They have gone from exorcism to coronation in record time. The Los Angeles Trojans, who fought against past Clarkson failures and disappointments, are the new World Champions.
The Trojans won their first World Series in their long and otherwise successful history, edging the Iowa City Cornheads, 1-0, in Game 7 of a thrilling World Series. It was a dominant pitching performance to clinch their first championship.
“Pitching will lead you all the way,” left-fielder Ron Sears said. “That was it: great pitching and timely hitting. What can you say? This team is the best team in baseball.”
While the pitching was great, the Trojan hitting could not be overlooked either. They were led by NL MVP Ron Sears, who batted .438 in the playoffs with a .672 Slugging and 14 RBI’s. Without question, the 6 time MVP is one of the all time greats.
At the end of the game though, it was the young second year pitcher, Eddie Oberholtzer taking the ball in what can easily be called his most stressful appearance of his young career. Entering the game with a 1-0 lead in Game 7 of the World Series is tough even for the greatest pitchers ever.
Oberholtzer, a spot starter in the regular season, was converted to a relief role for the playoffs, and despite some rough spots, it turned out to be a good gamble. Oberholtzer came through, converting all 8 of his save opportunities in the playoffs, including the most important one.
“I can’t tell you how nervous I was out there tonight,” Oberholtzer said in the middle of being drenched with champagne, “But I just trusted old Paulie Walnuts, and he saw me though. It feels great!”
Catcher Paul Suzuki (aka Paulie Walnuts apparently?) leaped into Oberholtzer’s arms and raised his index finger high: the Trojans were No. 1.
“I don’t know who he’s calling ‘old’ but right now I could care less. We’re World Champions!” Suzuki yelled from nearby, before being swept away by teammates.
Things looked bleak for the Trojans earlier in the season however, as the powerful Cornheads team gained a 3-2 lead in the series, giving them two chances to capture the title. However, upon coming home to LA, they were able to turn things around.
“I’m still in shock. I’m not even sure what to say.” Said Kirk Curtis after Game 7 in the losers locker-room, “These guys in this room poured their hearts out this season, and gave everything they had. I guess we just came up one run short.”
It has to be considered a wildly successful season for the Cornheads, who reached their first World Series in team history. After moving to Iowa City before the start of the season, many were unsure how the team would be received. However, the fans of the Cornheads fell in love with their new team, and flocked to the games to cheer their new team on.
They were rewarded with a magical run, and even though they didn’t win the World Series, there was a silver lining. Saul Moleski, of Iowa City Pizza, was not deported to Russia after all. After hearing about his free-pizza ordeal, community leaders held fund raisers to get him back on his feet.
“I am happy that I don’t have to move to Russia with sister and work with donkeys! But I am sad that Cornheads did not win the baseball. Like mama said, ‘Don’t make the Kodiak dizzy unless you have a good mustache!’.” Saul said in a local interview. We assume that loses something in the translation.
In the end though, it was a night of celebration for the Trojans, who have been the toast of Hollywood since their victory. Many have appeared on the talk show circuits and commercials. Catcher Ruben Alarconeven appeared on CSI: LA as a dead body.
So congratulations to the Trojans and their fans on a great victory, and a great World Series. Here’s to next year!
