.
(August 2, 2008) New Baden, Il -On a hot and steamy day, the upstart Lions enjoyed their most successful weekend with a sweep of the Juniors. It was only the teams 2nd & 3rd win, but the clubs shows strong signs that it is going from strength to strength. With some key players absent, the lions welcomed Tim Zorich and "Little Egypt" to their den. With the heat beating up both clubs, the teams agreed to play two 7 inning matches.
Match 155 Lions 855 Juniors 3
The Host team from New Baden tallied first with 2 in the bottom of the 1st, but the Lions responded with 6 runs of their own. Their big inning was the 4th when the lions batted around scoring 3.
Hits by Llighting, Chatterbox and Pop resulted in 2 more runs in the 6th. Clockwork defense behind pitcher Knapsack sealed the victory with the final put out made by mike who made an over the shoulder catch on a Junior pop up which would have made Willie Mays proud.
Match 255 Lions 10 55 Juniors 9
The start of the match was tight as the Junior and Lions each scored a single ace in their opening two frames. The Juniors had a 3-2 lead going into the top of the 4th when they erupted with 5 runs. Trailing by 6 the Lions still had plenty of time to catch up, and in the bottom of the frame they started to chip at the lead with two, two out rbi's by Moose and Lighting. Going into the bottom of the 7th the lions need three to tie. Three consecutive hits did the trick with the big hit coming of the bat of little Egypt to tie the contest 9-9.
With the lions hoping to hold the Juniors, the biggest defensive play was one that didn't happen. With two hands and runner on third the Juniors batter tapped a ball between home plate and the pitcher. Rather then risk a miss throw the catcher held the ball. This heads up play was rewarded when the next batter tap one back to the pitcher to finish the frame.
In the bottom of the 8th Lighting lead off with a solid hit, putting the winning run on. Chatterbox then completed a 7 hit day with a single which moved the runner to third. The next batter Pop waited for his pitch. When he got it, he sent it to center which sent Lighting home to end the affair.
Play the video below to see highlights of the Lions first team win ever!
Perfectos tame the Lions
ST.LOUIS-The UCity Lions continued their purr-fect team record of not winning a game, after falling in both opening season matches to the Perfectos. The Lions were only able to scratch in one run in the opener losing 2-1. Although the bats were not roaring, the team defense excelled with a 6-4-3 double play, and excellent outfield play.
A great crowd was in attendance to watch the second match and they saw our boys get shutout 6-0. The Lions will try again when they host the New Baden Juniors at the Lions Den in Heman Park on June 14th.
